Actor Profile: Caitlin Young
Caitlin Young (Ensemble/Interviewer/Customer/Skip Snip) is a freshman at Baker College, pursuing a double major in Sociology and Policy Studies. She is excited to participate in her first VADA production. She has previously been in Generations: A Theatre Company’s production of Spring Awakening. She was also a member of the Texas All-State Choir in 2011. She would like to thank the cast and crew for such a great time and hopes you enjoy the show.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
Getting to meet all of these really great people.
What has been the biggest challenge in this process?
I think getting the show up in such little time has definitely been a stress for everyone.
How has your Little Shop experience differed from other theatre experiences (either at Rice or somewhere else)?
This is the first time I’ve done a show while also attempting to keep up with my school work. It’s been quite a time management puzzle.
Tell me your favorite line from the show:
Mushnik: Seymour what is going on back there?!
Seymour: Veeerrrrryyy little Mr. Mushnik!
What made you want to audition? Do you think you will continue to participate in Rice theatre in the future?
I use to sing in high school a lot and I missed it first semester. This was a great opportunity to get back to doing something I really loved.
Actor Profile: Bryce Willey
Bryce Willey (Seymour) is a freshman Computer Science and VADA double major at Baker College. He also appeared on stage at Rice in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Flute/Thisby). His credits behind the stage include sound operator for Rabbit Hole and [title of show], and sound design for And Then There Were None. He would like to thank his fellow cast and crew members, George and Jack, his family, and Michael Hollis.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
Working with Jack and George and being able to do things that I never though I could do until I tried. There were a lot of times that I was asked to do crazy stuff, like rolling around the floor and things outside my comfort zone in general. I’m always be awkward the first few times, but I’m getting more confident and bolder in my acting.
What has been the biggest challenge in this process?
Trying to find who Seymour is. He is nice, mild mannered, and timid, but there’s some sort of mix of rage, confidence, hope, strength hidden inside him that I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find.
How has your Little Shop experience differed from other theatre experiences (either at Rice or somewhere else)?
Seymour is the first big role for me since I was in 6th grade. When you’re in 6th grade, nothing is really that hard. You just get your lines, have fun, and be 11 years old. Needless to say, the stakes are a little higher. Compared to other Rice productions, I feel like this one is the biggest and the most demanding, with the most energy and the hardest work. There is just so much effort from all aspects of the production going into this, from the set, to the props, to the acting. I haven’t been pushed this hard for a while, but I love the challenge.
Tell me your favorite line from the show:
Can it be a stage direction? If it can, then “In a frenzy of parental enthusiasm…..”
If not, then “Bigger than Hula Hoops.” Cause nothing is bigger than hula-hoops.
If you somehow came to possess an alien man-eating plant, what would you name it?
In honor of our director, George 2.
Anything else you’d like to say about your experience so far, or about the Rice Players/VADA in general…
It is the funnest thing I’ve done at Rice, and I don’t think I’ll stop anytime soon!
Actor Profile: Faith Shapiro
Faith Shapiro (Audrey II/Voice) is a senior at Duncan College and is pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Policy Studies. She is excited to make her second appearance in a Rice Theater Department production after appearing as Linda in The Drunken City (Spring 2012). Other credits include Wiess Tabletop’s Aida (Fall 2010) and Rice Dance Theater’s Spring performance (2011). She would like to thank the cast and crew for a wonderful experience and she hopes you enjoy the show.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
Getting to work with such an awesome cast and crew!
Tell me your favorite line from the show:
“Feed me, Seymour”
What made you want to audition for this production?
This is my second theatre production with VADA, the first being Drunken City. I auditioned because I really enjoyed being a part of that production and as a senior, this was my last chance!
If you somehow came to possess an alien man-eating plant, what would you name it?
Faith Jr., for sure.
Anything else you’d like to say about your experience so far, or about the Rice Players/VADA in general…
Don’t feed the plants.
