When most people think of Victor Frankenstein's assistant they probably imagine a hunchbacked and hideous Igor. But in Mary Shelley's classic, Victor's assistant was his friend Henry. Jonathan Clow brings Henry to life in TLT's Frankenstein, playing three final performances this weekend.
Jonathan isn't a stranger to the TLT stage. He, along with Frankenstein's Scott Mock previously played the devious duo of Borachio and Conrad in last year's Much Ado About Nothing. He's also been seen in Cabaret, Quincy's production of Sweet Charity, and TCC's Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.
Tell us a little about who you are when you're not on stage.
Currently I'm a student through the Pennsylvania State University's World Campus studying homeland security. I also work as a tech at a local fitness studio and try to stay involved in the local theatres when I can.
How did you first get involved in theater?
I'm sure the simple answer is to say something like "elementary school productions" but I have a feeling those turned me away from theater in the long run. Instead, I stumbled upon Theatre Strike Force, a student-run improv comedy group at UF that was open to everyone on campus. After seeing one of their shows and how much fun it seemed to be, I knew I wanted to get involved. One semester of participation led me to take my first acting classes just before I graduated. After returning home, I got in touch with some friends in the community who led me to start auditioning and taking classes under Naomi Rose-Mock two years ago. Several classes and auditions later, I've been supremely lucky to be a member of five shows so far and work with so many wonderful people!
What do you love most about acting?
Creating characters and stories. The story may be written but it's up to you to tell it, and how you tell it is different from anyone else. Your character is a extension of yourself and they'll tell a different story within the story than another character at any time. Creating these characters, through changing movements, adding accents, and adding costumes really helps to give perspective on the lives of those around you and where you fit into the stories that you see and play a part in every day, even as you tell your part of an ongoing story on the stage! Really being able to adopt another personality for a brief time provides a fantastic experience by delving into the "what ifs" of that life that truly allows you to live a part of a story as you never could before.
What drew you to Frankenstein?
Shelley's Frankenstein is the classic tale of one man's struggles to achieve greatness through science and the terrible tale of science gone wrong. It combats several themes on many levels, and above all makes us ask and wonder "what truly is human," which is a question I think important especially in this day and age.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this show for you?
Every show, cast, and directing staff is different and do things differently, so it all takes some adjusting to really get into. It has definitely been the case with this show, where time management really is a necessity since the show is very intense. It's always an initial challenge, and definitely the hardest, but once everything is out of the way and you can really put yourself into the show it really takes a life of its own.
What would you say to encourage someone to try acting?
Just do it! Everyone brings something different, including you, and every director knows that. Show up with your best and you'll leave the best impression you can. If you don't get pulled for what you were looking for don't be discouraged. Just keep trying, learning, and adapting and you'll find roles that you'd never have imagined you would do. Don't be afraid to be involved even if you don't have a role, either. Working backstage provides another perspective to the action and provides just as important of a role to the players and audience as the players themselves and everyone appreciates the help!
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| Scott Mock (left) and Jonathan Clow in Frankenstein |
Watch the Trailer!
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