Meet Samantha Santos: Playing Leslie

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?
I first visited SDSU my sophomore year of high school for a college tour and instantly fell in love. When it ended up being my first acceptance letter to college I knew that it was meant to be that I attended this school.

Who are your acting heroes? Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?
My acting hero would have to be Barbara Streissand. She is such a natural actor and can make you laugh and cry all in the same movie. I often try to bring her witty and cheerful humor when playing a funny role.

Do you have a pet? If so, how did you get it and what do you like most about it? If not, what would your ideal pet be?
I unfortunately don’t think I would own a pet. I grew up with them not allowed in the house so I never really grew to love them. However, if we could have pet seahorses I would love to have one.

How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
When auditioning, I give a surface level delivery of the character I am going for but when cast I can dive in deeper and find more personality traits and unique qualities that I can use to develop a richer and interesting character.

Do you have a favorite role from past shows? What would that character say about this show? Would they be friends with your character?
My favorite role in a past show would be when I played Amber in Hairspray. It was really fun to play someone who is opposite from me and I could really have fun being the mean character. She would probably hate this show and think everyone was just old and pathetic. She would definitely not be friends with my character because she is really girly, popular, and judgmental whereas I am boyish, quirky and like to help people.

If you could live in New York, what borough would you live in?
I don’t know New York very well but I would probably be somewhere in the middle class. I have a professional career and dress very well but I am not into the status quo or care about fitting in to society.

What are some unique challenges of your character?
I think the hardest challenge is not choosing a gender or acting more like one or the other but trying to be mysterious and not persuade the audience into deciding my gender.

What is Sylvia about, to you?
I think Sylvia is about the natural progression of life and getting older and not getting lost in a set way of life but exploring all that life can bring while on this earth and with other people. Also, to accept people for who they choose to be or what they choose to like and to not judge at first but learn along with them and find the good in things we don’t think we can care about.

Meet Kelsey Lynn: Playing Sylvia

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?

Honestly, I didn’t put much thought into finding a good university to go to because I had thought it was off the table. I was going to attend community college because it was cheaper, and comfortable because it was close to home. However, my parents pushed me to apply places anyways. At that point I hadn’t put any thought into what school I wanted to attend, so I went to my best friend who had done all sorts of research on good colleges. So I basically just applied to all the places she did because she knew what she was doing. I almost didn’t apply to SDSU because I didn’t think I wanted to be so far south since in my career path, I would most likely end up in LA anyways, so I figured it would be best to build a basis closer to Los Angeles. But last minute I had a change of heart, decided to apply, auditioned, received my acceptance letter, and after touring all the other universities, SDSU just felt right. The minute I started the tour around campus and around the theatre department, with the one and only CJ Keith, I just knew it was where I was meant to be, and that SDSU would be my future home.

Who are your acting heroes? Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?

I am obsessed with Kristin Wiig, Amy Poehler, Melissa McCarthy, and Steve Carell. Anything and everything they do just kills me. They are all just so unique, talented, and hysterical that I can’t stop watching them. Each of them seem to be such genuine people who work incredibly hard at their craft that I can’t help but look up to them. I would like to say I try and channel their humor and comedic genius, but there is just no way to replicate their work.

Do you have a pet? If so, how did you get it and what do you like most about it? If not, what would your ideal pet be?

I have had a plethora of pets in my life. I have owned many types of fish, a rat, a hamster, a bunny, and two dogs. Unfortunately, the only one who is still alive is one of my dogs, Layla, who is my precious little gumdrop princess. She is basically me but in dog form. She is a little turd and I love her. My other doggie, Snowy, recently passed away, and I miss her terribly. She was a fantastic grumpy little thing, basically a living breathing Eeyore, but with a tendency to catch rodents and bring them into the house for us all to enjoy.

On the other hand, my ideal pet would definitely be a dragon, or a hippogriff.

How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?

