One of the great things about Makeshift is that we consistently get to work with a wonderful group of vibrant and exciting actors each of whom has a passion for entertaining audiences young and old alike. We consider ourselves a family, and while we have many actors that come and go throughout our seasons, we do have close friends that return season after season to entertain and inspire young audiences. As part of our Anniversary season, many faces of Makeshift old and new are happy to offer their own personal thoughts and memories about their experiences in theatre. For the Previous Update, click Here!
Today I'm chatting with Debra Mein, who returns to the Makeshift Stage after having previously appeared as the Witch in Hansel and Gretel. For Emperor's New Clothes, she portrays fashion designer Pennyloaf, Mistress of The Revels. In addition to her work with Makeshift Deb teaches Creative Drama and Musical Theatre at Riverside TheatreWorks in Hyde Park and at Adams Montessori in Quincy. She took a few moments out of her busy schedule to talk with me about her experiences in theatre.
What do you like most about Pennyloaf?
I like that she is a good balance of zaniness and put-togetherness. I love playing characters like this because you can really delve into what makes them tick-- and it's usually something unexpected. Penny for example hates designing for fashion shows, but rather loves seeing her designs on stage. Although she'd like to be planning other events, the thought that there might be someone better at designing clothes than her is just un-thinkable. So, this really drives her into unknown territory. On one page, she has to battle both her pride and her dislike of her present position.
You've worked with Makeshift previously on Hansel and Gretel. What inspired you to return for Emperor's New Clothes?
This was an awesome and challenging role and really the reason I auditioned for Makeshift a second time. This script, by local playwright Jack Neary, was an excellent example of good children's theatre. The jokes were spot-on for kids-- without being pandering. My brief experience with Makeshift has shown me that they choose shows that are silly, fun, wild-- but that still require kids to think. The jokes are not just handed to the children (and adults!) in the audience and I think that's important. I also think that good children's theatre is important. We are building the next generation of theatre-goers and if we give them bad or boring theatre, then ultimately they'll be turned off from it.
What is your favorite children's story and why?
Perhaps "The Giving Tree" for it's story of beauty, humanity and selflessness. I'm a Shel Silverstein fan in general. I know-- it's easy to be one. Like my thoughts on children's theatre, he really sets the bar high for kids as well. He doesn't settle for the obvious joke or story line in his literature and song-writing.
You and Tim Fairley (Rags) have worked with (director) Caitlin Stewart-Swift previously. What is it like working with her as director?
Caitlin is a true "actor's director". She understands the process that each individual actor goes through and works to manipulate her directing to fit the actor. In my opinion, she gives just the right amount of direction. I like Cait's point-blank blocking style and her feed-back is always helpful.
Tell us something unique about yourself.
I grew-up on a farm in Kansas. I can drive a tractor, "pull" calves and buck bales. Both of my parents are veterinarians (just like the Prince and Susie they set up their own animal hospital.) I had a golden childhood-- honestly. Growing up wild and on the farm really shaped me into the person I am today. There's no place like home and, yes, I'm not in Kansas anymore. You know-- it's funny-- as many Wizard of Oz jokes that I get-- I've never been in a production of it. :)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Interview with an Actor (Day Three)
One of the great things about Makeshift is that we consistently get to work with a wonderful group of vibrant and exciting actors each of whom has a passion for entertaining audiences young and old alike. We consider ourselves a family, and while we have many actors that come and go throughout our seasons, we do have close friends that return season after season to entertain and inspire young audiences. As part of our Anniversary season, many faces of Makeshift old and new are happy to offer their own personal thoughts and memories about their experiences in theatre. For Yesterday's Update, click Here!
Today I'm chatting with another new arrival to the Makeshift family, Victoria Townsend. Victoria joins the cast of Emperor's New Clothes as a model, and offered us her thoughts on the experience.
As a child, what was your favorite children's story and why?
My favorite children's story is a book called 'The True story of the Three Little Pigs' by Jon Scieszka. It's a very funny book that tells the story of the three little pigs from the wolf's perspective. It shows that he might not really be a bad guy after all.
What do you think families should take away from Emperor's New Clothes?
