JIM GRANT Interview
Early September is that sweet spot between summer and fall. It’s also a great time for the esteemed American Theatre of Actors to bring forth a world premiere. They are doing just that with Nicholas Kennedy’s Egg Plate. In this production we find a locksmith with a curiously stubborn door that he can’t seem to open. He is dealing with a daughter off to war in Afghanistan and a wife with early onset dementia. Cast member Jim Grant was kind enough to “grant” us an interview about his work and his experience being in this production.
Jim Grant likes to cook up a good role! “My goal as an artist is to make stories over a wide breadth of mediums and to blend genres together like they are culinary dishes. I like to be part of every step in the creative process. To that end, between productions I like to try new jobs, because I hope to grow in every facet I can. If I can avoid it, I don’t like to rehash roles that are similar to ones I’ve done before. I’m also a huge goofball and am most fulfilled as an actor when I get to collaborate with great minds and close friends.”
Mr. Grant’s eagerness to be in this project stemmed from knowing and working with the playwright previously. “I’ve known Nick for a while and we have collaborated on projects before, but after seeing Nick’s first play Jean Jackets and Red Pandas, I decided I absolutely had to be involved in his next show. We met after his show and quickly got to talking about Egg Frame in its early stages and became creative partners.”
This production deals with deep subject matter. Mr. Grant gives us a bit of insight into how his character deals with these issues. “These sorts of issues are difficult to talk about, and most people would just rather not. Jack does though, and he tries, but it’s uncomfortable and so we ignore him. But then when we realize what he has lost, we are forced to confront how this will affect him. He has a bit of the Curse of Cassandra, and I love it.”
Mr. Grant uses a creative process in which the character manifests from the physical aspects first. “I like to discover the physicality of the character. Once I unlock their movements, posture, and gait the rest quickly falls into place.”
When you’ve got a good thing going, keep going! That’s exactly what Mr. Grant intends to do in his collaborations with Nicholas Kennedy. Up next, he’s got more things cooking for the stage and the screen. “Nick and I really enjoyed working together, we both have plays in the works that we will most likely collaborate with each other on. I also am finishing up a short film called “Cream Puff” which will be released in the fall.”
If you want to see an EGGceptional production, get your tickets to Egg Plate!
Egg Plate
American Theatre of Actors
314 W. 54th St. New York City
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT: September 1 – 10
ARTIUM: OMNI 