What is your role in this production? I am playing the role of Chorus #1, also known as Mama Nun! (We made up nicknames for all of the nuns because we have no names in the play.) I am the Abbess, which is like the head nun, so feel a great obligation to guide the younger nuns under my tutelage. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I am an elementary teacher, so really I perform everyday on the stage I call my classroom! I also sing in a choir, and every year we put on a Broadway show, so I’ve had opportunities to act in those. My favorite role so far has been Mme. Thenardier in Les Mis! I first auditioned for a play in 2013, and received a challenging role in the play Marion Bridge by Daniel MacIvor (Horizon Players). Having never been in this type of production before, it was trial by fire for me, and I learned so much from the ever patient director, cast mates, and crew! This is my second role at Walterdale, having last done And Then The Lights Went Out by Andy Garland in 2014.
What has been the most challenging thing about doing this show? The most enjoyable thing? The thing I find most amazing and enjoyable about theatre is how quickly a cast/crew can bond, because we spend so much time together and because we are forced to be vulnerable and have trust that we will be accepted. I have fallen in love with every team I’ve been a part of, and this one is definitely no different! The most challenging part for me will be when we go our separate ways at the end of the run.