Sebastian Stan
Actor

Recent Grad Prepares for Broadway Debut

The résumé of Sebastian Stan reads more like that of a seasoned actor than a recent college grad. From an appearance on Law & Order to roles in independent films and Hollywood studio movies, Stan is quickly making his mark as a versatile new talent.

Now, Stan adds the Broadway show Talk Radio to his growing list of credits. The play, starring Tony Award-winner Liev Schreiber as a controversial radio personality whose sharp tongue and strong opinions dominate his radio show, takes a poignant look at the world of late-night talk shows.

Stan plays Kent, a "young punk rocker" whose phone calls to the live broadcast rile its host. "The play takes place in the '80s, so it's a bit of a stretch for me," he admits, noting that he grew up in Romania and Vienna before moving with his family to Rockland County, New York, 12 years ago. "I've spent a lot of time learning about the punk movement and thinking about how that culture may have influenced Kent."

Stan's previous acting roles are starkly different from his current endeavor. While a sophomore at Rutgers, he landed a part in an episode of Law & Order, which he filmed during summer break. That experience confirmed Stan's desire to act professionally. He also felt encouraged by his classmates and Rutgers professors, including acting instructors Deborah Headwall (whom he has worked with since high school) and Kevin Kittle. "They have truly been mentors to me, and provided so much support." The following summer, he starred as Johnny in the film version of Tina 'n Tony's Wedding. "I was fortunate to line up some early work during school breaks," he says.

Since then, he has played a wide array of characters in both independent and studio films. In the 2006 supernatural thriller, The Covenant, Stan is an intriguing—and villainous—prep school transfer student with special powers. The film, which features Hollywood-style special effects and stunts, did well in the box office, particularly with the teen movie crowd. In his other 2006 film, The Architect, Stan takes on a much more serious role as a college student struggling with his sexual identity.

So why did Stan make the move from TV and film to theater?

"I believe in the fundamentals of the theater. Theater represents some of the best work out there," he says. His appreciation of the genre comes in part from his classical training at the Rutgers Conservatory at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. The year-long program not only provides students with world-class theater training and actual performances at the Globe, but also immerses them in cultural experiences that deepen their appreciation for the arts. The opportunity had a major impact on Stan. He cites Program Director Barbara Marchant (who is also head of the bachelor of fine arts acting program) as one of the biggest influences in his career and life. "She taught me so much about what it means to be an actor," he says.

Although it has taken Stan some time to get into his current Talk Radio character, he was already familiar with the show's playwright, Eric Bogosian. As part of his Rutgers audition, he performed a monologue from Suburbia, another Bogosian play. Later, he worked on a Rutgers production of the play.

"I loved everything about that work, and felt a real kinship with the characters," he says. So when Stan heard about an off-Broadway revival after graduation, he auditioned. "I thought I would be a natural," he says. Stan was crushed when he did not get the part, but he began attending acting workshops led by Bogosian and his wife, director Jo Bonney. Bogosian remembered him and invited him to the Talk Radio audition.

Since winning the role, Stan has focused on getting ready for his Broadway debut. In addition to attending daily rehearsals, he takes his work home with him each night.

"I am always thinking about the play, reviewing the day's work and focusing on the next day," he says. It's a method he has learned in part from director Robert Falls. "The play is very collaborative. The cast is small and although it centers on one main character, the director makes sure to include everyone in the creative process on a daily basis."

He initially felt a bit intimidated working with well-established actors like Liev Schreiber, but says he now realizes that "I had to get over the fact that all of my scenes were with this incredible talent [Schreiber]." Once he did that, the learning began. "It has been an incredible educational experience to simply witness Liev Schreiber's process and see him work through the play. I am so grateful for that opportunity. It is helping me grow as a performer," he says.

Although Stan is taking a short break from TV and film during his Broadway run, he can still be found on the big screen. Stan stars in The Education of Charlie Banks, the directorial debut of musician Fred Durst.