“10 Things” is a regular feature in which the Sioux Falls Stage staff answers 10 burning questions with a local performing artist—this quarter we feature frequent local performer with Lights Up Productions, Darren Lee.

1. What is the single-most defining moment of your performing career?

It was probably my first show. I hadn’t done any theater outside of one play in high school. But, I had always been involved in sports, singing and playing an instrument. After I graduated college, a friend was working on the set of a show, and said they needed guys and I should audition. I had continued to sing throughout college, so I gave it a shot. So, just the idea of being asked to do something I may not have done otherwise, has changed my life for the better. I have met the most awesome people, and my wife, though my theatre experiences.

2. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a performer.

After that first show I was cast in, which was Evita, and the second show, Guys and Dolls, I think I just really enjoyed becoming someone else—not a banker.

**Lee performs as part of the cast of Lights Up Productions’ 2020 production of *Lost in Vegas*.**

3. What is your favorite non-theatre-related pastime?

My work schedule usually involves a lot of hours, so theatre is often my stress relief. But otherwise, I enjoy golf and watching/coaching my kids’ activities.

4. If casting parameters don’t exist, what’s your dream role in theater?

Either Elphaba in Wicked, or one of the Brewster sisters in Arsenic and Old Lace.

5. Highlight three of your proudest theatre résumé moments.

Forever Plaid with Olde Towne Dinner Theatre
Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Pilate/Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar

6. What’s your theatre pre-show warmup routine?

After doing a vocal warmup and some stretches to get loose, I like to find a quiet space and go over my entrances, first lines, and be mentally ready for that first entrance. Then, right before the start, I like to walk around and tell everyone to have a great show.

7. Whom do you consider your biggest acting influences?

This one is tough, as I love to watch people work and take a piece of something, and maybe make it mine. I have been lucky to work with, and/or watch, some amazing people, including Reed Uthe, Terry Zerfas, Molly Leyse, Brent Grosvenor and Erin Sharp—there are a lot more. But I can say, even in my “mature” years, I still learn something from every show I am in, or able to watch. Also, Ivan Fuller—who else could have gotten me to do Shakespeare?

8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.

Complete Works, Shakespeare
Jekyll & Hyde, Bricusse & Wildhorn
Noises Off, Michael Frayn

9. What’s your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?

Today’s young people are so talented. In this day and age, I hope they would slow down, connect and soak up every life experience they can.

10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.

Watch. Listen. Be a sponge.

10 Things with Darren Lee