Some are surprised when they find out that Garret Storms is not only a prolific actor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but a director as well.

Having steered two of Stage West's most recently well-reviewed plays — Mr. Burns, a post-electric play and The Nether — Storms gets back in the spotlight with WaterTower Theatre's The Big Meal.

Before that play, which imagines nearly 80 years of a family's lives in one sitting, Storms took the time to fill out our survey of serious, fun, and sometimes ridiculous questions.

Name: Garret Storms

Role in The Big Meal: Man 3

Previous work in the DFW area: Productions at Stage West, WaterTower Theatre, Second Thought Theatre, Trinity Shakespeare, Theatre Three, Amphibian Stage Productions, Shakespeare Dallas

Hometown: Fort Worth

Where you currently reside: Fort Worth

First theater role: Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof

First stage show you ever saw:The Wizard of Oz

Moment you decided to pursue a career in theater: I don’t know if I recall a particular moment. I remember knowing that I wanted it as a kid, but I also think there may have been a moment in high school when I understood that it was a real option.

Most challenging role you’ve played: Most recently, Benjamin Südel in Martyr

Special skills: Jenga

Something you’re REALLY bad at: Sneezing quietly

Current pop culture obsession: I mean, Game of Thrones, right??

Last book you read:The Catcher in the Rye … again.

Favorite movie(s): The Wizard of Oz

Favorite musician(s): The Dresden Dolls

Favorite song: "Over the Rainbow"

Dream role: The Emcee in Cabaret

Favorite play(s): There are so many great ones, and I am far too indecisive to come up with a proper response.

Favorite musical(s): (See above.)

Favorite actors/actresses: Cate Blanchett

Favorite food: Yes

Must-see TV show(s): I recently finished the current season of House of Cards. It was just fine.

Something most people don’t know about you: I am an Eagle Scout.

Place in the world you’d most like to visit: Hogwarts

Pre-show warm-up: It sort of varies show to show — maybe stretches, a quick run, vocals, lines, and walking through the show.

Favorite part about your current role: I love that this show is such an ensemble piece, and I’m beyond humbled to be working alongside this group of artists.

Most challenging part about your current project: I think making all of the shifts and transitions between generations and characters seamless and clearly is a big challenge of the script, but it is proving to be a fun and fascinating process.

Most embarrassing onstage mishap: I once missed the stage manager’s "places" call for a Christmas panto and had to awkwardly find my way to the middle of the stage mid-dance break halfway through the opening number of Act 2.

Career you’d have if you weren’t in theater: Who is the person that names the newest colors and shades of paint? Because THAT.

Favorite post-show spot: There are a few, but The Bearded Lady certainly makes the list.

Favorite thing about Dallas-Forth Worth: There are a lot of awesome things about Dallas-Fort Worth. Not rush hour, though.

Most memorable theater moment: I have seen some incredible theater — I don’t know if I could choose just one. But I will say, the one moment that I feel like all theater people will never forget is the first time the saw Elphaba defy gravity [in Wicked]. On behalf of the theater collective, does that count?

---

WaterTower Theatre's The Big Meal runs April 18-May 8.

Actor and director Garret Storms.

  

Photo courtesy of Second Thought Theatre

Actor and director Garret Storms.