Portrait of an Artist as a Theatre Minor (or, Five Questions for Alyssa Lardi)

We wanted to get to know more about our Theatre Minors, so we have started to ask them each five questions… The first Theatre Minor we asked is Alyssa Lardi and here’s what she told us.

What do you love about theatre?

I love how theatre can be so different yet similar. When I tell people I'm a theatre minor, sometimes they'll respond with "Oh plays are so boring" or "God I can't stand musicals," but there are so many different kinds and levels of theatre that it's impossible to not find SOMETHING you can enjoy. Theatre allows you to go anywhere and be anyone- a stressed and overwhelmed student director one week (first photo--I am on the right, attempting to troubleshoot blocking issues), a secret agent the next, and an Elf a month later (in the second photo, I am in the bottom right in pink wig and green jacket--I'll never get to dress this fashionably again). It's also a craft that employs all kinds of people with all kinds of interests, and everyone can feel that their work is important and they belong. Whether it's people working on Broadway, community theatre, improv groups, school plays, musicals, Shakespeare, introductory classes- there's always a bond among those who appreciate theatre and you can always find something you have in common.

What's one show you would love to be a part of one day?

I've been in love with the musical Spring Awakening since my freshman year of high school, and have seen it six times during three different productions. It's amazing to me how you go from all the issues the young characters face- suicide, child abuse, acceptance, religion, abortion- to a song named "Totally Fucked" which is literally a carefree rocking out party on stage. The music is beautiful and the show itself is quite eye-opening, so it's definitely a dream production for me.

What inspired you to become a Theatre Minor?

I've been involved with theatre for my entire life, and freshman fall semester was the first time since about 4th grade that I wasn't involved with a production. I knew I wasn't going to just stop being involved and had friends who were majors, so I decided to look into the minor. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to stay active and really start learning about all of the aspects of theatre. I like the structure of the minor because it's not too overwhelming for a person with a time-consuming major, but still allows me to branch out into new disciplines and take courses I'm interested in. 

What is your major?

My major is American Sign Language/English Interpreting, which means facilitating communication between hearing people who use spoken English and Deaf/Hard of Hearing people who use ASL. If you've ever seen a person signing during an important press conference or interpreting for famous Deaf people like Marlee Matlin or Nyle DiMarco, those are a few settings interpreters can work in. I took ASL in high school and came to Bloomsburg specifically for the interpreting program, because I am absolutely in love with the language, the communities, and the profession (even though it's a LOT of work and extremely difficult). Adding a theatre minor was also a practical career choice, as theatrical interpreting is a field I may wish to pursue and background knowledge of what happens both on stage and behind the scenes will be extremely beneficial.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?

I won't lie, I thought the most about this question. After a lot of personal debate and soul searching, I think would be an Apple, because they're honestly the most superior fruit. They go with caramel, peanut butter, chocolate, and in pies or other amazing desserts. Also, I'd get to be in a ton of Instagram and Facebook posts in fall when all of us New Yorkers visit orchards and spend the day apple picking.

Five Questions for Frankie Stokes, Choreographer

Francesca "Frankie" Stokes is one of the student choreographers for the upcoming 5th Annual Repertory/Ensemble Dance Minor Concert. We asked her five questions.

Frankie performing in the spring dance ensemble show.

What first interested you in choreography?

I have been choreographing dances for as long as I have been dancing, 18 years. Growing up I spent majority of my time in the middle of the living room floor choreographing dances to my favorite song at the time. I spent so much time in that spot that there is was an indent in the basement ceiling that showed my hard work, dedication and heavy feet.  It’s very rare that I don’t listen to a song and choreograph a dance in my head. 

Where have you found your inspiration for the piece that you are creating this spring?

The piece that I am creating this spring was originally created last year. I decided to reset it and see how far I can push my creative limits. My original inspiration for the piece came from my personal struggles but I decided to flip the concept and base it on the dancers ‘Struggle at Hand.’ 

What are the challenges to creating a new piece?

When the piece was originally created, I was working with four dancers for a five- minute piece. This time around, my cast consists of seven dancers with a length increase to seven minutes. 

Who is an artist you admire?

An artist I admire is Melissa Rector, the Assistant Artistic Director at Koresh Dance Company.  I admire Melissa for her creative ability and effortless technique.  She has a modest mindset that allows every dancer to feel comfortable regardless of their performance level.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?

If I could be a fruit or a vegetable I would be an apple because of all of their different variations!

Frankie's piece for the minor performance.

Frankie Stokes is a Senior at Bloomsburg University, studying  Mass Communications with a journalism track and a dance minor. Looking to pursue a career in sports journalism while continuing to dance. 

Five Questions for Chris Creyer, Director

Chris Creyer is directing The Compliment by Bry Kifolo in the Original 10-Minute Plays by Student Playwrights (April 1, 2, 6 & 7). We asked him five questions. (You can also read playwright Bry Kifolo's interview on this blog.)

Chris performing at Dorney Park

What got you first interested in theatre?

