JonBaas.com - Biography: Jon Baas

Jon Baas has starred in several notable stage productions, and has appeared in a variety of national and independant feature films. Most recently, he starred as Edmund Swettenham in Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced" at Milwaukee's Sunset Playhouse, and as Florindo in the 1750's Comedia del Arte production of "The Liar" by Venitian playwright, Carlo Goldoni. He has acted in a number of Hollywood films -- most notably the Bernie Mac baseball comedy, "Mr. 3000" -- and he is currently auditioning for the 2008 Spring theatre season in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

At the present time, Jon is self-represented and serves as his own publicist.

Jon began acting as a child in school productions in southeastern Wisconsin, and then later in Minneapolis/ St. Paul after moving there with his family when he was twelve. He also spent most of his childhood participating as a Civil War reenactor and first-person historical interpreter all across the Upper Midwest. His interest in acting deepened, however, when he landed high school roles in such plays as the musical "Bye Bye Berdie", a children's theatre production of "Cinderella", and his favorite -- Gandolf the Magician, in J.R.R. Tolkien's popular tale, "The Hobbit". While in high school, he also designed the sets for two productions, assisted in stage construction, and spent far too many hours using his artistic skills to paint huge theatrical backdrops (usually by himself).

After high school, Jon spent four years studying art and theatre at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned a BA in Art, and starred in a variety of stage shows ranging from Neil Simon's "Rumors", to Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", and even the comedic "All in the Timing" by David Ives. Performance highlights in college also included the title role of Mark Twain in Dennis Snee's "Twain by the Tale" (a two-act revue of Mark Twain stories, sketches, and monologues), as well as the role of Nurse Lawrence in Kristine Thatcher's award-winning dramatic play, "Emma's Child".

Although Jon's professional degree is in Art, his studies in theatre and acting are no less significant. At the present time he successfully balances careers in both fine art/commercial art, and stage/film acting. He has professional training in commercial and voice acting, and has a longing to take on whatever intruiging character roles he can find. He has a lifetime of first-person roleplaying experience in the Star Trek and Star Wars environments, and is proud of his well-developed imagination, intense love of "playing pretend", and his passion for various other creative pursuits.

Jon currently acts in the Milwaukee-Chicago area, and can be seen on stage or in front of the camera as projects arise. He hopes one day to consider a move to either Los Angeles or the stages of New York. For the timebeing, however, he is enjoying the rich vibrant arts community that is Southeastern Wisconsin.

Long-term dramatic goals include becoming part of a notable Star Trek project (internet fan-based or studio-sanctioned), earning a role in a big-screen romantic comedy, and working with as many fellow actors as are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. Jon is fluent in English, and has a background in concert, marching, and military percussion. His hobbies include web design, computers, creativity, and appreciating the beauty of nature.

For more information, please feel free to contact Jon directly, or visit one of the links below:

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