An Astoria actor’s next role could be a 19th century stowaway, but he needs your help.
Jonathan Draxton, 24, is one of 10 finalists competing to travel aboard the Charles W. Morgan, a National Historic Landmark whaling vessel, as it sails this summer.
The winner of the video contest, sponsored by Connecticut’s Mystic Seaport maritime museum, will take on the jobs of those who worked on the ship in the 1800s, including scrubbing the decks, handling the sails and steering the ship.
Draxton, an off-Broadway actor, uses his theatrical skills and sense of humor to garner support.
“Living space is going to be a little tight on the ship. Luckily, I already live in New York City, so I am used to cramped living conditions,” Draxton said in his video application as he opened his bedroom closet to show where his roommate sleeps.
What he doesn’t explain in the video is the real reason he wants to win — to relive an experience he had during his junior year at Williams College.
Through the school’s Williams-Mystic program at the Mystic Seaport museum, Draxton worked on the Morgan and learned about maritime law, science and literature.
“Some of my blood is in that ship and I would like it back,” Draxton said.
The Utah native said he barely saw the ocean until college and would like to recapture sea life.
In addition to crew duties, the contest winner will document the journey online and be involved in the events and exhibits that will take place during the Morgan’s trip as it makes stops along the New England shoreline.
From now until April 10, the public can show who they think should win through social media by liking and sharing the video, and using the hashtags #MorganStowaway, #38thVoyage and #CharlesWMorgan.
Draxton has launched his own branding campaign, through a YouTube video of his reaction, and by creating his own hashtags—#drax and #securetheberth.
To see all the finalists’ videos, click here.
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