Q&A Session with Darren Frazier
Darren who is playing Pap/Duke/Silas in D.C. company has responded to my questions!
1. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your new roles as Pap/Duke/Silas in the 2nd company in D.C.!! I'm SO happy for you and excited about it. So could you tell us about yourself? Where you are from, when you started acting etc.. Did you take any classes/training? When did you decide your career as an actor? According to your bio, you performed in Europe, could you tell us about it? What is your favorite show(s)/role(s)?
Thank you! First of all, I'm deeply blessed and grateful to be where I am today. My heart goes out to Deaf West Theatre and everyone who were/are involved with Big River production.
Where am I from? Well, currently, I'd say that I live in a suitcase! I don't have my own pad until I'm ready to settle. But in my past, I grew up mostly in Denver, CO, Annapolis, MD, Washington DC, Los Angeles, CA and Naples, FL. People say that if you root for a certain sports team, then that's where you are from. I root for all of the Colorado sports teams as well as Maryland teams.
Believe it or not, I started acting one year ago. I never had any classes/training in high school, colleges and professional studios. This started when I bumped into Tim McCarty, a former drama teacher at my high school. Tim is the Artistic Director of Quest Arts for Everyone - a non-profit community-based theatre organization. During high school, he encouraged me to take drama classes and I never did.
20 years later, he encouraged me *again* to join his drama workshop. At that time, I took the bait and never left the acting world. I became part of the ensemble with Quest and toured in various locations such as Vienna, Austria and Prague, Czech Republic. There were deaf theatre festivals in Europe and we gave our showcases as well as met other foreign deaf actors from all over the world. My favorite role -- well, like my father used to say, "There's no such a word, favorite." I take each given role and appreciate as well as perform to the best of my abilities.
2. Now, could you tell us how did you get involved with Deaf West production of Big River? Could you tell us about your audition experience? Did you audition for a particular role? Did you see the show before your audition?
I knew about Deaf West Theatre when I resided in Los Angeles. I saw several performances and continued to enjoy watching theatre. I moved back to Washington DC and became a carpenter. While I was working with Quest, I got a gig at Folger Shakespeare Theatre, doing the role of Polixenes in "Melissa Arctic", an adaptation from the Winter's Tale.
I heard about Big River in New York through word of mouth. Instantly, I knew I had to see a fully sign language Broadway show. I saw and fell in love with the show. I told myself, "I wish I was in the show." Six months later, I *am* in the show! WOW! I was fortunate to have heard about an audition for the national tour in New York City. That was my first ever audition in my life and I thought I did pretty well. Two weeks after the audition, I got an e-mail and got the job! I was probably the happiest man on Earth on that day!
3. You were a swing in the touring company; could you explain what "swing" is? What do you do during the show in the back stage every day? Could you tell us about the experience you went as Hank and Sheriff Bell? I heard it was hilarious, I wish I could have seen it!
I was a swing for the touring company. 'Swing' is a term used for understudy actor who are responsible for more than one role. At that time, I had to be ready to cover eight different roles. Sure enough, I went on stage to perform every role that I was supposed to cover. ! At one time, one of the lead actors did not arrive on time and I got the official "green light" from the stage manager in less than 10 minutes before the top of the show! That was incredible, crazy, madness and unreal!
Oh, the role Hank?! I looked so freaky and silly when they dressed me up for that role. Some said that I look like Tiny Tim from the 70's. The whole cast kept cracking up on the top of ACT II after they saw me. Troy Kostur, who plays Duke, couldn't keep a STRAIGHT face while he was signing. That was F-U-N!
4. Is this your first national tour? What is it l ike the life on the road? Which cities did you enjoy to visit the most? What were the most memorable things in Japan?
Yes, this is my first national tour and I hope it won't be my last! I life being on the road. It's who I am. I travel around the world a lot. If I had to go back three or four centuries ago, I'd be an explorer. Again, I don't have a favorite city that I enjoy the most. Each city is unique on its own and I love them all.
Seeing Japan was a dream to come true. I'd go back in a heartbeat next time! I love the people, the culture, the food, god, EVERYTHING! Three of my wonderful friends from the cast treated me out for my birthday dinner at a GORGEOUS authentic Japanese restaurant nestled deep in the mountains. I'll never forget that night, ever.
5. Let's talk about your new roles as Pap/Duke/Silas in D.C. I heard you went on the stage as Pap/Duke/Silas in Cleveland. Could you tell us about the experience? How did you learn the signing for these roles? By watching Troy every night? How is your hearing ability on the stage? Do you still need some cue(s) for a musical number? What was/is a challenge/difficulty for you on the stage?
Oh wow. First of all, Troy Kotsur is a world-class deaf actor whom I have incredibly so much respect for. Watching Troy is never boring or dull every time! I'm forever grateful to be his understudy and will never forget this experience. Troy had to go out of town for a business trip and I had to cover four shows for him. I invited my family and friends at a last minute notice. I did the shows fairly well and had the best experience of my life as an actor.
My hearing ability is rather good enough to "follow" certain sounds and/or patterns in musical numbers, dialogues and/or sound effects. At first, I used their help for cues but I started to trust myself and performed without cues. It's all about practice and believing in yourself. Everything's a challenge and I always see it that way every time I perform. I love to rise to the challenge.
6. Please tell us how you are going to approach your new roles? Each role is very different from each other and you told me that you'd like to create your own characters for Pap/Duke/Silas, plus your sidekick actor will be different from the tour company. I'm sure it1s challenging yet exciting!
Oh gosh. Well, anyone who was an understudy can tell you how HARD it is to detox yourself from the understudy role and perform in the same role as a lead. I created an identical acting ability during the tour that everyone could easily thought I am Troy. Now, that I'm playing the lead role at Ford's Theatre with the new company. I'm still "detoxing" and developing new thoughts and actions in my roles. It's not easy. Above all else, I consider this as the best education an actor can ask for! I'm learning the ropes as I perform day in and night out for next three months! I'm truly excited!
7. After Big River production ends, what kind of projects would you like to participate in the future?
Well, I'm a rookie actor and I have so much to learn. I wish to continue acting and obtain more training. I need all the tools to learn so that I can well-rounded actor. I'll perform anywhere. In the meantime, I like to explore my options with television and film.
8. I know you are also a multi-talented person outside of the theatre: a great cook, a incredible photographer, a real estate agent/contractor and a cool tutor. Could you tell us about your hobbies?
Well, everyone calls me the Jack of All Trades. I don't doubt what they say. I thank my folks for allowing me to be who I am. They instilled a lot of wonderful ethics and morals in my heart and mind. They taught me to be assertive, empowered and aware of my own body, heart, mind and soul. That's how I built my confidence so high that I can do anything that I'd like to try.
I don't have recurring hobbies that I do all my life. I take on new hobbies when given or desired. I'm always up for anything and will "dare" to try in a reasonable and safe manner. :-) The touring cast came up with a nickname, "All In".
9. Do you have any message to the audience?
You probably heard of this before - without you as an audience member, the show would not be possible. Believe it or not, that's still SO TRUE to this day. I hope our show brought you whatever feelings you felt, pondered and/or cherished. A simple and meaningful "Thank You" for coming to our show.
Thank you SO MUCH for participating in the Q&A session! See you at the Ford's Theatre! Hugs, Me ;-)
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