In the Spotlight: Alana Young

Name: Alana Young

Alana Young

Roles:

Taming of the Shrew: Assistant Stage Manager

Young Company: Cleomenes/Dorcas

Why Acting?

I do it because I adore the thrill of feeding off of an audience! I liked playing pretend/acting dramatic for my parents when I was little. I never really grew out of it. Then someone somewhere told me it could someday be considered a skill set. Things have never been the same.

How and why did you get involved with Hampshire Shakespeare & this production?

A very very long long time ago I took a sketch comedy class here with Steve Henderson which turned me on to this company. A few years later (now) I got to know some people through my school, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts (PVPA), who were involved with the company and encouraged me to become involved through acting/stage managing. I have been able to do both! I ASMed Shrew and after someone in Young Company dropped out, I jumped on board to fill in two smaller roles!

Do you have a favorite role from any past productions?

Honestly, my favorite role was playing "the Sheep" in a Children's Theatre production of The Gingerbread Girl. I had one line: "Baaaaaaaa". I said it a lot and I even had a song.

Alana in
The Proposal

What is your Favorite Word?

"defenestrate" Derived from the French word for window, "fenetre", this word means: the act of throwing something/someone out a window.

What is your Least Favorite Word?

"birth" It really brings out the awkward...

What sound or noise do you love?

Pop Rocks crackling on my tongue.

What sound or noise do you hate?

My alarm clock.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I would love to be a teacher or a childhood therapist. I get my inspiration from both positive and negative personal experiences.

What profession would you not like to do?

Anything in the judicial system. Mostly an attorney.

What is your earliest memory of theater?

Alana in
Chekhov on the Rocks...
with a Twist

When I was about four I went to go see some cheesy show involving dancing bears. They had planted "audience participants" in the crowd. I didn't catch on to this, so I wholeheartedly ran onstage to be with my beloved dancing bears.

Why is Theatre Necessary?

When a touching theme is presented, it makes people think about what they have witnessed, form individual opinions, and respond in a personal way. This process helps us connect with ourselves, and the world around us.

Has performing Shakespeare given you any interesting insights into Shakespeare?

I now understanding what people mean when they say his themes are, "timeless". The best insight I have collected from this experience is "people haven't changed, but society has".

What’s next for you?

Right now my theatrical plans look like this: Finish an internship with Paintbox Children's Theatre and co-Stage Manage for a production of "Shiloh Rules. Then the fall I will return to PVPA and write/act in a sketch comedy troupe, "Headgear", play Emily in "Our Town" and return to my school's Mock Trial team. I'm pumped.

In the Spotlight: Annalise Cain

Annalise Cain

Name: Annalise Cain

Characters:

In Mainstage: Dorcas, Emilia. 
In Young Company: Perdita

Why Acting?

Because I love it probably more than any other intangible thing.

How and why did you get involved with Hampshire Shakespeare & this production?

I got involved in Hampshire Shakespeare through knowing the producer, Sean Landers, who taught Improv and Scene Study classes at my school. He told me to audition last year for the Tempest and I did. And I came back this year because I wanted to continue to familiarize myself with Shakespeare.

Annalise as Emily
in "Our Town"

Do you have a favorite role from any past productions?

Well, I recently played Emily in Ashfield Community Theater's production of Our Town. That was probably the greatest role I am going to have achieved for a long time. It's a great role because of all the big events the audience sees you go through, falling in love, getting married and dying. It was certainly a lot to live up to!

What is your Favorite Word?

I'm a pretty big fan of 'splendid'. 

What is your Least Favorite Word?

I don't know . . . I don't like the word 'tolerate' because it sounds pretty passive aggressive to me. 

What sound or noise do you love?

Rain.

What sound or noise do you hate?

Fire Sirens.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Writing. I picked the two professions that will earn me the least amount of money. Aren't I an intelligent young individual!

What profession would you not like to do?

An accountant. I hate math.

What is your earliest memory of theater?

Probably the intense feeling of envy watching my older sister, Mia, light up the stage. My theory is I got into theater because I was jealous of the attention my sister received, and I just kind of stuck with it. Now its my greatest love. My parents also force fed me musicals at a young age, so that probably added something to the mix.