I think the most important thing that families can learn from ENC is that it's important to always listen to each other and remember that love and family is more important that clothing, or money or parties or other things.
What was it like working with the director?
Caitlin is an awesome director because she always has so much energy and enthusiasm and she's great at making us have energy too. She's also not afraid to get up and act silly to show us what she wants. It makes it a lot easier for all of us to act silly too.
Okay, seriously, Just how do you guys memorize all those lines?!
People always ask actors how they memorize lines and I always say that that's really one of the easiest parts. Actors get a lot of practice memorizing lines so a lot of them get really good at it. Just like if you practice a sport or an instrument then you get better at it. The hard part is trying to figure out the right way to say the lines so that you are really doing the best job you can as your character.
What would you say to kids in the audience who are interested in acting?
I would say, why wait? Work on plays at your school or find an after-school program where you can take classes or be in shows. And when you do that, don't be afraid what people think of you, act silly and just have fun. The best actors are actors that aren't afraid that they're going to look dumb in front of other people.
Today I'm chatting with another new arrival to the Makeshift family, Victoria Townsend. Victoria joins the cast of Emperor's New Clothes as a model, and offered us her thoughts on the experience.
As a child, what was your favorite children's story and why?
My favorite children's story is a book called 'The True story of the Three Little Pigs' by Jon Scieszka. It's a very funny book that tells the story of the three little pigs from the wolf's perspective. It shows that he might not really be a bad guy after all.
What do you think families should take away from Emperor's New Clothes?
I think the most important thing that families can learn from ENC is that it's important to always listen to each other and remember that love and family is more important that clothing, or money or parties or other things.
What was it like working with the director?
Caitlin is an awesome director because she always has so much energy and enthusiasm and she's great at making us have energy too. She's also not afraid to get up and act silly to show us what she wants. It makes it a lot easier for all of us to act silly too.
Okay, seriously, Just how do you guys memorize all those lines?!
People always ask actors how they memorize lines and I always say that that's really one of the easiest parts. Actors get a lot of practice memorizing lines so a lot of them get really good at it. Just like if you practice a sport or an instrument then you get better at it. The hard part is trying to figure out the right way to say the lines so that you are really doing the best job you can as your character.
What would you say to kids in the audience who are interested in acting?
I would say, why wait? Work on plays at your school or find an after-school program where you can take classes or be in shows. And when you do that, don't be afraid what people think of you, act silly and just have fun. The best actors are actors that aren't afraid that they're going to look dumb in front of other people.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Interview with an Actor (Day Two)
One of the great things about Makeshift is that we consistently get to work with a wonderful group of vibrant and exciting actors each of whom has a passion for entertaining audiences young and old alike. We consider ourselves a family, and while we have many actors that come and go throughout our seasons, we do have close friends that return season after season to entertain and inspire young audiences. As part of our Anniversary season, many faces of Makeshift old and new are happy to offer their own personal thoughts and memories about their experiences in theatre. For Part One of this series, click Here!
Erin Brehm joins Makeshift Theatre Co for the first time as The Empress, wife of the fassion savvy monarch in The Emperor's New Clothes. She recently moved to Boston from Santa Barbara where she went to school and worked as an actress with Lit Moon Theatre Company. She has acted and spent time in the theatre for as long as she can remember.
As a child, what was your favorite children's story and why?
My favorite children's story was "Oh What a Mess!" A story about a family of very messy pigs who had one very neat and tidy child who helped them to clean up their pig pen house. I have always loved stories of transformation and cleaning up.
How do you memorize all those lines?
I memorize all my lines by saying them out loud and doing "blocking" while repeating them over and over. It is easy to remember them once you walk through it a couple times.
Makeshift shows have a very high energy level. how do you keep your energy levels up?
Maintaining energy during a show can be a challenge. But it can be compared to staying in shape from exercise as well; the more you work out, or rehearse, the more energy and perseverance you gain.
What advice would you give to kids who want to be actors?
The advice I would give to kids who want to be actors is to always remember to enjoy what you are doing. You have to have fun while working hard, otherwise you might get run down. Also if you enjoy what you do, then you are more likely to succeed in doing your job well.
