Quick Chat: Joe Meyer

From the NYC screens to our southwestern Wisconsin stage, there is not much Joe Meyer can not do as an actor. Check out this Quick Chat and see Joe on stage this season as Andre in Casey and Diana and Dennis in As You Like It!

APT: Hi Joe! We've loved having you this season but we'd love to hear from you - how has your time at APT been?
Joe: It's been amazing. I've experienced the magic of creating, sharing and performing in great work with great artists. I've also grown both artistically and personally since being in Spring Green - I love it!

APT: That is so great to hear. You've had a fun and interesting pre-APT career. Could you tell us a bit about it?
Joe: I've acted for most of my life, but only recently have I been acting professionally. I grew up acting in community theatre as a child, and studied acting both at my high school's conservatory, and during the summer at NYU Tisch. I moved to New York for college to study Sociology and Queer Studies at Columbia University, and there, I continued acting on stage and film. Since living in NYC, I've gotten to be on the producing arm of a few independent Broadway and off-Broadway plays, including Max Wolf Friedlich's play JOB and Marin Ireland's pre-existing condition. I've also held many different day jobs, including barista, bartender, box office associate, house manager, and executive assitant! I've consistently worked in the independent film scene in New York as well, but am so grateful to be back on the stage, and at APT. APT is a career highlight, I'm excited for what the future holds!

APT: What an array of fabulous experience. Looking at our current season, what roles are you playing? Is there anything in particular about these roles you enjoy?
Joe: I'm playing Andre in Casey and Diana, the first queer-centered story here at APT. I feel so lucky be telling a fictionalized but true story of Casey House, a still-running AIDS hospice center in Toronto, and Andre specifically is so dear to me. I admire his fight and his biting words, because they make his moments of vulnerability and trust so much more rewarding. And I love working opposite the most amazing cast in the Touchstone! I also play Dennis in As You Like It, up on the Hill. I love Dennis' silliness and drive - getting to build a rich world for this small character alongside director Laura Rook was amazing, and I love getting to play and have fun each performance.

APT: I love the different takes on these characters you get to bring to our stages! Could you give us an example of your pre-show routine for a show? Post-show?
Joe: For Casey and Diana, both the amazing LaShawn Banks and I get to the Touchstone about 1/1.5 hours before showtime to start the extensive process of applying our many prosthetics, alongside the incredible Liv, who is always willing to read our astrological chart for the day. After the show, I take off as much glue as I can, but usually I still find glue on me many days later!

APT: Though I'm sure there are many, do you have a favorite APT memory thus far?
Joe: A consistent moment that always brings me joy is the beginning of Act 2 in Casey and Diana (come see the show to find out know why!). But a favorite memory of mine was watching part of an evening rehearsal for As You Like It and seeing the most gorgeous sunset and sky in the background of the forest of Arden - it was magical.

APT: I love that. Getting to perform in the beautiful Wisconsin woods definitely has its perks. As always, I'd like to end with a fun question. Can you give me an example of a time you thought, "I can't believe this is my job."
Joe: I love how many people come see As You Like It in the woods of Wisconsin - it amazes me that I get to perform for such committed and interested audience! And when I get to make them laugh with two of my lines as Dennis, it brings me even more joy.

Laughter is the best medicine. Thank you Joe!

Photo: Michael Brosilow