James Rowe Interview by Jen Bush

The American Theatre of Actors is a landmarked institution known for nurturing new artists and putting on quality theatrical productions.  In its 47^th season, the multi award winning founder, president and artistic director not only wrote a new play but will be directing it as well. 

Romance With Orion is a one-act play dealing with three generations of family.  With technology dividing them, they’re barely on the same page.  Will the grandfather be able to pass his wisdom down the line?  See the play and find out!  In the meantime, we had the opportunity to have a chat with one of the talented members of the cast.  Anna Medley graciously talked to us about this production and her journey as an artist.

We had the opportunity to talk with James Rowe about his experience in this production and about his artistry.

Mr. Rowe’s creative process is multi-faceted and is adaptable based on which character he is portraying in a production.  “I play Francis. Who is a son, husband, and father in the play. My creative process constantly changes from character to character, however there are certain steps I take in preparing for roles that stay consistent. Memorizing the lines as well as finding out why my character does what he does is a big first step. From their finding his vocal tones and physical nature are a high level of priority. Going further in the process there seems to be great deviations for developing the rest of the character.” 

Technology is essential yet can be harmful in some ways.  Mr. Rowe has some very wise insights on the topic.  “Technology is something that is necessary for the evolution of the world and the United States for that matter. Ceasing to continue with the evolution of our technology would result in falling behind a continuous race of National Security, health, knowledge, and economic prosperity. However, there are some substantial downsides. One being the dopamine circuits our brain has evolved with over the past two hundred thousand plus years, and the damage social media and other platforms do to these circuits. Causing depression, suicide, and drug abuse to climb to an all time high. Especially in young people. In virtue of this taking place, families and relationships have suffered. With a lot of people’s brains being hacked to pay attention to a screen, rather than their loved ones.” 

Mr. Rowe recognizes the important part elders play in our lives.  “I think it’s very important to listen to anyone, especially elders. With a lifetime of knowledge, elders teach us about the history of the world; time periods, war, politics, morals, ethics.  Anyone that has lived a lot of life is worth talking to, and learning from. I’m grateful to have some amazing figures in my life that do just that for me.”  

Mr. Rowe has had a very positive experience working with the ATA.  He joins the ranks of many other happy and fulfilled artists who have worked with this honored institution.  “Working at ATA is one of the great pleasures of being an actor in New York City.  A place to hone your craft in such a legendary environment is something I will always be grateful for.  James Jennings is a true pioneer, and thanks to his countless hours of hard work and dedication he has put into ATA, it remains one of the last great theaters in New York today.”

Romance with Orion
Written and Directed by James Jennings
Aug 23-Sept 3
$25
American Theatre of Actors
315 West 54^th Street
New York, NY 10019