Nick is new to both WildClaw and to horror theatre, though he is definitely a horror fan. One thing I can say for Nick is that he really puts all of himself into this show…. or at least, significant pieces of himself… You can see him in Hanger On, The Bridal Suite and Coulrophobe this weekend!
Do you consider yourself a horror fan? What is your favorite genre of horror?
I absolutely do consider myself a horror fan. More so in the last maybe 5-10 years than before. It’s been a recent development where I’ve gotten way into horror movies in general. My favorite genre, which is kind of hard to find being made these days, is psychological horror. More recent movies like The Strangers where it’s more about tension and mind games than it is about slash and gore. Movies where they rely less on jump scares and noisy soundtracks, and more on an overall feeling of uneasiness is where my favoritism lies.
What was the first time you encountered horror in entertainment? Was it a book, a movie, a play or something else?
I read a lot of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark when I was in grade school, and Poe stories. My mom wouldn’t let me watch horror movies, so I had to stick with creepy books at the start.
Does acting in a horror piece present any unique challenges or opportunities? Have you done any horror theatre before, or is this your first time? What is your favorite part about being in a horror piece?
I think horror plays are a wonderful thing. It gives you a chance to really get under an audiences’ skin because they have to confront it head-on rather than having the barricade of a movie screen to save them. I love the idea of practical effects, and figuring out how to make those scares work on a stage with no computerized effects or movie magic. This is my first experience with horror theatre, and it’s so fun.
How have motels played a role in your life?
I have a kind of Romantic notion of hotels and motels; motels especially. There’s something delightfully seedy about any motel no matter how clean and well-kempt it is. Just the idea of a uniform place, where many different people share such a private moment as sleeping, creates a world of possibilities for backstories and dreams. I always enjoy it, and love the relaxation it can provide where you don’t have to worry about tidying anything or taking care of much.
If you could take on any role in any horror tale what would it be and why?
I have always wanted to play the role of the meticulous killer. I really enjoy how logical characters like that can be in their own minds; like Hannibal Lector, or Dexter, or Kevin Spacey in Seven. The power of just a plain spoken explanation that is just on the other side of sanity where it seems it could so easily be anyone committing these acts. What that says about me mentally is…somewhat unsettling hahah, but is still very interesting to play/think about.
What is the one thing that scares you the most?
I have a reoccurring dream/nightmare about walking into dark rooms and not being able to turn lights on. The switches flip, but nothing happens. So much so that in real life if I walk into a room at night and the lights won’t flip on, I won’t go in.
Or my own subconscious…either/or.
TWO SHOWS LEFT! Motel 666 runs through June 28 – get tickets here! Performances will be held at the DCASE Storefront Theatre, 66 E. Randolph Street, with shows Thursday–Saturday at 7:30pm and closing Sunday at 2:00pm.