What is an unusual thing you find attractive in a person?
The crinkle of a nose, the furrow of a brow, just little things telegraphed across a person's face especially when they aren't trying. I like people who wear their heart on their sleeves and aren't all that great at hiding how they are feeling. That transparency is super attractive.
What role(s) performed by another actor do you wish you'd played?
Twice I've been just this close to seeing a project through but couldn't. I wish I could have stayed with Whiplash when it became a full feature and then I had scheduling issues when This Is Our Youth moved to Broadway. Both projects end up doing really well but there's a little pain in my heart that it wasn't me.
What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
Definitely being a part of War Horse the year it won Best Play at the Tony's along with like a half dozen other awards. It was the most incredible thing to have a hand in. Also, getting This Is Our Youth back on Broadway was a pretty proud moment for me because I fought for it and workshopped it and it was like sending a kid off to school. I so badly wanted to see it get the recognition it deserved and it did.
What development in your past has most shaped who you are now?
Moving to New York when I was 12. I had spent most of my life before then traveling with my dads and I was afraid once I was settled down somewhere that I'd get bored. Then I discovered acting and the ability to be anyone, anywhere, and the wanderlust started to go away.
What was your best experience with a director?
I had the opportunity to work on back to back projects with Lee Daniels on The Paperboy and The Butler. Not only was he a great director but, I mean, I ate from the same bag of Doritos as Oprah so not not everyone can say 'Oprah bummed food from me'.
What is your weirdest dealbreaker?
Someone who isn't adventurous or is close minded to new experiences. Mostly it involves food or trying new foods as way to test their adventure level. Also, people that need to micromanage or schedule free time. I get that these are probably the most handy people to be in a relationship with but I'm not very good at foresight.
Describe your dream role.
My dream roles, at least stage wise, already exist. I'd absolutely love to do Next To Normal but the whole not being able to sing thing gets in the way of that. The other show I'd love to do is The Pillowman but I'm still about a decade too young to do the show and about two decades too old to do the younger roles. I'm a patient guy though.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into your field?
Be open but don't be dumb. Don't be afraid to push yourself, get uncomfortable, try new things but don't do anything you can't go home and face yourself after. Learn to listen to your gut. Get used to hearing no. Get used to hearing yes but feeling disappointed. Live in the moment. Ignore the lights.
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