Shannon Ricchetti ’16
Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Major: American Studies
Activities: Theater (TDF productions), Co-Chair of theAlice Drum Women’s Center, Kappa Delta Sorority
Go-to Spot to Hang out on Campus:
The Art’s House–the people there are so inclusive, the house gathers some of the most interesting and fun people I know on campus, and it’s a great space for performance and creativity–I love going to open mic nights!
Your Favorite Thing about Performing?
My favorite part of this particular production was performing the fight choreography in “the lover’s quarrel” (Act3 sc.2) where I jumped into my scene partners’ arms and ran around stalking “Helena” (Rachel) around the stage. During the performances it was so fun to feed off the energy the audience gave during this scene.
Favorite Role You’ve Ever Played?
My favorite role I’ve played is also the most challenging role I’ve ever played–it was a character named Beth I played my Freshman year from Sam Shepard’s play “A Lie of the Mind.” Beth was an aspiring actress who got aphasia after being beaten by her husband. In this role, I had to deduct what exactly my character was saying even when the lines where not comprehensive words, I had to research and practice how to talk like an aphasia patient and understand how it felt to be in the situation of such a complicated and disturbed relationship. Although it was a very heavy role to take on, I learned so much about the character analysis and transforming voice, body, and emotion to fit a character through the process.
What would you do if you were not acting?
If I was not acting, I would probably be working on writing a book. I have a story in my head that I want to flesh out onto paper but I haven’t gotten too far along in the process. I want to do more historical research and re-read a few novels for inspiration before I really get going on it.
Secret talents as an actress: I think I would make a good voice-actor; I have some quirky voices I can do that would work for cartoons.
Ben or John?
I love John, but Ben is my guy, he was quite a vivacious character—I’d like to think we’d be buddies if we met.