As Yelena Imanova Popova
in
"Chekhov on the Rocks with a Twist"

Why is Theatre Necessary?

Because its the best way to tell a story. It's good both for the audience and for the performers. It's good for the audience as a form of entertainment and maybe they'll even feel something or learn something along the way (that's the best kind of theater, when you learn something). And it’s good for the performers because you learn a lot about yourself through theater. To become someone else I think you have to examine who you are to change it onstage. It gives you insight into something you never thought you could grasp.

And as for why live theater is necessary along with film, I believe that there is a sort of excitement and presence that film actors can never achieve like live actors can. And that's fine. They are two fine mediums, I just think live theater is so magical in comparison.

Has performing Shakespeare given you any interesting insights into Shakespeare?

Interesting? To me, yes. To other people, I'm not so sure. But I'll take a whack at it. Over the last few months, I have been attempting to educate myself on theater by reading more plays, and I've read a heck of a lot of Ibsen. And reading his work made me realize how much he respected women. And the more I read and worked with Shakespeare the more I realized that Shakespeare really only used women as plot devices. He only used them when needed, hence the few roles for women, and he really only has two types of women. The pretty ones who tend to be well liked and kind, but tend to be soft spoken or even a little timid, and the strong women who either possess wit, or bravery and tend to always be annoying the other male characters. The pretty, nice women are always celebrated, and the strong, independent women are always shot down and 'tamed' (Taming of the Shrew is an excellent example). I think Shakespeare acknowledged women's presence in society, but I do not think he respected them. When I made this discovery, I decided that from now on, whenever I perform in Shakespeare's plays, it will be in attempt to create three dimensional characters and basically be showing Shakespeare that I can finish what he began.

"Pie in da Face"
with PVPA's
Headgear Comedy Troupe

What’s next for you?

Well, I will go back to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public High School in the fall, which is my favorite place in the whole world. I will be taking Playwriting 101 and portioning when I perform my shows so as not to repeat last semester's insanity (I worked on 6 shows last semester). I will also be co-directing PVPA's comedy troupe Headgear, and we will be performing in March.

In the Spotlight: Kevin Maroney

Name: Kevin Maroney

Character: Camillo

Why Acting?

It is truly an amazing experience to put together a production with a dedicated cast and crew. In the process or creating the play, you get to explore another person’s psyche, and present that person to an audience. It’s terrifying and exhilarating, and I recommend it highly.

As Marcellus in "Hamlet"
with Andrew McClelland as Horatio

How and why did you get involved with Hampshire Shakespeare & this production?

I was a part of the cast of “Hamlet” last year, and it was a great experience all around, so I tried out again this year, and was fortunate to be picked. I think any kind of work with Shakespeare can be intimidating – there’s no margin for error or paraphrasing; the language is so precise – but it is great fun once you go through all the work to get the words and thoughts down. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to give it a go.

As Franz Liebkind
in "The Producers"
(with Dave Neil as Max)

Do you have a favorite role from any past productions?

I have been very fortunate, and have enjoyed every opportunity I’ve been given to be on stage. Last summer, it was great fun playing Marcellus in the first act of “Hamlet,” and the English Ambassador in the last. But probably the craziest and funniest role was Franz Liebkind in “The Producers.” Both he and Mel Brooks are insane.

What is your Favorite Word?

Supercalifragilisitcexpialidocious (though spellcheck does not like it)

What is your Least Favorite Word?

No

What sound or noise do you love?

Waves crashing on the shore

What sound or noise do you hate?

Ringing phones (especially during a show)

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Major League Baseball manager

What profession would you not like to do?

Commercial fishing

What is your earliest memory of theater?

I remember going to see “Carousel” at the Jones Beach Theater in New York when I couldn’t have been more than 5 years old. I was awed by the whole spectacle. I still try to go to live theater whenever possible. There’s nothing better, in my opinion, as far as an entertainment experience goes.

As The Detective in
"Some Mother's Son"
at Smith College

Why is Theatre Necessary?

