Hello Beautiful People,
Our next actor in the Actors and Actresses Q&A Series has just completed the first week of previews in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Broadway Theatre. Last month, I had the unbelievable pleasure of chatting with Adam amidst his intense rehearsal schedule. He is kind, he is gracious, he passionate about arts education, and I have no doubt that he will soon cement himself as a staple on the Broadway circuit. I’m honored to be able to call him my dear friend, and I’m thrilled to introduce him to all of you Write Teacher(s) readers.
Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Adam Jepsen.
TWT: Did you always want to be a performer?
AJ: I would say yes. I remember seeing The Lion King when I was really young, and being really jealous of little Simba. I was just a little kid, but the feeling of wanting to be up onstage is something I still remember.
TWT: What advice would you give to students in high school who wish to pursue a career in theater and the entertainment industry?
AJ: I would advise students that a good foundation is important, and it will show in your work. Good technique is simply expected at a professional level. Second, I’d urge students not to limit themselves to one genre, and one artistic skill. For example, if you like the piano, learn how to play it. Those skills will end up fueling you as an actor/actress. Another thing I would tell students, and I don’t mean for this to sound harsh, but if you can picture yourself doing something else, even if it’s just for a while, you should do it. If you are not one hundred and fifty percent committed to this career and lifestyle it will get beaten out of you. This career is only meant for those people that cannot see themselves doing anything else. Lastly, I’d remind high school students and young performers that there is always going to be someone better than youThere will always be someone who can sing the notes that you cannot, who can turn better than you, or even someone who fits the role description better than you…who cares? The worst thing you can do as a professional is to compare yourself to others. The way YOU do something is what gets you hired and remembered.
TWT: Do you have a dream role? If so, what is it?
AJ: No I don’t really have a dream role. I believe every role that I have played, and will play, comes to me at a specific time in my life when I am ready to play it.
TWT: This is the first time that Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella takes the Broadway stage. What’s it like to be part of a monumental production?
AJ: To be part of this original cast and production…it’s just an unbelievable experience. The cast, crew, and creative team are such dedicated and talented people. It’s really neat that we are all creating this piece of art together and experiencing this process together as a company. It’s everything I could have ever asked for.
TWT: Can you describe for our readers some of your most memorable roles?
The Scarecrow in the National Tour of The Wizard of Oz will always be a memorable role for me, as it was probably one of the most physically demanding roles that I have done thus far. I love being able to physicalize a role in that way, to accomplish storytelling through my body. Playing Angel in RENT was one of the most liberating moments in my life, as drag had never been a part of my life. To do that character justice, I had to play the role one thousand percent, it was like I was naked – I was so out there that I couldn’t hide behind any pretense or discomforts. I also feel like there’s such a stigma about drag queens, that’s not necessarily positive, but Angel is one of the most genuine and honest characters I have ever played, he’s the glue that keeps that group of friends together. Being a swing in Cinderella has been by far one of my most life changing roles, one that I have so much respect for; it is a mentally and physically demanding role, as you have to learn multiple versions of a show. It’s opened my eyes so much more to the inner workings of a musical and the bigger picture of a show beyond an individual role/track that I was so used to previously doing.
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs in schools are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts?
AJ: I think it’s sad and pathetic that we even have to be discussing this. Very simply put, we need art. There’s a reason it exists, even if you cut it out, it will never go away, so people should be educated in it! I dare anyone to walking the street and say you don’t see art. Music is everywhere. Visual art is everywhere. Art. Is. Everywhere. It’s always around, and it should be. Look throughout history; look at historical moments of sadness and pain – art is what helps us heal and gives us the strength to move forward. And, if all else fails, it’s a place where we can escape for two hours and fifteen minutes, and we all deserve that solace, that peace, that escape.
TWT: Just for fun, what sound do you hate?
AJ: Loud noises that I do not expect, I hate being startled.
TWT: Just for fun, what sound do you love?
AJ: I love sounds of nature, human chatter. White noise, I love the sound of white noise.
TWT: Just for fun, what’s your favorite movie?
AJ: It’d be impossible to pick one. Top three would have to be American Beauty, Shawshank Redemption, and Zoolander.
TWT: What do you hope to do after Cinderella?
AJ: Something that is going to challenge me in a new way: television, film, and new work onstage.
TWT: What’s are the best pieces of advice you have received, in terms of your career?
AJ: Believe in yourself, and surround yourself with people that believe in you. Find a good agent. Never be afraid to go after what you want; you are the person who needs to make it happen, so if you want it, make it happen. Hard work pays off. Dream big…always.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
AJ: I can’t answer that, and pinpoint it to a single person. My greatest knowledge comes from a collection of teachers throughout my training, who all have given bits and pieces that have informed my foundation and education.
Thank you, Adam!
Cinderella is now in previews; be sure to get thee to the theatre, and go see this show, you won’t be sorry.
Live, Love, Learn,