RENT Questionnaire
"Behind the Scenes of RENT"
Name:
Jacques C. Smith
Title/Role: Benny
How long have you been working on RENT?
I first joined the Broadway Company in September 1997. I was there until March 2000. I rejoined the RENT family with this tour.
Tell us a little about your job. What does it mean to be an actor?
In the most general sense, actors are the performers the audience sees on the stage. To me, being an actor represents the opportunity to share stories and numerous elements of the human condition with others through performing arts.
Describe your typical day.
Eating, video chatting with my family, exercising to some degree, stretching and warming up the voice, shopping, cooking, resting, reading, watching tv, paying bills, performing the show. (obviously when these items occur varies)
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is performing the show.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is how sore I feel sometimes after the show or a series of shows.
When did you first become interested in a career in this field?
I began to consider the possibility of a career before my senior year in college.
Tell us a little about your career up to this point. How did you get where you are now?
It has mostly consisted of theater and tv. I am where I am today because of faith, perseverance, and ton of hard work.
What advice would you have for someone seeking a career in your field?
Be ready to work hard, be committed, and always believe in yourself – even through the tough times.
What is your favorite scene/song in RENT?
RENT, Seasons, & What You Own.
Tell us about your favorite RENT backstage anecdote. What’s the funniest/scariest/most exciting thing that’s happened backstage or during a performance?
Scariest was when I forgot my lines. There are almost too many funny moments to pick one.
Tell us about the first time you ever heard of RENT.
It was during 1996 when it opened and began to transform the landscape of the American Musical. I was in graduate school at UCSD at the time.
Had you seen RENT before you started working on the show?
If so, how many times? Yes. 1 time.
Tell us how you got your job working for RENT. Any interesting audition or interview stories?
I auditioned. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred.