In a sense I've been interested in theatre since I was young, even though I couldn't conceptualize what theatre was until years later. As a kid I would always watch and listen to the Peter Pan VHS performance with Cathy Rigby. After watching I would reenact those scenes and sing along to those songs constantly. Yet, when it comes to that interest in theatre and my eventual involvement didn't occur until high school. The two events that sparked my interest in theatre was watching the Phantom of the Opera during music class and later my Drama Club’s performance of the Sound of Music.  After watching Phantom it left me in awe, those melodic songs were stuck in my head and I began to sing those songs. It was at that moment I realized I could sing but I was still hesitant to audition for the Sound of Music. After seeing the performance twice, it made me realize that I could do those same things and I truly wanted to be on that stage. Afterwards I had an epiphany that theatre was the thing I was so drawn to as a kid and something I wanted to be involved in. The next year I joined Drama Club and took part in Aesop’s Fables and Pippin, which is when that passion was firmly cemented.

What's the most exciting or challenging aspect of directing for you?

The most exciting aspect of being a director is to have a vison for a play and be able to see that come to life during rehearsals and the eventual performance.  The other is to have the opportunity to collaborate with very talented actors and to see them grow, as I guide them to finding the truthfulness in their characters. It’s a pleasure to be able to work with those individuals and to see such passion and talent hard at work.

Which play are you directing and what do you love about the play?

I’m the director of The Compliment and it’s hard to choose just one thing. If I could choose one thing it’s how relate-able the characters are. Their experiences and fears was something that resonated with me. I can see myself at various instances in both these characters either in their personalities, fears, experiences, and how it feels to withhold one’s true feelings and the frustration that comes with it. All of those things stood out instantly and allowed me to bring that truthfulness during rehearsals because I could sympathize with both characters. These things aren't unique to me because I know that people will be able to see a part of themselves in these characters, which is what I truly love about this play. 

What's it like to direct a brand new play?

Being able to direct a new play is definitely a unique experience. The play is literally a work and progress so it’s great to be part of that for the first time. Through seeing how many changes can occur before the play is seen by an audience but they don’t alter what makes the play so great. It’s also been a great opportunity to work side by side with a playwright throughout the entire process. It was very helpful to have that extra insight during rehearsals because it ensured I was meeting their intentions for the play. Ultimately, it’s fulfilling to bring their play to life and to see gratification on their face when they see their work lifted off the page and done in a way that meets everything they intended it to be. I never thought I’d get the experience of directing a new play but I’m glad I’ve gotten that opportunity.

Chris and his friend, Henry Carver

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?

I would be an apple because it’s my favorite fruit and I have one every day. Symbolically, I feel I can be like the apple that struck Isaac Newton because I can be the catalyst that’ll cause someone to do great things either as a director or as a teacher.

Christopher Creyer is a Sophomore Secondary Education History major at Bloomsburg University. He previously directed What Are You Going To Be? for the Directing Class Projects. Chris also works as a performer and supervisor in Live Entertainment at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

Five Questions for Kellyanne Klause, Actor

Kellyanne Klause is a Senior at Bloomsburg University and is acting in The Nosemaker's Apprentice. We asked her five questions.

Kellyanne Klause as Versati in The Underpants, 2013

What made you first interested in acting? 
It all started one dark and stormy day during my lunch period in the third grade; my dear friend and I were fighting over a fellow classmate’s lunchbox.  One of us somehow ended up falling into the trash cans and the fight was over. When we told the story we turned it into this crazy epic tale of two best friends who were torn apart over a lunchbox and spent the rest of their days mad at each other, holding onto their grudge even when they met again at a retirement home. We ended up performing the play the next year at our fourth grade talent show.  It was in this moment that I realized I enjoyed making others laugh, (I promise it was much funnier than it sounds… possibly).  As I grew up I found myself being drawn to any opportunities to perform in front of others.  And the rest is history.

What do you find interesting or appealing about The Nosemaker’s Apprentice?
The comedy.  This is my favorite kind of comedy; in your face craziness mixed with subtle moments of ridiculousness add to the world of the play and to the comedy. I think it is amazing that every night at rehearsal the cast still laughs even though we have been working on the show for weeks now.  I cannot wait to share this play with audiences.

What is the most challenging aspect of acting in this particular play?
All of the different accents, doing one accent is a challenge but having three different accents that are constantly changing from character to character can be a bit difficult.  Trying to imitate the German accent ain’t no walk in the park.

What would be your ideal role in any play or musical?
I honestly do not know if I have a particular role in mind that I would love to play.  Last semester I played the role of Macbeth in Macbeth and I think I would like to play the role of Lady Macbeth at some point in my life.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?
I would definitely be an apple because they are my favorite and they go well with peanut butter and that’s really all you need in life.

Kellyanne Klause is a senior dual-majoring in Theatre Arts and Communication Studies. She works on campus as a mentor for the Center for Visual and Performing Arts’ sophomore Living and Learning Community. She does not like Shakespeare, but she loves her hamster Kevin.