Meet the Cast of Cymbeline: Guiderius

1) Where are you from? How did you end up here (or why did you stay)?

I am from a little town in the middle of nowhere called Freeport, about 30 minutes away from Grand Rapids. I studied at Grand Valley State University for the past four years, and I got to familiarize myself with Allendale and the Grand Rapids area.

2) Where did you study acting?

Grand Valley State University

3) What theaters have you worked with? Describe a favorite role/production: Thornapple Kellogg High School Grand Valley State University The Fuse Box

Favorite Production - I recently did a production of CLUE (based on the board game) at The Fuse Box in Grand Rapids. I played a french maid named Yvette, so I had to learn how to do a french accent. It was a very funny, fast-paced show, and I really enjoyed the people and process of putting it together.

4) What do you do in your free time? Listen to music, draw, paint, do makeup

5) Share three “fun facts” about yourself: I love to do anything artistic. I like doing special effects and body art with makeup. I am obsessed with music.

Character Questions:

Pick three adjectives that describe your (major) character and explain why you chose them:

I would describe Guiderius as strong, brave, and loyal. He is a skilled hunter, as he was raised in the woods, and he knows his way around multiple weapons. He is not afraid to stand up to the arrogant prince Cloten when Cloten threatens his family. He is also ready and willing to fight in the battle against the Romans, and ends up along with his brother and adopted father, turning the tide of the battle in favor of the Britons. He is not afraid to do what he believes is right, even if it might go against what others think.

What physical/vocal choices have you made for this character and why? Since I am a female playing a male role, I have had to adjust my physicality and vocals. I try to lower my voice for the role, and I also take on a broader stance as my character. It’s a challenge not to revert back to my normal posture and stance, as I have given him a very strong and rigid posture and movements.

Process Questions:

1) What made you want to become an actor? What makes you want to continue being an actor? I have always had a flair for the dramatics, even when I was young, and I have always enjoyed being in productions of any sort. I like the opportunity acting gives me to be someone that I wouldn’t be able to be in real life. With acting, you get to experience new worlds, stories, and characters.

I want to continue to be an actor because I love the whole experience of putting together a show. I love meeting new people and how shows bring them together. I love the camaraderie and team effort. I love the feeling of excitement before a show starts and I love entertaining the audience.

4) What is your favorite "Original Practice" (audience contact, cross-gendered casting, live music and sound, etc.) and what exactly do you love about it? My favorite original practice would have to be the live music. With Cymbeline, we have live music at the beginning, middle and end of the show, as well as during certain scenes. It helps set the mood and provides transitions between scenes, as well as entertain the audience during intermission.

As I mentioned before, I love music and singing. I think it helps connect the actors with the audience, we are doing some modern pieces that most of the audience should recognize, so it helps them to feel more at ease, especially if they are not familiar with Shakespeare. They can recognize the songs and feel more connected to the show and the actors.