Well, hello there,

My name is Mike Myers. I’m a junior majoring in Theater Studies and Philosophy, and I’ll be playing the other half of Astrov with the dashing Nick Prey. I can tell this is going to be an exciting experience, given the talent represented in our ranks. I already feel connected to everyone in this cast, having worked and played with most of its members, and having been super impressed by everyone else.

As a student of directing, I am particularly interested in the direction we’re taking this show. I can’t hide that I harbor some unease surrounding the realization of some of our initial driving concepts, but with this stellar team, I do believe we will navigate this new terrain with grace, and I am excited to see the discoveries that we make.

In particular, I wonder:

• What, if any, unity will we desire between the main actor-pairs? Will we seek unified character interpretations, physicalizations, or choices? Will we give individuals free reign to interpret their characters uniquely and let that itself be a statement? And will it be important to unify our production by making the same choice for every actor-pair?
• Logistically, how will we navigate shared blocking of the show? If we must trade off opportunities to pioneer blocking, will one actor’s impulses be more valuable than the others (in a given moment)? Will one actor feel like they own a certain section less or more than another?
• Will the double-casting give each actor less time to work with and live in the role? How will it affect our performances/character discoveries/choices to watch another person portraying our same role?
• How will it feel to stay engaged, in character, and in the moment during performances if we have to take breaks (physical and spiritual) from performing and watch our counterpart?
• How will Nick Prey and I fit into the same costume??? His feet are wayyyy too big. Though changing in front of the whole audience won’t be a problem for us after ‘Love and Human Remains.’

I can’t wait to see you all in rehearsal, and I know this show is going to be a lots of fun! Love you all!

Mike