Thank You, Five: Backstage with Your Own Personal Exegesis' Cole Doman

In preparing to perform in a play with songs, Cole Doman multitasks by warming up his voice and masking his tattoos. Known for his film work in Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party, Doman makes his Off-Broadway debut as Chris, a very religious high school senior in Julia May Jonas' Your Own Personal Exegesis.

Currently running through December 31 at Lincoln Center Theater/LCT3's Claire Tow Theater, the new play is about a New Jersey youth group whose hormones start leading the teenagers to question their faith. The theatre is even set up to look like the insides of a church.

Doman gave Playbill an inside look at his pre-show routine from tattoo cover-up to places.

Doman's routine begins with covering up his tattoos—the actor may be a fan of personal expression but his character is too repressed for ink.

His character's accessories include a silver cross and a "W. W. J. D." bracelet—what would Jesus do?

Quick costume check before heading on stage for the church service.

Cole Doman and Hannah Cabell, who plays Reverend Kat (who Doman's character turns to for guidance), share a laugh moments before the house lights go down.

Cole Doman and Hannah Cabell Heather Gershonowitz

Your Own Personal Exegesis is directed by Annie Tippe. It also stars Annie Fang, Savidu Geevaratne, and Mia Pak. The creative team features set designer Brett J. Banakis, costume designer Wendy Yang, lighting designer Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, and sound designer by Stowe Nelson with original music by Brian Cavanagh-Strong. Karen Evanouskas serves as stage manager.