As far as theater goes, which is really the only area of Harvard arts about which I can speak, the artistic community is extremely open. Under Common Casting, anyone can audition—even non-Harvard students, so the process is definitely open to all who want to try it out.
What do you find rewarding about performing? What inspires you, as a busy college student, to continue to participate in an art that requires such intense training?
Well, I simply love theater and, more generally, acting. I’ve done it for pretty much my entire life and I guess I just like becoming someone else for a time, as prosaic as that might sound. I’m also definitely addicted to the rush I get when I’m in front of the audience and to the ability to manipulate my role emotionally. I know it may sound kind of sadistic put that way, but I think that ability is really the essence of the rush.
What do you regard as the most inspiring locale on campus? Is there an untapped resource you find especially appealing at Harvard?
More people definitely need to see the 24-hour play festival in the Kronauer space. It’s all original plays written, produced, rehearsed and performed in 24 hours and it’s simply awesome.
What has been your most fulfilling artistic/academic experience?
As far as Harvard experiences go, working on Balm in Gilead has definitely been one of the best. The cast is first rate and just about everyone is a leading actor in his/her own right. We were really lucky to get everyone we did. Working with Scott Zigler is also pretty amazing. He’s just remarkably insightful and can communicate exactly what he wants you to do in the perfect way and you’re immediately on the same level with him.
Characterize yourself or your taste in productions/arts projects in five words.
Realistic; deep; not too artsy.
Where do you imagine yourself next year and in ten years?
Acting and then more acting (but hopefully professionally by then).
Which do you prefer: performing a student’s work or producing a work by a famous, off-campus playwright?
My personal preference is doing plays by established authors, though I must say I haven’t had much experience with on-campus playwrights except for the 24-hour play festival and that was great.
Do you feel at all drained after performing?
Performing does take a lot out of me. How much a performance requires of me is obviously dependent on how demanding the role is and how large the range of emotions is for my character, but sometimes I am really dead after a performance.
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