The Gospel According to...Janice Amaya

Name: Janice Isolina Amaya

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Education: MFA Candidate, American Repertory Theater at Harvard University; BA University of Washington - Seattle

Who do you play in The Mysteries?: Yocheved, Mary Magdalene

Tell us about The Mysteries: Lordy. It's an exciting mash up of genres and voices- 48 amazing playwrights tackle the Bible and we 54 actors GO TO TOWN making it real for you. http://youtu.be/1e2fZ1E8vJo

Describe The Mysteries in three words: Leap Of Faith

What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: the non-costume...

If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: the Baptizer

Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: Kyle Hines. He is strong in body and mind. And he can build things.

Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: Colin Waitt, you had me at hello.

Most likely to become an angel?: Kara Kaufman, our remarkable stage manager (seriously, how does she stay on top of EVERYTHING and still have the warmth of the most beautiful sunset?!)

Most likely to hear voices in their head?: Of the brilliant variety? Kate Thulin.

Who's the most spiritual?: When I am at Rebecca Rad's feet, being serenaded before my entrance, I definitely have an experience. She is something else.

On the 8th day god said_____: "Your turn."

Are you going to heaven or hell?: We're all heaven-bound.

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: oh Gluttony. I want it all.

What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: Anal dreadlock. (Eliza Simpson took it one step further with "Anal dreadlock when she's gone" sung to the tune of Ain't No Sunshine)

What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: The freedom to talk to the audience whenever we want. I need you guys. Be warned, I WILL talk to you. I may touch you.

What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: That leap of faith I mentioned. To have a hand in creating something from the ground up is challenging and satisfying like nothing else. The collaboration that has gone into this project is never ending. I've worked with playwrights I've admired since high school, a Tony (and Grammy Award) winner, and a group of fearless, brilliant actors and designers. We had the faintest idea of what we were getting ourselves into, but I'm definitely a better person for saying yes to this wild ride.

Why should we come see The Mysteries?: All that hard work? It's paying off. And those parables we all know? They're presented in an exciting, accessible way that will have you forget you just sat through 6 hours of "The Bible." Many have been known to call their mothers afterward, just to say I love you.