Hometown: Houston, Texas
Education: B.F.A in Drama at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, Atlantic Acting School, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Select Credits: Brighton Beach Memoirs (Stanley, The Little Theater, Newtown CT); Measure for Measure (Angelo, The Burrows Theater); A Bright Room Called Day (Herr Swetts, Atlantic Stage 2)
Why theater?: Since Kindergarten theatre has been the one constant element in my life. As I've grown I've become obsessed with this act of creation, the imagination required, the originality that comes from collaboration and, of course, how fun and fulfilling it can be to let go and play.
Tell us about Peninsula: Peninsula is a play written by Nathan Wright that is making its world premiere at the Fringe Festival August 14-22. The play revolves around a guy named Tiago, a Brazilian migrant worker who has made his way to Northern Michigan. My character, Tommy, is an upper-crust 18 year old who lusts after Tiago and will do anything to sate this hunger. Peninsula plays with the intersection between power and desire and how people utilize their various talents or resources to progress with these desires.
What is it like being a part of Peninsula?: It's more than I could have ever dreamed of. Peninsula is my first play since graduating from Tisch and it has been an absolute delight. Everyone working on this production has been so much fun to work with. Each rehearsal is another chance for us to play and explore and create these moments that come together and construct this piece that unites language and movement in such a beautiful fashion. I am very proud to be a part of this team!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I'm all for theatre as entertainment but the works that truly inspire me are socio-political dramas and the theatre of ideas. Some plays/productions: Look Back in Anger and The Normal Heart are two of my favorite plays not only because they are incredible but they were written in highly controversial times and helped shape the public opinion on the issues that each explores. Also: Ellen Barkin killed me in the 2011 revival. I'm still dead. The most recent production that really inspired me was Hit The Wall at Barrow Street. I love everything that theater produces but this show was really something else. It had so much energy, life and humor while still maintaining the weight of its message and I think that is an incredibly difficult feat to accomplish.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I'd love to play Jimmy in Look Back in Anger and Johnson in Really Really. I've also been dying to do Shakespeare. Demetrius in Midsummer would be a load of fun.
What’s your favorite showtune?: "All That's Known" - Spring Awakening
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: That's a difficult question. The actor I admire most is Michael Caine. The breadth of his career is unparalleled and his work in the 60s/early 70s ignited my appreciation for film acting. When considering directors, David Cromer would be a dream to collaborate with. His shows tend to be provocative and beautiful, which I think is what great theatre should strive to be.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: A younger Ryan Phillippe. “Kellantroversy”. About my years at NYU. I hope that never gets made.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I recommended Hit the Wall to everyone before it closed. Still running: Kinky Boots. Such a great time.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Chips and salsa. It's a problem
What’s up next?: Hit the ground running. One of my favorite things is I never really know what's next. Right now I'm focusing on Peninsula, which opens on August 14th. I couldn't be more excited for the run and wherever I'm led from there!
For more on Peninsula, visit http://peninsulatheplay.com/
