James Cusati-Moyer’s journey into acting began in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he was raised by his single mother who owned a candy shop across the street from a local community theatre. It was here that his passion for the performing arts started, along with his grandmother’s introduction to Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. James immersed himself in these classics, performing them in his grandmother’s living room, and realized early on that acting was his calling. His pursuit of this dream led him to a performing arts high school, followed by college in New York, and eventually Yale School of Drama for his masters.
In this exclusive interview for DSCENE Magazine with our Editor, Pavle Banovic, James talks about one of the most transformative moments in his career, which was landing his first Broadway play, “Six Degrees of Separation.” Despite initial rejections and casting doubts, James’ persistence paid off when he secured an audition through a teacher’s recommendation and ultimately got the role. This experience taught him the importance of knocking down doors and maintaining a relentless spirit throughout his career. His portrayal in “SLAVE PLAY,” written specifically for him by playwright Jeremy O. Harris, was another significant milestone.
INTERVIEWS
James finds inspiration in his talented friends and values simplicity in his personal life, enjoying the most basic activities like chopping wood and carrying water. As he looks forward to future projects, he remains open to various acting opportunities, driven by a deep appreciation for acting itself rather than fame. His upcoming film, directed by Pete Ohs and co-starring Jeremy O. Harris, Callie Hernandez, and Zoë Chao, promises to be an exciting one. James describes it as being all about ticks (the insect), women, and gays.
Can you share a bit about your background? Did you always dream of becoming an actor? – I grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania. My mother was a single parent and owned a candy shop across the street from my local community theatre where I spent most of my time in school and plays. My grandmother introduced me to VHS tapes of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals and I memorized all of them in her living room, reciting the words and performing the choreography. I knew at a very young age that I had no choice. I went to a performing arts high school, college in New York for acting, and then shortly after, Yale School of Drama for my masters. The bug had bit, I was intoxicated, and I’ve been chasing that high ever since.
Out of all the roles you’ve played, which one stands out as the most transformative or meaningful for you personally? – It’s hard to say which one is the most meaningful for me. But I always go back to the story of my first Broadway play, Six Degrees of Separation. Casting wouldn’t see me because they didn’t think I was right for the role. They had only seen me in certain auditions and scenes and a very specific type. They wouldn’t give me an appointment. I asked my teacher from Yale who had also taught the director, to please write to him and just get me one audition for it. I was granted one, I went in, and I got it. John Guare shook my hand and offered me the role in the room. The lesson is – sometimes you have to knock down the door that slams in your face. I’ve tried to keep that spirit and drive all throughout my career.
What’s the best piece of acting advice you’ve received so far, and how has it impacted your career? – There’s an amalgamation of sorts always swirling in my head from teachers or directors. Stay in line, it will eventually be your turn, just stay in line. Don’t go to all the parties. Do your best work always. Show up early. Show up prepared. Be kind. Be grateful. Be generous. Remain open. Your personal feelings in life are immaterial to your job as an actor and the characters you play. Hold on tightly, let go lightly. Breathe and believe.
All of that rests in a spiritual practice in order to get through the trials and tribulations of this profession. There’s low lows and high highs. You have to believe in yourself. You have to be vigilant. You have to maintain the vision no matter what season your career is in. Being an actor is a craft and an honor that no one can take away from you, no matter if you are employed or not. You have make your higher power something bigger than it all.
You were nominated for a Tony for your role as Dustin in SLAVE PLAY. What was it like to play that character, and how did that experience shape you? – I had the rare blessing of having the playwright, Jeremy O. Harris, write the role for me. That doesn’t happen often. He honored and imagined what he believed was already inside me that needed to be seen by audiences. He believed in me as an actor. To play a role that gives me a dynamic playground to stretch myself during every performance is the greatest feeling. The immense gratitude I feel for sharing that with audiences every day is profound. The Tony nomination was this shooting star, this cosmic affirmation from my community, this tremendous honor. I felt after that, “oh I do have a place here on these stages” and I couldn’t wait to continue being of service in this profession for the rest of my days. I wanted to jump into next play and get right back to work.
Is there an actor or actress you admire and hope to work with someday? – Too many to count. Frances McDormand, Julianne Moore, Viola Davis, Patti Lupone, Joaquin Phoenix, Daniel Day-Lewis, Mahershala Ali, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Edie Falco, Al Pacino. There’s about 100 others on this list. Good actors. Skilled actors. Actors that do it for the craft. Not for fame. Typically the ones that come from the theatre.
Do you find more joy in performing live on stage or acting in front of the camera? Why? – I can’t compare the joy between the two. And I can’t say the word is joy. Creation isn’t always pleasurable, but playing, the happiness you feel from the childlike activity of play, which ultimately is what all good acting is… elicits that joy. But I feel more completion and a ritual coming full circle internally when I walk away from the stage. Live performance is a holy act. Camera acting is a completely different animal and has its own magic to it. A skill of minimalism and distillation. Work on camera is ultimately a directors and an editor’s medium. There’s a whole other life to the film or tv show after you shoot it, and it’s in someone else’s hand. Theatre has more control. I like control. But I’m also learning to love giving that control away. Powerlessness after the execution. Being tapped in, tuned in, turned on – and then letting it all go, with ease and grace. It’s a complicated dance each and every performance, each and every take.
What continues to inspire you, year after year? – My loving, beautiful, powerful, and talented friends.
When you’re not acting, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? – The most simple things possible. As my friend Claire says: “Chop wood, carry water.” Heaven to me.
What exciting projects or goals are next on your journey? – Goals are infinite. Always changing. To keep working wherever I can, whenever I can.
I did a film that should be coming out top of next year. Directed by Pete Ohs. Myself, Jeremy O. Harris, Callie Hernandez, and Zoë Chao are all acting in it. It’s about ticks (the insect), women, and gays. We wrote it as we filmed it. I can’t wait for people to see it.
James Imagery Credits
Photography – Jorre Janssens
Styling – Jonathan Huguet
Hair – Yumiko Hikage at CLM
Face – Hugo Villard at Calliste
