An Interview with Jim Helsinger
In Orlando Shakes’ production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director at Orlando Shakes, takes on the role of Don Armando de Armado.
I recently got the opportunity to speak with Jim about his role and what it feels like to be back on stage.
OST: Can you describe your character in Love’s Labour’s Lost?
JH: I play Don Adriano de Armado, a fantastical Spaniard. The inspiration for the role was a combination of Salvador Dalí and the King of Spain in the 1920s, both of which had huge mustaches.
OST: The last time you were in a production at Orlando Shakes was in 2009. How does it feel to be back on stage?
JH: I am really enjoying my time on stage. The last play I acted in at Orlando Shakes was Wittenberg. I played Dr. Faustus. Although I’ve acted more recently on other stages, it’s been a long time since I’ve acted at my home theater. I love our audiences here.
OST: What is your favorite scene in Love’s Labour’s Lost?
JH: I love playing the ukulele with Maxel, who plays Don Adriano de Armado’s servant. I also really enjoy talking to the audience about my character’s love dilemma with Jaquenetta.
OST: Acting or directing? Which do you prefer and why?
JH: Acting. That’s the way I’m trained and my best relationship with the audience.
OST: You wear four different hats at Orlando Shakes: artistic director, director, actor, and playwright. How do you juggle them all?
JH: I love creating great art with great people and audiences. I think any one of the four jobs would become boring over time, but switching from one to another makes them challenging and fun. I like all aspects of art, whether it be the beauty of a stage production or spreadsheets that show that we are on budget and on time.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Aubrey, Orlando Shakes Marketing Intern