Name: Caitlin Gilby
Year: 2017
Majors: Strategic Communication and Psychology
Hometown: Long Valley, NJ
This campus celeb has beauty, brains and talent. If you’ve seen Caitlin on campus, she was probably either eating a burrito from First Floor or performing on stage. Keep reading to find out more about Caitlin’s latest adventure in theatre.
HC: What are you involved in on campus?
CG: Most of my involvement on campus is with Liva Arts Company. I joined Liva my freshman year and continued to be a part of it ever since. I love the community that comes together for each production. I am also involved with The Royal Television Network, where I serve as the promotions manager, and the Psychological Research Association, of which I am the president.
HC: I heard you are directing the show, Children of Eden, for Liva this semester. Could you tell us a little bit about it?
CG: Children of Eden is based off of the Book of Genesis. The first act involves the story of Adam and Eve, and the second act is Noah and the flood. I would say that the show is a loose interpretation of the Bible. The plot goes into a lot more depth, and there are lots of different characters. Many of the themes are more so about parent and family relationships, love, forgiveness and humanity as a whole. It’s also written by the popular Stephen Schwartz, who has composed Wicked, Godspell and many other popular shows. I think it’s a really powerful musical.
HC: What’s been your favorite part of directing?
CG: My favorite part of directing is that it’s definitely been a different experience than what I’m used to doing. I’ve been acting since 7th grade so getting this opportunity is really amazing. I love being able to watch people when they get something right and watching them improve. I also loved the audition process. When they came into the room, you would have no idea what to expect, which was exciting. I love everything about it.
HC: What are you most excited about for this performance of Children of Eden?
CG: I’m most excited to see it come together. It will be cool to see it with the lights, the sound and the pit. Right now, we have been mostly been focusing on the run-throughs with all of the dancing and singing, but we haven’t incorporated all the lights and the stage. So, it’s definitely exciting to see it all come together.
HC: In one sentence, why should people go see Children of Eden?
CG: People should go see Children of Eden because the cast, pit, art and crew are super talented and work very hard, the music is amazing, the themes are relatable and it is a show that will move people.
HC: How has theatre impacted your life and your time here at Scranton?
CG: Theatre has been very important to me at Scranton. I’ve been doing it since my freshman year, and it’s all that I really do during most of the semesters. I’ve definitely formed some very close friendships over my time here with Liva. I’ve been grateful to be with a group of such loving and hardworking people who share the same love for musical theatre and wanting to express a message to an audience.
HC: Who would you choose to play you in a movie about your life?
CG: Oh, tough question. I would say Blake Lively because I love her. She’s so beautiful, and I love Gossip Girl.
HC: What’s your dream job?
CG: My dream job, as of now, would be to work as a public relations professional at a news network. My real dream goal would be to be acting or singing, anything involved with theatre.
HC: What’s your go-to karaoke song?
CG: So Yesterday by Hilary Duff.
Check out this amazing cast at one of the following performances of Children of Eden located at Scranton’s Elm Park Church: Thursday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. or Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased with cash or Royal at table sits in DeNaples Nov. 7-11 or with cash at the door on performance days.