Contra Costa Times is featuring an interview with Jake Epstein:

Many teens know Jake Epstein for his earnest portrayal of bipolar musician Craig Manning on "Degrassi: The Next Generation," but the Toronto native, 22, has reached beyond his role on "Degrassi."

Since he left "Degrassi" in 2007, Epstein has starred in the film "Charlie Bartlett" and in the Toronto production of "Dog Sees God" with fellow "Degrassi" star Paula Brancati. Ever the thespian, Epstein plays the male lead Melchior in the national tour of "Spring Awakening," which stops in San Jose this week.

We caught up with him via phone as he was rehearsing and performing in Austin, Texas, and talked to him about teen sexuality, "Degrassi" and what lies ahead.

Q: Why did you choose to try out for "Spring Awakening"? More specifically, what is it about the play that particularly drew you to this role?

A: Well, I saw the show on Broadway in 2006 and just completely fell in love with it. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, like I was just on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had chills for half the play. I thought it was just the amalgamation of rock music and theater, and I just thought it was so cool. Two years later I (actually went to) an open call in Toronto, my home, 'cause I heard they were looking for replacements on Broadway. ...

Read more at the source.

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