Erin Brehm joins Makeshift Theatre Co for the first time as The Empress, wife of the fassion savvy monarch in The Emperor's New Clothes. She recently moved to Boston from Santa Barbara where she went to school and worked as an actress with Lit Moon Theatre Company. She has acted and spent time in the theatre for as long as she can remember.
As a child, what was your favorite children's story and why?
My favorite children's story was "Oh What a Mess!" A story about a family of very messy pigs who had one very neat and tidy child who helped them to clean up their pig pen house. I have always loved stories of transformation and cleaning up.
How do you memorize all those lines?
I memorize all my lines by saying them out loud and doing "blocking" while repeating them over and over. It is easy to remember them once you walk through it a couple times.
Makeshift shows have a very high energy level. how do you keep your energy levels up?
Maintaining energy during a show can be a challenge. But it can be compared to staying in shape from exercise as well; the more you work out, or rehearse, the more energy and perseverance you gain.
What advice would you give to kids who want to be actors?
The advice I would give to kids who want to be actors is to always remember to enjoy what you are doing. You have to have fun while working hard, otherwise you might get run down. Also if you enjoy what you do, then you are more likely to succeed in doing your job well.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Interview with an Actor (Day One)
One of the great things about Makeshift is that we consistently get to work with a wonderful group of vibrant and exciting actors each of whom has a passion for entertaining audiences young and old alike. We consider ourselves a family, and while we have many actors that come and go throughout our seasons, we do have close friends that return season after season to entertain and inspire young audiences. As part of our Anniversary season, many faces of Makeshift old and new are happy to offer their own personal thoughts and memories about their experiences in theatre.
Jesica Corbo first appeared on the Makeshift Stage last season, as The White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, and returned as one of the Step-Sisters in Cinderella. She joins us again as a fashion model, displaying the latest in high fashion in the Emperor's New Clothes. She took a few moments to sit down with me earlier to talk about the show.
Makeshfit shows require a very high level of energy. How do you keep your energy levels up?
As a cast, we dance around and do all kinds of funny warm up games which gets us started. Once we get out on stage, the audience is there to see our show so we get super excited to see crowd full of people ready to laugh (we laugh at it all the time in rehearsal, so we hope you do too)- Add in a splash of coffee- Which is yucky for kids but great for adults- and it's a recipe for success.
What is your favorite children's story and why?
My favorite children's story is Leo the Lop. It's similar to the story of the Ugly Duckling. Leo is a bunny who has big floppy ears while the other bunnies have ears that stood straight up in the air. The other bunnies think he was a silly looking bunny so he tried everything to prop his ears up so the other bunnies wouldn't make fun of him. Eventually though, Leo realizes that his ears are perfect just the way they are, and trying to look like the other bunnies is silly because he is great just the way he is. I always loved this story because Leo really was the cutest bunny and I am glad he realized that there's nothing special about trying to be like everyone else.
What do you think families should take away from Emperor's New Clothes?
I believe that all of the characters in this story are really good people at heart. They have just forgotten what is really important in life (Except Rags, he knew all along!!) Once they snap out of it and realize they should be caring more about the important people in their lives, not just themselves, they are happier then they were when all they were trying to do was make themselves happy. Imagine that.
What advice would you give to kids who want to be actors?
You got to be strong and remember that it's going to be a lot of work, but if you couldn't see yourself doing anything else and being happy, do it. If you feel that way about it and you don't let anything stop you, you will have a great career in theatre. Remember though, you're gonna need a day job :).
Jesica Corbo first appeared on the Makeshift Stage last season, as The White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, and returned as one of the Step-Sisters in Cinderella. She joins us again as a fashion model, displaying the latest in high fashion in the Emperor's New Clothes. She took a few moments to sit down with me earlier to talk about the show.
Makeshfit shows require a very high level of energy. How do you keep your energy levels up?
As a cast, we dance around and do all kinds of funny warm up games which gets us started. Once we get out on stage, the audience is there to see our show so we get super excited to see crowd full of people ready to laugh (we laugh at it all the time in rehearsal, so we hope you do too)- Add in a splash of coffee- Which is yucky for kids but great for adults- and it's a recipe for success.
What is your favorite children's story and why?