Staging a live production is the ultimate in teamwork and collaboration. Everything conspires against you: time, resources, weather, etc. And when the show finally goes up, it is, literally, a once-in-a-lifetime event. That show will never again be performed in that place, with that cast and those costumes & props, and that audience. It can’t be captured or duplicated; it can only be experienced in that moment. And, in spite of these unique aspects, our show has been performed for hundreds of years. It is fleeting and eternal at the same time. But I don’t think an audience consciously considers any of this. They just want to be entertained. They want to care about the characters – their lives, relationships, cares and concerns – characters who, by definition, are fictitious. It’s an amazing dynamic.

Has performing Shakespeare given you any interesting insights into Shakespeare?

I have a degree in English, and the nice people at my university required all majors in the department to take an advanced course in Shakespeare, on top of the lower-level literature survey courses that included a great deal of Shakespeare as well. I thought I knew his work, but nothing compares to performing the plays, saying the words, to get the full effect of the brilliant mind that created them. I attended a workshop at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox last year that was absolutely stunning. There are countless buried treasures in these scripts that, it seems, are only uncovered when the lines are spoken.

In Jekyll & Hyde
with
Jason Czernich

What’s next for you?

Rest! I have been performing rather steadily since last summer, and this seems to be a good time to be an audience member for a while. Right after “Hamlet”, I worked with the inestimable Kevin Tracy and a great cast in “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,” by Jeffrey Hatcher. (Our own Jason Czernich was also in that show.) Immediately following Hyde, I was in the world premier of an original play: “Some Mother’s Son” at Smith College, with another brilliant cast and great director, Kendra Arimoto. Then Kendra invited me to be in a staged reading of one of her plays, and Melissa Cleary cast me in a staged reading for a workshop at Umass – (where Lily Kaufman also played the part of my wife.). And now we’re bopping ‘twixt Sicilia and Bohemia in “The Winter’s Tale” for most of July. It’s been quite a year!

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Kevin Maroney (Camillo) is thrilled to be back performing with the HSC! He played multiple roles in last summer’s Hamlet. Kevin works at WGBYTV-57, and lives in Shelburne Falls with his lovely wife and their two teenagers. He has appeared in many stage productions throughout the Pioneer Valley. Enjoy the show!

In the Spotlight: Lily Kaufman

Name: Lily Kaufman

Character: Paulina

Why Acting?

It’s fun. My inclination has always been to entertain, to express not only myself, but to express the thoughts of (sometimes I think maybe for) others. I started ballet when I was 3 and felt the magic of being under the stage lights. I always loved to sing and dance-- the gamechanger happened when the movie version of Evita came to theaters. Once I realized that there was an area you could sing, and dance, AND act, I was sold. That, and in all honesty I thought Madonna was just the coolest... So I started performing in musicals in third grade, pretty consistently till I graduated high school. Musical Theater is my first love, but not exactly my calling. It wasn’t till Junior year of college did I decide that I was capable of performing without the safety net of music. I started acting in plays and films, and started to realize that what I always loved about musical theater might be it’s most restrictive quality-- it gives you so many of the answers without the soul searching of building a character with words as your only hints. I plan on continuing till I stop having fun.

How and why did you get involved with Hampshire Shakespeare & this production?

I study Theater at Umass and found out about Hampshire Shakespeare’s upcoming auditions-- I had yet to have any summer plans, so I figured I’d let the audition fates decide where I landed.

Do you have a favorite role from any past productions?

Two. One, The Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz; I’ve never had so much fun playing a part, and dubiously never felt so confident in my portrayal of a role. Two, a character named Sancho in Tirso De Molina’s, Marta the Divine at Umass. It went up in the fall of ’09, and in March of ’10 we performed at the Chamizol Theater Festival in El Paso, Texas. It wasn’t the role itself so much as the show, but the experience helped me to define my goals. After Marta, It was clear that succeeding wasn’t/isn’t (tense stresses me out) just a hope anymore, it’s vital-- this is what I want.

What is your Favorite Word?

Why

What is your Least Favorite Word?

Can’t

What sound or noise do you love?

Snow... magical silence.

What sound or noise do you hate?

