Very few local actors nowadays are able to consummate the experience of rock and roll with the discipline of theater itself, authoring an emerging theatrical prototype that defies all norms. In fact, most practitioners nowadays would consider them to be polar opposites, save for the occasional contemporary rock musical or performer that finds itself, or himself or herself in the mythology of today’s homogenous theater scene. Jamie Wilson is one of those actors - “rock and roll” both onstage and off. In his words, “I put a little rock and roll in my theater, and a little theater in my rock and roll.”

Rugged, towering, with deep set eyes, Jesus hair, and a slight lisp, Jamie is one of today’s most seasoned theater performers who has had over three decades of stage credits under his belt. Next year, he will be appearing in Repertory Philippines’ Leading Ladies and Jekyll and Hyde. For this THEATERATI exclusive, get to know the man behind the personality as he recalls his very first role ever, his debut as flight director with Repertory Philippines’ Peter Pan, and what it’s like growing up with sister Monique Wilson.

THEATERATI: Tell us a little something about yourself
JAMIE WILSON: I’ve been a professional actor in Philippine Theater for 32 years, having grown up on stage and back stage. At 19, I discovered rock & roll, a love for reading and writing poetry, and more recently a passion for training people in English and Communications. I am a fan of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, and Frank Herbert’s Dune series. I am also a card-carrying member of the Zombie Emergency Response Organization.I put a little rock and roll in my theater, and a little theater in my rock and roll!

Recall to mind your first role. What did you play and how have you grown as an actor since?
My first role was Theo, in Repertory Philippines’ production of Pippin. I was 7 years old at the time. I remember having so much fun being in rehearsals and on stage with Cocoy Laurel! When I was told I got the role, I was ecstatic! But then I found out I had a solo song about my dear old duck who was dying in the play, and my mom was terrified…I, on the other hand, was over the moon!

I don’t remember being scared at all; it was all fun and games, which I think can be attributed to being a child filled with energy and enthusiasm. Now, I get nervous before every show, working against getting older and my memory getting worse, but I think having worked with some very brilliant and amazingly talented people, I’ve picked up a thing or two.

Asides from sharpening my skills as an actor (such as scene analysis, characterization, etc.) I’ve learned that it’s okay to be nervous; in fact it’s natural to be nervous before a show-if you’re not nervous, then you’re not in the zone, and will probably make mistakes. I have also learned how to make my process work with the director’s process, and so while creating a character I open myself to the opportunity to learn something new. The most important thing I keep in my mind and in my heart is this: have fun. It should be fun; that’s why it’s called a play!

What is it about theater that excites you the most?
I love theater for the simple fact that I have a chance to portray and give life to a truth: my character’s truth, and in a bigger sense the director’s vision of the playwright’s truth. And this has led me to a deeper understanding of human nature and our relationships, and in turn a deeper understanding of myself! Plus, it’s a great way to meet girls…

What’s it like growing with your sister (Monique Wilson)?
Growing up with Monique was hard, because at such an early age she knew what she wanted, and she went for it with both barrels. That was for her, a life and career in the theater. She got good grades, she memorized her lines on time, she did everything right. I on the other hand, am a very different person; inevitably this led to a lot of clashes between us. In fact, the only time we see eye to eye is when we’re working on a play! But she’s a great teacher, and it still amazes me what she comes up with or gets into! 

Who would you consider to be your mentor in the theater? And what was the best thing that he or she taught you?
I have many mentors, too many to mention in my 32 years! There was Tito Freddy Santos, Tita Bibot Amador, Tita Baby Barredo, Tita Joy Virata, Bart Guingona, Dodo Lim, Cocoy Laurel, Tita Celia Laurel, Junix Inocian, Miguel Faustmann, Michael Williams, Anton Juan, Judy Ick, Teroy Guzman, Ricky Abad, Ron Capinding, Michael De Mesa, Tito Eddie Rocha, oh, the list goes on and on…everyone I work with has been my mentor at one time or another; I have learned something from each of them. But the one thing that ties them all up is one very simple thing: do your best. Nothing less than your best will do. And get it done, by any means necessary. 

Jamie, as an actor, you’ve been known to have a slight lisp which might be considered a speech impediment and challenge for live theater. And yet you barrel and shine through every performance. How do you overcome it?
Funny I’ve never really noticed my slight lisp, though I have been told this by quite a few people! I just try to do justice to my roles, to the playwright’s message, and be as clear as I can be, and as generous as I can be to my fellow actors. If I kept thinking about my lisp, I wouldn’t be able to do any of these things! Also, I think the lisp gives me character; it makes unique and sets me apart from other actors. I don’t see it as an impediment at all! 

You are now also a fight/flight director, having been responsible for the wonderful flying we saw in Peter Pan. When did that interest of yours first spark?
Growing up, there weren’t many roles for children, so eventually I got involved in the technical side of theater; from selling programs to being a stagehand to a stage manager! Being appointed as Flying Director was an honor for me, and I will forever be thankful to Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jaime Del Mundo for trusting me with this awesome responsibility. Just to see my kids fly every night, and making sure they landed safe and sound, was like being part of the magic that was happening onstage, but bound by the reality of ensuring the safety of my cast. It was exhilarating! I think every actor should know the flipside of being onstage; I believe knowing how everything works backstage will only make one a better actor. This makes you aware of everything being done behind the scenes just for your moment in the spotlight, and it will make you appreciate that moment even more. Thanks also to Brad Allen of Flying By Foy, Las Vegas for thoroughly training me and my team for Peter Pan.

What dream role or production do have yet to fulfill?  
I’ve been asked this many times, and it’s a hard thing to answer; there are so many! But really it boils down to the plays I was in when i was a kid, and too young to play these roles: The Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, the Leading Player in Pippin, and Che in Evita.

If you were to choose one musical to best describe yourself as a person, what would it be? 
Cabaret! A man choosing between good and evil, love and survival, wrong and right…heady stuff! Life isn’t all fun and games, but sometimes the price you have to pay can be too high, but is worth it. Another would be Rent; No Day But Today…need I say more?

Finally, what’s next for you? 
I haven’t been very visible in the theater scene in the past few years, having been terribly busy with a full time job in the corporate world, but I am determined to get back on stage and devote myself to theater again full time! I am appearing in Repertory Philippines’ Leading Ladies and Jeckyl and Hyde in their 2012 season, and hopefully in more productions with other theater companies…it’s a great time to be on stage in Manila!