As she kicks off her second season as Dolly Bantry in Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d, Michelle Elaine reflects on her first season with the Resident Acting Company.
What were the highlights of your first year with the Resident Acting Company?
The highlight of my first year would have to be doing Primary Trust. The script doesn’t detail necessarily who each waiter is, nor the bank customers, so when I learned that the director wanted to create a total of 16 different characters, I was really excited to take on the challenge! In addition, the creative process on that show was very open, relaxed, and unrestrained; we had the freedom to be curious and the support to explore!
What surprised you the most about joining a Resident Acting Company?
I was most surprised by how much the company actively works to support one another in the process. That can look like a conversation between actors in the rehearsal room when it comes to blocking and intention, or it could be a check-in with one another behind the scenes to make sure that we are serving not only the text and the production as a whole, but that we individually feel safe and comfortable with what’s been created. I highly value being seen and supported in my artistry.
Do you have any specific show or rehearsal memories that stick out from last season?
Noises Off was the most difficult show I have ever done because the precise timing of entrances and exits, and execution of tasks were required in order for each story and comedic bit to be successful. More than any show I have ever done, each actor depended heavily on the other to nail each moment. It is extremely difficult to stage actors trying to stage a show!! And the company did an amazing job!
How do you hope to continue to grow as a member of the company in this coming season?
I hope to continue to shape and mold a process that serves me well in the tasks of imagination and exploration, being honest and also truthful, and one that allows for surprises and invites collaboration. I want to be more and more bold in the choices I make in the room and on stage!
What’s a little known fact about you?
Food and drink are the way to my heart! Any opportunity to break bread with artists and patrons alike is a great opportunity!! I welcome them all the more!
You can see Michelle this season in Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d, The Da Vinci Code, A Christmas Carol, and August Wilson’s Fences. You won’t want to miss it!
