The role definately taught me better timing, and some basic rules of comedy. But mostly it gave me a lot of confidence. I'm a lot more sure of myself and less tentative to try new things now.
What was the most liberating experience as far as your acting goes?
Well I would have to say one of my high school plays was the most liberating. A play called "Finnian's Rainbow" allowed me to play a very unique character, full of nursery rhymes, magic tricks and juggling acts.
Do you believe your personality and relationships with friends have changed since you've been acting on camera?
Well, like I said, my confidence is a lot better. And I believe that has changed my relationships to an extent. I feel less like I'm tagging along, and more like i'm hanging out and having fun.
What is your most memorable experience from "Encore! Encore!" and "Odd Man Out"?
Well for "Encore! Encore!" I think it would be the night we closed production. The AD's let me run around all the catwalks above the stage. Under later scrutiny it probably wasn't a good idead to be frolicking 35 feet over a cement surface, but live and learn. As for OMO, there are too many memories to choose from, but I guess Natalia's birthday party sticks out in my mind.
What do you think teenagers have the most difficulty with?
Finding themselves. It's not as hard as you think, and when you do, you'll wonder why you didn't look there before.
Do you have a girlfriend?
Nope! I'm single.
It's a tie between my laptop and my sanity.
Any plans for the future?
Nope, and that's the way I like it.
Now you must not have a lot of freetime while working and traveling back and forth between California and Minnesota, but when you do, what do you like to do?
Mainly I do what every other kid my age does. I spend time with my friends: watch movies, or go out to eat. I also love to play video games. Call me a geek, but there's something innocent about video games. They allow you to escape.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone in the world, who would it be and what would you say?
I would tell a girl I know to learn to distinguish happiness from trepidation, and to let her past go. To anyone who's reading this: don't poison yourself. Live for today.
What is a pet peeve of yours?
When people read over my shoulder.
What is your biggest turn-off when out with a girl?
A lack of sense of humor. How bothersome!
It has been mentioned before that the cast of OMO was very close, could you elaborate on this a bit more?
There's no question that we're very tight. To quote one of Erik's lines, "I'd give any of them a kidney."
For the girls out there that want to spark your attention even more, what should they do?
Jingle a ring of keys in front of my face. I'm attracted to shiney things. (Laughing)
Interview on January 2, 2000
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