Spotlight on Steven Epp

Steven Epp in rehearsal for the Shakespeare Theatre Company's 'The Servant of Two Masters,' directed by Christopher Bayes. Photo by Nicole Geldart.

How did you get involved with acting?

I always wanted to be an actor from when I was really young. I went to undergrad for theatre. I then went on to Theatre de la Jeune Lune for 25 years where I was the co-Artistic Director until 2008. Theatre de la Jeune Lune was all about creating our own theatre. It was a great experience.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

I just have to make sure I’m ready for the performance. I stretch, warm up. You have to be ready to play and listen—to go along with the audience and be aware. It’s like having a conversation with them each night.

How do you like playing the role of Truffaldino again?

I love going back to revisit a show. It’s truly a great pleasure. It’s like seeing an old friend. You get a chance to fix things, to take a step further, to get rid of things that didn’t work, to try new things. It’s very rewarding to get the opportunity to explore a show more.

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?

Find the kind of theatre that you love. Find people that you get along really well with and make the theatre that you want to see. You learn by doing so try to get in front of an audience as much as possible.