I begin by reading the script several times, and first seeing how the character naturally formed in my head, and then how the character formed when I looked and accounted for how the author intended the character to be, as well as how the script provides me with clues and information on how to build this character. Then, I just offer my own humanity to bring the character to life.

Do you have a favorite role from past shows? What would that character say about this show? Would they be friends with your character?

I think my favorite role I have ever played was Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. She was just so perky and sassy and a go-getter that I heavily related to her, and it was just such a fun, kind of ridiculous over the top role to play. I think Sylvia and Elle are a lot alike, so much even that I could see them not liking each other because they are so alike in my eyes. But they also could be BFFs, so who really knows. But I would like to think that they would get along. I think Sylvia and Bruiser would make a good match.

If you could live in New York, what borough would you live in?  

I am actually not familiar with the east coast at all so I have absolutely no idea where I would want to live. However, I’d rather live in a suburb than a city because of those pesky one-way roads. They get me every time.  And because there are lots of people in cities and on occasion I just need a little break from constant human interaction.

What are some unique challenges of your character?

Having to be so high energy all the time is extremely challenging. I’m not sure how those Disney Channel actors do it. I am so incredibly exhausted after every rehearsal from smiling an insane amount, and running around the set and jumping up and down…. It’s definitely a work out. I see why dogs sleep so much.

What is Sylvia about, to you?

I think Sylvia is about the wonderful and strong relationship that people have with their dogs, and even just their pets in general. This incredible relationship can emerge in a matter of seconds, and then almost instantly, these animals become your greatest companion. Pets can bring us a certain joy and comfort that can’t be replicated or found anywhere else.  To me, that’s pretty amazing that a relationship as strong as one between man and animal can be created so quickly, and held so tightly. 

Rehearsal Room Terms

The rehearsal room can seem a foreign space to those new to the experience. Words are thrown about with ease that one may not encounter anywhere else in the same context. Below are a list of the terms used in Sylvia rehearsal over the last week, with short definitions.

Moment of Discovery: an instance of new understanding for the actor or character.

Get it on its feet: Take a scene from reading to allowing the actors to move around with the words.

Blocking: Deciding where the actors will stand and move in relationship to others and the set.

Stage Picture: The way a scene (the actors, set, and props) looks with consideration of the audience's perspective.

Power position: A place on stage that grants extra authority to a character.

Beat: A place of new discovery and decision.

Shape it: Work a scene with small changes to bring it closer to the desired outcome.

Exploration space: A place where actors can try new ideas.

Notes: Written reminders put into the script, often of blocking or motivation.

Cue: A line that prompts another line or action from a new character.

Let them lie: Leaving something alone to come back to at another time.

C.J. walking through blocking

Getting the scene on its feet

Taking Notes 

Meet Atessa McAleenan-Morrell: Playing Phyllis

Atessa McAleenan-Morrell

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?

This is my second and last year at SDSU. I just transferred here from Diablo Valley College located in the bay area. My journey has been short but it is not over yet! My first year was tough but a good experience. I am excited to see what this New Year brings!

Who are your acting heroes? Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?

Some of my acting heroes are, Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn, Raven Symone, Barbara Streisand, Meryl Streep,Robin Williams, and a few more here and there. I do not channel any person or actor when I perform.

Do you have a pet? If so, how did you get it and what do you like most about it? If not, what would your ideal pet be?

 I have two cats, a dog, some fish, and a turtle back home. My ultimate favorite animal and pet is a cat. I love them because they are cuddly, soft, and always have different personalities and a mind of their own. My dream pet is a cheetah.

How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?

How I go about finding a character is first and foremost, looking to the script. I gather as much information possible about my character from the script. I take note of what is said about me by other characters and what I say about myself. Then, based off all that character research, do some more research and start to build my character.

Do you have a favorite role from past shows? What would that character say about this show? Would they be friends with your character?

My favorite role of a past show would have to be playing the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. She was a character I thought I would never play so getting to play her was an amazing, unique experience.  What the witch would say about this show is probably,” I hate dogs! I’d much prefer a flying monkey.” And no she would not be friends with Phyllis.

