IMFourPlay

Chase's raw energy and palpable excitement were a large asset in last season's production of FourPlay, and as such, we're glad to have him back in the company. A gifted vocalist and instrumentalist, Chase is retiring from his former part-time role as guitarist in the FourPlay band so that he can devote all his attention and passion to the stage. I invited Chase to join me on the seesaw at Wekiva Springs for some hotdogs, cherry soda and a little reflection on what it was like to be back in the heat of FourPlay.

Current favorite musical: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Current favorite improv game: Narrative Collage

DC: Chase, if there was anyone in all of Florida who was more anxious than I was to remount FourPlay it was undoubtedly you!! What is it about this particular project that so speaks (or should I say sings) to you?

CP: Hmmm good question. Well I have only done short form improv [prior to FourPlay] and this gives me a great chance to stretch my improv muscles in a way that I don't get elsewhere. I get to do things that I just wouldn't normally do. That, and I had such great memories from last year.

DC: Yes, you definitely created some crazy and memorable characters in the last run at SAK. Do any of them stand out as personal favorites?

CP: Another good question. Well, I have two that stand out for me. The most memorable would be Curtis Jackson, the old wise blues player, and the unnamed angry Dad that berated anyone he could. The former character was the only time I have ever been applauded while the scene was still going.

DC: I remember both of those characters well too. You clearly had a great chemistry with the audience and unquestionably have music in your blood. In fact, you’re in the final stages of your music degree at UCF (my competition institution, but I won’t hold it against you). Tell us a little about your capstone project (and feel free to say some nice things about Rollins College while you’re at it!)

CP: Great question once again. Did you come up with these yourself or did someone help you? Well my capstone project, at the time of this posting, will be me just learning a bunch of songs. Not classical standards but pop tunes that I could play in bars or restaurants. Song knowledge is one of my weaker areas and I need to fix that.

DC: That sounds like a great project. I believe that you’re the youngest member of the company (though some might want the audience to think otherwise!) As you look down the road, where do you see improv going, or, perhaps, where would you like to see it going in your career?

CP: This question is pretty standard so I guess you came up with these on your own. I had hoped for more David. Anyway I want to move when I graduate and try improv in either Chicago or New York. I have also given thought to teaching guitar or music in elementary school.

DC: I'm so sorry to disappoint you with that last question. Perhaps if you were more interesting, it wouldn't have been so difficult... No, please... stop crying. It was a knee-jerk reaction. I didn't mean to be so defensive. No, seriously, Chase, if you keep sobbing like that... Come on! Come back to the seesaw - it's no fun without you...!

To learn more about Chase, go to his house and ask him questions.