The following interview for Backstage’s on-camera series The Slate was compiled in part by Backstage readers just like you! Follow us on Twitter (@Backstage) and Instagram (@backstagecast) to stay in the loop on upcoming interviews and to submit your questions.
Jason Gotay has taken to the screen. Known for his roles in hit Broadway musicals like “Bring It On,” “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” and “Evita,” Gotay recently made his television debut on two HBO Max projects: “Love Life” with Anna Kendrick and most recently on the buzzy “Gossip Girl” reboot as Rafa Caparros, a teacher with a secret. Gotay took over our Instagram to answer all your burning questions about working on the series, transitioning between stage and screen, and standing out in an audition. Catch his highlights in the Q&A below!
“Don’t be afraid to go back to the building blocks of acting. Listen. Respond. Allow yourself to be surprised.”
What was your first Broadway show?
My first two questions were, “What was your first Broadway show?” and “How did you get your agent?” They’re actually the same answer. My first Broadway show was “Bring It On: The Musical.” It was written in 2013 by a host of amazing people: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeff Witty, Amanda Green. It was choreographed and directed by Andy Blankenbuehler. That was my first Broadway show in 2013, and my agent came to see me in that and got in touch with me after and wanted to work together, so that was how that happened.
What was your favorite “Gossip Girl” scene to shoot?
This is such a great question. There are so many scenes that you guys haven’t seen yet that are maybe my favorite, but of all the ones you guys have seen, there’s a scene on tonight’s show that’s really special to me, and it is when Thomas [Doherty’s] character, Max, shows up to my character Rafa’s apartment and has kind of an emotional breakdown about some stuff going on at home with his parents. It’s a really conflicting moment for my character who wants to reach out and take care of this person, but has mixed emotions about it.
What can you tell us about Rafa and Max’s relationship?
There is a lot that has yet to be revealed about Max and Rafa’s relationship, but what I will say is that these are two people who definitely connect, who have really incredible chemistry, and who are drawn to one another for a lot of reasons. That being said, and I want to be really clear about this, based on where their relationship is going, we can talk more about this later, but the dynamic has been really complicated, and as an actor, it’s been a really exciting challenge for me to step into a situation like this and unpack all of the different layers to it. I’m excited for you guys to see where it goes.
I’m trying to become an actress at 31. Is that too late in life to start? Do I have a shot?
No. It is never too late to start. If this is what you love and you are passionate about it, find any opportunity you can to train with people you trust and respect who will guide you in the right direction. Absolutely go for it.
What’s the transition between stage and screen been like? Any acting tips?
Oh, man. I could talk about this forever. I’m still learning, by the way, about the transition, just so you guys know. This is my first TV show ever [as a series regular], so I’m still figuring it out. There are a couple of things I will say: stay present. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Breathe. Look the other person in the eye.
What is the best acting advice anyone has ever give you?
To continue on that note: Don’t be afraid to go back to the building blocks of acting. Listen. Respond. Allow yourself to be surprised and spontaneous in the moment. Always stay honest. Always stay truthful.
I love your voice. At what age did you start singing?
I started singing when I was 8 or 9, when my mom sent me to piano lessons in my neighborhood of Decker Heights, Brooklyn. I was standing around the piano with my teacher, and I started to sing along, and that was that.
Do you like Rafa’s style?
Yes. I am fully obsessed with everything I get to wear because Eric Daman, our costume designer, is a genius, and he just put me in dark, neutral colors, super sleek, super sexy. Suits, sweaters. I love everything that I get to wear. The jewelry, it’s amazing.
How do you make yourself stand out in auditions?
You know how to really stand out in an audition? Be yourself. Don’t try to be anybody else. Don’t try to do the thing you think is “right” or “correct.” Allow yourself to be a little weird. Allow yourself to make an unexpected choice. Be quirky. Be you.
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!