Alexandra Lyon is a student at Quincy High School. She’ll be interning with Tibbits this summer to learn more about the world of theatre. One of the tasks we’ve set before her is to interview some of the company members. When we’re in the middle of another season, it’s easy to take what we do for granted. We thought it would be refreshing to hear from someone for whom the world of summer stock is a new experience.
Alexandra Lyon here:
During the summertime, Tibbits is truly a hub for all things theatre. There are many talented people who call Tibbits their home away from home during this wonderful time. Without all the actors, actresses, directors and tech crews none of these great performances would ever be possible. I have always wanted to know more about the people who make it happen. So join me as I share the information from my interviews with these special folks.
For my first entry I was honored with talking to actor/director Brian P. Sage, gracing us with his talents during the run of the upcoming show, “On Broadway a Modern Songbook.” Brian will be in all of the main shows this summer and even directing “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Brian completed his Master of Fine Arts in acting at Wayne State University. He also studied at Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia. When asked about his experience in Russia, Brian’s first word to describe it was, “Different.” During his few months there he studied what would be the equivalent of the first year of training in the United States. Brian says in Russia, young adults are picked at age 18 to go and study acting as a career. This is what they will devote themselves to for the rest of their working lives. Unlike in the US, theater in Russia is nationally funded. I was surprised to learn most of what American actors know about theatre came from Russia.
About this summer, Brian said the truly special part about “On Broadway a Modern Songbook” is the ability to play so many different roles in one production. He also said this show gives him the opportunity to put his own personality into the characters.
Many crazy things can happen during rehearsals and performances. Brian’s favorite Tibbits memory is from a matinee performance of the show, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” many years ago. An actress who was supposed to perform forgot about the matinee and could not be contacted. Charles Burr, the artistic director of Tibbits went on in her place creating one of the funniest moments ever on the Tibbits stage.
I believe that everyone at some point in their life is inspired to go into their future line of work. Brian was inspired by his high school theatre director Gloria Logan. She is also an actress for Tibbits summer theatre, who Brian has enjoyed working with after his school years. She is also the person who introduced him to Charles Burr.
Not only has Brian been an actor he has tried his hand at directing. He feels directing is a form of teaching, and he would like to teach acting in the future. Brian also enjoys collaborating with the actors and tech crews. He believes directing helps the actors during the rehearsal process.
My last question for Brian was on how he gets into character before the show. For him, getting into character isn’t about doing a crazy dance or chant. It is about relaxing, stretching, vocalizing, and engaging with your scene partner. He says the actor just needs to get into a performing state of mind and then live in the moment while on stage.
Tomorrow we’ll add an interview with Tiffany Wiesend.
Alexandra Lyon here:
During the summertime, Tibbits is truly a hub for all things theatre. There are many talented people who call Tibbits their home away from home during this wonderful time. Without all the actors, actresses, directors and tech crews none of these great performances would ever be possible. I have always wanted to know more about the people who make it happen. So join me as I share the information from my interviews with these special folks.
For my first entry I was honored with talking to actor/director Brian P. Sage, gracing us with his talents during the run of the upcoming show, “On Broadway a Modern Songbook.” Brian will be in all of the main shows this summer and even directing “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Brian completed his Master of Fine Arts in acting at Wayne State University. He also studied at Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia. When asked about his experience in Russia, Brian’s first word to describe it was, “Different.” During his few months there he studied what would be the equivalent of the first year of training in the United States. Brian says in Russia, young adults are picked at age 18 to go and study acting as a career. This is what they will devote themselves to for the rest of their working lives. Unlike in the US, theater in Russia is nationally funded. I was surprised to learn most of what American actors know about theatre came from Russia.
About this summer, Brian said the truly special part about “On Broadway a Modern Songbook” is the ability to play so many different roles in one production. He also said this show gives him the opportunity to put his own personality into the characters.
Many crazy things can happen during rehearsals and performances. Brian’s favorite Tibbits memory is from a matinee performance of the show, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” many years ago. An actress who was supposed to perform forgot about the matinee and could not be contacted. Charles Burr, the artistic director of Tibbits went on in her place creating one of the funniest moments ever on the Tibbits stage.
I believe that everyone at some point in their life is inspired to go into their future line of work. Brian was inspired by his high school theatre director Gloria Logan. She is also an actress for Tibbits summer theatre, who Brian has enjoyed working with after his school years. She is also the person who introduced him to Charles Burr.
Not only has Brian been an actor he has tried his hand at directing. He feels directing is a form of teaching, and he would like to teach acting in the future. Brian also enjoys collaborating with the actors and tech crews. He believes directing helps the actors during the rehearsal process.
My last question for Brian was on how he gets into character before the show. For him, getting into character isn’t about doing a crazy dance or chant. It is about relaxing, stretching, vocalizing, and engaging with your scene partner. He says the actor just needs to get into a performing state of mind and then live in the moment while on stage.
Tomorrow we’ll add an interview with Tiffany Wiesend.
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