Jason Dirden was born and raised in Houston, but he’s been in Los Angeles honing his acting skills. This year, he’s coming back to where it all started: the Ensemble Theatre.
When did you first fall in love with acting?
With my father being an actor and my mother also a lover of the arts and theater, I was constantly around the craft. I always enjoyed going to plays, I fell in love with acting by accident. I was into sports and music throughout my adolescent and pre-teen years, then acting came and snatched me up. I had stopped playing sports and my parents told me I needed an after-school activity. My brother, Brandon, was already in high school theater, and being the typical little brother, I said "I want to do what he's doing."
The Ensemble Theatre has been a significant part of your life. Can you explain why?
My father, Willie Dirden, has performed at the Ensemble over the years. Also, my older brother, Brandon Dirden, has performed at the Ensemble over the years. But aside from their work on the stage, our family has been a patron of the Ensemble for most, if not all, of the 47 years of the theatre's existence. Some of my early introductions of the power of theater took place at the Ensemble Theatre. So, this experience has truly been a full circle moment for me. It truly has fed my spirit in ways that are indescribable.
Title card for “The Piano Lesson.” (Courtesy of Ensemble Theatre)
What do you enjoy most about playing Boy Willie?
Boy Willie is a full human being. By that, I mean there is a depth and complexity in him that makes him human. So often characters are written without flaws or you only see their flaws, and they are void of any redeeming qualities. Boy Willie is a ball of fire, no doubt, but he's also full of joy and a deep love for his family. Sometimes he's selfish, but ultimately he is on a journey to solidify himself as a man, build on his father's legacy and make life better for those he loves. To be able to experience all of that in two and a half hours is a gift for an actor.
