A Lighting Designer's Perspective

Even before the designing can begin, inspiration must be found for the designers to find an entry point into the visual world of the play they are creating. Below is lighter designer Michael Ekema-Nardella's words on how he began to find the lighting world for Sylvia. 

After reading the play I was immediately drawn to impressionist paintings for my research. Impressionists can so well show us something that we all know and allow us to see it in a new and different way, just like the world of the play. While gathering images I noticed how colors were used in many different ways. One painting may be done in mostly pastel and pale colors while others were vibrant and exploding with deep rich colors. From those differences I was able to form what the world of the play looks like. Greg and Kate are stuck in a world of little color and Sylvia helps to bring color back into their lives. When Greg meets Sylvia his world begins to fill with color, and as he becomes more infatuated with her the more colorful his world becomes. Sylvia represents color in Greg and Kate's fading world.

Meet Javier Padilla: Playing Tom

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?

I transferred to SDSU last year from Fresno City College. Deciding on a university was tough but after visiting SDSU I really knew this is where I wanted to be. So I got on the 99 highway, passed the grapevine survived the 5 through LA, Stopped at an In-n-out, headed east on the 8 and took the college avenue exit and Here I am.

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

As an actor, channeling others isn't really something I do while performing. Although, many actors' performances really excite me and motive to work on my craft. I currently have acting crushes on Oscar Isaac, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy Christof waltz and so on haha.

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?

YES! Back at my parents home I have three dogs and a cat. Ujiro, Lucy, Sweetpea, and Katiya. All three dogs are rescue dogs and the cat seemed to just come out of no where!!! It's okay though, the cat is totally a dog!

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

I believe the playwright gives you everything you need to know about your character. It's all in the text. After studying the script and really doing work on the text, I start to develop little personal details that aren't in the script but are driven by the content of the script. The character also has a life outside of the script. Everyone has a backstory and although the audience may never see or know some of that information, it is still part of what they will see on stage or in film.

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

This is really a hard question hahaha, every character is really different. I had the pleasure of playing the role of Chad from the play Almost, Maine by John Cariani. Chad is an interesting guy. I don't know how he would feel about the show. The town of Almost doesn't really have a big theatre scene. Chad would definitely be friends with Tom, he is just a friendly guy, ask Randy.

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

I personally would like to try out Manhattan, but I think that would be too Mainstream for Tom.

What are some unique challenges of your character?

My relationship with my wife is kind of an interesting one. I love my wife with all my heart. I love my Dog with all my heart as well. I know Bowser loves her and I know she loves him, but I don't think she loves him as much as he loves her. I've been thinking about that. How can you not love something that's soul purpose in life is to love you???

What is Sylvia about, to you?

For me Sylvia is about embracing the unexpected, seeing what curve balls life throws at you and really allowing yourself to keep on keeping on. Things may just jump into your lap and its up to you to take it and run with it! Although life can get chewed up and muddy, its loving life that really gets you through everything. Sylvia is a reminder of how  new and wonderful the unexpected can be.

Meet Xavier Scott: Playing Greg

Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?
I went to school in Texas my entire life, and during my senior year of high school, my dad got a job here in San Diego. I toured the campus a few times and really loved what I saw so I decided to make the move out here.

Who are your acting heroes? Is there anyone you find yourself channeling when you perform?
Denzel Washington and Daniel Day Lewis are two of my favorite actors of all time. I simply love the dedication and passion they bring to each of their roles. I don't really find myself trying to channel a particular actor as I've always been very keen on creating your own individual identity as an actor that sets you apart from everyone else.

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?
Personally, I have never owned a pet but I always thought it would be nice to own a husky. They seem like the coolest breed around so I feel it would be fun to own one or two.

How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
I kind of just read the script through over and over and try out different personalities, quirks, etc to try and make my character as unique as possible while also keeping my performance within the logical realm of the play.

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 show would have to be The Laramie Project here at SDSU my sophomore year. It allowed me to show the most acting range and really helped me grow as an actor. Some of my characters from the show would probably be friends with Greg while others would just think he's not interesting enough to be around.

If you could live in New York, what borough would you live in?
Haven't been to New York yet but I would love to live somewhere close to Times Square so I could be around all that energy.

What are some unique challenges of your character?
Well I've never owned a dog and I've never been married before so getting into the mindset of having a wife and kids and creating all this back story for myself is a very welcoming challenge and just allows me to expand my horizons as an actor.

What is Sylvia about, to you?
Identity. Really discovering who you are and just trying to see where you fit in life. I feel that's a constant struggle for Greg at this point in his life, as well as Kate who is really coming into her own as a teacher but is struggling with the identity of her marriage with Greg once Sylvia comes into the picture.