A couple of questions with a few of our cast members from our upcoming production of Traitor.
Caroline Renfro
1. In what ways are you alike/ and or different from your character?
We're both fierce, we stand up four ourselves and the ones we care about. Karla puts up with a lot more than I would, though!
2. What has been the biggest challenge taking on this role?
Coming into a community that I don't know and doesn't know me. Theatre is such a close-knit culture that being the new kid on the block is always scary. Not that I had anything to worry about, this cast and crew have been lovely and welcoming from day one!
3. What’s your favorite line in this script (It can be from anyone)?
"Seconded."
4. How is working at The Magnetic Theatre different from working at other theatres in the area?
This is my first show in the Asheville area so I can't say!
5. What has been your favorite part of this process so far?
The people. I've made my first Asheville friends doing this show. And enemies. You know who you are... ;)
6. If you could play any character in any show, what would be your dream part?
Am I allowed to answer with a role I've already played? If so, The Pilot in Grounded is absolutely a dream role. If not, Marianne in Constellations. Though I might be even more excited to direct that show.
7. How did you get into theatre?
As a kid, every summer I would produce, direct and star in that year's Disney release. And charge the neighbors to come to the show! The nerve…
8. Do you know what your next project will be? If so, what can we see you working on next?
I don't have anything lined up yet but I hope to get involved as much as possible in the Asheville theatre scene.
Biography
Caroline Renfro is a stage, film and television actor and emcee excited to be making her Asheville debut with Magnetic Theatre Company’s TRAITOR. She has performed at CPCC Summer Theatre, CAST, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, Charlotte’s Off-Broadway, and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and some of her favorite roles include The Pilot in 'GROUNDED', Catherine in 'RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN,' Susy Hendrix in 'WAIT UNTIL DARK', and Matt in 'MATT & BEN'. She has had featured roles in several locally filmed television shows and films including Homeland for Showtime, Secrets & Lies for ABC and Waaaay Off Broadway for STAGE. Her commercial appearances include North Carolina Education Lottery, Fuccillo Kia, and Harris Teeter. Formerly a courtside personality with the Charlotte Bobcats and New York Knicks, these days Caroline makes her living traveling the country as a spokesperson and host.
Gaia Eggert
1. In what ways are you alike/ and or different from your character?
Randall and I are very similar, in that we are both trying to survive middle school. We are both trying to deal with the pressure of school and family issues (obviously different problems, though!).
2. What has been the biggest challenge taking on this role?
Trying to act out a seizure is very intimidating to me, because I want to get it scientifically correct, but I also need to make it dramatic for the audience.
3. What’s your favorite line in this script (It can be from anyone)?
"NO MORE JELLYFISH"
4. How is working at The Magnetic Theatre different from working at other theatres in the area?
I've only acted with two different theatre companies, but they are very different. When I acted with the Montford Park Players, I was doing Shakespeare and wearing a doublet...but here with Magnetic, I'm acting as a person that actually existed, and if they were watching the show, I'd want them to be proud of my portrayal of them.
5. What has been your favorite part of this process so far?
Getting to have a new amazing family for the past two months. The director has made the transition from acting Shakespeare to acting present day so much easier for me.
6. If you could play any character in any show, what would be your dream part?
Oh that's a hard one, but if i had to choose one I'd probably go with Veronica from Heathers...but I might have to wait a few years.
7. How did you get into theatre?
I've always been passionate about theatre, and when I saw my first community theatre show, I knew I wanted to be apart of that community. So that summer, I auditioned and got my first part! Then I just got a callback for another show, and one after the other....
8. Do you know what your next project will be? If so, what can we see you working on next?
I will be auditioning for this season's Montford Park Players shows, so hopefully, I will get a part in one of their incredible productions.
Biography
Gaia is thrilled to be working on her first production with the Magnetic Theatre. Previously you could’ve caught them with the Montfort Park Players as Micheal in “Robinhood: Quest for Justice”, John Webster in “Shakespeare in Love”, Young Florizel in “Winters Tale”, and a messenger in “Henry the 4th”.
You could’ve also seen them as Puck in Artspace Charter Schools “Midsummer Nights Dream”, King Louis in “The jungle book”, the White Witch in “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” and the mad chef in “The Little Mermaid jr”
They can also be seen in a short film of “Twelve Angry Men” where they played Juror #8. They were in The Avett Brothers music video “Ain’t No Man” and the safety video “Stop Drop Roll”.
Laura Gregory
1. In what ways are you alike/ and or different from your character?
Molly and I are both fiercely loyal to our families. I’d like to think we could match wits and have a sarcasm-off. She’s got a whole lot more drive than I do, I think Molly would be running marathons while I might rather take a nap.
2. What has been the biggest challenge taking on this role?
Having not performed in over a year, and coming into a new theatre and community has been a challenge. Nerve-wracking, but so rewarding.
3. What’s your favorite line in this script (It can be from anyone)?
”Hasta pasta”. Brian is brilliant.
4. How is working at The Magnetic Theatre different from working at other theatres in the area and what has been your favorite part of this process so far?
I’ve met a lot of new folks working at TMT, while simultaneously connecting with old friends. It has this unique sense of exploring new territory while also feeling like you’re going home.
5. If you could play any character in any show, what would be your dream part?
You know, this is a tough one. Since reading it in high school I’ve always wanted to play Lady Macbeth. One day, perhaps.
6. How did you get into theatre?
My sister participated in a youth theatre troupe. I remember watching her perform as the mother in Rapunzel and I admired her so much and wanted to be just like her. I did my first play when I was 11, and since then I’ve had a hard time when I’m not involved in a show. It is part of who I am.
7. Do you know what your next project will be? If so, what can we see you working on next?
My next project will be keeping up in my own time with my craft. Reading and writing and playing and seeing what comes up.
Biography
Laura Gregory is an Appalachian native, who is delighted to make her Magnetic Theatre debut in Traitor. She holds her BFA in Acting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Some of her favorite shows include: In the Next Room or, the vibrator play (HART), A Midsummer Nights Dream (HART), Twelfth Night (UNCG), and Bachelorette (UNCG).
Traitor runs March 13th - 28th at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC. For tickets and more information, click here: www.themagnetictheatre.com
