Meet the cast of "Twelfth Night": Daniel Gray

Daniel Gray (photo by Caroline V. Sturtz

Daniel is no stranger to Shakespeare. Last year he stole several scenes in TLT's Much Ado About Nothing. This year he returns as Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, the drunken and mischievous uncle to the much sought after Lady Olivia. Sir Toby and his friends set about playing a prank on the controlling and self-important Malvolio, and their antics put the comedy in this romantic comedy.

Meet Daniel Gray

Tell us a little about who you are when you're not on stage.

I work for Hewlett-Packard as an electronic data specialist supporting Florida Medicaid's fiscal system. Outside of work, I'm an avid gamer and movie buff and do some freelance writing from time to time.

How did you first get involved in theatre?

When I was three, I used to listen to Disney records and then act out the stories for my family.  I've always been somewhat of a ham, I guess, but I'd inevitably clam up around strangers.  It wasn't until I got to junior high that I was able to overcome that, joining the Thespians and performing in little one act plays.  In 9th grade, I performed in a school production of Grease and I was hooked

What do you love most about acting?

The act of collaboration is inspiring.  Creating not only characters, but interpretations and presentations of stories and putting your own spin on them. The best moments for me are when I am able to discover something new in a character or a scene with another actor. That link - that moment - creates a strong bond that simply cannot be quantified.

What has been the most challenging aspect of this show for you?

Finding a balance! Toby is a drunk, but he is also a noble. He's a schemer, but he's also the fun-loving life of the party. The physical aspect of the character also caught me off guard. There's drunken singing, dancing and sword-fighting to go with the comedy.  I'm often sore after rehearsals, but its a good pain.

What would you say to encourage someone to try acting.

Go for it!  Read up on the audition process, ask questions, but don't ever be discouraged. It's a completely different experience than the every day, and you might just discover something about yourself.

There are only three performance of Twelfth Night left! Get your tickets now!