Travis Stroessenreuther - Q&A

Role:
Adult Male (Understudy)

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

It's hard not to be jazzed by ”Totally F***ed.” The energy that pours off that stage is just incredible. I find, though, that there are smaller, more intimate moments that sometimes just catch me off guard and really affect me on different nights. The scene between Moritz and Ilse, for example, gets me nearly every night.

What inspires you to play the role?

As the adult male, I really enjoy the challenge of making each character genuine and human. I think the trap can be to play stereotypes of the characters rather than the characters themselves. There HAS to be something to grab on to for the audience. If every character in the “Adult World' is just awful and there is no redeeming quality, who cares? There has to be something tangible and sympathetic about each and every one of those characters.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

The theatres have been beautiful and the energy from each new audience has been tremendous. You really remember that it's their first time.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

I'm sure it's been mentioned already, but we had a fellow onstage in Wichita that got a little too, what's the word, exuberant? He began to stand and sway and, during “Totally F***ed,” began dancing and banging on the chairs. As he began to step into the playing area, our head carpenter smoothly went onto the stage and escorted him off. He was probably harmless, but you just can't take that chance.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage?

Please see above!

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

The understudies that have gone on have been tremendous! They've really come through wonderfully and it's been a joy to see. Also, it really makes the rest of the cast step up their game as well because of that new energy that is onstage. Really amazing. As the Adult Male understudy, I haven't had the opportunity to go on yet. I hope to in the Spring.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

It's interesting. I'm not generally a musical theatre guy, but here I am on a national tour of a musical. I'm trained as an improv comedian and a classical actor. I would absolutely LOVE to be in a production of The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Abridged!