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Theater alumnus performs first Broadway role
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An alumnus has become one of Texas State’s rising stars as he takes on his first Broadway role.
Demond Green, an alumnus from the theater department will be playing the role of “TJ” on Broadway’s first production of Sister Act.
Green found his calling to be an actor at the age of four while staying up late watching The Jeffersons. He was enamored by the characters in the show and wanted a “piece of the pie” when he realized performing on film was a legitimate career.
“I had no clue just how you were supposed to be an actor, but I knew it was what I wanted, “ Green said. “I even wrote to Bill Cosby asking him if I could be on his show. I mean, no clue.”
Green moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career after his graduation in 2003 without much money or a place to stay. He pushed through by booking two-week summer gigs in the ensemble of a regional show, temp jobs and waiting for “the next big thing” to happen.
“I seriously contemplated quitting the business, but there was nothing else that I was any good at, and certainly nothing else that I felt as passionate about,” Green said.
Three years after his move to the big city marked a turning point for Green as the gaps between jobs began to decrease.
Green has been seen on Off-Broadway productions, Neil LaBute’s Romance, and The Toxic Avenger for which he received a Drama Desk nomination in 2009.
Broadway Theatre’s Sister Act is based on the movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. The story tells of a young and aspiring diva, Deloris Van Cartier, who is caught in a dilemma when she witnesses her boyfriend commit murder. She goes into hiding in a convent and discovers her personality does not sit well with the lifestyle the convent requires.
Green’s Broadway rehearsals have demanded a daily eight-hour schedule for four weeks and three weeks of tech rehearsals.
Theatre senior lecturer Jay Jennings remembers Green as a student at Texas State.
“There was a graceful ease in everything he did onstage,” Jennings said. “He has a very expressive face that makes audiences laugh. He’s one of those people with inbred qualities that attract an audience.”
Steve Maihack, Green’s agent from Stewart Talent, agrees.
“We were huge fans instantly,” Maihack said. “He’s a fantastic creature of the theatre. What’s different about him is that he’s extremely smart at his brand of comedy. People will aimlessly say that they’re reminded of young Tracy Morgan, but Demond is Demond.”
Green suggests to fellow Bobcats following the same path to be true to themselves. He said an individual’s best contribution to the world is their unique personality and perspective, and if an aspiring actor is born for the stage, they will make it in show business.
Green is working alongside director and four-time Tony winner, Jerry Zaks and producer Whoopi Goldberg. Sister Act opened Wednesday in New York.
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