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[TRANSCRIPT]

Jesse Jones III

Jesse: ​We have with us the cast from the Broadway’s Spring Awakening.

Miles/Sandra/Josh/Amelia: ​Hi!

Jesse: ​Thank you all for joining and allowing me to interview you. So, I know you were all on Broadway. I’m curious, what’s up with you all now? Are there any current or future projects you’re working on?

A: Well, ​I guess I’ll start. I will be going to Boston soon to do another performance with Russell Harvard. I’m very excited!

Jesse: ​Okay, how about you guys?

J: ​Today, it was announced that I will be doing “Tribes” in Boston, well, it’s really in Pittsfield. Anyway, I will be doing the role of Billy in “Tribes” for three months which is so exciting.

S: So I had just finished my role on Broadway, and then went straight on to do an independent film, a horror film where I played the only deaf character. The cool thing was, I played the hero, not the victim. It’s called “My Soul to Keep.”

S: ​I’m hoping it will be released this Fall, around Halloween.

Jesse: ​Ok. You all have a lot of #deaftalent amongst yourselves. I have a question for you, Josh. Since you acted in a gay role in a Broadway play, do you feel that only gay actors should be cast for gay roles? I’m curious your thoughts on that.

J: ​I think that argument begins with the issue of privilege. I think the concept of deaf actors playing deaf roles is due to the authenticity. These are two different issues, in my perspective. The gay argument is more related to privilege­­ the community is now better, yes, but, before, I know the industry was not very accepting of gay people, gay actors, so they used straight actors... Could they do a good job, I think they could because being gay does not come with a standard of lifestyle.. just a person who can be attracted to someone other, regardless of their gender.. I think that’s where the leeway comes in for me because I want to play straight or gay roles, I like both.. But when it comes to deaf roles, I feel that is completely different. For instance, when I walk into the house, when we watch tv, when we have conversations, it’s a completely different lifestyle, completely different than hearing, so it’s more of hearing actors understanding our deaf lives, which is very difficult to do... impossible, really. It’s very difficult because we (deaf people) grew up with our culture, with our internal cultural clashes, and all the stuff that comes with these. I feel that they’re two totally different arguments.

Jesse: ​Ok, and now another question related to your many talents­. I’m interested to know more about you, Amelia, and your character you played on “Spring Awakening.” You had a sister, and you two actually looked like sisters, for real! Wow, I was impressed and wondering
how you had reached that point where your sibling bond was very apparent on stage?

A: I’ve always believed in socializing, in and out of work.

A: ​We also had this unique aspect to us, being the only two actors having our own individual character. Um, you know all the other characters had voice accompaniments who were inside their head. We were lucky to have that in common because that made it easier for us to get to know each other. It was also a blessing that she was SO motivated, always ready to roll up her sleeves and dive into what we were working on. She was able to pick up signs and follow my voice. We were always able to check up on each other to make sure we’re on the same page. I mean, she’s just an amazing woman and such a hard worker.

Jesse: ​Cool! Okay, so I have another question for the two of you. In your performance on “Spring Awakening, there is one part where you had a nude scene. How did that make you feel??

M: ​I felt really proud of her, being on stage. Yes, she’s nude, but that’s art.

M: ​The first time she did that with the guy, I felt a little uneasy, you know, it was a bit awkward and a little weird, but hey, it’s work. She’s my girlfriend, and that guy plays the leading role. They’re both just doing their jobs, they’re not crossing any lines. I was totally cool with it. I’m just really proud to see her on stage.

J: You know also, breasts really don’t bother me because seeing a guy without his shirt on is no big deal. So I feel like now for a woman it should be equal. Men can go shirtless and women should be able to as well. I think that whole thing is so awkward because [with a man??]

S:​ And, he literally had the best view!

M: ​Yep! Of all 3 runs!