Q: What challenge pulled you into
working as Props Mistress on this original musical?
A: I enjoy
being part of the process of bringing the director’s vision to life. The devil
can truly be in the details, particularly if it is a period piece. Finding just
the right prop is like a treasure hunt!
Q: Working on
props in SouthFork also means being
on stage and performing with the actors.
What’s is like doing back stage and
on stage work in the same show?
A: Having had
this experience in Quilters, I would
say I enjoy it immensely. While I truly enjoy working backstage, I will admit
to having a bit of the onstage bug. Also, working both on and off stage makes Southfork truly an “ensemble” show in a deeper sense
than is usually done.
Q: Tell us
about your background and what brings you to Imagination Theater!
A: I have
been entranced by theater since I was old enough to sit up, sit still (that was
the hardest part) and watch. My personal experience both on and off stage
includes junior and high school productions, a BA in theater arts, work in a
few professional settings, and wearing a number of hats in a couple of
community theaters.
Q: What is the craziest prop you’ve ever had to
find and manage?
A: Hmmm…. Serving food hot enough for the audience
to see the steam rising but the actors could actually eat. Or making sure the fireworks on stage didn’t
set any actors or the set on fire. And I
still love that bloody basket of body parts that had to look fresh. Deliciously
gruesome!
Q: What part of the process do you enjoy the
most in working on a production?
A: The process itself. Watching the disparate
parts that make a show come together and to life - along with the people that
devote themselves to this process is fascinating. Occasionally, the process can
be a tad tortuous, but, oh, the glorious moment when the curtain goes up!
Q: If you were to hang your motto for being in
theater on the green room wall, what would it say?
A: It would be “Ever Hopeful ”(interpret as you
wish). For the theater it would be “Be True.” Be true to the vision, be true to
the job you are doing on and/or off stage, be true to the people you are
working with. And be truly in the moment so that moment is
the best that it can be for yourself and for the audience.
