1. As a Canadian working in Hollywood , do you find you have added obstacles or considerations to getting acting roles?

David: From my personal experience, the biggest obstacle I faced from being a Canadian actor in Los Angeles, was only administrative, i.e. gaining clearance to work, or even to be in this city.  I find most people are impressed with actors from Canada, especially since they are familiar with names like Jim Carrey, Michael J. Fox and especially young actors like Michael Cera and Ellen Page.  That said, when I walk into a room for an audition or meeting, and with them knowing I’m from Canada, it makes me feel a certain amount of pressure;  I better be good, or get the fuck out of this town.

2. Your career thus far has been dominated by theater and television roles. What are the different challenges for you as an actor working between theater, television and film? Which do you think is more difficult for an actor? Which do you prefer?

David: One could say that the foundation of each medium, theatre, film and television are the same, that being the challenge to obtain honesty and truth.  But with theatre the challenge for me is the focus of the moment.  From waiting in the wings to the time you walk on a stage the focus is the challenge.  You have to leave behind everything that just happened the moment before and forget things like you are sweating buckets under stage lights when in fact you are behaving like it’s the dead of winter.  For me, theatre ultimately challenges my imagination.  Film, though it can be as difficult, provides the environment and that is more tangible for me so the challenge lies in my commitment to the character.  These days, actors on television talk with lightening speed and keeping up the pace of dialogue in television can be challenging.  For me, theatre is the most challenging, rewarding and spiritual experience I get from the three mediums.  I love the theatre, good theatre, that is.

3. You are now starring on stage in Mysterious Skin and Dustin Nguyen’s film Fool For Love is being released in the USA at the same time! What can you tell us about the upcoming film Saigon , CA being directed by Mark Tran who you also worked with in All About My Dad that is said to star you and Dustin!

David: Unfortunately, I can’t really comment on this question.  The film has yet to be made, and to be honest I’m not sure if and when it will.  I love Dustin Nguyen.  I really wish we could work together really soon.  And Mark Tran is a fantastic director.  Hopefully something will work out for the three of us!

4. While nudity in theater is nothing new, it is much more foreign to asian actors and asian theater. Was that something that concerned you when considering the role for Mysterious Skin?

David: Not initially.  I knew that if I worked on “Mysterious Skin” that yes, nudity was going to be involved, but it didn’t bother me until I started to talk about it to my friends.  Someone who I respect as an artist told me that she does not favor nudity in art, that’s a subjective choice, but my respect of her made me think again about this aspect.  Also, other actor friends of mine doubted the choice as well, so, that’s when I became concerned about the decision and that was before the nudity was even rehearsed.  I trust my fellow actor, Marcus Choi, who shares that particular scene with me.  To be honest, I’m not sure if I really could do the scene with anyone else.  We developed such a quick bond and deep trust as actors, that once we did it, it was no problem.

5. It is possible that Mysterious Skin could be extended to more performances and more cities if it is successful. Are you committed to a long run if that happens or do you have other acting projects in the works already?

David: East West Players have extended performances before, but only if there is demand.  So I think there’s a possibility, but we are not contractually held to it.  “Mysterious Skin” is a fantastic play.  If the opportunity comes, I would certainly run with it.  There’s some other things going on, but to be honest, “Mysterious Skin” kicks their ass.  Um, actually I think just by saying that, maybe I don’t have other projects going on anymore! That is if a producer reads this… ah fuck ’em.  This show is amazing!