Meet a Robber: Letitia Guillaud on Ameilia

We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Letitia Guillaud on Ameilia.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
As a company we were considering producing it with an all-female cast, so I was reading it from that perspective. I was pretty excited by all the youthful male anger and the desire for destruction and revolution that drives many of the characters. These are themes that women seldom get to play with on stage, esp in classical works. Plus, I just really love stage violence and this script has plenty of opportunities for that.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
Amelia, as the only female written into the script, was difficult for me for a few reasons. Firstly, I don't consider myself to be the most ladylike of women, so it took some time for me to sink into the idea of being cast as her and of being the only "woman" in a cast of women. Second, she spends most of the play at the mercy of the other characters, so some of her choices seem strange at times, but it is due to her limited power in this world. Don't get me wrong, Schiller wrote a very strong woman here.  She speaks her thoughts and feelings, and is fully capable of defending herself. Once I let myself connect more with her strength and sunk into her reality a bit, I was able to connect the dots of her journey a little better.

What's your favorite classical play?
I don't know that I have a favorite, but I would love to play Medea someday.  I have a fascination with the insanity and clarity that exists in a character when they choose to pursue one singular purpose, the way she does.

What do you think motivates Amelia?
Her love for the ideal of Charles is her motivation.  

What kind of job do you think Amelia would be good at?
There are a lot of bits that were cut, with Amelia wondering around playing the guitar and singing.  I think, today she would be some sort of singer/songwriter/activist.

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Meet a Robber: Moira Begale on Speigelberg

We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Moira Begale (pictured, left) on Speigelberg.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
A little terrified. The script was daunting and long but the story was incredibly intriguing and the character they asked me to read for was a shit-disturber!  

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers?  How have you dealt with it?
The biggest challenge was being honest and truthful as a different gender. I dealt with it by working on my relationships with the other characters and realized that I cannot control the fact that I am not a man but I can be an honest person onstage, reacting truthfully to the situation at hand.

What's your favorite classical play?
Winter's Tale by Shakespeare. It has almost every genre in it!   

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?
I would say King Lear by William Shakespeare. Lear gets to live through all the stages of life!

What do you think motivates Spiegelberg?
The fear of being forgotten and the need for fame.

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Spiegelberg would be good at?
Salesman!  Shoes or insurance.   

What do you think your character, Spiegelberg, does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?
Plays darts with Charlie's picture attached to the dart board. 

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Meet a Robber: Carrie Campana on Grimm

We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Carrie Campana on Grimm.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?

Upon reading it I thought, this is a hefty play, I can't wait to see what Brad's going to do with it!  This is gonna be a good time!

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?

Deciding on what Grimm was going to be like, as there isn't a lot given about him in the script. I did some research, watched some frat boy and little kid movies and kind of melded together a mixture plus adding a bit of my own ideas to create a back story and entire personality for Grimm. It wasn't difficult to find inspiration, it was just difficult to narrow it all down!

What's your favorite classical play?

hmmmm.....I have always enjoyed Taming of the Shrew

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?

Soooooo many! I'm going to go musical with this and say Collins from Rent. I like his songs and story the best in that show, he goes through a lot and to me is one of the more redeeming characters in Rent.  

What do you think motivates Grimm?

Well, initially he just wants to belong in this group of fellows, so he goes along with the whole robbing thing, I mean, what else does he have going on. As the play goes on, it gets more serious that he had anticipated, but has faith that Charles will pull them all through it. Being a part of something is Grimm's motivation, acceptance, and friendship.  

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Grimm would be good at?

Either bar back, line cook, or something janitorial. Grimm likes to drink :-)

What do you think Grimm does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?

As stated above, Grimm likes to drink and get drunk with his buddies. Oh, and hunt though he doesn't often kill much...he really just like traipsing around the woods.

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Meet a Robber: Allison McCorkle on Razman

We'll be sharing perspectives from our cast of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Allison McCorkle (pictured left) on Razman.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?

