Anthony J. James attended school at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and has been working as professional actor for almost four years. He started in theatre as a kid, got an agent who got him into commercials, then tv, and now mostly acts in indie films. He is playing the role of CB in Dog Sees God.
Here are his answers to our little virtual chat:
Q: Is this your first show with Live Arts Theatre?
A: Yes.
Q: Name two fun facts about you.
A: I’m afraid of being alone in the dark, and I like cheese in my PB&J sandwiches
Q: . What is your dream acting role?
A: The role I am doing next. The one I haven’t met yet.
Q: What attracted you to Dog Sees God?
A: My best friend said it would be up my alley. I trust her opinion over my own most days. Reading at the audition I recalled reading possibly the same script while on tour for a different play years before when in high school. I believe the title was different though, but who knows?
Q: If you could be a comic book character, what one would you be?
A: Either Spiderman, or Superman. I like those characters, or possibly super heroes in general, but don’t we all? It’s just, they don’t really fit in this world or even their own, but they have so much to give. I feel like I can relate to them.
Q: How does your character compare to you (similarities and differences)?
A: CB experiences what it is to lose someone, not know yourself and what you want. He learns what it’s like to feel love and passion, and then have it ripped away. We’ve all gone through that as teenagers, and if you haven’t, you will. I can compare to feeling, and living.
As for our differences? Well, I’ve always felt that I have known what I want. Who I am now, who I will be later, and who I have been in the past. Just like CB’s story, sometimes even the most sure people can be proven a new lesson though.
Q: Dog Sees God is based a beloved comic strip, and we get a look of what might happens when life gets real. Why do you think this is a good way to present difficult topics?
A: Because it’s very real. It’s also someone else’s reality. Sometimes when it’s our own story, we can’t see how messed up the plot gets, or the changes to come, but for CB’s story, not only are we watching him and his friends life, but we have all been there at some given time, and now we are living it with him. It’s life, and water. Theatre. We’re right there with these characters.
We are looking forward seeing to Anthony J. James and the rest of the cast in Dog Sees God. Dog Sees God opens tonight and runs from October 21-November 5, 2016 at the Belfry Playhouse (downstairs at Norcross Presbyterian Church), 3324 Medlock Bridge Rd, Norcross GA