Want & Need
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Adam Pagdon
October 11, 2012
What is your job on this show?
actor & set designer.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
I knew from an early age, about when I found out this was a "career choice." As a child, I enjoyed making people laugh. A transition to the stage was seamless. I was fortunate to work with many groups and organizations that introduced me to the many facets of theatrical production; onstage, back stage, and, front of house. It also developed a broad skill set that allows me to continue working in the theatre when I am not onstage. I am still at it because I never tire of working collaboratively with creative and talented individuals.
Why do you do theater (as opposed to film, or TV, or something not in the entertainment field)?
I enjoy the relationship between the actor and the audience. Whatever is shared between performers and audience cannot be adequately captured or recorded. It is experienced, "in the now", together. The immediacy of this provides me with an almost indescribable energy.
In your own words, what do you think this show is about? What will audiences take away with them after seeing it?
It is about relationships. Why are we good with some and terrible at others? This is one man's journey towards the realization that he is responsible for his own happiness.
Ultimately, I would hope for the audience to take away the idea that the more we hide from ourselves, the less we are able to give to, or share with, others.
Groucho, Chico, Harpo, or Zeppo?
Harpo. For saying so much while saying so little.
Who are your heroes?
People who use humor to make a larger statement. Two personal examples I can offer are George Carlin and Shel Silverstein. I believe part of their objectives were to spark self-examination into our own complacency and hypocrisy. To expect more from not only ourselves, but from those in authority, be that parental or governmental. The sooner we realize we are all the same people, with the same problems, the sooner we can begin affecting a greater change.