Don’t have one specific noise that sticks out to me as particularly traumatizing-- But I particularly dislike the torture of having to listen to two noises at once, like a radio and a TV being on at the same time. It makes both noises have a static quality to them, and really if you aren’t going to give one of them your full attention why have either? I’ll spare you the full rant, though.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I dream, sometimes literally, of training the Orca whales at Sea World. If life as I know it now falls apart, that’s what I’ll work towards.

What profession would you not like to do?

I wouldn’t want to be a parking meter attendant. Not even a parking meter attendant specifically, any job where you run the risk of getting yelled at by your patrons for the sheer fact that you’re just doing what you got hired for. That’s so scary.. and sad. 

What is your earliest memory of theater?

I was Ducky Lucky in Chicken Little in Pre-school, and I remember wondering why everyone didn’t think it was the coolest thing. When I was 11 I saw Phantom on Broadway, and when that Chandelier fell, I almost lost it. I was already sold on musicals, but really, who needs film when they can make a chandelier go from the stage, to hanging like it’s supposed to be there, then to CRASHING BACK DOWN TO THE STAGE with the illusion that it could possibly be really falling. Ugh, so awesome.

Why is Theatre Necessary?

Learning valuable and sometimes painful life lessons without actually having to go through the experience of learning them for yourself. Actually seeing the energy exchange between actors for yourself in front of you, for me, validates the energy exchanges I experience in real life.

Has performing Shakespeare given you any interesting insights into Shakespeare?

YES. Yes, yes. Always something new. Wait-- insights into Shakespeare like the man, or his work? Okay, in regards to his work, this experience has made me think a lot about the information he chose to include about each character in the writing, and maybe more importantly, the information he chose not include. Shakespeare’s writing is a gift to actors. It’s not merely that the answers you need in order to build a complete character are in the text, but that the questions are so clearly in the text for an actor to find. Once you find the question, if the answer isn’t there, then you know that he left it up to you to fill in the gap. I don’t know if it’s bold to say “you know” that he left it up to you, but it’s what I went with this time around.

What’s next for you?

Keep learning, always.

----------------------

Lily Kaufman

Lily Kaufman (Paulina) is a Senior theater major at Umass. This is her first time working with Hampshire Shakespeare Company, and she is thrilled to be a part of the Summer Under the Stars!

In the Spotlight: David Mix Barrington

Name: David Mix Barrington

Character: Autolicus (and Archidamus)

Why Acting?

I started acting when my daughter (now 21) started at age 9 with the Amherst Leisure Services Community Theatre. Since then I have grown to love the community of people that make theatrical productions happen.

How and why did you get involved with Hampshire Shakespeare & this production?

My first show was the previous HSC “Winter's Tale” in 2002, in which I played the Shepherd. I have always loved Shakespeare and it was clear from watching the shows that HSC was the company in the Valley that I wanted to work with (along with Valley Light Opera, which I joined a couple of years later). This is my eleventh HSC show, as twice I was silly enough to do both plays in the same summer.

Do you have a favorite role from any past productions?

Owen Glendower in “Henry IV Part I,” in 2009.

What is your Favorite Word?

That's too general a question – my favorite word that Autolicus says in this show is "prognostication", though in the uncut text he gets to refer to "toads carbonadoed".

What is your Least Favorite Word?

The words "beating" and "hanging" are terrors to Autolicus.

What sound or noise do you love?

The interesting vocalizations of my cairn terrier, Duncan.

What sound or noise do you hate?

The sustained barking of my cairn terrier, Duncan.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Being a professor already allows for a lot of experimentation, but I have always wondered how I might have done with either politics or the (Unitarian Universalist) ministry.

What profession would you not like to do?

Sales.

What is your earliest memory of theater?

In a French play in high school, I played the manager of a Mexican wrestler, who only said "Si".

Why is Theatre Necessary?

There are lots of ways to be human, but theatre gives both performer and audience a chance to be more intensely human than in normal life. Shakespeare in particular also gives us great insight into the English language, which in our modern version was in substantial part created by his work (along with the King James Bible).

Has performing Shakespeare given you any interesting insights into Shakespeare?

