Max Rose

Few actors have impressed me more than the incomparable Max Rose. I first saw him in The Firehouse Theatre’s Footloose playing the supporting role of Willard. To say that he was perfection in the role is an understatement. I was like “Who IS this kid?” This past May there he was at the Firehouse again and this time playing the lead role of Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer. His vocals, incredible stage presence, and charisma wowed me so much I had to see the show twice. Max is off to entertain on a cruise ship soon but will be back to light up DFW stages when he returns. Take a few moments to read about mega talented Max Rose.

When was your first time on stage?

I was 7 years old and I did a play called “The Shame of Tombstone” It was a western murder mystery, and I played a character named “Sidekick” 

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

It was going into my senior year of high school. I was looking at colleges and degrees I could pursue and I couldn’t imagine myself being happy doing anything else besides performing. (And Thank God because I was considering going into business)

Who is your greatest mentor?

Before I get specific I will say everyone I have worked with I have learned something, and they have all helped me in so many ways. As a performer and as a person. The person who has inspired me the most and has pushed me farther than I could ever imagine would have to me by former college professor, now friend, J. Austin Eyer. He has helped me in so many ways that I now have the resources and confidence for me to go into auditions and performances and do quality work.  Even though it took years and a handful of breakdowns for some things to click. Even now he still teaches me something anytime I chat with him whether he knows it or not. He is a truly down to earth friend/educator and I wouldn’t be where I was today if it weren’t for him. 

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

Playing Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer at The Firehouse Theatre. As exhausting as that show was, it was probably some of the most fun I have had while performing and I am really proud of the work I did for that show. (HUGE shoutout for all the help/support from the cast and creative team., y’all rock!)

Do you have a dream role?

Definitely Burrs in Andrew Lippa’s version of The Wild Party.

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

I would love to perform with my very dear friend Andre Pernell Williams. I met Andre in college and we did many shows together educationally, but I would LOVE to get to do something with him again professionally. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

I loved watching my dear friend and former roommate John Hughes Marshall in “Curious Incident…” at Theatre Arlington. It was some of the best work I have seen. Though I may be a bit biased he truly was exceptional and he deserves all the praise for his hard work and dedication to that role. I also LOVED the Regional Premier of A Strange Loop at Circle Theatre. The performances, costuming, music truly showcased why DFW is a place to talk theatre seriously. That show was phenomenal. 

What are your career goals?

I mean being able to perform on Broadway would be a dream come true, but ultimately; being able to create/perform in any capacity as my full-time job is really the dream for me. 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I played competitive hockey for 14 years