Spotlight On...Jim deProphetis

Name: Jim deProphetis

Hometown: Brookhaven, PA

Education: BA in English, Fordham University

Select Credits: Peter and the Starcatcher (Jim, Williamstown); The Corn is Green (Miner's Son, Williamstown); Dance Dance Revolution (Des Cartesman, The Ohio Theatre)

Why theater?: I've been doing it since I was 7 and the older I get, the more I appreciate the magic of live theater. When I was a kid, I thought the sign of a great actor was one who could replicate their performance every time. Now I realize that every show is a different animal based upon your given mood, the moods of the cast, your audience. So many different factors. And when you're in a piece that you love and have even a brief moment when you totally connect with your audience, there's just nothing like it.

Tell us about Like Poetry: So, there's this young guy named Stagger who's big on bugs and low on human intimacy. Along with the help of a doctor, herbal supplements and the spirit of Walt Whitman, he explores his childhood and sexuality in an effort to connect with himself and his surroundings. Did I mention the drugs and bugs?

What is it like being a part of Like Poetry?: Initially, I was just excited to get cast in a show. And then I was relieved and thrilled by how much I loved the play. Bonus! We have such a great director in Audrey Alford, a super exciting playwright in Kristian O'Hare, and a fun and talented bunch in our cast. Lovefest. Speaking of love, I'm also a huge fan of my character, Trout. Who might be in love with Stagger. And the '90s. And San Francisco. (Ivy Theatre Company is producing the show. Check them out at www.ivytheatre.com!)

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Generally, anything involving actors that just completely inhabit their characters. Joe Mantello in The Normal Heart. Amy Morton in August: Osage County. Audra in anything. When I completely buy that I'm watching these characters come to life, I feel like the rest of the piece just flows naturally. My friends and family. I am surrounded by so much love from such an eclectic group of both artists and non-artists alike. Not only do I have so much support from these people, but everyone is so unique in their personalities and talents that I'm constantly impressed by their feats and encouraged to keep going with my own.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Matt in The Fantasticks. Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. Alex in Buyer & Cellar, Seymour in Little Shop

What’s your favorite showtune?: "America" - West Side Story. "Could I Leave You?" - Follies. "I Feel So Much Spring" - A New Brain.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Meryl. Patti. Audra. Sondheim. Tina Fey.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I've been doing The Artist's Way lately, and I've become really great at being myself. And I need the work. So, Me. I'd play me. And it'd be called "'spunderful!'

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Buyer & Cellar! Go see it! So well-written. So well-performed. So great!

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: A giant cinnamon raisin bagel with cinnamon walnut raisin cream cheese at Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Co. And an equally giant iced coffee with half & half and 2 Splenda.

What’s up next?: I'm in a reading of a short play called Centerpiece at Characters NYC (243 W 54th St, @ 8th Ave) as part of a night of readings. Monday, August 19th at 8pm. Come see it!