That it was long and incredibly melodramatic, very German. (I actually have a spent a good deal of time with Germans in my past, so I feel comfortable making that statement.) And I was curious as to how it would be cut/if it would be cut.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers?  How have you dealt with it?

Battling the balance between the truth of the character and the very swashbuckling (to steal a term from someone else) feel of the language against my own sense of humor.

What's your favorite classical play?

Hmmm. I've always been a big fan of Antigone and Medea, but as for the latter, my take on the story is probably a little different from the standard. My first exposure was in middle school, with a book that had a more feminist angle...

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?

Generally, anyone English and witty or Irish/Scottish and unruly. But specifically, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. One of the most important and complex relationships he has is with God. I feel this is expressed very well in the story and the music, and I think it would interesting to form my own version of this man.

What do you think motivates your character, Razman? 

For Razmann, he isn't bored, he just has nothing else better to do, no family and no home- this is his strength.

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Razman would be good at?

Razmann whittles wood - as a pickpocket he could leave a present behind to replace a wallet. 

What do you think Razmann does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?

Oh, Razmann drinks. For relaxation, it's Vodka. 

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Meet a Robber: Holly Robison on Charles

We'll be sharing perspectives from our cast of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Holly Robison (pictured left) on tortured aristocrat turned anarchist, Charles.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?  
Wow. That's long.'  In fairness, I first saw the initial uncut version.  But I also thought that it had potential for a lot of gritty, visceral fun.  

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers?  How have you dealt with it? 
Charles is not a low-key person. He operates at an incredible pitch of expression, intensity, and emotion without letting up, to an extent that I don't think I've encountered in a play yet. My natural starting point is very internalized; I have a tendency and affinity toward nuance and subtlety in characters and story. I had to push (and let myself be pulled) into a bigger performance with Charles.  Ultimately, external factors were an enormous help - the amazing, explosive performances of my castmates helped light my own fire.  Also, with this kind of show - which is a world so very far from our own - the moment we finally have the costumes, sets, and technical elements is also key.

What's your favorite classical play?  
You can't make me pick only one.  Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet.  Or Uncle Vanya (hey, it's a classic, if not classical)

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why? 
John Proctor inThe Crucible.  I've been strongly drawn to this play for ages.  I love the thought of this man who is deeply flawed, who makes hugely consequential mistakes and judgments, but still with the courage to find his own definition of self, his own sense of goodness, decency, and morality aside from society.

What do you think motivates your character, Charles? 
A desire to fix the world coupled with the conviction that he alone understands just how that world should work.  Emotionally, he's an adolescent: he means well, he loves people in his life and cares about them, but that is all constrained by his own vision and narcissism.  Charles really personifies the notion that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think your character, Charles, would be good at?
Nomad bartender/failed novelist. He'd be like a pathetic version of Hemingway - roam the world drinking and looking for wars to fight.

What do you think your character, Charles, does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story? 
See above regarding Hemingway: Drinks, reads, fights, hunts, attempts at useless existential discussion with barflies.  

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Meet a Robber: Stefanie Johnsen on Schweitzer

We'll be sharing perspectives from our cast of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Stefanie Johnsen (pictured, left) on Schweitzer.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers? I am very attracted to the language and I loved the possibility in a script like this performed for modern audiences with women. It seemed like a BIG challenge, so I was interested to see how it would pan out.
What's your favorite classical play? 
Classical American is Tennessee Williams – no one writes heartbreaking character like he does. When it comes to genuine classical, nothing beats Euripides’ Medea or Christopher Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why? Katurian Katurian Katurian from The Pillowman, Martin McDonagh. Any male character from any of his shows, really. If you haven’t read The Pillowman, give yourself a treat and buy it NOW.
What do you think motivates your character? 
Schweitzer is motivated by violence. He loves his captain only because Charles enables his affair with aggression and bloodshed.
Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think your character would be good at? 
Schweitzer would defend his country, absolutely. Army, marines, navy, air force: whatever puts a weapon in his hands and puts him on the front line.
What do you think your character does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story? 
Hahaha! Probably polishes his knife or bullies the locals.
Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/ 

Meet a Robber: Morgan Manasa on Hermann

We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Morgan Manasa (pictured, right) on one of her roles, Hermann.


