Thursday, July 17, 2014

Spotlight On...Jason Hite

Name: Jason Hite

Hometown: Antioch, CA

Education: Young Rep at Center Repertory Company in Walnut Creek, CA

Select Credits: Bare (Off-Broadway), Girlfriend (Berkeley Rep), Giant (Dallas Theatre Center),  The Black Suits (Barrington Stage Company), Spring Awakening (San Jose Rep)

Why theater?: I think it comes down to the joy I get in telling stories.  I get to step outside of my own world in and just play 2 1/2 hours with like minded people.  A beautiful little clan of self-imposed outcasts.

Who do you play in The Snow Queen?: I play a lovable, bumbling, loud, possibly senile chap that our heroine Gerda meets along her journey named Air Marshall Reginald Heinronymus Stilton Du Croix aka The Old Crow.

Tell us about The Snow Queen: Our telling of the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale centers around a young girl who has her best friend stolen away by the powerfully seductive Snow Queen who needs a child to help her uncover a secret hidden in an enchanted mirror.  It's very immersive show with many actors playing multiple roles, playing instruments, and working together to build a completely separate world. 

What is it like being a part of the The Snow Queen?: I've been with the show since November of last year after being invited to join my girlfriend and fellow cast member Eryn Murman at San Jose Rep to work on the show with our good friend Rick Lombardo .  A lot of these people are like family to me, and the new folks that they've brought on board our incredibly down to earth, wonderful people.  I'm a very lucky man.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Something honest. Something that has integrity. Something Fun. Art suffers when negative egos get involved.  I love working with confident, passionate, real people who aren't afraid to be honest with one another and who are genuinely supportive of one another.  When your in a room that is flowing with the same mix of creative energy and focus,  there's nothing better.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: I mean,  I'd be down to jump in to Cabaret when Alan Cumming gets done being so damn good.  

What’s your favorite showtune?: "Those You've Known" from Spring Awakening

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Coming from the Bay Area Theater scene, one person that I've always wanted to work with is James Carpenter.  Someone write it.  I want a two-header with James Carpenter!

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?:
Can I audition? 

What show have you recommended to your friends?:
Go out and see If/Then and Bullets Over Broadway!

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?:
Late night Frozen Yogurt

What’s up next?:
Something honest. Something that has integrity. Something Fun.