M E E T : J A C K M O R R I L L
What was it like working as a production assistant?
What has it been like putting on Theatre during Covid-19 times?
Being a production assistant was a really eye-opening experience. It was really cool seeing through the eyes of Professor Shively (the Director) and Andy (Assistant Director). It was definitely very observational. I also got to work with actors on their lines and getting off-book. By doing that, I got to know actors more on a more personal level.
What was your experience with or attitude towards Shakespeare before the production? Has the production changed this?
At first, it was really stressful. Guidelines were made and we had to make sure everyone was following them. As the vaccine has come out though, Elon has been testing us every week and allowing us to do more. Any form of theatre during COVID is going to be strange. There is no physical touch, you have to wear masks, etc. However, I think it made us all show that words are extremely important in theatre, especially in the work of Shakespeare. Actions are coming from the words we speak, making it more accessible to us and the audience.
How has the switch into the understudy role been for you?
I’ve had a bit of experience with Shakespeare before this production. I was in a Midsummer Night’s Dream in high school, I’ve done some monologues, and I was in a Shakespeare competition. Also, I was an understudy in Hamlet last year and Shakespeare has been implemented in classes I have taken here.
While the show had been rehearsing, Jack went from production assistant to taking over as understudy for the characters Ross and Lennox.
It has been really fun! When Professor Shively first asked me, I asked her to give me a night to think, but I knew my response was going to be, “Sure, I will definitely step in and help out!”. By being the production assistant, I had an idea of how the show was blocked, but as I found out about the roles I have written down the blocking as best I can. The lines have also not been too bad. Jake and Oona who play Ross and Lennox are both so lovely and great actors. They have both been so helpful and resourceful. So yeah overall, It has been such a fun process.