Jared Culpepper
Chad Cline
Chad Cline and Jared Culpepper have worked together on several projects: Cline directed Culpepper in last year’s FIT submission, Dead Wait. Culpepper has understudied Cline’s Lt. Foster in Pegasus Theatre’s annual Living Black & White™ series on multiple productions. They’ve worked together on Pegasus Theatre’s Advisory Committee. They even team up from time to time as the classic 1996 Chicago Bulls on XBox (“So, the chemistry’s definitely there,” reasons Culpepper). While more than a few show programs have featured both of their bios, the 2014 Festival of Independent Theatres will be the first time they’ve shared the stage as actors. They answered some questions about that experience.
What is your experience with FIT and what keeps bringing you back?
CC – I have been involved with FIT for the last five years. I have directed three shows and acted in two. I love being a part of this festival because you get an opportunity to see so many different shows and spend time with your peers in the theater community
JC – The first time I worked on FIT was 2007 as Assistant House Manager and I was still pretty new to the DFW theatre scene. I fell in love with FIT right away. Everyone in the local theatre crowd came through there, it seemed. I made several friends and connections in a short time and (even better) I had a chance to see some shows that were–and I say this with great respect–really strange. You get to take risks at FIT and of course you’ll always have your critics, but FIT’s a safe place to try out new things, either as a viewer or as a creator. At this point I’ve worked house, acted, and produced at FIT, and hopefully that’s just the beginning.
What should audiences expect from this project?
CC – Hopefully two outstanding performances and amazing direction. Ha! Hopefully they walk away and look at their own lives and question what their true core beliefs are. A nice little check to make sure that they’re freethinking.
JC – I think people will be challenged by this show and, ideally, entertained. It’s open to interpretation and its themes can be applied to a great many situations, so I expect people are going to have varying personal responses to the show. I’d like to think it’s going to spawn many interesting conversations. If every person walked away with a completely different take, that’d be great. And if everyone walked away saying how great it was, that’d be OK too.
The two of you and director Jordan Willis are known as generally pretty light-hearted, funny guys. What’s it like working with each other on what is a pretty deep and gritty show?
CC- It’s a lot of fun and very challenging. I spend most my time trying to not giggle at how serious we are being.
JC – Chad and I had to do a promo photo standing nose to nose and I laughed until I cried. It took forever. Beyond that though it’s been a breeze. Besides, deep and gritty shows aren’t exempt from the comedy that is the human experience. Not that we’re going for laughs, but… Life’s funny. There will be funny parts.
As for the creative process, Chad and Jordan are both respectful, thoughtful guys, and we’re all professionals, so that has been great. We still crack jokes when the set-up’s there, sure, but our stage manager, Grace (Keller Scotch, keeps us on track–a Sisyphean task, I’m sure. Poor Grace.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of Churchmouse Productions?
CC – The evolution’s been very exciting to witness, as our first full season comes to a close. The opportunities to work with so many great producers, actors, directors, costumers, lighting designer, set designers have been so much fun. And the fact that Churchmouse doesn’t just do comedy allows the artists to really stretch. I also absolutely love the minimalist approach to theater that supports a strong focus on the script and the actors.
JC – I’m thrilled, but not surprised, that Churchmouse has hit the ground running. I’ve worked with the producers and the resident designers and am constantly in awe of the dedication people have to these projects. I’ve witnessed tremendous work ethic and artistry across the board. I’d say we’re just getting started.
Any favorite FIT memories?
CC – Oh my gosh the last five years at FIT… I have so many fond memories and not just of our shows but of several shows that I’ve seen over the years. I think the year that I directed SQUIRRELS by David Mamet was probably my favorite. I just love that script!
JC – There are many but I have to go with last year, performing in DEAD WAIT, because I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with my wife Isabel. Neither of us were sure we’d even be able to audition for it but she did an impression of Jayne Mansfield (whom she portrayed in DEAD WAIT) at home one night and I was just blown away. I knew she was in, so I locked into the sides for the character I auditioned for, and next thing you know we’re both sitting at a read-through with the brilliant Andrews Cope.
Really, though, I could list a few “favorite” memories from each year. FIT’s always a blast and I know this is going to be another great experience.
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Pegasus Theatre presents a Churchmouse Production of The Watch by Trace Crawford at the 16th Annual Festival of Independent Theatres, July 11–Aug. 2, 2014. Festival passes and individual tickets on sale now. Call 1-800-617-6904. |