In early August of 2010, Michigan Actress Jamie Weeder and I did an interview. We talked about her recent role in “Patty Hearst: The Musical” and being an actress in Michigan. PeeP This.
Jus Buckingham: Where are you from?
Jamie Weeder: I’m originally from Westland, Michigan, but I’ve lived in Ypsilanti Michigan for so long that it’s starting to feel like home. That perfect mix of poverty level and charm with a pinch of irony. Kinda like me.
Jus: How did you get into acting?
Jamie: I was the title role in “The Littlest Christmas Tree” in grade school. I was given the role primarily due to my height. Ever since than it’s been a focus for me. I take it seriously, but not too seriously. Actors who talk about their “craft” as a gift given to them from above and how it’s their responsibility to share it with the rest of the world… that shit bothers me. Who knows, maybe I just don’t get it. All I know is that I do it ’cause it’s fun.
Jus: What is your back-ground as an actress?
Jamie: All throughout my schooling I was involved in theatre I was never, EVER, the ingenue. Always the character actor… at first I found it bothersome and let it hurt my ego, but soon enough I realized it was more my preference anyhow. A challenge. Who wants to play the girl next door? I am the girl next door. So yes throughout high school, college (Eastern Michigan University). And when I graduated I auditioned around, locally and professionally in Michigan. Been incredibly lucky to have been constantly involved in a project.
Jus: Do you prefer Theatre? If not what is your favorite medium as an actress?
Jamie: I love theatre, but I can’t say I prefer it above, say, film… I haven’t enough experience with film. I would love to audition more (since I’ve graduated I became signed with both The I Group and the Talent shop, the two Michigan SAG affiliated agents) but haven’t gotten much opportunity to audition due to my 9am-5pm job. To be a full-time actor is a full-time job. These agents call you and want you to come to an audition in an hour. When you have a 9 to 5, you just can’t. I have a 9 to 5 to support my PM theatre commitments. It’s tit for tat, I suppose. Maybe one day…
Jus: Who are your main influences as an actress?
Jamie: Peter Sarsgaard, Robert DeNiro. Charlie Chaplin! Parker Posey, Catherine O’Hara. Laura Linney, Mary-Louise Parker. Comedy is hard and women are rarely funny. Comedic actresses are my heroes.
Jus: Do you have any strange audition stories?
Jamie: I’ve been auditioning a lot lately and auditioning is always strange for me. One in particular comes to mind, however. It was at a callback for the role of “Lula” in Dutchman by Amiri Baraka. The director had some highly sexual things going on at the callback, which if you know the script, you know that it is inevitable. I found it very difficult to keep my composure, however, when the actor opposite my lap-dance developed a raging boner that he thought he might be able to hide by tenderly pushing it down with two fingers every few seconds.
Jus: What are a few things you are enjoying about the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor scene as an actress?
Jamie: It’s a small community! This is good and bad. I have a lot of pals out here. Everyone knows everyone and everyone’s business. There is a pretty distinct Detroit scene also. There are a handful of actors that work both. I’m trying to break into more of the Detroit scene.
Jus: What was the best/most rewarding show you’ve done to date?
Jamie: That’s hard to say. I think every show is rewarding in their own way. When I think back at shows that really REALLY changed me, it was always a while ago. That’s when I realized I was “in deep” as it were. That I have been doing this for so long, that it’s the only thing I feel as if I have any authority with knowing anything about. Short of being as asshole and saying “it would be a disservice to the community for me not to act”, I do think it would be illogical to start a new career path now. Plus, I’m not even thinking linearly enough to answer your questions. How could I be a pharmacist? So yes, probably “Lula” in Dutchman.
Jus: Tell me about your latest musical “Patty Hearst.”
Jamie: It was crazy good times. A musical, written, composed and directed by local artistic director and playwright Barton Bund with the Blackbird Theatre. He’s been a mentor of mine since I met him. He really took me under his wing and provided me with such great outlets. We really vibe together as artists as well. The musical was about Patricia Hearst and her “misadventures” with the SLA the real-life story. Her kidnapping, her eventual joining of the SLA and ensuing bank robberies, legal battles. It was crazy difficult. Playing a real life person. But such good times great cast, great choreographer Brian Carbine.
Jus: What music are you listening to?
Jamie: JUS BUCKINGHAM! Not even kidding. My iPod is chock full. Also lyaz “Replay” has been stuck in my mind for almost a year.
Jus: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Jamie: Hopefully I’m still alive! Maybe saw/seeing a bit more of the world. Maybe have an MFA and a little less debt!
Jus: When it’s all said and done, what would you have liked to accomplish?
Jamie: I’d like to do something different. Something no one else has really done. But most of all, just want to be happy. I think to be able to do what you love to do, is reason enough to celebrate. As long as I’m moving forward, I’m happy.
Jus: Is there anything you want to plug? Upcoming shows or shout-outs?
Jamie: I’m going to plug myself. I’m looking for work next year! Looking to move forward! Hit me up with opportunities, y’all!
Contact Jamie At:
jameiweeder@gmail.com
