Padrick began to develop his singing and acting abilities at an early age, and began performing in school and community productions in middle school. His stage debut was in 1989 in the production The Sound of Music. In high school and college, Padrick continued his performances in various roles, including: The Wolf/Prince Charming in Into the Woods; Freddy Einsford Hill in My Fair Lady; The Boatman in Sunday in the Park with George; Porter Milgrim in Deathtrap; and Neville Craven in The Secret Garden.