As the World Turns’ Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann answer your questions

RJ: How far in advance do the writers and producers tell you about your storyline? Do they tell you specific details (while swearing you to secrecy) or just provide you with a general idea of the direction in which the story is heading?
VH: We have no idea what’s happening until we get the scripts, which happens about a week in advance. We can talk to the producers if we want. I have done that once or twice, but they keep the writers and actors pretty separate.
JS: We usually hear plot points about a month ahead of time, but not specifics.

marcella: How much of Noah's back story have you been told by the writers and/or producers, and how much have you created your own narrative? One thing I really appreciate about your portrayal of the character is that you have brought a depth and complexity to Noah that goes very far beyond the lines of dialogue that have been written for him. Specifically, have you thought about Noah's past experience with guys and whether or not Luke is his first?
JS: I have thought a lot about Noah's backstory. I try not to get too attached to any specific ideas, as the writers may suddenly bring in an element that contradicts with something I've created. I like to think that Noah kissed a boy when he was much younger but pushed that memory away to the point where he is hardly aware of it. Luke is really his first.

RJ: You seem to have become closer friends off the set of the show. Does that make the intimate scenes easier to do or more awkward?
VH: It makes them easier. Jake is a good friend. I know he’s got my back and is not going to make me look like an ass onscreen. I hope I return the favor. I think we work well together and I couldn’t have asked for a cooler person to play opposite. Jake is just very down to earth and funny and open to different ideas. It makes every scene very comfortable.
JS: I think we had become friends before the first kiss so not really. If anything, I think it makes it more comfortable.