Actors & Actresses Q&A Series: Kyle Dean Massey

Hello Beautiful People,

Gabe. Fiyero. Thalia. Matthew. Billy Ray Jackson. Billy Lawlor. Elder Michaels. Spot Conlon. Adam. Zack. Kurt. Mappie. Charlie….

…but we’re going to call him Kyle.  That is, Kyle Dean Massey.  Kyle Dean Massey has cemented himself as a vital part of the Broadway circuit, he’s been in television shows such as Hart of Dixie & Up All Night, and has been in films such as Sex and the City 2.  

So, when Kyle agreed to chat with me for the Actors & Actresses Q&A Series, I was thrilled. Honored. Elated. He’s a gem of a guy, a supporter of arts ed, and I am so happy to be able to share this interview with you all. 

TWT: Growing up in Jonesboro, Arkansas, did you always have dreams of Broadway and Hollywood?

KDM: Sort of.  I had dreams of being a performer.  I had no idea what Broadway was.  I knew what Hollywood was…but after learning about Broadway when I was in high school that was all I wanted to do.

TWT: Of all the roles you’ve played, is there one that is most memorable for you?

KDM: Gosh, I don’t know.  Trying to choose my favorite role would be like a parent trying got choose their favorite child.  I’ve been fortunate to do some long runs of shows, so I’ve become very close to some of these characters.  I have loved them all for different reasons.  Fiyero in WICKED may end up being my most memorable just because of the sheer amount of time I’ve spent doing it.  I have been performing Fiyero on and off for 7 years now.

TWT: What drew you to the role of Gabe in Next to Normal?

KDM: Everything drew me to that role.  The writing, the direction, the music…  I loved playing a role that was so complicated.  It made it interesting every night.  I could really get lost in the world of that play.  And getting to play opposite such a talented cast was a dream.

TWT: If you were not an actor and a singer, what career do you think you would have?  Do you think that music and theatre would still be a significant part of your life, even if your profession were different?

KDM: I probably would have been a contractor.  My hobby is fixing up apartments and houses.  I’ve always got some fairly major house project that I’m working on.  I could totally see myself doing that full-time.  I’m sure I would still have a passion for the theatre and for films though.  It’s hard to shake these things…

TWT: Just for fun, what sound do you hate?

KDM: I hate the sound of skin rubbing against a dry natural sea sponge.  Very specific I know.

TWT: Just for fun, what sound do you love?

KDM: I love the sound of a thunderstorm.

TWT: Do you have a dream role? If so, what is it?

KDM: I don’t really have a dream role.  There certainly are some roles I’d like to get my hands on.  But I think the real dream is to have the opportunity to create and originate a role.

TWT: What advice would you give to students in high school and college who are looking to pursue a career in theatre?

KDM: I always say the best thing to do is get the best training you can possibly get.  Read.  And get a gym membership.

TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs in schools are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts?

KDM: It’s actually hard for me to even wrap my brain around the idea of cutting arts in schools.  There are a multitude of reasons not to.  But statistically, it has long been shown that involvement in the arts increases academic achievement across the board.  Take that, and add it to the discipline and social development that is learned…it seems fairly black and white to me.

TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?

KDM: I have had so many amazing teachers throughout my life.  But my parents are definitely my greatest teachers.  They gave me the work ethic, the manner and inspiration that I have used to be successful in this business.

Thank you, Kyle!

And friends, if you haven’t seen WICKED yet, well, get thee to the theater!

Live, Love, Learn,

Megan & The Write Teacher(s)