Words from Casey

Last updated 18 March 2008

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How did you get started with the Enterprise Blues Band?

Vaughn was sitting next to me at a con and played me some of the songs he'd written. I started to write one on the on the spot. Them we talked about putting the band together and who could be in it. When we all got to together, it seemed to work.

What was it like to play live in front of nearly 1000 fans at Galileo 7 in Germany?

It was grand. There is nothing like standing in front of so many people and hearing the harmony wash over the crowd.

What are your favourite EBB songs?

Most of them you cannot get out of your head. I like Traveling through Space a lot as well, and of course, Oooh Mr. Sulu

Have you written any new songs since Oooh Mr Sulu, Bat'Leth Baby, and Nothing Like Our Song?

I wrote the music for Bill's Too Far as well. I am working on some others.

When did you learn to play the guitar?

I started out playing the drums in grade school then realized that the guitar was much sexier.

What music do you like listening to, and which singers would you say have influenced you?

I love tight harmony and a lot of the harmony in EBB songs I try to instigate. My big influences were Crosby, Stills, and Nash.

Your Star Trek character of Damar (Deep Space 9) went through the widest story arc in ST history. Was it hard to play the role without knowing how the character would develop?

Sometimes it was because you never knew what was coming up. For instance, I never knew I was married until in one episode someone told me my wife had been killed. But it was a great arc, wasn't it?

You have a show I would love to see with Marc Alaimo and Jeffery Coombs called Stand Up Shakespeare. Can you tell us about that?

We all were getting tired of just signing autographs, so since all three of us are classically trained we decided to put the show together. The Fans love it, and don't expect to walk out saying Shakespeare is fantastic.

You attended the famous Julliard School, what are your strongest memories of that time?

Juilliard was an amazing time. Out of 1000 applicants, they only took 30 so it was very competitive. Most people aren't aware of the craft that goes in to acting. It's very technical but has to be inspired as well. You can't build a house unless you can pound a nail as I always say.

What has been your most challenging acting role?

When your work finally gets so personal, they all are challenging.

Which actor/s do you most admire, and why?

Daniel Day Lewis is great, and early Richard Burton. And that Vaughn Armstrong guy was good. What ever happened to him?

What is the greatest joy in directing?

The chance to be the ultimate storyteller.

Which directors have inspired you, and how?

I have been fortunate to be directed by brilliant directors. Garland Wright, Doug Wager, Michael Langham, Liviu Cuilie, to name a few.

You are directing Orson Welles play, Moby Dick Rehearsed this year with the Acting Company. Can you tell us about that?

It is done and on the road as I write. It was challenging and very satisfying. It has unity, universe, and spirit. And that damn whale will never stop chasing all of us.

You are the President of the Greene Arts Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the support of artists in your local area - what made you take on that role, and what do you hope to achieve?

The chance to shape a cultural landscape. It will probably take the rest of my artistic life but it's a noble effort.

You have a very positive way of looking at life, and are an inspiring speaker at conventions. What motivates and inspires you?

That we make a difference. And inspiration comes when you least expect it. Be here be now.

You have been a long time supporter of the Penny Lane charity, and contribute through your own Casey Biggs Scholarship Fund. Can you tell us about the charity, and why it is important to you?

I was a foster child and there are too many of them. Any support we can offer is too little too late so every penny is worth it. I try to raise money for scholarships for when they leave the homes.

If you could pass on lessons you have learned about life, what would they be?

Do you best and be impeccable with your word.

What makes you angry?

Injustice.

How do you relax?

Being quiet.

New Answers

What is it about Reality shows that bugs you?

There is nothing real about them.

How is the work for the Greene County (NY) Arts Foundation going?

Things are moving along.  I am planning the season for 2009.  There are hundreds of things to attend to, raising money being the most important.

What are your thoughts about directing Moby Dick Rehearsed, and are you touring with the show all over the country?

I don't travel with the Company.  I directed it in November, and then it went on the road.  It is doing very well, and I am as pleased as I can be with it.  It will open in New York City on May 6, I believe.

Which movie have you been working on, and can you tell us about your part?

I will be doing a movie called The Beholders in August.  Alfred Molina will be in it, and Sandra Oh.  The part was written for me and it's very funny and touching as well.  I play a teacher who is getting a divorce and is still in love with his wife.

Have you written any new songs for the Enterprise Blues Band?

I've started a few but not finished them.  This summer will be great if all of our dates come through.

What are you most looking forward to about touring with the EBB?

I'm looking forward to getting tight with the Band again.  There is nothing like being in sync and rhythm with a bunch of musicians.  There is magic and healing in the harmony.

Thanks very much to Casey for all these answers