Hometown: Dell Rapids, South Dakota
Education: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting, Michigan State University
Select Credits:#ReganCross (Law Cross, Off Broadway), Good Boys and True (Brandon), As You Like It (Orlando), Blood Brothers (Mickey), The Full Monty (Ethan), and Macbeth (Malcolm). TV/Film: HBO's "The Normal Heart" w/ Mark Ruffalo, "Smash", and multiple music videos and commercials.
Why theater?: Why NOT? :) It's definitely my current favorite of all the mediums (although TV and film are a close 2nd). There's a certain magic or sanctity to it. It's ephemeral. It's live...anything can happen. It brings people together to have a conversation, or at least to spark thoughts and challenge our lives. Sometimes theatre is a form of entertainment or escape. It serves so many purposes, but the important part is that it SERVES the audience and the cast, crew, everyone.
Tell us about Barcode:Barcode is about so much: the government, activism, forbidden love, and our not-so-distant future. The audience will witness a world in which humans have become almost robotic, drone-like products or corporations. Everyone is tattooed with a barcode from birth, and the government controls them. Love doesn't exist. The idea might seem extreme, but it sheds light on current issues and predicts what could happen if we don't start having conversations about where our society is headed. And, quite honestly...it's FUN! It might seem like scary material, but the show presents it in an accessible and fun way.
What is it like being a part of Barcode?: Incredible. The cast and creative team are very talented and full of positive energy. We've only known each other for about two weeks, but we already have a close bond. I think our director, Joe Barros, and the music are to credit for that. The music really seems to bring us together. It takes us to a place where we can be focused and grounded.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I am most drawn to any piece that places its characters in difficult or impossible situations.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Hamlet (cliche, I know), Claude in Hair, Elder Price...just a few that come to mind.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Right now? "We Believe in Love" from Barcode. I get teary-eyed every time I hear or sing the lyric "We need time full of laughter and time full of love right now...carry the dream like a balloon on a string when you walk."
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: HA! Well, I'd want to play myself, I suppose! It would probably be called "Shenanigans" and it would be about all the weird/crazy/unexpected things that I've witnessed happen in NYC.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I recently saw Choir Boy. I was so moved by the show...the story, the conflicted characters, the repression, the history, the honest performances, and the way they used the music. If you haven't seen that show yet, hurry, because it's leaving NYC soon!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Dunkin Donuts ice coffee. HA! And during the fall...anything pumpkin-flavored.
What’s up next?: I will be playing the role of John in the play "Cock" at Theatre Exile in Philadelphia. It opens in October!
For more on Wes, visit www.weshaskell.com. To learn more about Barcode, visit http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Futuristic-Rock-Musical-BARCODE-to-Play-FringeNYC-Begin-89-20130802