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Health & Fitness

Young Actor Shares the Experience of MVCCT's "Much Ado About Nothing"

We often talk about how beneficial theatre is for our kids.  But is this just an adult perspective?  How do the kids involved in the programs we provide feel about their participation and why do they do it?  We set out to discover this and asked several of our young actors in the current production of “Much Ado About Nothing” about their experience with this show. 

Charlotte Sendi, plays Conrade, and was more than willing to share her experience with us.  Charlotte is 14 years old and attends Georgetown Visitation, in Washington D.C.  We asked Charlotte the following questions, and were amazed by her thoughtful responses;

 

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What interested you about the show, why did you audition?

I have auditioned for the past three MVCCT [plays] and I've loved every one of them. No matter what the play is I'm going to keep auditioning just so I can have this experience again. It's my favorite time of the year

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What has been your favorite part of being in “Much Ado About Nothing”?

My favorite part of being in the show is the people. Everybody is just so nice and welcoming. They make rehearsals, set builds and performances so much fun. I love how at the beginning of rehearsals no one really knows anybody and everybody's in their little groups but by tech week everyone is such great friends. 

 

Why should someone come see "Much Ado About Nothing"?

I'd recommend "Much Ado About Nothing" to everybody. It's all about gossip, rumors, trickery and love; truthfully, it's like high school in Shakespearean language. The best part is that our version is set in the 80s so the music and costumes are just the best. It's going to be a great performance and I can't wait.

 

How has your impression of Shakespeare changed during the course of the rehearsal process?

I believe that my impression of Shakespeare has changed because by acting with his language I have to be able to understand what I'm saying in modern English and once I do that I've been able to see all of the little jokes that he puts not only directly on paper but between the lines too. It's the best feeling when you watch or perform a scene and actually understand what's happening and be able to laugh at the jokes.

 

What else would you like to share about this experience? 

My favorite part of every year is when it's time to audition for the MVCCT drama. I've absolutely loved it every year and this show is no exception. From making a ton of friends to building the set and trying on costumes, it's such a great experience and I can't wait until the moment where we get to perform on stage.

 

Thanks to Charlotte and the entire teen cast of “Much Ado About Nothing!”. Don’t miss seeing these kids in action!

 

Much Ado about Nothing

WHEN:   February 8, 14, & 15 - @7:30pm  &  February 9 & 16  - @3:00pm

WHERE:  Heritage Presbyterian Church  8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA

TICKETS: $12.00 at the door

Facebook Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/632898623434431/

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WEBSITE:   mvcct.org

About the Show:

Originally published in the 1600’s with the main characters returning from war, director Heather Sanderson brings a fresh, updated version to the stage as she takes MVCCT’s Much Ado About Nothing into 1982 Italy as the characters return from the World Cup!   

Much Ado About Nothing is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, because it combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honor, shame, and court politics. Claudio and Hero are young, in love and getting married. Beatrice and Benedick are older, single and can’t stand each other. As friends and family gather for the wedding, hidden desires, jealousies and mischievous schemes threaten to keep the bride and groom from the altar. Will young love prevail, or will another romance bloom instead? One thing is certain – as long as there are men, women and passion there’s always “much ado.”  This is a joyful comedy that ends with multiple marriages and no deaths!

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