If you could live in New York, what borough would you live in?  

If I had to choose a borough to live in, it would be Manhattan because it has all the fun busy stuff to do. I like big cities.

What are some unique challenges of your character?

I’d say my most unique challenge would have to be my character being a recovering alcoholic.

What is Sylvia about, to you?

I think Sylvia is about friendship coming in all shapes and sizes and sometimes unexpected. Sometimes friendships can save your life and change it for the better. 

Meet Rebecca Hustedde: Playing Kate

Rebecca Hustedde 

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?

I transferred to SDSU as a junior last fall, so this is my second and final year here. I was exploring different theatre programs throughout California and after the Explore SDSU event in spring 2014, I knew this was the place I wanted to be at.

Who are your acting heroes? Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?

The list is huge, because there are so many talented actors that I respect and admire. Some of my favorites though are Jonny Depp, Lena Headey, and Julianne Moore. Channeling other actors when I perform isn't something that I do, but I thoroughly enjoy watching the performances of these actors.

Do you have a pet? If so, how did you get it and what do you like most about it?

I have several pets, actually! There are four doggies at home that I love so, so much. There are two German Shepherds, Hanna and Andel, and two little Yorkies, Tiki and Leila. All of them have their own, unique personality, but they are unfailingly loving. They live in my hometown with my family, so I only get to see them when I visit. I miss them everyday, but they get so excited when I come home! Especially my little Tiki. My boyfriend even got me a t-shirt with her picture on it for my birthday! I love my pups so much!

How do you go about finding a new character once you've been cast?

I think that everything you need to know about your character is in your script somewhere. The playwright puts all of the important information in there. After I've thoroughly studied the script and gleaned all of information that the playwright wants me to know, anything I create for my character is for my own, personal understanding of her. The audience will never know all of things that I've thought of for my character that aren't included in the script, but that's what makes my interpretation of her different from another actor's.

Do you have a favorite role from past shows? What would that character say about this show? Would they be friends with your character?

I loved playing Gayle in Almost, Maine by John Carani. I think Kate would find her naïve and endearing if ever they were to meet and would admire Gayle's tenacity and fearlessness in committing to getting what she wants.

If you could live in New York, what borough would you live in?

The Bronx. Bronx was the name of the dog-like gargoyle in the Disney Channel series Gargoyles and he was my favorite.

What are some unique challenges of your character?

Well I think dealing with a significant other who is completely consumed by and obsessed with something outside of their relationship is something that some people may be able to identify with. However, I'm not sure if anyone has ever had their significant other fixated on Greg's particular distraction. Well, maybe Edward Albee knows something about the subject.

What is Sylvia about, to you?

Sylvia is the discovery that even when you truly want what is best for someone, you may not actually know what that "best" is (even if you think you do!). It's important to think outside of your own idea of "best" and consider the unexpected. Life can be pleasantly surprising if you are willing to move forward blindfolded for a little while.  

Design Presentations and First Rehearsal

There is something truly energizing about a first meeting after summer break, and that paired with the first meeting of a new show, made for a room full of excited energy. The evening began with design presentations, as the designers showed us all they had been working on, walking us through their process and giving time for any questions there may be about what we were seeing. Director, C.J., described the space as an, "ordered, urban, lovely, simple, elegant apartment." This could be reflected in the set design, lighting, and costuming. However, she continued, "Sylvia comes and changes that," and seeing the visual transition was truly exhilarating. Once we had seen the visual world, C.J. and the actors got to work on their first rehearsal. Following are some pictures from these meetings. More specific design pictures will be added to this blog in a later post.

Director C.J. with SM Alex and ASM Nia preparing to begin.

Set Designer David shows us his model and 3D renderings 

The cast and designers take some time to look. 

Costume Designers Maria and Carmon walk us through the characters' costumes

Fabric Swatches. 

Sound Designer Brianna gives us a taste of the show's music. 

Rehearsal begins.