Jeremiah Hasty debuts as Freddie in MetroStage’s production of Uprising. We had a chance to interview him about this experience.
Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers how old you are and tell us about other shows in school or elsewhere that you have appeared in on the stage and what roles you have played.
Jeremiah: My name is Jeremiah Hasty. I am 9 years old and a 4th grade student at St. Ambrose in Cheverly, MD. This is my first stage play but I have done other work and talent shows at my school.
How did you get involved with Uprising at MetroStage? What did you do at your audition?
My manager, Linda Townsend, got me an audition. I had to recite some lines.
How long after your audition did you receive the call or email or text that you got the role? Where were you when you found out and what was your immediate reaction?
I found out about 2 days later. I was at my cousin’s house and everyone was excited for me.
Tell us about the character you play. Do you have similar traits of your character and what do you admire most about him?
I play Freddie, a curious boy always wanting to know what’s going on around him. He’s the only kid in the group of free slaves. I am like him a little because I’m always curious about what’s going on around me.
How did you prepare for your role. Did you know about slavery when you auditioned and how did your parents and grandfather and Director Tom Jones help you with your performance?
This was a bigger role than I have done before so I had more lines to learn and when to say them. I practiced at home with my parents and the rest of the cast always helped me when I forgot my lines.
What have your experienced fellow actors taught you and what have you learned about acting and being an actor from them? What has been the most fun working with your cast?
They have taught me to project my voice. Since we don’t uses mics, I have to remember to be loud enough so everyone can hear me. They also told me to pretend I was the character and think about how he would react to what was going on. The most fun thing was practicing my lines with them.
What was the most difficult scene to learn and what is the most difficult scene for you to play?
The most difficult part was learning the paper boy dance. I’m pretty good at dancing but I had to stay on beat with everyone else without messing up.
You have an end-of-act 1 scene which is so powerful. In fact I was so moved that I couldn’t leave my seat during intermission. What were you told about that scene and how do you feel playing that scene every performance?
That part for me is exhausting. Being dragged around by Whistle and a scared face is hard work. I’m always out of breath after that scene. I wasn’t told about that scene until it was time to practice. Sometimes I feel sad when I think about the kids that it really happened to.
Do you want to do more acting after this experience?
Absolutely. At first I thought I just wanted to do commercials, but I think I like stage better.
Any other roles from other shows that you would like to play?
This is my first play and I haven’t been to any others that I can think of any characters but I’m up for a challenge.
In 10 words or less-how would you describe your experience in Uprising?
This experience has been fun and exciting.
Any other shows coming up for you?
No upcoming shows, but I am looking forward to more.
If you could write a different/happier ending and a sequel for your character and for Uprising, what would it be?
The sequel would be Freddie and Sal finding a way back to their old life and friends. It would be great if they could find his mother, too.
Uprising plays through October 25, 2015 at MetroStage – 1201 North Royal Street, in Alexandria, VA. For tickets, call the box office at (703) 548-9044, or purchase them online. Uprising is part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival.
LINKS
Kim Moeller reviews Uprising on DCMetroTheaterArts.
Annetta Dexter-Sawyer reviews Uprising on DCMetroTheaterArts.
‘Uprising’ Plays September 17-October 25th at MetroStage as Part of The Women’s Voices Theater Festival.
