This week’s celebrity is a Junior studying Broadcasting and Theater. She is currently playing the role of Olive in the Main Stage production of “Women of Lockerbie.” This show is about the Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. The show takes place seven years after the crash and follows the lives of a couple who lost a son in the crash and the various women of Lockerbie who were there at the time of the tragedy. The Women of Lockerbie washed the clothing that was found at the crash site and sent them back home to the victim’s families. Here’s what Katie has to say about her experiences on and off stage at Marquette:
HCMU: What is your favorite part about acting?
Katie: My favorite part of acting is being able to become another person. I love being able to completely break down a script and try to understand the mind set of my character. I love the whole process of working on a play. I love seeing the growth of a production from day one.
HCMU: Which role that you’ve played has been your favorite?
Katie: I really do not think I could pick a favorite role that I have played. I become too attached to the characters I have played to pick a favorite. I am very lucky to have played roles that I enjoyed so much!
HCMU: What is your dream role?
Katie: I always wanted to play Velma Kelly in Chicago. She is such an interesting character and she has the best songs!
HCMU: What’s the most difficult part about being in a serious show such as “Women of Lockerbie?”
Katie: The most difficult part about playing such a serious role in the Women of Lockerbie is focusing. Especially at this time of the year, when all of my classes are crazy, I need to take time to focus in order to give a good performance. I sometimes find it difficult to clear my mind from all of the stresses of school. I have taught myself that about 2 hours before showtime is my focusing time. I take that time to listen to my music playlists and get myself in the mind set of the character. I find that this is necessary for my preparation.
HCMU: If you weren’t studying acting, what would you be doing?
Katie: To be honest, I have no idea what I would be doing if I wasn’t studying theatre. I have been on stage from a very young age. I have learned to be comfortable on stage. I absolutely love it. From a very young age I knew I wanted to be some sort of a performer. There wasn’t really another option! I am a double major in theatre and broadcasting. So either way I want to be doing something creative!
HCMU: What advice do you have for aspiring actors/actresses?
Katie: The only advice I can give to people interested in acting is to do it because you love it. Because of the amount of time and work acting requires, you must absolutely love what you do.
HCMU: What can we expect from Main Stage for the rest of the year?
Katie: The rest of the Helfaer mainstage season is very exciting! The next show is our children’s show of the year, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Then we have a classical show, A Doll’s House. We finish the season with the musical, Urinetown.
HCMU: How can people get involved with Marquette Theater?
Katie: There are SO many ways that other people can get involved in Marquette theatre! We offer 5 mainstage shows a year. All of these shows have open auditions. ANYONE can audition! The Marquette University Players Society (MUPS) offers even more shows that have open auditions as well. There is also an Acting for Non majors course that is offered through the university. I highly recommend people getting involved if they have an interest in theatre! It is so much fun!