 Interview by Kira Cramer
This month’s spotlight shines on Kendal Clifton, our musical director for our summer camp production of The Claw. Kendal worked closely with Megan Hicks for both sessions of campers, teaching them many songs about friendship and conquering fears. Kendal currently attends WSU and is studying Music Education. We are grateful to her for spending two weeks of her summer at The Merc with our young actors. Kendal and I found some time during rehearsals to talk about her theater experiences. Our conversation follows: Tell us about your past experience with theater. Kendal has been performing in plays and musicals from 3rd grade on, and she’s 19 now. She has been cast in ensemble and lead roles in musical and non-musical productions. Some of Kendal’s favorite roles are The Cat in The Hat, Seussical and as Maria in The Sound of Music. What excites you about live theater? Kendal shares that she is excited about participating in live theater because it is unique – much different from a movie-musical. While film production often has multiple takes, live theater is intimate; no matter what character you play, someone in the audience will make a connection. As an actor, she says that she enjoys portraying a character totally unlike who she is. Why is live theater important in a small community like the Methow Valley? Kendal doesn’t come from a super small community, but she believes that live theater gives everyone something to participate in. She says that it’s a way for kids to understand what a community can be, and that theater doesn’t always have to be competitive or like Broadway. Kendal continues that live theater is an important building block that helps community members, young and older, know each other in ways different from just knowing each other in a small community. Can you share a unique experience you have had in a theater setting… As an actor or director? Kendal responded that in junior high, she was the understudy for Peter Pan and had no idea what it was going to entail. She learned a lot when she shadowed the actor who was playing Peter Pan (she was cast as one of the Lost Boys.) The part taught her that it’s okay not to be the lead because she realized that everyone gets a turn and the role you are cast in is usually what’s best for you and the show. Kendal also shared that she choreographed the dances for Seussical with her friends in high school, noting that it was fun to be behind the scenes as well as on the stage. Kendal highly recommends getting some experience in any aspect of theater–on stage as well as backstage – because working in multiple areas of the theater teaches a variety of skills and helps you gain appreciation for all that goes into a production. What draws you to a particular script like The Claw? Kendal commented that she did not expect The Claw to address as many topics as it does. She noted the complexities of emotions in the music–friendship and navigating life choices, which can teach the actors as well as audience members valuable life lessons that she hopes stick with them. She comments further that good theater has something that everyone can relate to, and if she were to choose a script for a children’s show, it would definitely be uplifting. In a good script, she says, struggle is necessary so that there is a positive resolution. Kendal says that music is most important to her – she is a musician first and a thespian second. Music, she says, always amplifies the story. As a director, what do you hope to accomplish? Kendal’s first goal is for the kids to have a good time. It should be fun, they should feel safe, and learn something. Whether they pursue music or theater, it is a great experience to express yourself and work on a team. Sports are more pressure, but theater allows you to be yourself with less confinement. Kendal hopes the actors leave the camp with a sense of accomplishment, and if they get the message from the show, that’s great. If they have the songs stuck in their head, it might become their motto and that is powerful – “it’s the best day…” Anything else you would like to share? Kendal shares that The Merc Playhouse could be in a much bigger city and do just as well because of the quality of performance and talent. She further states that the Methow Valley community is so powerful with auditions happening during the week of camp. She loves that everyone seems to know and help each other out. Kendal also stated how amazing Megan Hicks is as a director, actress, dancer, and choreographer; she says that she has learned so much being in her productions and working with her. Kendal continues that Megan has thoroughly inspired her to become a teacher with her passion and creativity, and Kendal hopes to continue participating in theater’s many aspects. We are so fortunate to have Kendal as our Musical Director during camp weeks and hope she will be back to work with our Merc Playhouse campers in the future.  Interview by Anne Anderson
This month’s E-Blast interview is with an important member of our Merc Community you may not know (unless you have small children who do theater in the summer!) Her name is Megan Hicks, and her summer camp is one of the reasons that our other youth performances are always stellar! Megan teaches middle school theater during the school year and produces a head spinning number of plays with, and for, young people throughout the fall/winter/spring months. But at least for two weeks in the summer, she belongs to The Merc, and we are so lucky to have her! Her first experience with The Merc was actually as an actress playing “Sally” in The Merc’s summer outdoor production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” We'll let her tell the rest of the story in her own words… Tell us about your past experience with theater. I started doing theater in 7th grade. I auditioned for the school musical and then a community theater show on a whim. It became a passion and now I teach junior high theater and direct, choreograph, and act at various community theaters. What excites you about live theater? You never know what is going to happen. The energy of the audience is a special feeling that can’t be matched and kids tend to blossom when they hit performances with a live crowd. Why is it important in a small community like the Methow Valley? I am amazed at the quality and amount of theater thriving in the valley. Theatre is a way to step into someone else’s world. It develops empathy and compassion. It also builds teamwork and communication skills. For the audience, it is a chance to escape the world and experience something new. Can you share a unique experience you have had in a theater setting... as an actor or director? My first introduction to Twisp and the Merc was performing in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I auditioned in Seattle and got a callback. Being unaware of The Merc Playhouse or the Methow, I posted on Facebook. Turns out, I have friends that know Julie (who was directing the show). They said she is awesome and the Methow Valley is beautiful, so I said yes to the show. The cast and stage manager lived together and we went on many adventures. We spent 4 weeks rehearsing during the day, and then performed 4 weekends at the Twisp and then Winthrop parks. It was an amazing experience. The week before our final weekend of performances, we floated the river. I collided with a log and I think the log won. Pretty sure I got a concussion so that last weekend was a little rough. But the cast was amazing and we all put on a great show. When Julie moved out of the valley, they asked me to run the summer camp and I’ve been doing it ever since. It is a highlight of my summer each year! What draws you to a particular script like The Claw or past camp scripts? Sometimes a show is chosen for the name. We want kids to sign up and be excited for camp. This year we went with something unknown. The Claw has really fun characters and references to 90s cartoons and toys. The Flair Bears are reminiscent of the Care Bears. The Mighty Mutant Power Turtles are a combo of the ninja turtles and power rangers. And of course there are some Beanie Babies. The music is very catchy and I’m looking forward to working on it. The show also has a great message of friendship and trying new things. We are going to have a blast diving into the characters and story this summer! As a director, what do you hope to accomplish? When working with kids in theater, I always hope they have fun and enjoy performing whether it is their first show or twentieth show. Throughout the week, we will work on being confident onstage while singing, dancing, and acting. We will work on projection (speaking loudly) and creating characters through our voices and movement. We will work together as an ensemble to bring this story to life and share it with the audiences. Who should consider attending performances of The Claw? Everyone! Kids and adults will get something from this show, and it may be different for everyone. Our camp shows are always amazing (especially since the kids learn it all and memorize their lines in one week). Just a couple of other facts about Megan you might enjoy … she has an awesome, supportive hubby named Travis who often comes along at camp time, but may have to stay home this summer with their two adult dogs and five tiny young puppies! Be sure to say “hi” to any or all of them if you see them in the valley! |
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The Merc Playhouse | 101 S. Glover Street | PO Box 425 | Twisp, WA 98856 | 509.997.7529 | [email protected]
The Merc Playhouse is a registered 501(c)3.
The Merc Playhouse is a registered 501(c)3.