Nicole- "Teamwork makes the dream work!"

Nicole Roberts was one of the directors of ALLIGATOR. She is a DTC company member and has played many roles including the lead, Mary in RIO last year and the Mother in AUDIENCE ANNIHILATED.

 

What is your favorite moment in ALLIGATOR and why?

the scene where Velvet tells Ben she's leaving town. It is performed so simply and truthfully, it strikes a chord every time and makes me forget I'm sitting in a theatre.

 

Why do you work with Dream Theatre Company?

With DTC I get to continuously challenge myself, explore and grow as an artist. Their style and "no fourth wall" concept allow the audience to be a character in each show, keeping every performance new and exciting! 

 

What advice would you give to a first time audience member to this show?

you're gonna go for a ride, be open to it. 

 

If you had a time turner and could change something about the rehearsal process, what would it have been?

you always wish you had more time in the rehearsal process, but honestly I couldn't be more proud of this show and the amazing actors who bring it to life!

 

What will you take from working on this project with you to your future artistic career?

it was very cool to sit on the other side of the script for this one. It helped me to appreciate how important an open minded and flexible actor is for a director, and how equally important it is for a director to respect and guide the artistic choices of their actors. Teamwork makes the dream work. (Yeah, that's right) 

Rachel - "you might feel like holding your breath"

Rachel Ehrenberg is the beauty in the booth (Stage Manager) for ALLIGATOR. This is her second production with DTC. Here she offers her insight and perspective on working on ALLIGATOR.

What is your favorite moment in ALLIGATOR and why?

 I tried to pinpoint my favorite moment in ALLIGATOR but I couldn't. My favorite aspect about ALLIGATOR is how the story-line is very serious and dark, and yet I find myself laughing throughout the whole show. Jeremy has such a way of writing that he has you watching one scene where you might feel like holding your breath and the next you're busting out laughing at the situation the characters got themselves into. I think that's very important when shows have a darker story-line. Each character gives you something to love about them and to connect to.

Why do you work with Dream Theatre Company?

I've stage managed two shows with Dream Theatre Company and could not be more thankful for those opportunities. Every single rehearsal, tech day, and show has taught me something and that is incredibly priceless to me. I absolutely love that they put on original work and that they give you something you can't find anywhere else. It's been said by many, and now I'm one of those people saying it as well. The first time watching ALLIGATOR had me going through many feelings and emotions and when it was over, I sat back in awe. It's not a show that you go to see and walk out with saying, "Oh, that was pretty good". You walk out of the show and you have questions and a feeling in your heart. At least that's what happens for me. The show ends and my heart is heavy but I'm happy.

What advice would you give to a first time audience member to this show?

My advice for a first time audience member seeing this show would be to have an open mind and heart. Take everything in from the moment you walk through the door and let any preconceived thoughts go. Also, don't be scared!

If you had a time turner and could change something about the rehearsal process, what would it have been?

I really loved how the rehearsal process went. I enjoyed how Jeremy spent a good amount of time with the beginning scenes so their characters could develop and once they knew who they were, the other scenes were easier to tackle. Of course we'd all want more rehearsal time as well but I'm so proud with everyone's work. This show isn't easy and every single night in rehearsal, the actors worked hard and pushed themselves.

What will you take from working on this project with you to your future artistic career?

 What won't I take from this project with me?! I have mastered (or so I like to think...) running lights and sounds. I've never done that before so I'm super excited to be on this side of the process. The different tactics and methods the actors used to find their characters have been really beneficial to watch. I can't stress enough how thankful I am that I've worked with Dream Theatre Company. I've definitely grown in these past 3 months so thank you all. Now everyone, COME SEE THE SHOW!

Candace - my experience in ALLIGATOR

Candace Kitchens plays Cricket in DTC's current production - ALLIGATOR. Here she answers a couple of questions about her experience with this show.

Why do you work with Dream Theatre Company?

I have continuously worked with DTC because I whole heartedly believe in their mission - to demolish the fourth wall and to create a realism amid unrealistic circumstances that forces the audience to not just witness the action but also to feel it and become a part of it.  DTC continues to churn out pieces that, when I read them, I know the audience is going to walk away talking about.  It is going to shake something inside of them whether they enjoy it or not. THAT'S the type of work I want to be a part of. "Art should make the insane sane and the comfortable uncomfortable."

 

If you had a time turner and could change something about the rehearsal process, what would it have been?

MORE rehearsal time, straight out the gate! 

 

What will you take from working on this project with you to your future artistic career?

Working on Alligator has helped me immensely with my (hopefully) future acting endeavors because it was the first show in a while where, because Cricket & I have a lot of similarities, I felt that I could effectively pull from our God, Stanislavski, and utilize my own real life experiences.  It also taught me an immense amount teamwork.  Depending on my partner (Lone/Jeremy) was so difficult for me at first because I am a very "independent" actor, but once I learned to "let go and let Alligator" Cricket and Lone's relationship finally felt complete and every action made sense.  Every Dream Theatre show I have been a part of has completely changed the way I view the actor/audience relationship.  I hope to take that with me to every theatre I'm a part of.

Amanda - talks about DTC from her perspective

Amanda Lynn Meyer worked on ALLIGATOR on the props and set. She is a company member where she works as the Talent Coordinator and as an Actor and Artist. She was last seen as 1/2 of conjoined twins Siggis in DEVILISH CHILDREN this past May. Here we asked her some questions. Here's a good look from one of our Artists' perspectives.

1. What is your favorite moment in ALLIGATOR and why?

I'd have to say the phone call between Ben and Velvet just before the end of Act 1, where Ben makes the decision to go after Velvet. It's a big turning point for Ben, and a moment of real honesty and vulnerability for Velvet.

2. Why do you work with Dream Theatre Company?

DTC makes the kind of art that actors dream about doing. It's edgy, interesting, ensemble-based art, movement, and play that digs into the psyche and churns you out feeling artistically challenged and fulfilled. It's fresh, it's original, and it's why I and a lot of actors love theatre.

3. What advice would you give to a first time audience member to this show?

Allow yourself to get lost in the show, and let it take you on a ride. It will bob and weave but it's worth the journey. Don't be afraid to laugh!

4. If you had a time turner and could change something about the rehearsal process, what would it have been?

Doesn't everyone want more time to rehearse? More time to nitpick and perfect? I think as actors we're always adjusting, and things get stale when you get too settled in a role. I wasn't at most of the rehearsals, but I'm sure more time to just play is always appreciated.

5. What will you take from working on this project with you to your future artistic career?

A uniting vision can really make the play. From the second you walk into the lobby, you are transported into a wholly different place, and it's carried through to the very end, with the unique way the DTC team crafted and designed this production. The atmosphere - seeing the world through Velvet's unstable mind - almost becomes another character in the play to be toyed with.