1) Name, year/age, major

Nick Hess. Junior/20. Theatre and Communications.

Nick Hess (Harold "Mitch" Mitchell) flashes a smile in rehearsal (Source: DFPA Flickr)

2) What part do you play?

Harold Mitchell (Mitch)

3) Tell us a bit about this process.

This process has been very exciting and seems to be happening very quickly. The fact that all the actors were off book when rehearsal started meant that we had more time to play. We have been able to make stronger connections more quickly, which is good because that’s really what this show is about.

4) What’s the most exciting thing about your character?

What I like most about Mitch is that he’s NOT Stanley. Mitch is the only real gentleman in this play’s world and finding how that manifests itself has been incredible. Many people perceive Mitch as passive because he doesn’t act like Stanley, but I don’t think that’s true. Mitch is very active just much more well mannered

5) What’re some of the biggest challenges you’re facing with this character and the show?

I think the biggest challenge we’re facing with this show is that everyone has seen the Brando movie and knows that as A Streetcar Named Desire. Our show isn’t that, it can’t be. We still have to be as honest as possible with it to make it real, but we also have to know that people will come in with preconceptions.

6) Anything you’d like to tell Arts Alive patrons and readers?

Come! Bring your friends and families! This show will definitely be worth your time. Thank you so much, in advance, for your support.

[Dramaturgical Note: The thoughts and views expressed in these profiles are those of the actors, and should always be read with their trademark senses of humor and personality in mind]

Angela Sandall as Stella Kowalski fans herself in the New Orleans heat (Source: DFPA Flickr)

1) Name, year/age, major

Angela Sandall, Sophomore/ 19, Theater Arts and Advertising & Public Relations double major with an English minor.

2) What part do you play?

Stella Kowalski

3) Tell us a bit about this process.

One difference between this production’s process and other productions I’ve been a part of is the fact that we were off book from day one which has expedited our journey tremendously. It has been a bit of a whirlwind, we’ve really attacked this show head on and that has been absolutely thrilling.

[Dramaturgical note: Being "off book" is a theatrical term for having every line of the show memorized, and therefore being able to rehearse without holding your script]

4) What’s the most exciting thing about your character?

One of my favorite things about Stella is the fact that she left her debutante life behind and pursued some independence in New Orleans. She would’ve been Blanche, except she met Stanley. After Blanche arrives she’s caught between these two opposing parts of her life. It makes for a fascinating dynamic.

5) What’re some of the biggest challenges you’re facing with this character and the show?

Stella is caught in between the love of her life, Stanley, and her sister, Blanche. It has been difficult to find the fine line between her love of her Blanche and Stanley and when she’s upset with them. Because the rehearsal process has been shortened I keep forgetting to slow down, take deep breaths, and listen to my scene partners. Luckily, I have an amazing cast, production team, and direction team to guide me in the right direction.

6) Anything you’d like to tell Arts Alive patrons and readers?

Come see the show and thank you so much for your patronage!

[Dramaturgical Note: The thoughts and views expressed in these profiles are those of the actors, and should always be read with their trademark senses of humor and personality in mind]