The Shakespearian Process: Performing with Carleton Players
Kate recounts her favorite things about being involved in her first Carleton Players Production, Twelfth Night
Kate recounts her favorite things about being involved in her first Carleton Players Production, Twelfth Night
When I auditioned for Twelfth Night back in the fall, I had no idea what to expect. Not only did I not know what role I was going to get, but I also had no idea what it was going to be like to be in a Carleton show with only 6 weeks of rehearsal. Amazingly, we’re about to open (on May 8th!), so I’m taking a look back at some of my favorite parts about being a part of my first college production!
Collaborating on new skills
As part of my role in Twelfth Night, I get to sing original compositions by the jazz department’s own Laura Caviani. Although I’ve never sung jazz before, I’ve spent the last four weeks taking lessons with Laura and learning how to be a jazz singer. I am going to be performing live with the Jazz Ensemble, so I go to their rehearsals too, twice a week. Being surrounded by such talented people has inspired me to become a better performer.
Meeting new people
I know that every blog you read tells you how cool Carleton people are, but it’s true. Every single person I’ve met in the cast, production team or tech department has been one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. In the fall, I was worried about auditioning because I was worried that never having done a Carleton Players production before would be a setback. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Everyone involved in the play has welcomed me with open arms and makes me excited to go to rehearsal every day.
Exploring my Character
I play Feste, which is the fool. Even though I was out of my comfort zone at first, I’ve started to really lock into my character’s mannerisms and persona. I couldn’t have gotten here, though, without the help of our incredible production team. As part of my rehearsal process, Carleton brought in a professional Shakespeare actor for one-on-one text work sessions. Not only did Will help me figure out what I am saying, he also helped me find my confidence and voice as a character.
Having Fun
Honestly, this is the most fun I’ve ever had in a show. I grew up doing theater, but I’ve never been in an environment that is this passionate and uplifting. Whether we’re dancing or yelling at each other (for the scene of course), I know it’s going to be a good day when I’m at rehearsal. I can’t wait for these next two weeks when all of the hard work we’ve done starts to really come together.
As you can see, I’ve had a blast with my first Carleton show and I’m so glad I auditioned. In the fall, I had a million excuses as to why I shouldn’t do it (like: I don’t have time, I’m not good enough, etc), but really, even as a sophomore, I was just scared of trying something new. In this case, getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new people was one of the best decisions I could have made. So, whether you’re a brand-new accepted student or a spring-term senior, trying new things can always be scary. But in the words of Shakespeare himself: “Our doubts are traitors/And makes us lose the good we oft might win/By fearing to attempt.”
Kate (she/her) is a sophomore History major from the Bay Area, California. She loves Carleton’s artsy community, and is involved in both the Theater and Dance department and Vocal Studies Program. Kate’s favorite places on campus are the practice rooms, either in Myers or the Weitz, where she can sing or play the ukulele. She loves the campus during all the seasons, but fall is definitely her favorite. When not in class, you can find Kate either petting the nearest cat or forcing her friends to watch bad movies in a study room.