I certainly feel like the ten plays I've done are part of me now, in a deeper way than the ones I've only read. Although some very smart people (like Michael York) have been led by their acting experience to think that Shakespeare could not have been the man from Stratford that history says he was, I've had exactly the opposite conclusion -- I think that theatre was his profession and his life. When people say that Shakespeare must have been a lawyer, a soldier, or a woman, because he understood law, war, or women so well, they're just overlooking how good the guy is at “making up as he went along” – he was always on a deadline.

What’s next for you?

Theatrically, I'll be in the chorus of Valley Light Opera's production of “The Sorcerer” by Gilbert and Sullivan this November. Chris Rohmann, who has directed three HSC shows that I've been in, will be directing that show.


-----------------------------------------------


David Mix Barrington (Archidamus/Autolycus) is appearing in his eleventh SUTS production and his second "Winter's Tale", as he played the Shepherd in 2002.  He also sings with Valley Light Opera and works with the Amherst Community Theatre.  By day he teaches computer science at UMass.

In the Spotlight: Matthew Clark

Name: Matthew Clark

Character: Antigonus/Florizel

Why Acting?

Matthew Clark

I'm all about the projection and transfer of energy. The best moments in acting, for me, are these moments - the moments where an actor goes after what they want with so much commitment, so much force and heart that they lose themselves in their focus... the audience is lost with them too. For me this abandon is the ultimate freedom. Also, in a way, these moments can be a sudden and almost jarring glimpse into the soul, which, therefore at times makes theater even more honest than 'real life.' The best actors, I believe, are able to summon these moments on command. It must be incredibly difficult, but what could be better than to lose oneself entirely to a passion, to a goal...? To have others witness this, and, perhaps, be changed, moved and made the more enlightened by your projection...?

How and why did you get involved with Hampshire Shakespeare & this production?

I saw the HSC auditions advertised and love Shakespeare. Voila!

Do you have a favorite role from any past productions?

In 1st grade I played a leather jacket wearing punk during our musical production of Grease. All my teachers said I was such a ham! I do admit, I was good in the leather jacket ;)

What is your Favorite Word?

I find myself using the word "Faith" a lot. I also like the term "Bromance," but use it not nearly enough!

What is your Least Favorite Word?

I can't think of one. Jimmy Fallon really dislikes the word "Moist."

What sound or noise do you love?

Rain on a tent, at night, preferably 

What sound or noise do you hate?

I don't know if I hate any noise...

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Currently I work in the UMass admissions office giving college talks to prospective high school students. I then read their applications. It's a great job, but I'd like to act, professionally. Anything working with kids, though, too, would be great.

What profession would you not like to do?

I think, I hope, I'd be brave enough to bag groceries or pump gas for a living, but - right now at least - I'd rather not have to.

What is your earliest memory of theater?

I never went to shows when I was a kid, but I used to repeat lines from the movie Newsies in the shower when I was very young.

Why is Theatre Necessary?

Okay, on the soap-box I go...

I think many of the worlds problems today stem from people's lack of understanding for each other. I think, at heart, all people are essentially GOOD - and therefore want to do good to others, but what gets in the way is this lack of understanding, or a lack of communication. At heart, we should, I believe, all be able to connect, but instead we replace the hard work and discomfort one must undergo for connection with simple explanations. Simple explanations, which, all too often, validate our own lifestyles and short sell the lifestyles of others. This is fine, really, but the more we know about one another, the more we care; the more we care, the more willing we are to accept, to help - and if we are all willing to help... well, it's idealistic, but it's not irrational. The best social leaders made change, by, at first, understanding the hearts of their enemies... they were not enemies, brothers and sisters, rather, is the point - and once they got to the heart, that's when the real change began. Telling stories - and transferring human emotions - it's like a short cut to the heart.

Also, I'll say - (I know, I'll get off the box in a minute) - but whether it be theater, movies, books - or even video games! - we cannot underestimate the importance of imagination, or, specifically, wonder in our world, in the worlds of our kids. Wonder is what moves us to progress, to improve, to dream. The thought that there is something else out there - something greater than us, that we have not seen - may never see - or may never understand, this wonder, this curiosity, I think is what breeds hope for a better future - the drive for it, individually, and in our world. Stories facilitate this wonder... Okay, I'll get down now...