Actor Profile: Ariana Morgan
Ariana Morgan (Audrey) is a freshman at Wiess College pursuing a double major in Math and Theater. She is excited to preform in her second VADA production after her role as First Fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other credits include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Desdemona in Othello, and Celia in As You Like It. She would like to thank the directors, cast, and crew, and she looks forward to having a great show.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
My favorite part of the rehearsal process has been making breakthroughs. After blocking was finished, a lot of effort has been put into taking risks and pouring as much energy into performance as possible. This challenge has added excitement to the rehearsal process.
What has been the biggest challenge in this process?
Personally, my biggest challenge in this process has been has been creating an accent for Audrey. In general, I think everyone struggles not over thinking what we are doing on stage.
How has your Little Shop experience differed from other theatre experiences (either at Rice or somewhere else)?
In high school, acting was taught from a inside out perspective. The directors in this production prefer an outside in perspective.
Tell me your favorite line from the show:
You don’t meet nice boys when you live on Skid Row, Mr. Mushnik.
If you somehow came to possess an alien man-eating plant, what would you name it?
I would name it Godzilla 2.
Anything else you’d like to say about your experience so far, or about the Rice Players/VADA in general…
I’m impressed by the level of professionalism that goes into running VADA productions.
Actor Profile: Priyanka Mehta
Priyanka Mehta (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Wiess College, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business and Biochemistry. This is her first production at Rice University. She previously played the role of Janet MacGregor in Clements High School’s production of South Pacific and is excited to participate in more productions during her time at Rice.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
I have loved getting to know the Little Shop cast over the course of the rehearsal process. This show has been a wonderful way to meet people from all across campus who share my love of musical theater, and I know the friendships I’ve made over the past few months will definitely last after the show is over.
What has been the biggest challenge in this process?
The biggest challenge has been the hectic rehearsal schedule. Balancing a full schedule of academics and other extracurriculars with rehearsal 5 days a week hasn’t been easy, but it’s been completely worth it. The cast and crew make coming to rehearsal so much fun, and I can’t wait to see the product of our hard work.
How has your Little Shop experience differed from other theatre experiences (either at Rice or somewhere else)?
Little Shop is my first college production, and it’s been very different from the shows I was a part of in high school. The rehearsal process moves faster, and most of the cast and crew are more experienced. Being a part of the show has been fun but challenging, and I’ve learned so much from the directors. I can’t wait to take the skills I’ve gained from Little Shop and apply them to other characters and shows.
What made you want to audition? Do you think you will continue to participate in Rice theatre in the future?
I’ve always loved singing and acting, and I was really involved with my high school’s choir and theater programs. I hadn’t been in a production since I graduated in 2011. When I saw the audition notice, I realized how much I missed performing, and I knew I had to try out. Little Shop has been an amazing first step back into the theater world, and I can’t want to participate in more Rice productions in the future.
Actor Profile: Julia Liu
Julia Liu (Ensemble) is a junior at Brown College who is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. This is her very first appearance in a Rice Visual and Dramatic Arts production. Julia has previously played Maggie Gallagher in Brown College’s production of 8 (Spring, 2013). She is extremely excited for this show and wants to thank the cast and crew.
What has been the biggest challenge in this process?
I think the hardest part of this whole process for me has been trying to integrate all the parts we learn into one cohesive performance. Like, putting together all the nuances you learn in the music with the physical actions and doing them both well is pretty difficult.
How has your Little Shop experience differed from other theatre experiences (either at Rice or somewhere else)?
I’ve done one small college production here at Rice, but other than that I’m a complete newbie! So everything has been pretty novel and exciting for me. I really enjoy the energetic atmosphere of being in theater and I think being a part of it has brought me out of my shell!
Tell me your favorite line from the show:
“You ate the only thing I ever loved!” This line is golden. I mean, it’s funny even out of context! Haha.
What made you want to audition? Do you think you will continue to participate in Rice theatre in the future?
