This week I talked to Scot Greenwell. Scot is a local actor and graduate of the University of Evansville. He now makes his home in Indianapolis.

Are you a native Hoosier?

Yes, I was born Bedford, Indiana.

What made you want to become an actor?

I wanted to be an actor ever since I was a kid, and I'm not sure what that initial spark was. I felt very discouraged, though, so in college, I focused more on directing, writing and arts administration. Over the years, I've learned that I am happiest when I am in a theatre - whether I'm watching a show, directing, or acting. And what do I like most about acting? All the usual stuff: becoming someone different for a short while, losing myself in another world, being a part of storytelling that will hopefully move or change an audience. Of course, the applause are nice too, but more than that, I feel like I am in the right place when I'm onstage, that I'm doing what I was meant to do.

If you hadn't become an actor, what might you have done professionally?

Most likely, I would have become a writer. Or tried to be one anyway. I wrote stories as a kid, and in college I was very passionate about it. I wanted to write for television, actually.

What was your "first big break"?

I directed a British play called "Shopping and F*ing" for a small, independent, floating company. When one of my actors quit, I had to step into the role. Bryan Fonseca from the Phoenix Theatre saw a performance and liked what he saw. I think that helped me "stick out" in his mind the following year, and I was cast in the Phoenix's production of "Urinetown: The Musical." I had a minor role, but being in a show with some of the city's best-known actors felt like such a gift. A few months prior, I played Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at The Children's Museum, and that felt like a big break. But something about being in the regional theatre premiere of such a rich, witty musical stands out for me even more.

What are some of your highlights to date?

Both of the "big breaks" mentioned above are career highlights. After those though, I felt very blessed to be a part of the casts of "The Marijuana-louges" and Dos Fallopia's "Desperate Spuddwives," both at the Phoenix. Also, being a part of "The Full Monty" at American Cabaret Theatre was wonderful fun. But my most rewarding roles have been in community theatre: Caliban in "The Tempest" at Wheeler Arts Community, Leo Frank in "Parade" at Buck Creek, and the Baker in "Into the Woods" at Footlite.

Who is your favorite playwright?

Edward Albee, Lee Blessing, and Shakespeare

What's the last thing you saw on stage that had a big impact on you?

Most recently, I was floored by Claire Wilcher's lovely and passionate performance in "Children of Eden" at Footlite. As for an entire production, there is a current off-Broadway show called "Gone Missing" that was very interesting. A group of New York theatre artists created the play-with-music using interviews with people from all walks of life about the things they've lost. It was a simple concept presented with style and slickness, and the conclusion was surprisingly poignant and thought-provoking.

Tell us about your current role and production?

In August I appeared with the Seattle-based comedy duo Dos Fallopia in their sketch comedy show "Desperate Spuddwives."

What was unique about the development and rehearsal process?

What wasn't? I'd never met these women before, but everything I'd heard about them was true: they were outrageously funny, brilliantly creative, and starkly different in the work styles. It was a shorter rehearsal period. And I was in drag for most of the show.

What is on the horizon?

Next up is the Low Brow production of "Assassins" being performed at Footlite Musicals. In 2008, I will assist Fonseca when he directs "The Lieutenant of Inishmore." Until then, I'll be seeing a lot of community theatre as a judge for the Encore Association.

"Spotlight on..." is a continuing interview series