Published: March 04, 2009 8:50 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive:
Jason Currie
Jason Currie
He is a young rising star in Hollywood who is not afraid to tackle challenging roles. With a deep background in Theatre and Films, Jason Currie is certainly a name to look at for in the near future. In this recent interview with our Webzine, Jason was more than willing to share a little about himself and his world with our online readers.
Isaac: Hi Jason, I wanted to first thank you for taking the time from your extremely busy schedule to complete this interview. I am glad that you are recovering from your recent surgery. How would you sum up 2008 for you as an actor?
Jason: 2008 was a crazy ride. Many ups and downs and "almost happened". I was thrilled to play The Emcee in Cabaret at ICT in Long Beach, CA. My favorite project was a short that I co-wrote and starred in with my friend Allene Quincy, directed by the amazing James Gay, called "Bianca and Billie." Think Ab Fab meets Jack and Karen (from Will & Grace). We're working on developing it into a web series. Oh and I broke my nose!
Isaac: You have an extremely strong background in Theatre. What has been the biggest draw to Theatre?
Jason: Theatre just makes sense to me. It's where I started. There is an energy and connection with an audience that you can't feel in any other way. It's a room full of people letting you take them on a journey. You get to see their reaction to what you are doing. I eat that up. If I get a laugh, I milk it! My favorite thing is when you get a gasp--you know you got to them. Oh, and I ain't afraid to talk back to an audience member if I can fit it in to the show.
Isaac: Before you perform in front of a live audience, what are some of the thoughts running through your head?
Jason: Before I perform, I try to leave ME behind. I have to live in the character. It's so important to get out of your own way. If you're in your head and trying to push something on to the performance, you are not going to be in the moment. If you're not in the moment, go ahead and pack yo' shit and go home. No one is interested in YOUR drama. They want to see the CHARACTER'S drama.
Isaac: What preparations do you make to tackle a new role?
Jason: That really depends on the role. I try to put myself in the character's shoes. No matter who I'm playing I have to find compassion for them and understand why they react the way they do. I'm a big believer in the "people are good" motto; it's just that certain situations lead them down different paths that might be positive or negative. Oh, and I always find a secret for each character that only I know.
Isaac: What has been the biggest difference between performing live in Theatre and working on a film?
Jason: Film is a blast. As a performer, I find it very immediate. Most of the time you don't have that much rehearsal and you have to make it work. You are liberated from screwing up because there's always another take. However, you usually have a producer or an AD freaking out screaming "We have to move on people" because things are always running behind. Then again on a live stage something always goes wrong and you have to find a way to justify the mishap. It's like getting caught in a lie and talking your way out of it.
Isaac: One of your biggest accomplishments was when you received your Bachelor Degree from the The Juilliard School. You were on the T. Jaccoff Memorial Scholarship while you attended Juilliard. How has attending this school molded you as an actor? What did attending this school mean to you personally?
Jason: When I got my acceptance letter from Juilliard, I was thrilled. My mother jumped on the phone and called everyone she knew. Then I found out how much it cost and realized that coming from a family with one working parent (my father had spinal issues) and 5 kids, I was probably not going to be making a move to New York. Then about 4 weeks later I got a bill form the school. It was so confusing because I saw all these costs listed out in the tens of thousands of dollars and at the bottom showed a balance due of $1,000. I looked over it about a hundred times before I comprehended that I had been given, for all intents and purposes, a full scholarship. One of my proudest moments!
Isaac: What do you think is the most difficult part about being an actor?
Jason: The hardest part is getting the job! If anyone is thinking of becoming an actor, they better have some perseverance! If you think Simon Cowell is mean, forget about being in the biz. You've got to take the knocks and not let it get you down. I say welcome rejection and failure. They are your best teachers.
Isaac: What is the most rewarding aspect about performing in front of the camera?
Jason: #1 the fans, fo sho! I get emails from around the world and I always answer every single one of them. Without folks wanting to see more of you, you are useless in the industry. I feel like, if someone takes the time to say something nice to me, I can take the time to thank them. #2 being able to do different takes on the same line and then see how the editor puts your performance together. It's a surprise!
Isaac: Let's talk about one of your newer projects, Naked Boys Singing. Could you elaborate a little about the project and how did you come about the role of The Entertainer?
Jason: I had worked with the casting director of NBS on a previous project. He knew I had no issues with nudity and asked me to audition. At the first rehearsal, I was surprised when I was given The Entertainer. In the original production the song was performed by Trance Thompson, an African American soul singer who wrote the song. It didn't even occur to me that I would be asked to head that number. I'm so glad that Bob Shrock and Troy Christian had the vision to see me in the role and let me do my take on it. It was a blast! One of the back up dancers in that number (Kevin Stea who sang The Naked Maid) was a dancer for Madanna. Little feather in my cap!
Isaac: How did you handle performing and singing in front of a live audience NAKED?
Jason : Well, it wasn't the first time I'd been to the rodeo. I think in a weird way my opera training really helped. You are very exposed in that style of music. It is very exact and you are always being compared to others. Once you can live with that, you can do anything. America Olivo (from the latest Friday the 13th) was a classmate of mine at Juilliard and is still a dear friend. She and I joke around about how we both have made our mark in the buff.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans, family, and friends about this role?
Jason: It has all been great! Well, my nephews are still mortified. My mother's first response was "My God, you've done a porno..." but when I explained that there was NOTHING sexual about the film she calmed down. To me, the nudity is a metaphor for being proud and comfortable. Why do we feel shame if we are not covered up? It's funny because after a while I don't think you even notice the nudity anymore. You start looking at the actors' faces, just like in any other film.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one Director, who would it be and why?
Jason: I'd love to work with Bryan Singer. His work is so complex yet accessible. I've had the pleasure of meeting him and find his energy fascinating. He's a pretty big hitter so it might take a while for me to climb that high but I'll take it step by step. You know, "Put one foot in front of the other..."
Isaac: Expound on some of your new projects that you are currently working on?
Jason: Right now I'm very focused on improv and writing. I think it's important for an actor to create their own material. I'm working with some peeps at The Groundlings and really looking forward to getting "Bianca and Billie" out there to see how people respond. Also, I'm in the embryonic stages of working with Guy Shalem from "Lovespring International" on a project. 2009 is going to be a great year!
Isaac: It is 10 years later. Where do you see Jason Currie?
Jason: Oh goody! I get to talk about myself in the third person! Let's see...
In ten years, Jason Currie owns a production company that he built with a group of talented actors he worked with over the years, Judd Apatow style. He is very proud of the Oscar he received for the title role in the film "Time Bomb" and the Emmy he won for his portrayal of Joan of Arc in the Lifetime Movie, "Women on Fire." Jason continues to try and take himself seriously, but just keeps laughing.
