Tell us about yourself.
A clown of clowns, in borrowed guise, he mocks the act with practiced lies.
What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an actor?
It's not like I wanted to become someone. It's about what I wanted to do. Always liked entertaining people. Later wanted to dig into characters' intensions and people's relationships. And only after 40 there came realization that one live is not enough, with interest to live others' lives.
Which actor—past or present—do you most admire, and why?
Can't name just one. Depth of Tom Hanks, polymorphism of Benedict Cumberbatch, commitment of Jackie Chan, amazing life journey of Arnold Schwarzenegger, freedom of Jim Carrey, recklessness of Tom Cruise...
What’s the most challenging role you’ve played, and what did you learn from it?
From a role of boyfriend of a much younger girl, I learned patience and it prepared me for parenthood. Toughest role so far )))
How do you approach developing a character?
I let them live on stage, during rehearsals and shows. They don't develop in isolation, they have to develop in ensemble. So I feed my characters on reactions from other characters and doing my best to provide quality input for others :)
What’s your process for preparing for a role, from first read to opening night?
Read - rehearse - opening night. In between - think, think, think. Every line matters, every line should have a purpose. Purpose for the author, for the character, for others on stage. At some point, I start checking, if my character is the same across the story? What are the pivot points and how do they alter the character?
Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?
Small team building exercise is a must before each show, encouraging each other holding each others hands, jumping, singing, anything where you can feel the team, the ensemble.
How do you handle stage nerves or performance anxiety?
Never been a problem for me. The world is not going to collapse if something goes wrong and its fun to find a way out. But I love it when my physical manifestation of the performance anxiety can match the character's appearance in given circumstances. Then I will ride it with pleasure.
How do you memorize lines and stay in character throughout a performance?
Keeping in mind character's goals for each scene, actions to achieve them and then lines easily bead on the story line.
Have you ever had a major on-stage mishap? How did you recover?
Didn't have to recover, but there was a case with our neighbors shouting on the other side of the wall, and the lines were "Did you hear that?" and my character's answer was "It's just the wind". Obviously a hilarious moment and it was hard not to laugh at this point.
What’s the most unforgettable moment you’ve experienced on stage?
Every time my Caligula died, hiding in the water to raise from it in the full lights and to see thankful people applause in the audience. The most rewarding experience so far.
What’s a dream role you’d love to play one day?
I wish I could sing, the Phantom of the Opera would be an accomplishment.
What’s the biggest lesson theatre has taught you?
You can put any meaning into any words you say.
How do you balance rehearsals, performances, and the rest of your life?
Plan season ahead, and set family's expectations right.
What advice would you give to someone new to acting?
When you are new, you have unique opportunity to be yourself on the stage. It won't last long, so take this chance and focus on your character's goals, actions and circumstances. Don't try to portray emotions, recall or imagine how would you feel and just let yourself live there.
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