What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?

This is going to be a beast of play. *puts on big girl pants* Let's do this.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
Aside from wrapping my mouth around the hefty language itself, playing two completely different characters really inspired me to make distinctive physical choices to distinguish who's who, which was both challenging and fun. Hermann's posture alone is challenging. (My back and hands are sore!)

What's your favorite classical play?

I love me some Much Ado About Nothing. 

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?

I'd love to take a stab at Horatio or King Lear. I also love George from Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?

What do you think motivates your character, Hermann?

I think everything Hermann does is out of love for Amelia, which causes him to make some very, very terrible choices. 

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think your character, Hermann, would be good at?Honestly, if Hermann wasn't the son of a Nobleman I think he'd be a pauper. 

What do you think your character, Hermann, does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?

I think he writes love letters and poems to Amelia, but never sends them.

Meet a Robber: Jaclyn Jensen on Roller

We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Jaclyn Jensen on ONE OF her roles, Roller.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
I'm not gonna lie - it's heavy, so it was pretty slow going for me at first. But there is a lot of good action! I was really drawn to the melodramatic tendencies.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
Creating the physicality of a male character was a challenge for me. I would practice at home over the top to really bring on the masculinity, and then pull back a bit to reach something more natural. And a bit of feedback from guys!

What's your favorite classical play?
Oedipus the King. Aristotle convinced me.

What do you think motivates Roller?
Loyalty and camaraderie are major factors for him. And although he seems like he could likely be the most practical of the bunch, he still craves the adventure and mischief too.

Other than robbing, what kind of job do you think Roller would be good at?
He likes to talk and has a lot of opinions. In that time - reviewer. Now - blogger.

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Meet a Robber! Margo Chervony on playing the villainous brother Francis in "The Robbers"

We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. First up, Margo Chervony on her character, Francis.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
The Robbers is the first Sturm und Drang play I've ever read, so, upon my first reading, I was pretty uncomfortable with the extreme metaphors, the extreme character choices, and the extreme length. Schiller really seemed to be indulging himself, which was quite honestly a pain, as I was trying to get through it as quickly and efficiently as possible. As I've worked on it though, I've learned that "quick and efficient" is just not The Robbers' way, and that this brand of extreme can be fun and a great challenge.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
This role's been fraught with challenges, but I think the most difficult one was Francis's isolation. He spends a great deal of his time on stage by himself, there aren't many people that he actually interacts with, and he doesn't know how to reach out to any of them. It's self-perpetuated, even if it's the last thing that he wants.  My answer's already longer than it should be, but I dealt with it by doing a ton of homework to begin with, and once we opened I got the lovely gift of an audience to play with, so Francis isn't really alone anymore (my scene partners have been great, too). I'm still figuring out what that dynamic is, but it's a rich journey.

What's your favorite classical play?
That's a kind of unfair question (at least for me).  I used to say Measure for Measure and King Lear, but I find new reasons to appreciate Shakespeare's plays and characters and words all the time, so picking one just doesn't seem right...

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?
I used to have all kinds of dreams about male roles that I wanted to play (this was back in high school, so they're pretty embarrassing), but I realized I was setting myself for disappointment and decided to stop thinking about it. I was clearly wrong about the disappointment, as I get cast in male roles pretty frequently, but my wish list is still retired. I'm actually pretty happy with Francis.

What do you think motivates Francis?
In the first act, it's his longing for Amelia. His dad's bad parenting sets the framework, but it's really all Amelia. And in the second act, it's all fear (or, more accurately, "terror").

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Francis would be good at?
He'd make a great "Hell is Real" poster...

What do you think your character does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?
Apparently, he plays the harpsichord sometimes. I don't think Francis knows how to relax.



Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/