I wanted to audition for this musical because, well, it’s a musical! I sing quite frequently in my free time and after thoroughly enjoying the ’86 version of Little Shop, I decided to try it out. Being in this production has really given me a good feel of how the theater works and I’d love to participate again!
Actor Profile: Roby Johnson
Roby Johnson (Orin) is a freshman at Brown College. He is thrilled to be participating in his first musical at Rice as Orin in Little Shop of Horrors. He has performed with VADA before in last semester’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and is glad to be acting with them for a second time. Other credits include Rolf in Sound of Music and Duncan in Leading Ladies, both productions of the Weatherford High School Theatre Department.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
My favorite part of the rehearsal process has been when Jack is going over a song with us. He likes to do little riffs and play little comic bits in between songs which always crack me up. He always conveys what we need to do clearly, but he likes to see us have a bit of fun with it… as long as we do it right.
If you somehow came to possess an alien man-eating plant, what would you name it?
If I came across a man-eating plant, I would name it “nope,” because that is what I would be saying over and over as I ran away.
Anything else you’d like to say about your experience so far, or about the Rice Players/VADA in general…
The Rice Players and VADA deserve so much more attention. I am not a theatre major, but this department can do so many amazing things and is already located in one of the theatre hubs of the U.S. I love theatre as a hobby, and it is nice to be able to have such a strong support system that allows me to pursue my hobby while making the result the best it can be. I want others to be able to experience what I have this year.
Actor Profile: Tasneem Islam
Tasneem Islam (Ronnette) is a senior at Duncan College, double-majoring in Theater and Sociology. This semester, she is thrilled to be acting in her fourth VADA production, after assistant choreographing The Drunken City, acting as Mariane in Tartuffe, and assistant directing this past autumn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Additionally, she has acted in several college productions, appearing as Nadine in The Wild Party, Nehebka in Aida, and Magenta in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
I really enjoy learning the music and harmonizing with my fellow Duwops. It’s a grand feeling when the harmonies are tight.
What has been the biggest challenge in this process?
Learning how to dance like a badass while singing your heart out. It’s quite difficult.
Tell me your favorite line from the show:
Without a doubt, when Mr. Bernstein says “Of course not, but are you gonna be happy when you do Seymour…sweetheart…dollface…bubbelah…” Bubbelah. What a magnificent word (I know you asked for favorite line but that word just gets me).
If you somehow came to possess an alien man-eating plant, what would you name it?
Bubbelah
Anything else you’d like to say about your experience so far, or about the Rice Players/VADA in general…
Being a VADA major and part of the Rice theater scene for the past four years has been integral in shaping not just myself as an actress, dancer, and singer, but also my future. Rice is lucky to have such a fantastic, symbiotic theater faculty and students who genuinely support each other. It really is a rare thing.
Actor Profile: Paul Dingus
Paul Dingus (Ensemble/Bernstein/Martin) is a freshman at Baker College. He is majoring in Civil Engineering with a Business Minor. This will be his fist full play with the Rice Players; he participated in the Play in a Day event earlier this semester. He has previously preformed and worked in many shows in his high school and community theater in Midland, Texas.
What has been your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
Jack has been great in music rehearsals, and it’s a joy to work with a cast of such talented singers, so music rehearsals are my favorite part.
How has your Little Shop experience differed from other theatre experiences (either at Rice or somewhere else)?
It is much more professional and demanding here at rice, compared to the other shows I’ve done. Definitely everyone involved expects a lot from you.
Tell me your favorite line from the show:
Mushnik: SEYMOUR WHAT IS GOING ON BACK THERE?
Seymour: Very little mister Mushnik!
What made you want to audition for this production?
I auditioned because I’ve been involved in theater before and enjoyed it. I thought it looked like a good opportunity to get involved in theater here and to get course credit as well.
If you somehow came to possess an alien man-eating plant, what would you name it?
George Brock for sure.
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