Some words from the STC Fellows

How did you hear about the fellowship?

(JP) I heard about the fellowship when STC Associate Director Alan Paul came to my BFA program at the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater.  He auditioned my classmates and I, and after a callback process, I received an offer from Alan and Michael Kahn.

Describe a typical day at the theatre.

(JP) Every day is atypical.  My life ranges from exceptionally busy to extraordinarily relaxed, and I never know what the following day will bring!  I would say rehearsals usually extend from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and if there is an evening performance of another show, I will be at the theater from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.  With the upcoming fellows project Macbeth, we will rehearse from 10-6 Monday through Friday with weekends off (Thank God!).

Describe a fond memory you have of STC.

(JP) My favorite memory has to do with a performance of Much Ado About Nothing.  During the mascarada dance, there was a duet between Borachio (Mark Hairston) and Margaret (Rachel Spencer Hewitt) in which he dipped her.  During one performance, Margaret’s wig came off and her wig cap was exposed.  The entire audience gasped as did many of the actors.  Mark, like the pro he is, picked up the wig and finished the duet in Rachel’s wig…sheer brilliance!

What is your favorite thing about living in D.C.?

(JP) I love the museums.  Most are free and have a great range from classical to modern art.  I also love exploring our neighborhood on Capitol Hill (lots of little diners, bookshops, yoga studios, etc.).

What do you hope to do after your fellowship is over?

(JP) After my fellowship ends in April, I will be returning to New York City to pursue further acting jobs.  Looking forward to a change in pace and theatrical style!

How did you hear about the fellowship?

(JM) I think it was a casting notice on Playbill

Describe a typical day at the theatre.

(JM) Depends on where we are in the process: a day might involved a read-through of the script, table work where we go through the script and explore the text, blocking where we’re on our feet and going through the scene, dance, fight or music rehearsals where we learn and rehearse those elements of the play, warming up and performing.

Describe a fond memory you have of STC.

(JM) I was called upon to perform one of my understudy roles for an enthusiastic sold-out student matinee for The Heir Apparent with no real notice. The kids were a great audience and the cast members were very supportive. I think I was in a state of shock, but I really loved that experience.

What is your favorite thing about living in D.C.?

(JM) Going to all the free museums.

What do you hope to do after your fellowship is over?

(JM) I hope to continue my acting career.

How did you hear about the fellowship?

(AK) I saw a posting on Backstage West for the audition.  Instead of going to New York City, I flew into D.C. to do the audition here.

Describe a typical day at the theatre.

(AK) As actors, we generally start our days anywhere between 10 a.m. and noon – and end anywhere between 6 p.m. and midnight.  Our schedules vary greatly depending on the needs of the production, where we are in the process, and our roles in the show.  We’re almost always on our feet, plugging through the blocking, working on moments

Describe a fond memory you have of STC.

(AK) Sitting downstairs in the green room, talking to Derek Smith, Floyd King and others.  As you can imagine, a lot of laughter follows those gentlemen.

What is your favorite thing about living in D.C.?

(AK) The view from in front of our housing—we look directly out onto the Capitol dome.

What do you hope to do after your fellowship is over?

(AK) I will most likely stay in D.C. for a few months and try to audition and get some work.  I’m thinking about going back to graduate school next fall.