By Allie Armstrong
November 27, 2024
Acting in a university theatre and drama stage production can appear daunting to a student: the competition for roles, long hours of rehearsals and multiple performances — all piled on to a busy academic course load.
Nearly four years ago, senior Kirsten Wisth took UW-Madison’s Introduction to Acting course. She was brand-new to the world of college theatre and was eager to take her developing skills to the stage.
Wisth, who played Miss Anne De Bourgh in University Theatre’s recent performance of Pride and Prejudice, is majoring in Community and Organizational Development with certificates in Public Policy, Criminal Justice, and Theatre.
After Pride and Prejudice wrapped up, I sat down with Kirsten to reflect on the experience and find out what she learned about the art of performance.
What specifically drew you to Pride and Prejudice as a show?
I remember reading Pride and Prejudice in high school. It is a lovely story. I also felt it would warm my family’s heart to see it on stage because they have always loved it too.
How were you supported by faculty and other students during the audition and callback process?
I felt that the faculty was very communicative and kind all throughout this process. After the initial audition, we were emailed about callbacks later the same night. If we got a callback, we returned the next day to do scene work with the other students. We were assigned different roles to try out in front of the director, Ann M. Shanahan, to find the best fit.
Describe a daily rehearsal. How did the director, creative team, and student cast engage with you and your unique visions for your character?
When we first arrived, before starting warm-ups and scene work, we would do a “daily check-in” to see how everyone was doing. I found this very inviting. It went a long way towards fostering a kind and understanding atmosphere between the cast and the director. We also utilized a consent-based theatre practice to ensure that everyone felt their comfortability concerns were heard and cared for. In addition, we designated a person on the cast to be our collective voice to discuss any concerns that arose during the rehearsal and performance process with faculty. The environment was very collaborative. I loved being goofy with my new friends in the cast. We could be kind, accepting, and silly together. The rehearsal process definitely encouraged this relationship.
What was the experience of performing in front of an audience like? How did you feel afterwards?
I was really excited. I felt confident in our preparation. Performing in front of an audience was exhilarating. To see them engage with a story that you are telling not only with your voice, but with your actions, face and mind was really rewarding. Being able to hear them laugh and clap made me very happy because I feel that inspiring joy in others is one of my main reasons for pursuing and performing theatre. I found myself nearly tearing up at every curtain call.
What were some first-time experiences that you had during the preparation and performance of this show?
The main first-time experience that I had with the preparation and performance of this show was genuinely feeling respected and cared for as an individual, apart from my skills. I have had experiences in the past where the cast and director were not as understanding and did not see me as a fellow peer. I felt like that type of competitive atmosphere was not prevalent during this show. I felt secure and empowered to speak up for myself if there was ever a concern.
What would you like to say to current and incoming students who are considering auditioning or taking classes in UW-Madison’s Theatre program?
Do it! Just audition! There’s nothing to lose, and the audition process can help you gain comfortability in other important things, like public speaking, for instance. When you get into a show, you will genuinely end up with some great friends and you will feel encouraged and happy to be there. I promise! No matter what role you get, be confident in your abilities. That is truly what makes or breaks your spirit in all aspects of life.
Last question: What has been your singular favorite moment of the entire process? Do you think you’ll stay in touch with members of the cast and crew?
I will definitely stay in touch with people from the cast. Community is very important to me. I want to see my peers do well in life. They should know they’ve got someone cheering them on no matter what. I think my favorite moment was seeing all of them during the curtain call, when they took their bows. It made me emotional every time. I got to watch my friends get the love and recognition that they deserved, all while inspiring joy in our audience. It’s incredible how much happiness theatre allowed us to create in such a small amount of time.