This is Part 6 in a series of interviews with the cast and director of 1st Stage’s production of Noises Off. Meet Jason Glass.
Why did you want to become a member of the cast of Noises Off?
I love comedies and I wanted to try my hand at a different style of comedy. It’s such a great ensemble piece and I knew I wanted to be a part of that creative magic.
Joel: Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to him?
I play Tim in the show and I relate to Tim because of his positivity. Even though there is chaos all around him, he doesn’t quit he tries to fix it the best he can, even if he fails miserably he still tries and I have that same outlook in life. In the beginning of the play Tim is exhausted and doesn’t seem to be too sharp mentally, I would say in my real life that is me as well, I always seem to be two steps behind a conversation and my friends have deemed me the “conversation killer.
What is the play about from the point of view of Tim?
From the point of view of Tim this play is about persevering in some not so ideal circumstances. He is given too many jobs he is not qualified for and then he has the task of juggling his cast making sure no one quits or kills each other. On top of that he has to go on as an understudy and there is nothing Tim hates more than being in the spotlight.
What do you admire most about Tim and what do you not admire about him?
I admire Tim’s perseverance and his willingness to help. I think Tim is a little bit too much of a push over, I would love to see Tim be a little more aggressive. I wanted to take Tim to be a little darker, a more jaded, grouchy character but Doug wisely steered me to a more positive version.
What did you learn about yourself as an actor while rehearsing and performing this crazy show?
Finding the character of Tim was a major challenge for me. I am usually a bubbly person and I play bubbly characters but I wanted to explore a darker sense of humor this time. Ultimately that wasn’t working for Tim because he has to remain positive in order to keep going and in order for the audience to be sympathetic towards Tim. Tim is the adorable goofball bad things happen to but people love him because he doesn’t became cynical. At first I was frustrated that I couldn’t play him darker and I struggled to find things that worked comedically but one thing Doug said to me was to keep playing. Those words helped immensely and pretty late into the rehearsal process I began to relax and I started having fun with the creative process of joking around and exploring what would be funny for this character.
What is the nuttiest thing that has happened in rehearsals and on stage?
I guess the craziest thing is how the set keeps breaking in numerous ways, but in its defense – it has actors trampling all over it so some wear and tear to be expected.
What are you doing to keep up your energy?
I pray a lot and eat tons of sugar.
What character is so much like you and why?
I’m very much like my character Tim, I also relate to Freddie because he has nosebleeds and I used to get them all the time as a kid.
What line or lines that someone else says is/are your favorite(s) and why?
The whole scene where Selsdon breaks in is my favorite and I quote it backstage as he does the scene. Mario’s delivery of the lines and his physical comedy is just so hilarious.
What is the toughest scene for you and which scene is your favorite?
The toughest scene for me is Tim’s first thing and he is exhausted and delirious and it’s hard to play tired and yet keep the energy up for the crowd. I also have a few trip and falling gags that I haven’t quite worked the timing out on, and it’s pretty hit or miss. My favorite scene to do is when Tim goes out and tries to calm the audience and assure them the show will go on.
What are you doing next on the stage after Noises Off closes?
Next I’ll be playing the King in Rumplestilskin at Imagination Stage.
What do you want audiences to take with them after seeing Noises Off?
I want them to leave feeling joy.
Noises Off plays through December 29, 2013 at 1st Stage in Tysons Corner— 1524 Spring Hill Road, in McLean, VA. For tickets, call the box office at (703) 854-1856, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Amanda Gunther’s review of Noises Off on DCMetroTheaterArts.
Interviews with the director and cast of Noises Off by Joel Markowitz.
-Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 1: Director Doug Wilder.
–Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 2: Mario Baldessari (Selsdon).
-Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 3: Matthew Pauli (Lloyd).
-Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 4: Kate Karczewski (Poppy).
-Making Some Noise: Behind the Scenes of 1st Stage’s ‘Noises Off’: Part 5: Blair Bowers (Brooke).
