Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Education: BFA Acting, Boston University / MFA Directing, Boston University
Select Credits: The Elephant Man (John Merrick, New Rep Theatre) ; Amadeus (Amadeus, New Rep Theatre); A Question of Mercy (Anthony, Boston Center for American Performance); Monster (Clerval/Walton, Boston Center for American Performance); Clybourne Park (Jim/Tom, Speakeasy Stage Company) ; House (Victor, Boston Center for American Performance)
Why theater?: I’ve always been amazed at what you can learn from putting human beings on stage, reflecting one’s own humanity back at an audience. I think it can cause change in a person in a beautiful, slow, unconscious way.
Who do you play in Good?: Maurice, John Halder’s best friend.
Tell us about Good: To me, Good is about the selfishness that exists in any of us, which causes us to make choices that are purely in our own interest and ignoring the community and people around us: the banality of evil.
What is it like being a part of Good?: This has been a very special process with a really amazing group of people. Some of us worked on this show together about five years ago and getting to come back to it, especially in a social and political climate that is as sensitive as the current times are, has been a real gift. It ties into a lot of conversations our audience members are having out on in the streets and that’s palpable during the performances.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Oh lots. I think I’m particularly fond of satire. There’s something amazing about the way people will digest the truth if they’re laughing.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Nothing specifically comes to mind. Perhaps in many years, George from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. I recently directed a Pinter play and I think it would be great fun to act in one of his plays.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Let’s go with, just about anything from The Music Man.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I had the chance to watch Bill Irwin perform once I’d like to get in the ring with him. A true master of the craft.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I suppose I’d have to do something first that warranted a movie, but let’s say Steve Buscemi and call it “All Roads Lead to Pizza”.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Peter Brook’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The Wire. Is there a musical version of that?
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Pizza.
What’s up next?: Good, this fall in Boston at New Rep Theatre
For more on Tim, visit www.timothyspears.com