Has performing Shakespeare given you any interesting insights into Shakespeare?

Just that he is awesome.

What’s next for you?

This may sound ridiculously silly and all-too-sincere for a blog, but I'd like to become a better actor and person. Yeesh!


--------------------------------


Matthew Clark (Antigonus/Florizel) is overjoyed to be performing in HSC's "Winter's Tale." This is his first show! He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, where he now works in the admissions office. He also runs competitively. He thanks all those who have put up with - and believed in - his ridiculousness.

In the Spotlight: Jason Czernich

Name: Jason Czernich

Characters: 

Handsome Jailer/ Handsome Mariner/ Handsome Servant/ Handsome Official (who is not quite as handsome as the Handsome Jailer but is still quite dashing in his own way)/ Handsome Lord (Also Handsome Youth Company Mentor for the Young Company version of The Winter's Tale)

Why Acting?  

It is the ultimate game of pretend and it lets you do most of the things you couldn’t or wouldn’t do in real life.  Besides, being an accountant instead would be too boring.

How and why did you get involved with Hampshire Shakespeare & this production?  

A very good friend told me about the wonderful time he had being in Hampshire Shakespeare’s Hamlet last year so I thought I would audition this year, soooooo here I am!

Jason in
"Dr. Jekyll &
Mr. Hyde"

Do you have a favorite role from any past productions?  

Being a character actor is about variety and range for me.  That be said and having done a range of fun and interesting characters over the years, that all came with their own enjoyable experiences, I cannot narrow it down to just one role.  However, I can easily tell you what my favorite past overall production was—Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, the Jeffery Hatcher adaptation.  Never have I seen a cast and director all bond so well.

What is your Favorite Word? 

Being the Young Company Mentor, I can’t reveal that in a public forum, lol.

What is your Least Favorite Word? 

Not going to say because if my friends found out they would torment me with it incessantly.  Nope.  Not gonna reveal it.  lol

What sound or noise do you love?  The sound of coffee brewing.

What sound or noise do you hate? 

Crying children.  Michael Bolton music is also rough on the eardrums though. 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 

Play and exposure therapist—which I actually am looking into going back to school for by getting my masters in social work.

"A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum"

What profession would you not like to do? 

Any career where being a disciplinarian conflicts with the main goals of the profession.  Usually such jobs are set up to fail.  I recently worked as a substitute in a high school therapeutic classroom.  I had to build a rapport with students who had behavioral problems but, at the same time, adhere to a set of strict rules that pretty much treated them like convicts—not teens with individual personalities.  See how those two objectives can come into conflict?

What is your earliest memory of theater? 

Seeing a local production of Rumplestiltskin at Greenfield High School when I was in Second Grade (if I remember correctly).

Why is Theatre Necessary? 

It gets people out of their houses and let’s them see live people that they can interact with via applause or laughter.  I think it is more exciting than seeing a movie sometimes because with live theater there is the “highwire” aspect meaning that anyone could make a mistake on stage at anytime. 

Has performing Shakespeare given you any interesting insights into Shakespeare?

Yes.  I feel that the number one reason for his longevity in culture is the way he puts words together.  I don’t think it is his plotting or his characters—it’s the simply the language itself.  This is also why I feel Shakespeare is more palatable when spoken aloud as opposed to being just read of the page.  

What’s next for you?  

The Young Company version of The Winter's Tale that I am currently working as the Youth Company mentor for.  It goes up Friday through Sunday, July 29th - July 31st—right after the mainstage version.  Please come see it! 

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Jason Czernich (Jailer/Mainer/Officer/Ensemble/YCWT, Mentor) Credits include Chicago Comedy TV Pilot Competition 2007 and 2008 selections, Flocked, with the Colbert Report’s Pete Grosz, and Schooled Again, which Jason also wrote/produced.  Recently, he was in Ja’Duke’s Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.  Thanks to cast and crew for the wonderful time working on this show.