Spotlight on Patrick Page: Acting Edition
In Theatre Trip’s “Spotlight On” series, we’re chatting with some of the most inspiring people in the theatre industry. And today we’re doing a special feature on Patrick Page – an award-winning Broadway actor, playwright, teacher, and founder of the Patrick Page Acting Studio.
Patrick Page has been all over Broadway, but you probably best know him as Hades from Hadestown, for which he has also just received a Tony Award nomination for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical”!
To name just a couple of his many other achievements, Patrick also originated the role of The Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the role of Frollo in the US premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Long story short, Patrick Page is a legend in the making. Some have even named him “The Villain of Broadway”, and we got the chance to have a chat with him!
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What was it that initially inspired you to step into the theatre world?
“My father was an actor and a director.”
Have you ever had to play a role that you weren’t exactly comfortable with? Or a role that was particularly challenging?
“I had some initial inner resistance to playing Val in Casa Valentina, which was why I was dying to do it. I learned how much of my own “maleness” is a performance.”
Do you or did you ever have a mentor (imaginary or real)?
“Many. Jack Freimann, Steven Berkoff, Frank Langella, Michael Kahn—to name several.”
How does it feel to be a part of Hadestown at this moment in time?
“It feels like I won the lottery.”
Can you share a bit with us about how you typically get into character for Hades?
“I close the door of my dressing room. Warm up. Put on my costume and makeup. Look in the mirror. Then I sing an extraordinary song Dave Malloy wrote for Ahab in “Moby Dick.” I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s one of the most amazing songs I’ve ever heard. It energizes me emotionally and psychologically, and puts my voice in the perfect place.”
Would you say that you and Hades have anything in common?
“Yes. Hades is deeply insecure, afraid of being unmasked, in love with his wife, and playing a role to hide his fears. All this is true of me.”
What do you enjoy most about being a stage actor?
“The newness of each performance.”
Do you have any tips for taking care of your voice?
“Daily vocalization. Hydration. Work with a coach who knows more than you do.”
“Do it. Everywhere. Make your own work. Never stop acting. Push yourself outside your comfort zone. If you are comfortable, you are never going to succeed.”
What advice would you give those who are just starting out with acting?
“Do it. Everywhere. Make your own work. Never stop acting. Push yourself outside your comfort zone. If you are comfortable, you are never going to succeed.”
Why do you think people should go see Hadestown?
“I believe it is the most beautiful new musical I have become aware of since Hamilton.”
What did you think of this interview with Patrick Page?
Are any of you working as or aspiring to be an actor or actress? We would love to hear all about what you’re up to in the comments below! And in the meantime, you can check out even more of our exciting theatre interviews with other inspiring people in the industry!
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*The featured image of Patrick Page and Reeve Carney in Hadestown is by Matthew Murphy.
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.