Spotlight on... Lucas Kavner '06.5

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From the dark deputy head in "Cinders" to the front-man for campus band The Easy Answers, Lucas Kavner '06.5 delivered acclaimed performances on both the musical and theatrical stage. The Middlebury Campus checks in with the man who won over Wright Theatre and pumped-up party-goers at Pearsons during his four years at Middlebury.

The Middlebury Campus: What projects are you currently working on?

Lucas Kavner: I'm kind of between a lot of different things right now and a little bit all over the map. After doing Potomac Theater Project in New York last summer, I did a couple (for lack of better word) "crappy" plays in the fall that weren't the best experiences. I found out pretty quick that since I wasn't a member of the Actor's Equity union I was going to have a hard time getting seen for acting auditions here in the city. Luckily, this has led me to pursue a lot of random projects. I'm starting to get into comedy a bit more - I do improv at the People's Improv Theatre and with a new group I'm a part of, and have done a bunch of short videos and Web series that have been really fun. One of them aired on Current TV - Al Gore's network. I'm working on some things with Perry Blackshear, a Midd alum who's in his first year at NYU film school. I'm also doing this yearlong project with a company based in Austin, Tex. called Refraction Arts - they do these site specific art and video installations and collaborate with high school kids in Texas - and I'm going back down there for about a week every few months to work on that. There's a couple other things on the horizon but I don't want to jinx them too early. I tend to jinx things.

TC: What have been the challenges and rewards of working in NYC?

LK: I'd say the expense of New York certainly puts a damper in many plans that I've had. Did you know sandwiches could cost $7000? Well, they can! It's crazy. It's certainly been a challenge to manage a consistent day job while, at the same time, trying to make a career in the arts. I've also had the most hilariously bad luck with apartments in the city. Back in September I had an insane landlord who literally threatened to kill me and my roommate with his bare hands after we left a bicycle in the hallway, and then he managed to extort a whole bunch of money from us. We only ended up living in his apartment for three weeks. And, recently, I was without heat and hot water for a good two months or so. That was fun. If anything, I'll be able to write a memoir in ten years called "How to Get Screwed By Landlords for No Apparent Reason." It'll be a bestseller. But, of course, the reward is to be in the epicenter of the arts. I love being able to go see a musical about American Revolution-era vampires set to the music of Paula Abdul one night, and then see a great concert the next. While I find myself missing Vermont fairly often, New York is at once the most intimidating and inspiring place I could probably be right now.

TC: Where do you find inspiration?

LK: Mostly Starbucks. But, also, the comedy scene's been really inspiring here. It's been great to meet people who can now make a living doing improv or Web films or videos and to see that it's legitimately possible. There's a really close-knit comedy community here, it seems. While it certainly gets cutthroat at times, people generally love what they're doing, and a lot of things seem tangible. Again, bringing back that Paula Abdul Vampire musical - those guys have made a living making completely out there, insane, hilarious stuff. I just auditioned for their next project, which is a puppet/live-action/ rock musical. Maybe they'll subconsciously inspire me to write my own epic tale. Perhaps dealing with cannibals during the Spanish American War. Set to the music of New Kids on the Block.

TC: What are your favorite Middlebury Theatre Department memories?

LK: Getting a ticket for running a stop sign in Fitchburgh, Mass. during the American College Theatre Festival! That was awesome. Honestly, I loved being a part of Middlebury theatre. It's a great community and lasts well into the "real world" as well. I've met lots of wonderful Midd alums through the Theatre Department that are great contacts to have in the city. As far as department memories. I'd have to say "The Pillowman" was the best theatrical experience I've had, for many reasons. We were thrown for tons of loops and I think we handled them well and put on the show we wanted to put on. There was a real team atmosphere to that whole project.
"The Pillowman" was an example of finding a script that we loved, going through lots - lots - of logistical hurdles, working hard and having an end product that everyone involved was really proud of. I could do that play with that same cast forever, probably.

TC: Are you planning on returning to Middlebury for further collaborations, or are your college days over?

LK: "Pillowman 2: The Nightcap" is scheduled for next January. It's a psychological romp through the jagged mind of Daniel Di Tomasso. Otherwise, no, at this point I don't have anything planned. I do like the idea of coming back one day to teach a class or act in another show, though. I really miss Vermont. I think I said that already. Maybe I can sleep in my old Cider Mill Road barn. There's probably still a couch or two in there. Also, there are mice.