Julian Shatkin
Actor, Quinn in Off-Broadway's Ashes & Ink
This play is about the complex relationships that develop in a family out of addiction, and how we learn to grow with loved ones who are compromised. My favorite moments are those final 30 seconds of the play... I won’t spoil it!
Where do you go to find inspiration?
I turn to music to find inspiration for this role. Quinn is lost and lonely, and finds comfort in sounds, just like his mother.
In addition to this piece, what else are you working on?
I’m a writer as well as an actor. I have a passion for creating new stories, and working with other creatives and production companies to bring those stories to the stage/screen.
At what age did you start your craft? What inspired you to do so? How do you continue to exercise and grow it?
I began acting at the age of 10. I fell into it through acting classes, and one thing led to the next. I knew I wanted this professionally right away, as soon as I discovered that this job incorporates my greatest interests: People and human behavior.
Have you always been a fan of theater? What was your first show? What is your favorite show?
The first show I remember seeing was actually Parade, by Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown, when I was 4 years old. Insane to see it at that age, but after it was over I gave a standing ovation and my parents remember me yelling, “More show, more show!”
My favorite kind of theater is straight plays about people and relationships. My favorite play is The Humans by Stephen Karam.
Who is the audience for this show, and what would you like them to get out of it?
The audience for this show is everyone, from recovering addicts, to parents and sons, to anyone who has a family they love or hate!
What do you find challenging about this show? How do you like pushing yourself?
I find my character’s battle with trying to pretend everything is fine to be challenging. He’s hurting so badly, and he pushes it to the side.
What is your favorite moment or line from the play?
The final line of the play makes my favorite moment: An acknowledgment between Quinn and Molly, a beautiful understanding.
Who are your collaborators? What do you like about working with them?
I adore this cast and crew. Everyone is so loving and supportive and positive through this gut wrenching emotional story.
What are you most proud of with this production? Or in your life?
I’m most proud of the commitment to this beautiful story that is brought by the cast and crew. Everything was able to fall into place so comfortably in this warm environment.
Julian is NYC native. He went to LaGuardia High School in Manhattan, and then went on to graduate from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He can also juggle and hold a really long handstand. IN: @julianshatkin
