Q&A with Actor Marcus Truschinski of Every Brilliant Thing

We caught up with Marcus Truschinski, the actor in the one-man show and Off-Broadway hit Every Brilliant Thing, to hear about his experience preparing for this role, navigating the audience participation, and balancing the loss with laughter. Read on for more from Marcus and to learn a few brilliant things in his own life!

What drew you to Every Brilliant Thing and what excites you about the production?
Janet offered me the show about a year ago. It was her faith in my ability that drew me to the play. I read through it one time and immediately emailed her saying I would love to do it. It was that compelling. What excites me (and terrifies me) the most is the opportunity to make the audience part of the story. It deals with some pretty heavy subjects but in a way that is practical and, at times, hilarious. It’s a very moving, human play. 
 
With audience participation and you being the sole actor, this show has a lot of variables for each performance. How did you prepare for this role and how is that different than other roles?
Participating can be difficult for an audience at times. As I said earlier, the idea excites and terrifies me equally. I’m at a point in my career where I want to do the things that scare me the most, but ultimately I think it will be fun for them. If they ever wanted to be on stage, this is their chance! 
 
I prepared by trying to get off book before we started. I wanted to be able to know it so well that I could play from the very beginning. The role–and show–is different because it’s just me. This is my first time doing a solo show! The nice thing about this show is I get to recruit other actors out of the audience. We’ll be nervous and excited together! 

Can you comment on the importance of talking about mental health and this production’s take on it?
Mental health is so very important and this play has inspired me to look more deeply into my own. I hope it inspires the people who come to see the show. It’s very uplifting and practical, not too preachy, which I like. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. 
 
What are some of your brilliant things?
 My most brilliant thing is my son! My other brilliant things all mostly revolve around music: my song library, my acoustic guitar, and noise canceling headphones! My German mother’s love of old soul songs, The Beatles, and–most especially–her obsession with Elvis. I also love the feel of old books, coffee, 70’s cinema (the best era) and early morning runs. 




Tickets for Every Brilliant Thing, on stage through February 10, are available now! For this production, we are also offering the unique opportunity for onstage seating. Call the Ticket Office at 317.635.5252 for details! 
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