Hometown: Schwenksville, PA
Education: BA Musical Theatre, American University
Select Credits: Autobahn (Big Intimacy Group), Everyman (Edge of the Universe Players), One Night in NY! (Capital Fringe Festival), The Source Festival (Source Theatre)
Why theater?: When I was three years old, I was bossing my father around while he was taking home videos, asserting “No Daddy look at me!” I think it might be the earliest evidence of my desire to entertain. I got my opportunity when I was in fifth grade—I played Tom Sawyer in my elementary school’s production. They put so much stage makeup on me that I looked like an androgynous clown (with glasses and braces nonetheless), but it didn’t matter. I was hooked. And today I still do it because I think theater creates such a beautiful and unique relationship between the actor and the audience. There’s really nothing else quite like it. It’s magical.
Who do you play in Sex and Education?: I play Joe Marks, a 17 year-old high school basketball MVP.
Tell us about Sex and Education: It’s a very funny new play written by Lissa Levin. The play begins with Joe trying to pass a rather vulgar note to his girlfriend in the middle of his final English exam. The note gets intercepted, and my teacher, Miss Edwards, is more concerned with how poorly written the note is, than with the excessive profanity and decides to make me re-write it. I don’t want to give away much more than that, but it’s funny, touching and definitely not for kids. It’s a play that makes you think, and I appreciate that.
What is it like being a part of Sex and Education?: Wonderful. It’s the most professional gig I’ve worked on since moving to NYC in January, and the people at Penguin Rep are an absolute delight. Joe Brancato is a fabulous director who is constantly coming into rehearsal and saying “I was thinking about this at 3am, and I think the key to this scene is this…” And Lizbeth Mackay and Bridget Gabbe, my costars, are amazingly talented, but just as importantly, very kind and caring human beings. Lizbeth is a seasoned pro, and I am so lucky to be able to work with an actress of her caliber. She originated the role of Lenny from Crimes of the Heart on Broadway!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like a lot different types of theatre. Truthfulness, I think, is what speaks to me the most. Do I believe this story, these actors, this production? Do I become lost in it, or do I sit on the periphery looking at it from a distance? I want to become wrapped up in it. I want to leave the theatre laughing or crying or totally shell-shocked. I like plays that stay with me long after I leave the theatre.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I’ve already played Bottom from Midsummer while I was studying abroad in London, but I would love to reprise that role on a professional stage. It would be very against type for someone to cast me as Bottom, but I’m hoping someone gives me the chance.
What’s your favorite show tune?: Anything from Hair.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would love to work at Arena in DC. Molly Smith is brilliant.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Neil Patrick Harris. “Okay… But What’s My Motivation?"
What show have you recommended to your friends?: After Midnight. The dancing is unreal. Those actors are super humans.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: “Hang With Me” - Robyn
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Ice cream. I can’t stop.
What’s up next?: I’ve had a couple of good film and TV auditions lately, so you might see me up on the big screen!
For more, visit http://penguinrep.org/
