Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Spotlight On...Schuyler Beeman

Name: Schuyler Beeman

Hometown: Guilford, Connecticut

Education: Middlebury College Theatre Major, Education Studies Minor

Select Credits: Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Theatre By The Sea, Ivoryton Playhouse

Why theater?: Theatre is the dynamic form of story-telling that I crave to be a part of. Whether onstage, behind the scenes, or in the audience, the challenging nature of theatre is where I want to be - to push society forward to enlightened action and thinking.

Tell us about Schuyler and the Flies: When I wasn't booking any shows, I knew it was time to create my own work (for my sanity's sake, ha!). I did a few solo shows, but I also had friends in the same boat as me. So I made this little group as a way to not only perform with my uber talented friends, but also have a way to see these gals more often. Win win in my book!

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I'm a musical theatre junkie through and through. I was a competitive swimmer for 17 years, and I would listen to selected songs from Ragtime and Lippa's The Wild Party to get me pumped up before races... Yeah, obsessed. I love all kinds of theatre. I'm all in if it pushes boundaries. If it doesn't, then it's not doing what I think theatre should be doing nowadays. I'm a country boy at heart, so living in NYC can be hard. When not on contracts, I work on my best friend's sheep farm in Maryland. It's there that I find clarity and inspiration to come back with the energy a thespian needs. I know this is gonna sound super cheesy, but my friends and my boyfriend are the people who inspire me. I have some wonderful people in my life that don't only support me but challenge me to be better. I like to be challenged, what can I say? Lol.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: I've already played this role, but I'd do anything to be in this show again: Carmen Ghia from The Producers

What’s your favorite showtune?: That's probably the hardest question known to mankind. Well, maybe not mankind, but you understand the effect on me. I'll have to go with what came to mind first: New Music from Ragtime

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Barbra. I plan to have a Barbra bathroom in my dream home, decorated with everything Barbra.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Cheyenne Jackson (15 years ago), "Gullible Gay"

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Kinky Boots, Lady Day, and Once

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Starbucks (Venti Iced Coffee, Unsweetened) and Delivery Chinese Food

What’s the most played song on your iPod?: "The Sight of You" by Grace Weber. Without fail, this song gets me in a better mood.

What’s up next?: I'm continuing working with William Berloni Theatrical Animals, Inc. as one of their dog handlers as well as auditioning and farming when I can.


SEARCHING
a concert with Schuyler and The Flies

What are you searching for?

Date: Monday, May 12th
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: The Cellar at The West End Lounge, 955 West End Avenue at 107th Street and Broadway

To get your reservation, simply email schuyler.beeman@gmail.com), and you’ll be on the list! A reservation doesn’t cost anything, but ensures you a $5 cover charge ($10 without a reservation). There's also a $15 dollar food/drink minimum for the space. Check out their website for their menu: http://www.thewestendlounge.com/