10 Things with Jeff Larsen
“10 Things” is a regular feature in which Sioux Falls Stage asks 10 burning questions with a local performing artist—this quarter we feature stage director, performer and Monstrous Little Theatre Co. artistic director Jeff Larsen.
1. What is the single-most defining moment of your performing career?
In high school, I had a very small part in a one-act play. In one of the scenes I was in, I was tasked with walking onstage, giving a quick reaction to a line and promptly walking offstage. I chose to give that one small moment my everything, and my work was rewarded with applause mid-show. It was then that I realized that no matter what role you are playing in a production or in life, if you put in the work, you’ll get recognized. That moment has defined how I function in the theatre ever since.
2. If casting parameters didn’t exist, what would be your dream role?
I would absolutely love to play the Youth in Passing Strange. I feel a deep connection with that show and character. His longing for more in a life that he does not understand, his pure joy in discovering things about himself he never knew, his reflections on regrets and pain inflicted to himself and those he cares most about. It’s a wonderful role that would test my limits as an actor, singer and human. Limitations will always, and correctly, keep me from portraying the character, but if I ever had the chance I would jump on it with every ounce of vigor I have.
3. Name three of your biggest theatre résumé highlights.
Direction of The Flick (Monstrous Little Theatre Company)
Demitrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bare Bodkins Theatre Company)
Scenic Design of Proof (Augustana University)
4. Who do you consider your biggest acting influences?
Two of my favorite actors are Jack Lemmon and Denzel Washington. I’ve always admired Lemmon’s ability to be the funniest person in the room while also being able to make you cry or be furious or contemplative. His versatility has been a source of inspiration to me for many years and something I hope to emulate. Washington’s Oscar-winning roles are two of the performances that most made me want to pursue acting in a more serious way. His presence is felt every time he’s in frame whether he’s larger than life or deep in thought, and sometimes it’s felt even more when he’s not on screen. I would like to have a fraction of his charisma and ability to make you miss him.
5. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to work in theatre.
The first full-length production I ever directed was Betrayal by Harold Pinter. After the production opened, somebody that was in the audience came up to me and told me how much they appreciated the show. As flattering as it was to hear that my hard work had resulted in somebody enjoying their experience, I was very heartened to talk to them about what they thought about the show itself and how it made them think about the things around them and how they experience relationships and time, two things we all deal with. That’s when I knew that I wanted to continue searching for life’s answers through the stage.
6. What’s your favorite non-theatre pastime?
When I’m not working in the theatre creating content I love to consume it, particularly cinema. I’m pretty good at keeping up with the latest films (awards darlings, blockbusters, indie flicks) and have been on a mission to watch every Best Picture nominee throughout history. (And I’ve made quite a bit of progress so far!)
7. What does your post-show ritual look like?
After every show has wrapped, especially the successful ones, I love to both celebrate with the cast and crew and reflect upon the experience and everything I’ve learned in the process. I prefer to sit with my glass of water (and maybe some tater tots) and soak up all of our emotions as we say goodbye to a process.
8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.
Art by Yasmina Reza
Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neill
No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre
9. What is your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?
My hope is that theatre artists continue to push the envelope and revolutionize how we create together. I believe theatre is a perfect medium to explore what it means to be human and how we traverse through life on our own and together.
10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.
Be kind and on time.