The Parchment

By:  Alex Klein / Kenneth Requa

photo by Chris Hall

Today we bring you the last in a four-part series of posts that will help you get to know the beautiful and talented cast members of DITCH.

Alex Klein is also making is onstage debut with MTC, although he’s a charter member who was also an active part of the process that brought MTC’s first production, LIE WITH ME, to the stage. Currently he can be seen as William in DITCH.

Without giving too much away, what is your favorite aspect of the character you are portraying in DITCH?

Throughout this whole process, I’ve really enjoyed exploring Will’s practically bi-polar relationships with Bill and Beth and how much he is defined by his interactions with each.  Parts of Will are subverted or accentuated based on his comfort level with them. All of this informs and helps create a full, fun character to play that makes my weekend nights a blast. Read the rest of this entry »

by Todd Veneman / Kenneth Requa

Photo By Chris Hall

Today we bring you the third in a four-part series of posts that will help you get to know the beautiful and talented cast members of DITCH.

Todd Veneman is making his MTC stage debut, although he had a role in the audio play THE MILLER’S GHOST last fall, and he’s also developing an original play with MTC. Currently he is entertaining audiences as the hilarious and cynical Bill in DITCH.

Without giving too much away, what is your favorite aspect of the character you are portraying in DITCH?

I think Bill makes a special connection with everyone who likes to rush home and watch TV.

If you could play any role written for the opposite sex, what role would that be?

This is a tough one, but I think I’d like to play Laura in THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams. In most of the performances I’ve seen, the actresses never really found the funny. Read the rest of this entry »

by Nina Millin/Kenneth Requa

Photo by Chris Hall

Today we bring you the second in a four-part series of posts that will help you get to know the beautiful and talented cast members of DITCH.

Nina Millin is making her MTC stage debut as the boisterous Elizabeth, a role which she read at the very first MTC reading of DITCH way back in 2007.

 Without giving too much away, what is your favorite aspect of the character you are portraying in DITCH?

There’s actually quite a bit I respect about Elizabeth. At this very moment, I think I have to say her unapologetic nature. If you asked me this tomorrow or even 5 minutes from now the answer could be completely different!

 If you could play any role written for the opposite sex, what role would that be?

Willy Wonka.

Read the rest of this entry »

Amber Hamilton boasts the distinction of being the only performer to have appeared in both of MTC’s world premiere stage productions, having appeared as Susan in LIE WITH ME last year. Currently she’s bringing to life the character of Beth. Here’s what she has to say about the experience…

Without giving too much away, what is your favorite aspect of the character you are portraying in DITCH?

I respect that Beth was brave enough to walk away from the altar to follow her heart and find true love. I love how quick she is to forgive and constantly seeks to find the good in everyone. She’s optimistic and fights for what she feels in her heart even when the odds are against her. Read the rest of this entry »

by Kenneth Requa

For a recent table read of the Untitled Prom Musical, I asked those participating if any of them would be willing to bring their laptop and read from a digital copy of the script. The musical has 9 speaking parts, and the script is nearly 100 pages long, which is a lot of trees and toner to use on a very early draft that will be outdated as soon as it’s read. Many were able to oblige, and those who asked for paper copies didn’t do so because they’re in the deforestation business. There is a tangible difference between reading from (and certainly taking notes on) a digital copy versus good old-fashioned laser-jet and paper. This is a creative process, and the tools we use can have an effect on our perceptions of the work. Read the rest of this entry »

by Kenneth Requa

My high school World History teacher had a big sign up in the front of his room that said simply, “Warum”, which is German for “Why”. It may seem a bit cynical. After all, it’s more fun to ask “Why not?” But, it’s often an important question to ask of ourselves, and one I asked myself when I was recently invited to join MTC.

Why get involved with a theater company like Mutineer? There is a finite amount of time in a week, so why commit an indefinite amount of time and energy to THIS group? That is time and energy that won’t be spent at the gym or at the piano. It’s a commitment that will, inevitably, prevent me from doing something ELSE that I’d like to do.  In a world where technology allows us to parcel out our time and energy in smaller and smaller packets, why fragment it further? Read the rest of this entry »