Name: Joel T. BauerHometown: Oak Creek, WI
Education: University of Michigan, BFA in Musical Theatre
Select Credits:Friends And Relations at the June Havoc Theatre, Loaded at Theatre Row, original cast of The Boys Upstairs at FringeNYC/Fringe Encores, and the webseries Conversations "With My Ex".
Why theater?: Because it gives you the rare opportunity to bring people together, and to exchange ideas with them directly and in real time. To connect with a group of strangers, sharing an experience that can give them a much needed break from their real lives, while at the same time perhaps teaching them about themselves, the world around them, and their place within that world. Plus it's FUN.
Who do you play in Providence?: Trevor, a lovable lunatic, seeking resolution through some pretty interesting outlets.
Tell us about Providence: Providence is about a group of strangers who get stuck in a bus station in the middle of a rain storm, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the 90's. It's a group of people who are all at different times in their lives, seeking different things, which can cause some serious conflict when you think of the eclectic range of characters you will find at a bus station. It's a great ensemble piece about people who are stuck and trying to get somewhere, both literally and figuratively.
What is it like being a part of Providence?: Well most of the cast has been with the piece throughout most of its development (I just joined the team recently), so it's great to come into something that is already so fully developed, while at the same time bringing some new energy to the piece. It's a great group of talented actors, so I'm having a blast!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Something that makes me think and feel things, but also makes me laugh. I like to laugh. I'm pretty inspired by my friends and peers; seeing their great work makes me think if they can do it, I can too! I also just read the book CREATIVITY INC, and it made me feel all kinds of inspired to create good art.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I would love to play Adam in Next Fall. I saw Patrick Breen do it on Broadway, and was sobbing uncontrollably during the curtain call. It was one of my finer moments.
What’s your favorite showtune?: My most recent favorite is Whitney Bashor KILLING IT in "Another Life" from Bridges Of Madison County. Unfuckingreal.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I mean, Mark Rylance would be pretty cool, no?
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Jake Johnson, starring in "Don't Mind Him, He's Probably Drunk."
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I just saw Booty Candy at Playwrights Horizons, and enjoyed it immensely. Go see it.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Right now, it may or may not be Taylor Swift, "Shake it Off". Maybe..
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: HGTV. Hands down. It's a problem.
What’s up next?: The webseries "BROTHERS" and the new Oxygen TV show "My Crazy Love". Set your DVRs!