Culver City’s Social Media Genius

While he was amping up for his role as “Joseph” in the upcoming play “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 13-year-old Cameron DeFaria had a revelation: a social media website that would help fellow cast members to stay in character when not rehearsing. So he created one.

This “Mark Zuckerberg-in-the-making” took time out of his busy acting schedule to catch up with Patch and talk about the process behind his new site, which launched in early February.

Culver City Patch: How did you get the idea for the website?

Cameron DeFaria: One day we were all talking about the show and I said, ‘Wouldn't it be cool if we could blog about our characters?’ Each character has a relationship with each other, even if you have only a line.  When we are about to rehearse for a play, my director Diane Feldman always asks us why we’re there, where we’re going, how we got there, and where we’re going from there.

We feed off of each other’s characters. I thought if I built a website, we would be able to be in contact and do that more easily.

Patch: Tell me about the process of creating the site.

DeFaria: It took about an hour or two. I created it using the .web software. I posted a forums page, a guest page and a profile page. You can post videos as well. I also put up a calendar so people can stay on schedule with rehearsals.

I also put up a donations page so that people can donate money to go towards purchasing costumes and building sets for production. Since I put up the donations page on Feb. 28, we’ve raised $20. So far, about 20 to 30 people have signed up.

Patch: How long have you been involved in theatre?

DeFaria: This is my third production. I am also involved with the CESD Talent Agency. So I am auditioning for television and commercials. My most recent production with Culver City Middle School was “Damn Yankees.” I played the lead, Joe Hardy. I also played in the “Wizard of Oz” when I was nine or 10. I played the Munchkin Mayor and the Wizard.

Patch: What is your greatest goal for the site?

DeFaria: I just want everyone to get a chance to stay in character and for them to think about the character through the week instead of only on Friday rehearsal. I think it’s a great resource for everyone to be in character.

I think I’ll take down the site eventually, but I’m planning on making new websites for each production.

 “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” will premiere on May 22 and 23 at Culver City Middle School.