Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Education: BFA in Musical Theatre, University of Florida
Select Credits: Godspell (“George/Light of the World”, Broadway); Spring Awakening (Otto, Second National Tour)
Why theater?: Well, I spent a huge chunk of my childhood wanting to become a surgeon. And then I discovered theater, fairly late in the game, and was drawn to it like a fat kid to candy. I was always the class clown and my family's resident entertainer, like so many actors, and naturally when my first show opened and I got my first taste of performing in front of a large group, I was hooked. I fell in love with affecting a room full of people and with collaborating with artists and audiences. Collaborating, creating imaginary worlds and then inviting an audience to live in those worlds with us. And ultimately bearing witness to the final product. The satisfaction is overwhelming. Every single time. It's a lifestyle that won't get old. There aren't a lot of careers out there that I can say that about. It's always a new experience. So yeah. Why not theater?
Tell us about By Rights We Should Be Giants: Giants is an adaptation of Chekhov's Three Sisters, but our version is set in Lorraine, OH and follows our three sisters and their family in 2008, during the most recent economic recession. A group of soldiers visit them after serving a tour in Afghanistan and their lives are forever changed. This play is relevant, it's powerful, it's poignant, and it's well-written.
What is it like being a part of By Rights We Should Be Giants?: It's been a great experience; mounting a new play with a group of extremely talented artists. It's safe to say there isn't a weak link in this cast. The play is really well-written and it's been so exciting to dive into. I feel fortunate to be a part of this ensemble and am very proud of the work we're doing at the Secret Theatre in Long Island City. Come check it out!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I'm a non-traditional, maybe even anti-traditional kind of guy. So I enjoy theater that goes against the grain and challenges its audience. I also find inspiration in artists challenging themselves, living outside of their comfort zones and being as ballsy as possible. Nothing excites me more as an audience member than to see a group of actors working hard and enjoying their process. It's difficult to watch that and not want to be a part of it.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I have a preference for new works, so I'm not sure if that role has been written yet.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Hahaha! Anything from Gypsy. Seriously.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would love to work with Brendan Spieth. Oh wait. Nevermind. I'm working with him now. Aaaaand he's kind of an asshole. No, but seriously, I'd love love love to get a chance to work with Christopher Walken in the theatre or in front of a camera. He's a genius.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Me, because the money would be nice. Or Macauley Culkin circa 1992.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: By Rights We Should Be Giants. And Peter and the Starcatcher. Great ensemble work in both of those productions.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: NIKE.
What’s up next?: I'm working on a few personal projects as a writer. Sketches, an animated short web series, and a full length musical based on the life of John Mark Karr (look him up). For updates and all that jazz, visit my website at www.thegeorgesalazar.com!
For more on By Rights We Should Be Giants, visit http://www.lunarenergyproductions.com/
