Tell me about the play you are working on for Emerging Artists Theatre. What do you love most about this play?
What I love most about Sex Work/Sex Play is the very truthful discussion around the intricacies of modern American relationships. How love, sex, marriage, infidelity, divorce, and conscience all intertwine. It’s a conversation everyone needs to have, to keep themselves in check, to live their best lives. But as for the show, this is the best cast and production team I’ve ever worked with, from top to bottom. Committed, talented, courageous, professional, and fun. Just so fun.
Can you tell us a little about your artistic process or background? How is that process being realized in your work on this play?
My process is to analyze and overanalyze the script, while simultaneously learning lines by rote. I love the beginning stages where we’re doing so much table work the questions lead to answers, which lead to more questions. And, then, when characters become another version of yourself, one you can believe in. Then, the middle stages, where you’re starting to combine line memorization with block and intention. And then, as you get closer to opening it’s all gelled and solidified. The middle days where you’re freaking out about how it’s all going to happen, are also fun – terrifying – but fun. It makes it all worthwhile.
What do you love most about the role you are playing? What is the most challenging aspect of the work for you?
What I love most about playing DAVE is that he’s at the crossroads of his life, specifically his marriage, family, love, and sex lives. He’s going through so much tumult, and he needs to choose what to do next. He’s not leaving this situation without a clear answer. So, with all that whirling around in his head, the challenge of getting what he wants and being sure that what he decides is what he wants it’s invigorating.
How do you feel rehearsals are going?
Rehearsals with this cast of crazies rock! I am trying to figure out how to have rehearsals still after we’re done with this whole adventure. Maybe just dinners. Poker night? Mets games? We’ll see.
Is there anything important or meaningful about this piece to you?
Nobody tells the truth. Or do they? Let’s answer that question.
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“As Dave, Josh Hyman arguably gets to enjoy the most complicated character arc in the cast– and he not only succeeds but revels in the opportunity for his character to go wild onstage. ” – Lavendar After Dark
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Josh Hyman is an actor, writer, and standup comedian from Rockland County, NY. Self-described as “Hasidic Danny Devito,” he’s also a podcaster (The Jobs Blow Podcast) and a motivational speaker (The M.A.C.H.O. Foundation). OFF-BROADWAY (*original cast): Mr. Boddy in Clue (Arrow Rock Lyceum), Otto* in Be Still Be Silent (SOOP); Ross/Host* in Drunk Shakespeare (Brass Jar); Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Live! (one-man show, national theater tour); TV: Kevin Kilbin in Happily Ever Ally (pilot); co-star roles on The Deuce, Blue Bloods, Billy Buys Brooklyn; Chef Mario on Team UmiZoomi; TV Commercials: Dunkin Donuts, NY Giants, Time Warner Cable, Verizon, AT&T, GMA, Lowes, Intel, Pisco Porton, Jimmy Dean, Kia, Kane11, eBay, Dietz&Watson, Mojo, Wizer, Draft Kings, Messinas and the currently airing Nicolock Pavers spots. Big Love to EAT, Paul, Caytha(!), Rosie, Kiley, Adrienne, Jason/Sana, G&G, my friends/fans, Dad up top, Mom, and my incredibly supportive (and patient) wife Shayne, who keeps me going every day. @MrJoshHyman
