The Interviewer and the Pea (Day Four)

Well folks, a new season is upon us! A new season of adventure and comedy. A season a new faces. And to introduce some of those new faces (as well as say hello to some returning ones) we are once again sitting down with our latest cast for a series of interviews. I took a few moments to sit down and talk with newcomer Danika Wood.


So, Welcome to the Makeshift Family, tell our readers a bit about yourself!
I grew up in Ithaca, New York. I can remember being bitten by the acting bug when I was 6, and auditioned for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Hangar Theatre. I didn't get a role, but my sister did, and I was so jealous of her! But I went on to take classes and perform at various theatres in Ithaca. I was involved with, and for a year was Artistic Director of, Orange Tree Theatre Company, which was made up of kids ages 8-18 only; we did everything ourselves, and I'm very proud of having been a part of it. I received a BFA in acting from Syracuse University, where I played Bardolph in Henry V and Jack's Mother in Into the Woods as well as other roles. When I graduated I moved to New York City, where I lived for the past several years. My most recent role there was The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet.


This is your first show with Makeshift, what has that been like for you?
Having just moved to Boston from New York, this is my first time with Makeshift and I am so glad I got to be a part of this production! It has been a professional and really fun experience! Plus, everyone is not only talented, but so nice!


What role will our audiences see you as when Pricness and the Pea opens this weekend?
I play Queen Margaret of the Northeast Kingdom. It is always fun to play the ruler of a kingdom and imagine all my subjects, and my huge castle, and collection of velvet capes, and the cast-iron footed bathtubs in every bathroom. (No? Just me?) Queen Margaret is very proper and very bossy, and while I myself do not see much of a resemblance, I imagine if you'd asked my brother and sisters when I was, say, 10 years-old, they might disagree.


What was the hardest thing you ever had to do as an actor?
I guess the hardest thing I had to do physically was perform something like 40 shows as a One-Armed Woman in a show called The Dybbuk. I had one arm in a sleeve strapped across my body and tied and a giant puppet in the other hand. To top it off, it was a period show and I was wearing a corset. Unless you've spent time in a corset, I couldn't explain to you the uniquely horrifying aspects. All in all, it was an extraordinarily claustrophobic experience. Luckily the show was beautiful and I was offstage a lot.


Of all the shows you've ever been in , which was your absolute favorite?
I couldn't pick! Each experience brought something different into my experience as an actor, whether it's working with a phenomenal director who inspired me, getting to sing and dance in a favorite musical, perform Shakespeare for the first time, or play a man and speak French.


How do you prepare before you step on stage?
I always warm up my body and my voice so that they're ready for anything. And then I always drink too much water, so I end up visiting the restroom a few times.


What advice would you give to a young person in the audience who might be interested in theatre?
There are so many classes out there right now for young people, in acting, singing, probably design and directing too, just get out there! If you're not finding what you need out there, you can always create it! I was involved with a theater company who had no one over the age of 18. Get involved in everything you can, at school, community theatre, local theatres; especially at this point every experience is valuable. Also make sure you go see a lot of theater, as much as you can. I remember seeing King Lear when I was 13, and I didn't understand one whit of it, but believe it or not I am still inspired by it today.


What do you think families should take away from Princess and the Pea?
It doesn't matter whether you are a Princess or a Tailor or anyone in between, what matters is who you are inside. Love, especially, doesn't know any titles or status and when you love someone, you should love her completely, no matter who she is or where she comes from.


The Princess and the Pea is performing throughout October. Visit Makeshifttheatre.com for more information!

The Regent Theatre

781-646-4898

Arlington, MA
Sunday October 17th 1:00pm

Saturday October 23 10:30am

Riverside Theatre Works

617-361-5269

Hyde Park, MA

Saturday October 2

11:00am & 1:00pm

The Interviewer and the Pea (Day Three)

Well folks, a new season is upon us! A new season of adventure and comedy. A season a new faces. And to introduce some of those new faces (as well as say hello to some returning ones) we are once again sitting down with our latest cast for a series of interviews. I took a few moments to sit down and talk with

a returning face familiar to Makeshift audiences, the lovely and talented Jes Corbo.


So, Jes, tell our readers a bit about yourself.
I'm Jes Corbo, and I am from Boston. A few of the shows I have been in are Midsummer Night's Dream, Cabaret, My Fair Lady, and The Importance of Being Earnest.


This isn't your first show with Makeshift, you've become something of a regular for our audiences, am I right?
This is my fourth show with Makeshift. Did any of you see Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, or The Emperors New Clothes? I love Makeshift and the big fast funny sort of acting we do. Theatre that speaks to children in their language is something I really believe in. I didn't know how much I loved theatre until I was in high school, so I think I missed out a little. If I was bitten by the theatre bug at a younger age, maybe I would have been able to play one of the kids in Mary Poppins, or even Annie! hehe.


