I've always enjoyed stage combat... or as a kid, dueling with yard sticks, climbing trees with friends and leaping, screaming in a Robin Hood-style ambush on family BBQ's. It's translated later in life into Shakespeare plays and Renaissance Festivals. When I saw Saber Guild bringing lightsaber action to the galaxy (via sci-fi events, kid's birthday parties, movie premieres and more) I joined in, around 2014. It's great fun. A bonus is sneaking some philosophy into Star Wars conversations.
Although it's a simple story, Star Wars offers an opening to talk about overwhelming emotions, inner goodness, forgiveness, and what it might mean to be a hero or a villain. These entertainers look for ways to empower girls and boys, visit underserved communities with theater and the arts, strive for diverse representation on stage and behind the scenes, and support charities. It's a fun group dedicated to inspiring smiles and hope.
What better way to spend my "I want to have pretend swordfights" energy?
Describe your character, and your thought process in developing them. What was your inspiration?
The ancient master who teaches kung fu at a mountaintop temple is one of my favorite concepts from martial arts movies. I made Master Lau to fit that role, from gray hair and a long monk's robe to stern discipline and quiet meditation. This was a good support character to contrast with action-heroes-in-training, comic relief, and violent antagonists.
Sometimes all you'll see of a character is how they fight, so I wanted to pick a style that would tell a story on its own. For this Jedi, I use circular, flowing moves from wushu and tai chi. I'm not a martial arts expert, so to help play one I took lessons from Northwest Wushu. Although I'm a long ways from being a real Master, I get to look like a Jedi on stage - and that's pretty cool.
How is your character like and unlike you?
I wanted to play a character who was as calm and patient as I'd want to be - a Jedi Master who could be a great teacher for kids. Making up "wise old Master" sayings is very fun. I get to poke fun at myself for being too long-winded or too serious.
On the other hand, I also get to quote some of my favorite Jedi and Yoda lines. I can happily talk with kids about standing up for peace and justice. I especially like that we teach young Padawans to use their training "for knowledge and defense, never for attack". Being a peaceful warrior (not just literally) is close to my heart.
In Star Wars, the Light Side is ultimately more powerful than hate. It's a great day when I get to tell that story.
What relationships does your character have with other characters?
Master Lau's long-winded metaphors are infamous among many impatient Padawans. Ask them to explain why the Force is like a cup of tea.
What is your favorite performance moment?
I like to say that our events are like bringing Disneyland to Seattle, and for one audience member that was really true. At Star Wars Night for a baseball game, an 8-year-old was following me and Anna, who was playing a Jedi Padawan. He wanted to meet all the character actors, learn their stories, and help the Light Side. He was paying close attention to the plot between innings where the Jedi were in trouble.
It's especially fun when the kids want to play pretend with us. Usually, the bad guys are more popular with the older kids, so I like to give special recognition to those who stick with the Jedi. I knelt down and started to address him as "young Master..."
Anna pouted as her character without missing a beat. "Why does he get to be a Master, and I'm just a Padawan?"
I had an answer in mind, and put on my best wise teacher voice. "Everyone has a Jedi Master in their heart, if they listen."
Seeing him straighten up with pride was one of my favorite moments.
What is your favorite part of being in Jet City Saber Guild?
Our group is essentially a traveling Star Wars theme park. With all the dedication the costume & performance fan clubs put in, we do our best to make wherever we show up feel like Disneyland. I love working so hard together to bring moments of surprise and joy into people's lives.
When you're passing through a downtown plaza and you see a lightsaber battle, or you're visiting a child in the hospital and they learn about the Force from Obi-Wan Kenobi, it's hard not to smile. It's one of my favorite things about theater how much people will do to share a moment of delight.
When we teach a lightsaber class, and a little girl exclaims with genuine awe, "I can't believe I get to be a real Jedi!" - I know we got to be a part of something special.