Press Room:
Over the Tavern

The young cast of Over the Tavern recently sat down with Willows Theatre Youth Programs Director Cassidy Brown to answer a few questions about their experiences in the theater world. Participants in the Q&A discussion included David Beal (who plays Rudy), Sophia Holtz-Elliott (who plays Annie), Sam Haese (who plays Eddie), and Darren Barrere (who plays Georgie).

What is your earliest theater memory?
David: I remember when I was doing a show in kindergarten. I was playing Chip in Tea for Who. I was biting my nails and my mom gestured from the audience to take my hand out of my mouth. So I did.

Sophie: I was about 4 or 5. I went to see State Fair. I remember thinking that the stage was HUGE and the lights were really bright.

Sam: I was in first grade and we were doing The Three Billy Goats Gruff. I was a butterfly and had to sing a solo with my wife, Mrs. Butterfly.

Darren: I was a wood nymph in Hansel and Gretel.

What do you like about acting?
Darren: It gives me a chance to express myself creatively and work with a ton of great people.

David: It’s fun to get into the character and give it your all. Also, the stuff that goes on backstage is sometimes even more fun.

Sophie: I like being able to communicate with an audience with a story and a theme.

Sam: I meet a lot of people. It’s fun.

What do you plan to do with theater in the future?
Sam: I think I’ll probably do this as a hobby while I pursue a career as a musician.

Darren: I think I probably will pursue a career in acting, but I also want to be a journalist.

David: I make movies at home with friends and would like to do film as well as theater. I just hope I can stick with it.

Sophie: I want to study drama at college, and hopefully be able to make a career out of acting.

Do you have any words of wisdom for young actors?
David: Get into character. Pretend you are that person. Look at your fellow actors as though they are their characters, too.

Sophie: Never give up … because there are a lot of times when it seems impossible. There is a lot of rejection but you just have to believe in yourself.

Sam: Suck up to whoever has the power.

Darren: Don’t forget to floss.

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Noises OFF
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2005 John Muir Summer Festival
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Judgment at Nuremberg
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