Being that you are a Governor’s School for the Arts student, how did you feel about your audition & call-back process?  How did you prepare for your audition?

The Governor’s School for the Arts and VSC have always worked closely together with different performance opportunities in the Governor’s School Black Box Theater.  Being asked by Chris Hanna to audition for Line in the Sand was an honor and a privilege in itself.  When I received the news about my audition, I prepared two contrasting monologues just in case there was no cold reading of the script.  About five days later, the department head of the Theater Dept. for the Governor’s School, Steve Earle, informed me that I received the part.  I was thrilled!

Is this your first time working with VSC?

This is my first time and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with the best team in local theater!

How is this role affecting you so far?  What do you hope to bring to this production?

This role has stretched me and taught me so many things about my process of making decisions for my character.  I hope to bring to this production a better understanding of what happened to the Norfolk 17 behind closed doors.  They went through so many trials and tribulations just to go to school.  It makes me have a better appreciation for the school I attend.

What is it like for you, being a young lady, to be a part of such a monumental play that deals with an event that happened fifty years ago?

I heard about this piece last year even before the new season was publicly announced.  I immediately in any way, shape, or form, wanted to be apart of it.  Upon getting the role: however, I ran into some obstacles.  Being able to portray a girl of my age in the 1950’s was a true challenge.  However, with extensive research and interviews with family members who were apart of the times, I channeled into the role using the knowledge I had received.

Being a young actor, what is it like to work with equity actors?

The equity actors have not only been very welcoming to me as a young actor, but they have also taught me the “tricks of the trade” as well as coached me through the process.  Our director, Timothy Douglas, has also been a tremendous, motivating force in my whole process.  Since I am also a senior in high school, the equity actors have also given me their opinions on the best programs in acting for my college experience.  I love all of them!

What are you learning most from this process?

I have learned how a cast is not just made up of individuals, but they are one force.  Without each other, absolutely nothing can be accomplished.  Also, without a crew on its P’s & Q’s, the art cannot be completed.

What advice do you have for the other young actors?

Always remain humble, no matter what opportunities you may receive.  Humility truly does get you places and everyone loves a humble person!

What is your favorite moment in the play?

My favorite moment in the play is the final scene.  Very few words are used, yet, in my opinion, the scene has the greatest meaning.

What is your favorite part of the working with VSC?

My favorite part of working with VSC is the tremendous people I get to meet.  My cast members are some of the most brilliant actors I have ever seen!  They are also great people and that means more to me than their careers.

How do you deal with nerves before  going on stage?

I pray before the curtain goes up, before my cue to go on, during intermission…basically the whole time fo the performance!