Friday, July 10, 2015

Spotlight On...Jeremiah Cothren

Name: Jeremiah Cothren

Hometown: Toledo, OH

Education: BA in Architecture from University of California, Berkeley. Acting training at HB Studio

Select Credits: Rediscovering Kate Carew was an interesting project. Also working on Colma: The Musical was a favorite of mine.

Why theater?: There is something to be said about the incredible transformation of both the actors and audience during a live performance. It’s a unique shared experience I feel.

Who do you play in Broken City: Harlem?: I play Jeremiah, a born and raised Harlemite mourning the death of a childhood friend while grasping with his own identity and coming-of-age tale.

Tell us about Broken City: Harlem: Broken City: Harlem is a snapshot of what makes our lives here in NYC the most enriching, unforgettable and oftentimes questionable. Five stories are combined to create one stage in Harlem where audience members become a part of the story line and furthermore, involve themselves in the fabric and complexities of Harlem.

What is it like being a part of Broken City: Harlem?: Even though I live in Harlem currently, I am discovering new facets about my neighborhood that make it unique. We have spent a lot of time in the area and each day it seems I am able to uncover the gift we as New Yorkers have in uptown Manhattan.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I am inspired by the nuances of everyday life. We can take any man or woman and have them walk down the same two blocks. Ultimately, we will have a multi-layered story line based on their experience and that’s where the creativity arises. What happens in the streets and the messages and stories we carry are overall what inspire me as an artist.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: It’s hard to narrow it down to a specific role but I would say something that is running in the indie circuit that speaks of identity, journey and migration.

What’s your favorite showtune?: I recently saw On The Town and loved every song! Did I mention I’m a hopeless romantic?

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I’m a huge fan of Richard Linklater so I would be honored to collaborate with him

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Ha! I’m not sure who would want to play me in my autobiographical film but it would most certainly be called “Unbroken Dream”

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I would love to see Ira Aldridge do the classics on the UK scene!

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Absolutely go see Hand to God if you can.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: On Sunday nights, everyone knows not to bother me while I’m watching Downton Abbey. Huge fan!

What’s up next?: Training never stops for the actor so I have some classes and workshops I can finally commit to in the fall coming up.