In Part Five of a series of interviews with the cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s production of Masquerade, meet Timothy Jansen (Steven).
Joel: Where have theatregoers seen you perform on the stage?
Timothy: In A Christmas Carol with Wolfpack Theatre Company last December.
Why did you want to become involved in Masquerade?
I am a social worker who runs the local crisis center and conversations about suicide are lacking but necessary. This play can help begin dialogue about this difficult issue.
Introduce us to your character and what do you admire and not admire most about him?
Steven is the patriarch of the family – he has set out to be the best father and husband he can be – he doesn’t understand that being a great provider is only part of being the best. He wants to be the best he can be – just not sure how he gets there or if he can.
What personal experiences do you bring with you that have helped shape your performance?
I run a crisis center and train suicide prevention gatekeepers and suicide interventionists for a living.
What have you learned about suicide and how it affects families since you started working on Masquerade?
Everyone has a different reaction – we were profoundly effected when we heard of Robin Williams’ suicide – very different reactions from folks.
What was the best advice your director William Leary gave you on how to play your character?
Trust your instincts.
What is the hardest scene for you to perform, and why?
The opening monologue I guess as it sets the tone for the rest of the show and if you don’t nail it you fail the audience.
What do you want audiences to take with them after seeing Masquerade?
Suicide affects us all but we can do something about it – help is available.
Masquerade will be performed on September 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, and 27, 2014 at 8 PM at Wolf Pack Theatre Company performing at Charis Center for the Arts – 13010 8th Street, in Bowie MD. For tickets reservations call (240) 271-5471, or email [email protected].
LINKS
Meet the Cast of ‘Masquerade’: Part 1: Kelly Richards (Diana).
Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 2: Alie Kamara (Kyle).
Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 3: Lauren Giglio (Janet).
Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 4: Sarah Scott (Kelli).
https://vimeo.com/103210231
