Interview with Josh Epstein

Interviewer Ed Farolan

Josh Espstein
Josh Epstein

Josh Epstein plays Sir Robin, Brother Maynard, the French Taunter, and a few others in the Arts Club production of Spamalot from May 8 to 29 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Below is an email interview with him.

 How did you get involved with Spamalot?

Dean Paul Gibson, the show's director, had a conversation with me about a year ago about the potential of doing Spamalot. Dean and I met almost 15 years ago when I worked on his professional directing debut (The Two Gentlemen of Verona) and he’s been a great mentor to me ever since. I got very interested in the role of Robin and the French Taunter, then started doing some research. I wanted to go on this journey with the Knights of the Roundtable; live the dream so to speak.

 

Could you give me a brief bio of your professional work?

I’ve been a professional actor since I was 9! At the Arts Club, I was in shows including Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata, The Producers, Beauty and the Beast, Funny Girl, Marvin’s Room, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for which I received a Jessie Award. Later this year, my film company with Kyle Rideout, Motion 58, will be releasing its first feature film Eadweard, with support from Telefilm and Superchannel. Our second film, Public-Schooled, will shoot later this year with support from the CFC, Telefilm, the NSI, and the WFF. I’ve also starred in shows across the country, and recently appeared in two seasons at The Stratford Festival in The Grapes of Wrath, Titus Andronicus, Cymbeline, The Matchmaker and won the John Hirsh Award for most promising actor.

 

What do you think is different about this production comparing it to other shows you've been in?

The fun! It is a non-stop laugh riot. Every time I tell someone I’m playing the French Taunter they start quoting him, so obviously I have big mustaches to fill. We’re also so busy in the show! Every time we’re not on stage we’re changing armour, wigs, mustaches, all while singing off stage.

 

What part do you play? Are you happy with your character in this show?

I play Sir Robin, Brother Maynard, the French Taunter, and a few others.  I love the parts I play, especially the French Taunter. I get to say and do many naughty, dirty things, and maybe even throw a stuffed cow at people…you will have to come see.

 

What future plans do you have in your acting career?

I’m going to be producing and writing my second film later this year and I’m developing some TV projects as well. I will be directing my first play in Ontario in May 2015, Stop The World I Want To Get Off.

© 2014 Ed Farolan