A little bit about YOU
Jocelyn Adamski plays Yvette in PPTC's production of ART. Artistic Director, Jennifer McHugh, and Jocelyn held a quick Q & A so that you can get to know this fabulous actor prior to attending the show. Enjoy.
McHugh: This is your first show with us, What motivated you to come audition for ART?
Adamski: I've loved this show since the first moment I read it in 1995. It's written for men and so I never thought I'd have the chance to act in it. I'm also directing it later this year in the fall for another theater company, using all men, as written. I thought this could be an interesting dive into the script before I begin working on it from the "other side of the table".
McHugh: Where else have you performed and what are some of your favorite roles?
Adamski: All over the Greater Chicagoland Area. Some of my favorite roles have included Roxie Hart in Chicago (ETC), Cecily in The Odd Couple (TATC), Maddie in Making God Laugh (Steel Beam), Suzette in Don’t Dress for Dinner (Brightside), nominated for a Lou Award, Ilona in She Loves Me (VTG), Sally in Follies (Harper), Celimene in The Misanthrope (Janus), Elvira in Blithe Spirit (Steel Beam), Holly in Thee Trinity (Royal George), and Miep in The Diary of Anne Frank (Metropolis PAC)
McHugh: Share a bit about your background as an actor...Did you train young or shift gears as an adult or a little bit of both?
Adamski: I've been acting since I was seven years old. I spent my entire life training through a variety of lessons, acting programs, and formal education. I always wanted to be an actor since I saw my oldest brother in a production of Romeo and Juliet when I was a kid. So, I trained to become a professional from a very young age. I have a BFA in Acting and now I also teach Acting and Shakespeare through schools and as a private coach.
McHugh: My favorite section of any actor's resume is the 'additional skills' bit at the bottom. SO, what do you list at the bottom of your resume as your ‘additional skills’?
Adamski: Killer Milhouse impression from the Simpsons, and performing the alphabet in sign language. I'm also SAFD trained in Stage Combat, a director, a choreographer and I have a strong skill set in Shakespeare, which I teach.
McHugh: You play Yvette in ART, how is she similar or different to you?
Adamski: I love Yvette! I'm like her in that, I try to avoid judgment of others and like to consider all perspectives of any situation. I see the good side of everyone. Now, I do not suffer from anxiety like she does. In complete contrast to Yvette, I'm comfortable in my own skin. I have made peace with the fact that I am an imperfect human who does the best I can in this complicated world and I don't stress over how others perceive me.
McHugh:What sort of person is going to love this show?
Adamski:Anyone who has ever had close friends!
McHugh: Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
Adamski: Brian Rabinowitz, my husband, it's in his contract.
McHugh: What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
Adamski: "Wow! That was great! I should recommend it to all my friends!
McHugh: Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
Adamski: From my own character - "Objects, I can't tell you how much they infuriate me." From the play at large, Margot's last speech, it's perfect.
McHugh: What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Adamski: Immerse my imagination in "the moment before", take a deep breath and GO.
McHugh: Anything else you want to add?
Adamski: I want to thank the entire production staff, especially you and Dominic for this wonderful opportunity. Thank you to my marvelous castmates for this amazing journey. Thank you to my incredible husband Brian, for bringing "Art' to my life every day. I'd like to dedicate this show in loving memory to my Aunt Marianne, who was always supportive of my "Art". If you like this show, come check out the original version I'm directing this fall at Elgin Theatre Company.
