Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Roger Mason. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Roger, thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I am a multi-hyphenate. I write, act, direct and produce – for theatre, television and film. In screenland, wearing several hats is the expected norm; however, in theatre – in the time in which I came into the business – students of the craft were encouraged to pick a discipline and focus on it. The problem was that I saw theatre as one holistic expression. It engaged my interdisciplinary understanding of storytelling, and the tools it took to develop creative work. When I write, I think about how my script blueprint will inspire designers to build the physical world of the show. As a director, I am thinking about curating a team of collaborators who challenge each other, as well as work well together. When producing, I am interested in establishing the project I’m pursing as an ephemeral event that must be experienced live to appreciate it. And the list goes on. Recently, I find that multi-hyphenates are more prized than ever. We possess the skill-sets to electrify collaborators and audiences in ways that will sustain the future of our business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Growing up, my grandmother wanted my brother and me to be “Renaissance Men.” For her, that meant that we cultivated at least seven skills. I studied classical piano, jazz dance, oil painting, vocal performance, elocution, pottery, and journalism – all before building a relationship to poetry and then theatre. I feel that those skills have enhanced my scope of what’s possible as a theatre-maker. They have also instilled in me a celebration of collaboration. Other people, their skills, and their ideas are invaluable to the worldview of a play. They can provide ideas you’d never come up with sitting alone.

I oftentimes describe myself as the Showgirl Who Writes It Down. And I embrace that moniker wholeheartedly. It took me a long time to earn it. My great joy is writing theatre projects that actors (including myself) want to DO. Inspiring others’ creativity is the greatest and most humbling honor. My work has been shown on Broadway (Circle in the Square Series), Off Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, and regionally. This coming year (2024) is going to be a very busy one for me. I have confirmed productions in San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia. I am also looking into the New York and Los Angeles markets for additional productions in the near future. So check out my Instagram for updates.

When I’m not building work for the stage, I am singing my freedom songs on the screen. Alongside my longtime collaborator, Lovell Holder, my play LAVENDER MEN was adapted into a feature, and we are excited to find a premiere home for that piece. Finally, I am returning to my dear collaborator Philicia Saunders for a new project called HAIRITAGE which will hit the festival market next year.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The greatest reward is passing on what you know to the next generation. I helped develop and lead the Shaw Foundation Fellowship, the Starship Fellowship, and the New Visions Fellowship – all geared towards mentoring POC, TGNC multi-hyphenate artists. Now I am happily teaching at CalArts, and continuing to work privately as a mentor to new artists and emerging work.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Let’s be real: working as a freelance creative in this country is hard. We have to establish and maintain our businesses on our own without the structure and support of institutions (or the stability that they provide). I am sure a lot of non-creatives might think, “Well, that’s the life you chose,” or “You must be so lucky because you get to do what you love for a living.” And both of those things are true. But also true are the lean times, and in those moments, I find that grounding and returning to my purpose as an artist are the keys to sustenance. If I were to impart something to non-creatives about our work, I’d say that we need each others’ support. If you know an artist, ask them how you can be of help to them – can you be a sounding board when they are ideating; can you help them run a few errands because you have a little free time (and they are struggling with a commission); can you help spread the word about their work?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rogerqmason.com/
• Instagram: @rogerq.mason
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roger.q.mason
• Twitter: @RogerQMason

Image Credits
For my headshot, please credit Bronwen Sharp. For the 4-8 other photos, I am going to connect you with my publicist to pick the 8 photos that best represent my work. There are NO photos here. But I DO want some to be on the article. Additionally, please do send us a proof of the article before it goes out so we can review it. Thanks so much.