Director Bill Garrett

Q: What is the play about?

A: The Laramie Project is a true story. It takes a look at the people in the town of Laramie and how their lives are affected in the aftermath one of the community member’s, Mathew Shepard’s, death [due to intolerance].

Q: What inspired you to choose the Laramie Project?

A: I think after the vandalism incident last year, I really felt it was time to do a tolerance piece. Not that the campus is racist, sexist, etc., but students just do not know the power of words. That is what I love about the play; it makes people think.

Q: How is directing this play different than past plays you have directed?

A: Well I think this show takes a different approach. The content of the play has opened up some wonderful dialogue. I think we all have grown from this process. •

                                    Head of the light crew senior Nathaniel Lamers

Q: How do you plan to make the sets different from years past?

A: We are essentially building a platform covering the entirety of the stage that slopes forward at about a 10 degree angle towards the audience, and extends fifteen feet into the audience. It will serve as the focal point of the events on stage.

Q: What else does the set consist of onstage?

A: There will not be much else aside from some furniture and possibly a fence, but that may be painted on the backdrop. We are going to rely much more on lighting than we usually do to convey the mood and setting.

THE BEST STAGE I EVER “SAW”: A member of the tech crew   prepares for the play by constructing the main platform. (right)

Q: How many hours does the stage crew spend working on the set?

A: Typically, we are there at least two or three times a week for about two hours after school.Technical Director Eric Wood helps a good deal with the construction. •

                                        Senior actress Emily Gottlich

Q: What is it like rehearsing for this play?

A: The rehearsals are really draining because the material is really devastating and real. Since we are playing characters that actually exist, our rehearsals are very specific in the way that everything we do must be in character, down to the way you hold your shoulders. Each actor or actress is playing at least three characters; they must be very specific in order to better represent the differences between all of them.

Q: How many hours does the cast spend rehearsing?

A: Rehearsal is from 3:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and then the three weeks leading up to the show it is from 3:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. So I would say early in the process, about 15 hours a week and later on 25 hours a week.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: The actors begin rehearsal everyday with stretches and vocal warm-up exercises.(left)

Q: How does it feel to be a part of the play?

A: The play has such a great message. It is a story that needs to be told, and I am thrilled to be involved. •