So, what role do you play in Princess?
I play Princess Kate. I like her because even though she is a princess she is still very down to earth and she doesn't let her royal position change her personality. I definitely see a bit of myself in Princess Kate. She loves, fights for the truth, and let's her true self show no matter who's watching.


What was the hardest thing you ever had to do as an actor?
Without fail, every part I have ever had, I run into an unexpected obstacle. I am happy I do, because that is how I grow as an actor. I have only had to learn choreography a few times before, so stretching that puny little muscle of mine has been one of my Princess and the Pea challenges.


Of all the shows you've been in, what was your favorite and why?
This is a tough question. I think Midsummer Night's Dream was my favorite show. I love Shakespeare and this play is just so funny and full of fantasy and the relationships between the couples are so rich. There is a lot for an actor to do when working on Shakespeare. I am reminded of Helena and her struggles when I play Princess Kate.

What do you do before a performance to prepare to go on stage?
I try to get as warmed up as possible, my voice and my body need to feel very loose so that when it's time to start, I can use those things as my tools to tell this awesome story. Also, WATER. So important. For two weeks before a show, I drink as much water as I can. That's when it's important, the water I drink back stage isn't going to really help me stay hydrated, it's all that water I drink before hand.

What advice would you give to a young person in the audience who might be interested in theatre?
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 :).


What do you think families should take away from Princess and the Pea?
Follow your heart.
 
 
The Princess and the Pea is performing throughout October. Visit Makeshifttheatre.com for more information!

The Regent Theatre

781-646-4898

Arlington, MA
Sunday October 17th 1:00pm

Saturday October 23 10:30am

Riverside Theatre Works

617-361-5269

Hyde Park, MA

Saturday October 2

11:00am & 1:00pm



The Interviewer and the Pea (Day Two)

Well folks, a new season is upon us! A new season of adventure and comedy. A season a new faces. And to introduce some of those new faces (as well as say hello to some returning ones) we are once again sitting down with our latest cast for a series of interviews. I took a few moments to sit down and talk with Michael Riffle.



So, Mike, tell our audience a bit about yourself.
I live in Brighton, but I was born in Cleveland OH. I spent three years in Houston TX and four in Rochester, NY. I've done many shows in the area including "Three Days of Rain" with IDS, and "Music from a Sparkling Planet" with Happy Medium.


Is this your first time with Makeshift?
No, my first show with Makeshift was this spring. I played Jason/Little John/Sir Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood. I'm playing Prince Archibald. I enjoy the "Prince Charming" style character, because it's so easy to play around with. I'm not sure I see any of myself in the character, but I do like to pretend to be dashing and romantic.


What was the hardest thing you ever had to do as an actor?
I was in a rehearsal for Killer Joe, by Tracy Letts, and I was asked to recount the worst breakup I'd ever had (which at the time was fairly recent) and then when I was thoroughly charged with my own emotion I was made to do the scene. It works really well, but it definitely doesn't feel very good.


Of all the shows you've been in, what was your favorite and why?
Killer Joe, easily, the director was crazy (in a good way) and demanded an epic amount of devotion from his actors. We were forced (often against our will) to delve deeper and deeper into the characters. I think I gave one of my best performances in that show, and I enjoyed it immensely, especially the parts I hated during the process.


What do you do before a performance to prepare to go on stage?
I usually do a series of stretches and vocal warmups before a performance, but before each time I step on stage I try to think of "the moment before". It's a pretty standard acting exercise. You think about the scene you're about to do, and then you think about what must have come before that scene, and you play that through your head just before you walk out onto the stage. If the performance starts before the audience can see or hear you then there's no chance that they're going to see you out of character.


What advice would you give to a young person in the audience who might be interested in theatre?
The number one thing is to just BE INVOLVED. Get involved in a show you're interested in, and even if you can't get a role, be involved backstage - learn the ins and outs of the theatre world. Another big tip, which I often fail to follow but is really important, be punctual and be present. Arriving early to a rehearsal gives you time to get settled so that when it's time to start you're already ready to go, and not just getting into the room.


What do you think families should take away from Princess and the Pea? What is it's moral/meaning so to speak?
I think the biggest thing in the show is the importance of love, whether it be familial ties or marriage, love, trust, and respect are invaluable. King Irving learns to respect Archie's wishes, Archie learns to trust Kate, and all the characters learn that love is the backbone of marriage whether you're rich or poor, famous or unknown.

The Princess and the Pea is performing throughout October. Visit Makeshifttheatre.com for more information!

The Regent Theatre

781-646-4898

Arlington, MASunday October 17th 1:00pm

Saturday October 23 10:30am

Riverside Theatre Works

617-361-5269

Hyde Park, MA

Saturday October 2

11:00am & 1:00pm

The Interviewer and the Pea (Day One)

Well folks, a new season is upon us!  A new season of adventure and comedy. A season a new faces. And to introduce some of those new faces (as well as say hello to some returning ones) we are once again sitting down with our latest cast for a series of interviews. Today we have the pleasure of meeting a newcomer to the Makeshift Family, Tim O'Connor.

