Interview with John Michael Decker (aka Damion Spector; Evil Sheriff)
Here is an interview with Sterling Actor John Michael Decker !!! (2008)
1. Your name and Sterling Character (s) name. ~
John Michael Decker
1994 Nicodemus "Nick the Nose" Snipe; Gallant Beggar
1995, 1996, 2001 Thaddeus Pringle; Traveling Poet
1997 Severus Wackford; Executioner
1998-2000 Ignatius "Iggy" Weevil; Executioner
2002 Cuthbert Exelby; Pirate Cabin Boy
2003 "Dashing" Jack Scrimshaw; Pirate First Mate
2004 Roland Puddleton; Mud Beggar
2006-2008 Damion Spector; Evil Sheriff
plus I've played the Dottore in the Commedia from 1998-2004, 2006-2008
2. How did you first get into acting and what was your first job ? ~
In the forth grade I was in a play called; "Jack, Beanstalk, and Friends." I played W.C. Fieldson (the guy who sold Jack the beans). I was a shy kid, but I found that I could get accolades from my peers without having to be myself. After that I knew I was meant to be an actor.
My first professional job was for the Lake George Opera Co in 1984 or 85. I played a stage hand in their production of "Kiss Me Kate."
3. What is your approach to figuring out how to play a character ? ~
I use the Gary Izzo method (discussed in his book, "the Art of Play"). I try to figure out the characters main passion in life, then I figure out what the characters flaws are that might get in the way of that passion, then I figure out what virtues the character might have.
4. What is your favorite role so far? Least favorite and why ? ~
Favorite role in a play: E.K. Hornbeck from "Inherit the Wind." I liked the moral gray areas the character lived in. I liked how Hornbeck's function in the show was to push other character's buttons. My favorite interactive character role has been Damian Spector the evil sheriff I play at Sterling. It's just so much fun to play a character who is that evil but also extremely vulnerable.
Least favorite character: I honestly can't think of a character I didn't enjoy playing.
5. Who are your influences (both acting and non) ?
I've had three major mentors in my life.
1) Dr. H. Charles Kline (or "Doc" as we all called him), my college adviser and head of the SUNY Plattsburgh Theatre Department in the late 80s, early 90s. Besides teaching me some valuable theatre technique, Doc was a real father figure in my life at a time when I really needed one.
2) Rev. Jerry McKinny, who I worked for as a counselor and arts and crafts director at the Hebron Camp and Conference Center for five summers (Summer of 89 through the summer of 93). Jerry taught me the virtue of service to others for a higher cause.
3) Gary Izzo, my director at Sterling and zen interactive theatre master. Gary helped me to refine my talents (which were pretty raw when I met him), and turned me into a better performer. Gary also taught me the real value of escapism and play.
7. What inspires you to do what you do ? ~
I like being able to help people forget their problems, be it for a minute, an hour or a day. Art is so important, especially in uncertain times.
8. Funniest mishap behind-the-scenes or onstage ? ~
Working at the Great Escape Fun park and playing Beulah the stripping Buzzard (yes, you heard that right), I fell off the stage because I couldn't see out of the giant buzzard head I was wearing.
9. What do you enjoy most and least about theater/acting ? ~
Most: I love playing the part of the sacred clown. Being able to show the folly of man through the failings of my characters.
Least: I hate that acting pays so poorly.
John Michael Decker
1994 Nicodemus "Nick the Nose" Snipe; Gallant Beggar
1995, 1996, 2001 Thaddeus Pringle; Traveling Poet
1997 Severus Wackford; Executioner
1998-2000 Ignatius "Iggy" Weevil; Executioner
2002 Cuthbert Exelby; Pirate Cabin Boy
2003 "Dashing" Jack Scrimshaw; Pirate First Mate
2004 Roland Puddleton; Mud Beggar
2006-2008 Damion Spector; Evil Sheriff
plus I've played the Dottore in the Commedia from 1998-2004, 2006-2008
2. How did you first get into acting and what was your first job ? ~
In the forth grade I was in a play called; "Jack, Beanstalk, and Friends." I played W.C. Fieldson (the guy who sold Jack the beans). I was a shy kid, but I found that I could get accolades from my peers without having to be myself. After that I knew I was meant to be an actor.
My first professional job was for the Lake George Opera Co in 1984 or 85. I played a stage hand in their production of "Kiss Me Kate."
3. What is your approach to figuring out how to play a character ? ~
I use the Gary Izzo method (discussed in his book, "the Art of Play"). I try to figure out the characters main passion in life, then I figure out what the characters flaws are that might get in the way of that passion, then I figure out what virtues the character might have.
4. What is your favorite role so far? Least favorite and why ? ~
Favorite role in a play: E.K. Hornbeck from "Inherit the Wind." I liked the moral gray areas the character lived in. I liked how Hornbeck's function in the show was to push other character's buttons. My favorite interactive character role has been Damian Spector the evil sheriff I play at Sterling. It's just so much fun to play a character who is that evil but also extremely vulnerable.
Least favorite character: I honestly can't think of a character I didn't enjoy playing.
5. Who are your influences (both acting and non) ?
I've had three major mentors in my life.
1) Dr. H. Charles Kline (or "Doc" as we all called him), my college adviser and head of the SUNY Plattsburgh Theatre Department in the late 80s, early 90s. Besides teaching me some valuable theatre technique, Doc was a real father figure in my life at a time when I really needed one.
2) Rev. Jerry McKinny, who I worked for as a counselor and arts and crafts director at the Hebron Camp and Conference Center for five summers (Summer of 89 through the summer of 93). Jerry taught me the virtue of service to others for a higher cause.
3) Gary Izzo, my director at Sterling and zen interactive theatre master. Gary helped me to refine my talents (which were pretty raw when I met him), and turned me into a better performer. Gary also taught me the real value of escapism and play.
7. What inspires you to do what you do ? ~
I like being able to help people forget their problems, be it for a minute, an hour or a day. Art is so important, especially in uncertain times.
8. Funniest mishap behind-the-scenes or onstage ? ~
Working at the Great Escape Fun park and playing Beulah the stripping Buzzard (yes, you heard that right), I fell off the stage because I couldn't see out of the giant buzzard head I was wearing.
9. What do you enjoy most and least about theater/acting ? ~
Most: I love playing the part of the sacred clown. Being able to show the folly of man through the failings of my characters.
Least: I hate that acting pays so poorly.
Thank you so much John for the interview !
