Currently starring in Cats, Jarrod Draper answers some candid everyday questions …
The state of my hair is …
Currently going through a ‘messy look’ and I’m digging it!
The state of my heart is …
Open, passionate and always on my sleeve. You’ll often know how I feel about something. I find vulnerability the easiest way to connect.
The state of my undies drawer is …
Organised. Organised chaos sometimes, but still organised.
Jarrod Draper
The best accessory I ever bought is …
My tattoos. I love them. There’s a story for each, whether it be meaningful and heartfelt or silly and fun.
The most famous person I’ve met is …
Beyoncé. Okay, that’s a lie, but I did touch her hand in 2013 at her concert, so that counts, right?
Back in high school, I was …
Just trying to survive. It’s a tough challenge being a young boy with an interest in the arts. There’s a lot of torment that comes along with it. I found myself almost hiding that part of myself so that there was no reason for anyone to use it against me. It’s silly when you think of it now, but a very real experience when you’re going through it.
The best thing about playing a cat is …
The freedom. You’re well and truly stepping outside of yourself, both physically and mentally, which is so freeing. And I mean, when do you get to be a cat for work? It’s wild!
The worst thing about playing a cat is …
The physical stress on the body. It certainly isn’t for the weak. Put the physio on speed dial, please!
Musical theatre is …
Joyous. Extravagant. Poignant. Truthful. A mirror. An escape.
I feel sad when …
I see injustice of any kind. No matter how big or small, it burdens my soul.
The last time I laughed hysterically was …
Watching the Real Housewives. It’s a farce, but I am clinically obsessed with the entire franchise.
I’m shit scared of …
Someone saying I am a shit bloke. I couldn’t care less what people say about me as a performer; that’s all subjective. But if they ever said I wasn’t a good, stand-up guy, I would be mortified. That’s very important to me. I care about making people feel seen and heard.
People don’t know that I once …
Was a state champion athlete in numerous sports. Sport was my first love.
If I could have one superpower, it would be …
To teleport. My time management skills aren’t always the sharpest. I’m the type who underestimates how long it may take to get somewhere.
When alone in my car, I …
Play out the arguments I would have with people who have wronged me. They seem to lose every time. Funny that.
My most embarrassing moment on stage was …
Dropping a few F-Bombs while on mic. I split my pants in a number and thought I had enough time to change them. Turns out I didn’t. I was meant to be on in the next scene, hence my mic being on. But you know what, lucky audience I say.
Jarrod and the cast of Cats in rehearsals
If you want to make my blood boil, start talking about …
The wavering respect for Aboriginal peoples because to a lack of knowledge of our history. I’m a Wiradjuri man myself, and am a big believer that education is the key to propel us forward. But people have to be receptive and open to that education first.
My secret food indulgence is …
Aldi-branded chocolate. It slaps every time.
My autobiography would be called …
The Boy from Oz Orange. (My hometown).
My favourite all-time television character is …
NeNe Leakes from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She’s a real person, but a character, nonetheless. There is a meme, GIF or quote of her for every occasion.
The song that makes me smile and want to dance is …
On A Night Like This by Kylie Minogue. I go feral for that song.
The song I can never get out of my head is …
He Wasn’t Man Enough For Me by Toni Braxton and Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. It’ll also often be part of a song of whatever show I’m currently working on.
My gay mates are …
Female! I’m kidding, kind of. In all seriousness, they’re extremely loyal, supportive and open.
For more: catsthemusical.com.au
Follow Jarrod on Instagram @jarrod_draper