My favorite children's story is Leo the Lop. It's similar to the story of the Ugly Duckling. Leo is a bunny who has big floppy ears while the other bunnies have ears that stood straight up in the air. The other bunnies think he was a silly looking bunny so he tried everything to prop his ears up so the other bunnies wouldn't make fun of him. Eventually though, Leo realizes that his ears are perfect just the way they are, and trying to look like the other bunnies is silly because he is great just the way he is. I always loved this story because Leo really was the cutest bunny and I am glad he realized that there's nothing special about trying to be like everyone else.
What do you think families should take away from Emperor's New Clothes?
I believe that all of the characters in this story are really good people at heart. They have just forgotten what is really important in life (Except Rags, he knew all along!!) Once they snap out of it and realize they should be caring more about the important people in their lives, not just themselves, they are happier then they were when all they were trying to do was make themselves happy. Imagine that.
What advice would you give to kids who want to be actors?
You got to be strong and remember that it's going to be a lot of work, but if you couldn't see yourself doing anything else and being happy, do it. If you feel that way about it and you don't let anything stop you, you will have a great career in theatre. Remember though, you're gonna need a day job :).
Where in the World is Nero?!
Hello folks, and welcome to a brand new blog!
Well, first off I suppose I should introduce myself. Some of you may know me at Larry the Sound Guy in the Misdirected Theatre Company series, but most folks around the office just call me Vinnie. I'm the official Company Manager for Makeshift, which means if you've ever auditioned for us, chances are I helped answer all your questions.
So, where the heck is Nero? Well that's a good question, which is best answered by telling you that Mr. Andy sent him on a trip of sorts. To England! Now why Andy would send an intern on an all expense paid trip to England for several months, instead of using that money to invest in my film company is beyond me. I suspect it might have something to do with Nero's sudden fixation on all things "Jersey Shore." We here at Makeshift do not condone the use of the word Snookie.
Truth is, Nero is off in England for one thing and one thing only. Research. You see, 2010 marks our fifth anniversary and to celebrate, this spring we're bringing back one of our most beloved shows: Robin Hood!
So, while Nero is away, helping us get ready, I shall be your guide to all things Makeshift.
And to begin, I'd like to officially announce a brand new show just in time for February Vacation!
Well, first off I suppose I should introduce myself. Some of you may know me at Larry the Sound Guy in the Misdirected Theatre Company series, but most folks around the office just call me Vinnie. I'm the official Company Manager for Makeshift, which means if you've ever auditioned for us, chances are I helped answer all your questions.
So, where the heck is Nero? Well that's a good question, which is best answered by telling you that Mr. Andy sent him on a trip of sorts. To England! Now why Andy would send an intern on an all expense paid trip to England for several months, instead of using that money to invest in my film company is beyond me. I suspect it might have something to do with Nero's sudden fixation on all things "Jersey Shore." We here at Makeshift do not condone the use of the word Snookie.
Truth is, Nero is off in England for one thing and one thing only. Research. You see, 2010 marks our fifth anniversary and to celebrate, this spring we're bringing back one of our most beloved shows: Robin Hood!
So, while Nero is away, helping us get ready, I shall be your guide to all things Makeshift.
And to begin, I'd like to officially announce a brand new show just in time for February Vacation!
The cast includes a bunch of familiar faces and a whole group of new ones including
Lianne O'Shea as...................................Suzie Neadlethread
James Aitchison as............................Johnny Neadlethread
Gavin Killea as.....................Prince Cumberbun-Jodphurs
Debra Mein as..............Pennyloaf, The Mistress of Revels
Debra Mein as..............Pennyloaf, The Mistress of Revels
Erin Brehm as...................................................The Empress
Tim Fairley as.................................................................Rags
Erica Geller as............................................................Brianna
Kaili Turner as.....................................................The Mother
Jes Corbo and Victoria Townsend as........................Models
Andres Solorzano..............................................Photographer
And Yours Truely as
The Emperor.
The Emperor.
Adapted by Noah Smith and Directed By Caitlin Stewart-Swift
So come check us out, February 6th, 13th and 21st at the Regent Theatre in Arlington,
And on the 17th at the Next Door Theatre in Medford.
We hope to see you there!
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