Theater Production Students Present “Talking with…”

“Talking With…” was chosen as the fall production for a very practical reason — the play consists of 11 monologues, each 8-10 minutes long, that can be performed alone on stage with no interaction required. The vastly diverse characters include a down-on-her-luck cowgirl, a housewife/cosplayer, a baton twirler, a snake handler, and a daughter, each talking about varied experiences and events that have “made a mark” on their lives.

Each actress showcased her depth and breadth during a night of insightful and moving performances pre-recorded to share safely with the community. While the opening night’s virtual venue was different, most of the girls had their time in the spotlight on FoxHound stage when recording their individual performances. The evening culminated in a live Q&A, where the cast shared some interesting techniques for memorizing their lines (during readings some would eat foods that they thought their character might eat in order to associate another part of their brain with the lines), while others got used to their props by carrying them everywhere, even to class. The crew talked about a virtual production’s unexpected blessings (like having more time to set up and take down props for each performance) alongside the challenges of pulling this performance together. 

Director and Fine Arts faculty member Karin Thorndike summed up the evening best when she closed with, “I’m so proud of each and every one of you... I think you have done this play proud.”

Thank you to the cast and crew — seniors Harriet B., Jennifer C., Julia G., Teagan S., and Hays T.; sophomores Johanna B., Mary J., Ella-Rose L., Heidi D., Cameron H., Kirsten S., and Emily W.; and freshmen Olivia C. and Irene B. — for sharing your gifts of talent and time, and for keeping theater alive during these unfamiliar times.