Hi there, Tim!
Oh, hello there!

So, tell our readers a bit about yourself. Where are you from, what other shows have you been in?
My name is Tim O'Connor and I come from the city Malden, Massachusetts. Over the years, I've been such shows as Romeo and Juliet, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged, and Nineteen-Eighty Four. This is my first time working with the Makeshift Theatre Co and I am excited to say that the experience has been awesome!

So, what role do you play in Princess and the Pea?
The script for The Princess and The Pea is hilarious, the cast is bursting with comedic energy, and the director really knows how to tie it all together and make it come alive. I play the part of "Poughkeepsie" Paul Snodgrass, Lead Triangle of The Western Kingdom Swingers Orchestra. I really dig his silly three word one-liners that "overstate the obvious."

What was the hardest thing you ever had to do as an actor?
As an actor, the hardest thing I've ever had to do was write and perform in my own one-person play.

What's been your favorite show that you've ever worked on?
Of all the shows I've been in, Nineteen-Eighty Four was my favorite because it was my very first full length play and it was based on one of my favorite books.

How do you prepare for a role, before you go on stage and face the audience?
Before a performance I like to stretch, do breathing exercises, and walk around as my character for preparation to go on stage.

If you could say any one thing to a young audience member who might be interested in theatre, what would it be?
To any young person in the audience with even the smallest interest in theatre, I offer this advice: DO IT. Go out a school play, audition for local theatre companies, or even get yourself and some friends together and make your own production. Theatre might end up being your favorite thing in the world but you won't know if you don't try it out.

Any final thoughts? Anything you'd like the audience to take away from the new show?
I hope the audience at least takes away the idea that honesty is the best course of action. Hope you enjoy the show!!  


The Princess and the Pea is performing throughout October. Visit Makeshifttheatre.com for more information!

The Regent Theatre
781-646-4898
Arlington, MASunday October 17th 1:00pm
Saturday October 23 10:30am

Riverside Theatre Works
617-361-5269
Hyde Park, MA
Saturday October 2
11:00am & 1:00pm

Welcome to a New Season!

Greeting Friends and Neighbors!

Well it's been a while but boy do we sure have some exciting news for you! I hope you all enjoyed your summer and are looking forward to a beautiful Autumn here in Boston. I for one plan to get some apple picking in soon!

But before we load up on tangy Cortlands and sweet Red Delicious, I'm sure you'd like to hear a bit about all the exciting things that have been happening in the last few months.

Our very own amazing Kristin Boucher has sent us a brand spanking new poster for our season opener, The Princess and the Pea, adapted by our long time friend, Noah Smith. Now this is an exciting show folks, and our friend Caitlin Stewart-Swift returns to direct. Caitlin previously directed two of my favorite shows, Hansel & Gretel as well as last season's Emperor's New Clothes.

Familiar faces: Matt Arnold (Sleeping Beauty), Michael Riffle (Robin Hood), Jesica Corbo (Alice in Wonderland), Tim  Fairley (Emperor's New Clothes) and Victoria Townsend (Emperor's New Clothes) are joined by brand new cast members Danika Wood, Meghan Kenny, Jessica Barstis, and Tim O'Connor in this all new tale of humor, romance, peas and princesses!

Performances are  October 2nd at Riverside Theatre Works in Hyde Park; and October 17th and 23rd at the Regent Theatre in Arlington. For times and Tickets please visit our web site!

But that's not all, friends! We have a whole new season lined up for you, including a brand new adventure, Treaure Island this winter! Pirates! Treaure! Peg Legs! X Marks the Spot in this thrilling tale of adventure and buckle swashing!

And don't forget! This spring, the world renound Misdirected Theatre Company returns with their thrilling sequel to Robin Hood. Ozzie, Larry, Cynthia, Jason and Margaret return to bring us Jack Neary's beautiful tale of a very Ugly Duckling.

Whew! That's a lot of new stuff, isn't it? I know what you're saying, they can't possibly have anything MORE exciting than Pirates and Ducks and a Princess with a Perpetually Persnickity Pea Problem.

Well, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Yes there's a rumor bouncing around the Makeshift Offices and this time it has nothing to do with Nero's obsession with calling everyone "His Precious" since Lord of the Rings Online went Free-to-Play the other day.

Would you like a hint? I'm sure you would. I'm not really supposed to say anything because it's still being designed....

But... Since you've been such wonderful friends of Makeshift for so many years. I'll give you a sneek peek:

There's a BRAND NEW WEB SITE on it's way!!!

It's still being developed, but as you can see, we at Makeshift are very excited about this season. Come join us for what is sure to be a thrilling and amazing new season of adventure!

Hope to see you there!!!