Name:
Mark Allan Houser
Hometown: Near
Boiling Springs, NC
Birthday: September 17th, 1985
Age: 19
Principal Major at Gardner-Webb: Double-majoring in Theatre
and Communications
Height: 5’7
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Dirty Blond
Favorite food: “My grandmother’s
chicken and rice”
Favorite movies: Lord of the Rings trilogy, Pirates of the
Caribbean, classic Disney movies
Favorite books: Lord of the Rings trilogy
Interests: Acting,
collecting things, fantasy, computers, film editing / graphic design, traveling,
recreational sports, and “being
me in every way except the obvious”
Q: How and when did you start getting involved with acting,
and what productions have you participated in?
A: I started acting in Middle School. We were
to roleplay the characters from Greek mythology, and present to the class
AS that character. I was the Greek Hephaestus (Roman Vulcan), God of the
Forge. It was so much fun. I did things like that when I was little; we played "house"
and games like that. Imagine doing it as a grown-up? Boy howdy, that's the
life, no? Anyway, a few of the plays I’ve been in have been A Midsummer
Night's Dream, The Boys Next Door, All In The Timing, Class Action, The
Dancing Bear, Hard Candy, Redcoats, Oklahoma!, and 24 Hours. I’ve
also done various other scenes and monologues.
Q: So how did you hear about the Legacy?
A: Through fliers and some word-of-mouth. I
heard that a movie was being filmed and that they needed people, so I figured
“Hey, maybe I could be someone who walks around in the background of
a scene!” But then I found out that they needed a full cast, and thought
“Hey, maybe I could be someone important!” So Scott Holstein
(the role of Roger in the movie) and I talked about auditioning together,
and it just fell into place.
Q: Was John your first choice for casting?
A: Yes, because Scott said that if he had to
compete with me for Roger and I got the role, he'd kill me.
Q: Was there anything particularly challenging or surprising
about your part?
A: Oh yes, just ask Katie O’Neill (playing the role of Rebecca)! Speaking of things that start with K… yes, the
kissing scene.
Q: Was it really that difficult?
A: It wasn’t really too difficult, but
it was definitely the most surprising thing. Even though I had read it in
the script, I hadn’t thought about it past that until I was called and
Dr. Lawrence told me that I would be playing the part of John.
Q: How was working with your other castmates?
A: I don't know if I could have hand-selected
a better group of compatible people to film with, which is why I'm glad I
wasn't directing it. Seriously, each and every person had their own part to
contribute, both theatrically and socially. It all worked out really well.
The film was like a fruit salad: it had its cherries and its melons, and it
even had those little seedy berries in it that no one likes… but if
you take away anything, it’s just not the same. It wouldn’t be
a fruit salad anymore. When I think about it, though, I kinda even like the
little berry things, too."
Q: How was your work with Dr. Lawrence?
A: Dr. Lawrence is a really easy-going person.
He is so cooperative and he loves what he does. I believe that having that
passion for your occupation is a vital key in unlocking the doors leading
to a successful life.
Q: Anything
you’d like to say
to your future adoring fans?
A: “How’s my kissing? Call 1-800-555-4518!”