Collected thoughts from Sarah Day

Sarah Day returns to MCT as Ruth Steiner in COLLECTED STORIES. Last season, she played Sally Quinn in the world premiere of A THOUSAND WORDS. That production was also a collaboration with Forward Theater Company of Madison. Sarah is a founding member of Forward Theater Co., and serves on its advisory company. She has been a member of the acting company at American Players Theatre in Spring Green since 1986.

 

How would you describe your character Ruth? What are some of her key characteristics and motivations?

Sarah Day

 I would describe Ruth, as a talented and thoughtful writer, and a tough and demanding teacher. She loves language, and the written word. She loves stories. Reading them, writing them, and helping students become better by getting deeper and more specific with every line they write. You have to love a teacher like that.

Talk about the benefits and challenges of being part of a two-person cast. How has your experience been in COLLECTED STORIES?

 I'm loving working on this play. It's such a pleasure to be reunited with C. Michael Wright. He's a wonderful director and has such a great vision for this play. I'm also having a lot of fun working with Laura Frye. She's a very talented young actress. One of the great things about a two person show is that you never can be lazy. You have to be focused and "in the moment" every single moment. It's wonderful. So, when you go to sleep at night, you feel as though you've really done a good day's work.

What are some of your favorite moments in theatre that made you who you are today?

Sarah Day (left) and Georgina McKee
in A THOUSAND WORDS (2012)

 I've been a member of the acting company of AmericanPlayers Theatre in Spring Green since 1986, and I think what I have loved the most about being a part of that, is how much I've learned from the audiences there. They are incredible. They listen, they are engaged. But they can only be as engaged as we (the actors, et al) are engaging. They are so supportive. At APT we always talk about raising the bar--to work at getting better, to challenge ourselves. All of that is for the audience. So, it such a pleasure for me to come into Milwaukee, to learn and grow from the audiences here. They are wonderful.

If you were to personally spend a day in Greenwich Village (where COLLECTED STORIES is set), what would you do?
Oh, I guess I'd spend a day in the Village, the way I'd be a tourist any where. Maybe spend some time in the Park, just people watching, then on to a great little restaurant, and then a play in a tiny little theatre. That sounds perfect to me.

Thank you Sarah! We can't wait for COLLECTED STORIES (Nov. 21 - Dec. 16)!

Meet Laura Frye

Laura Frye returns to MCT as Lisa Morrison in COLLECTED STORIES. She made her debut as Babe in CRIMES OF THE HEART last season. She recently relocated to Milwaukee after living in New York City for six years. A native of West Virginia, Laura has worked at theatres in NYC, Italy and across the US.

How would you describe your character Lisa? What are some of her key characteristics and motivations?

Laura Frye

Lisa is smart, caring and tenacious. The play takes place over the course of six years and you really get a chance to see her grow and mature, not only in her writing, but also in her own personal growth. She is motivated by her love of writing and her need to distance herself from her past. I think it's safe to say she has abandonment issues and is searching for the companionship she was missing in her youth. I've fallen in love with her and feel so blessed to get to tell her story.

 

Talk about the benefits and challenges of being part of a two-person cast. How has your experience been in COLLECTED STORIES?

It's great being able to build a strong relationship with your partner on stage. With only two people it makes this job even easier. I've really been able to dive deep and figure out who Lisa is and who she becomes by the end of the play. Daily we get a chance to keep exploring these two characters and their relationship with each other. It's been such a blessing to have that time - which isn't always the case when working with large cast. It also makes learning lines easier, because the dialogue is so conversational.

It's not without it's challenges. Right now in the rehearsal process, we are starting to run the show. I forgot what a marathon it can be. . .my favorite type of marathon.

This has been an amazing experience. I love being back at Chamber. Also, working with Sarah Day has been incredible. I've learned so much by watching her in the rehearsal process. I'm in awe of her work in this play and I know everyone will love watching her Ruth.

What are some of your favorite moments in theatre that made you who you are today?

Georgina McKee and Laura Frye (right)
in CRIMES OF THE HEART (2011)

I've been so blessed to work with amazing actors, whether they were my peers or more established artists. I am always learning and studying my fellow actors. They've taught me so much and all of them, in some way, have contributed to who I am, as an artist, today.

My favorite moment would have to be when my three-year-old cousin came to see me in THE TEMPEST. After the show she came up to me and said, "Lala, that was the best movie I ever seen." She may not have understood the difference between stage and screen, but Shakespeare had left a huge impact on her that day. I love that.
 

If you were to personally spend a day in Greenwich Village (where COLLECTED STORIES is set), what would you do?

I lived in NYC for the past six years, so I can definitely tell you my favorite things to do while in Greenwich Village...usually it dealt with food. If it's summer I will definitely be getting a Sno-Ball from Imperial Woodpeckers Sno-Balls and then cross the street for a slice of pizza at Artichoke Pizza. It's always fun to sit and listen to the student musicians in Washington Park. On a cold day I would head to Grey Dog Cafe and then take a walk down University Place to the WashingtonMews...my favorite. The White Horse Tavern and Corner Bistro (located in West Village) hold a special place in my heart for many reasons, but mainly because they remind me of my NYC family and how much I miss their beautiful faces.

Thanks Laura! We are looking forward to seeing you in COLLECTED STORIES, Nov. 21 - Dec. 16! 

Exploring Collective Voices

By Linda Loving, MCT Guest Educator