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November 19, 2005
Behind the Scenes of Seton Hill's Theatre Program (Part 3)
Twenty minutes prior to performing, the actors undergo emotional prep. Miquel Doby, Heidi in Fuddy Meers, relates what’s happening in her character’s life to something in her own. “I’m shy,” said Doby. “but when it’s time to go on stage, I let go. I become that person.”
To get into character, Adrienne Fischer, who played Claire in Fuddy Meers and is cast as Cleopatra opposite Stewart, listens to music. For amnesiac Claire, she chose Carole King’s “Safe Again” and “Up On the Roof” plus Natalie Merchant’s “Carnival” and “Kind and Generous.”
During productions, senior Jamie Williams, who has performed in six productions and assisted in four others, rises early, attends classes, eats, rehearses, and goes home. “It’s a real commitment,” said Williams. “It’s like being an athlete. We have that same dedication.”
Between the makeup needed to age her and the physical warm-ups, Williams spent an hour and a half preparing for Gertie in Fuddy Meers. Playing the stroke victim was challenging, but Williams said she fell in love with her character.
Fight director, Shaun Rolly, choreographed the Fuddy Meers’ fight scenes. Adrian Concha, Kenny, said they rehearsed the step-by-step moves in slow motion. Two nights before opening, they sped it up.
During one fight rehearsal, one of the actors suggested it would be funny if Steven Clemens’ character Richard ended up “wearing” a chair. Clemens tried it. Judging by the audience response, he said, it worked.
For Kindertransport, the actors toured the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. “It was very emotional,” said Stewart. “We saw all of the different stories and videos.”
Posted by NancyGregg at November 19, 2005 2:26 PM