Having a COLOSSAL discussion with actor Tobias Forrest

Tobias Forrest (Photo by: Christopher Voelker)

Who: Tobias Forrest

Character: He plays Mike (post-injury)  in Southern Rep’s production of Colossal

Number of years in acting: 6 (It started after he won a Christopher Reeve acting scholarship in 2003)

Q: What is one line in the play that stands out for you?

“You didn’t get hurt because you loved someone.” – Jerry

Q: Sports play a huge role in the play, so if you were to have a sit-down with “sports,” what would you say to it/them?

There is a fine line between confidence and competence. “Sports” requires a delicate balance of both.

Q: What is your favorite memory from rehearsal?

That’s tough, but I love the table read. It’s like the first day of school because it’s somewhat awkward but has the mysterious energy of what lies ahead. Before you know it, you have a new team and a new, temporary family.

Q: What’s the strangest prop?

My wheelchair because it is a part of me but also belongs to “Mike” as well as the play.

Q: How would your grandma react after seeing the play?

Hopefully she would cry, but without a doubt, she would tell me how proud she was.

Q: If you could put 1 smell in the theater in order to give a 4-dimensional experience to the audience, what would you choose?

There is already blood, sweat and tears, so I’d probably put in the smell of freshly cut grass.

Southern Rep’s production of Colossal is playing at the Robert E. Nims Theater until June 19. Performances from Thursday through Saturday begin at 8:00 P.M. There are also matinee performances on Sunday at 3:00 P.M. For more information, you can check out Southern Rep’s website for details.