In Part 8 in a series of interviews with the cast of Death By Design at Greenbelt Arts Center, meet Winard Britt.
Joel: Introduce yourself to our readers and tell them what other shows you have appeared in and some of the roles you have played?
Winard: This is my third role on stage. Prior to DBD, I played a pathethic hypochondriac named Dennis in Habeas Corpus and the only male character, Joe, in Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean.
Why did you want to be in Death By Design at Greenbelt Arts Center?
The script was wonderful and I wanted to work with Ann and William again (I’ve stage managed for them before). I love British farce and murder mysteries, so what’s not to love about DBD?
Who do you play in Death By Design and how do you relate to him?
I am playing Jack (the lovable Cockney driver) in DBD. Jack works hard to impress his employers and to be likable. He’s a quick wit and is constantly trying to be helpful with fun facts.
What do you admire about your character and what do you not admire?
Jack is funny, fairly upbeat, and fun to be around. Admittedly, I can’t quite appreciate his rampant womanizing, but he’s a fun gent to play.
What have been the challenges you have encountered while preparing for your role and how have you overcome these challenges? How did your director help you?
This is the biggest role I’ve had so far which meant more preparation, but also gave me the opportunity to know more about the character and to see him interact with others a great deal. Ann has constructed an open, friendly environment where we are free to explore our characters.
Without giving away too much about the show, Jack tells a story about and performs a fight between his employers which is pretty energy-filled. I think we learn that Jack is “all in” when he’s telling a good story.
What have you learned about yourself during this whole process?
I’ve learned to appreciate the 97% of my day when I don’t have to monitor my accent.
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching you perform in Death By Design?
I want them to have a pleasant ache from laughing, to be filled with warm fuzzies, and to know that Jack is the type of guy that you’d want to have a beer with.
Death by Design plays from November 7-23, 2014 at Greenbelt Arts Center – 123 Centerway, in Greenbelt, MD. For tickets, call the box office at (301) 441-8770, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center:Part 1: Meet Jill Vanderweit.
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center:Part 2: Meet Sarah K. Scott.
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center:Part 3: Meet Shelley Rochester.
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center:Part 4: Meet Colin Davies.
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center:Part 5: Meet James McDaniel.
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center: Part 6: Meet Alie Kamara.
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center: Part 7: Meet Jenn Robinson.
Meet the Cast of ‘Death By Design’ at Greenbelt Arts Center: Part 8: Meet Winard Britt.