Behind the Scenes: Rachel Calter

So many things are happening here! Pretty much all the things. Chamber at the Church launched this week with a fantastic sold-out show from Max Treitler and Paul Sullivan, and this coming Wednesday is the season's first Live! for $5 with the extremely talented Saline Fiddlers. Rehearsals for exciting oceanside performances of Chekhov's The Seagull, directed by Peter Richards, are about to kick off. Not to mention, Sunday is the first official day of summer. Are you all as excited as we are?

Well, things are about to get even better, because it's time to get to know this summer's Stage Manager, the lovely Rachel Calter.

1. Where did you grow up?

Actually, I lived in five states (Massachusetts, California, Virginia, New York, & Connecticut) before I was twelve, but my family resides mostly in Connecticut now.

 2. How would your elementary school classmates remember you?

Oh, man. Where was I in elementary school? That’s the real question. I was definitely the leader of all the outdoor recess games. I was the kid always running around and convincing the other kids to play the games that I wanted to play. I saw the movie of Cats the Musical and made up a game about it that they all had to play, so they probably remember me for that. Also, my mom was a teacher at the school.

 3. Name four fictional character with whom you’d be okay being stuck in an elevator. Why them?

Albus Dumbledore (from Harry Potter) because I think he would have really great stories to tell me.

Antigone (from Antigone) because she would be a total badass and I would probably want to do a bunch of terrible plans if I was with her…but it would be interesting.

Poussey (from Orange is the New Black) because she is so sweet and cares so much about everyone and I kind of have a crush on her.

The parents from Spy Kids because it was my goal in life to be a spy from Spy Kids when I was younger and I could learn amazing things from them.

 4. If you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be?

There are so many cartoon cats in the world and I don’t know which one I’d be, but I’d definitely be a cartoon cat. Maybe one of the kittens from the Aristocats....

 5. What are you most looking forward to about working at the Opera House?

I’m definitely looking forward to doing the site-specific Seagull. As a stage manager, I like new challenges and problem solving and this is a whole different kind of problem solving for me. I also love working with all the interns – really, all the people here, interns, staff, Equity actors. It’s such a great, interesting group.

Rachel and Assistant Stage Manager Emma Grace will be keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes of The Seagull. Come admire all their hard work, July 10 through July 26.

Behind the Scenes: Meet the Interns!

The summer season is officially off the ground! We saw a full house at this past Wednesday’s performance of My Mother’s Clothes Are Not My Mother and the Chamber at the Church series kicks off next Tuesday with Max Treitler and Paul Sullivan. Not to mention the special screening of Maine funny man Michael Miclon’sRichard3 next Wednesday! The sun is (finally) shining and OHA is rocking, rolling and very thankful for this summer’s amazing crop of interns…

CALLIE JACKS

1. Where did you grow up?
I have lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for most of my life, but I was born in North Carolina. Currently, I go boarding school in McLean, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C., so that is where I spend most of the year.

2. What’s one word your friends would use to describe you?

Creative or energetic.

3. If you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be?

I would probably be Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service. She’s spunky, adventurous, and knows what she wants. She doesn’t let other people get in the way of her goals. Also, I am obsessed with her red hair bow.

4. What are you most excited to do during your OHA summer?
I am really excited to sort screws, a favorite job of the interns. No, I am really excited to work with a bunch of cool people to create amazing shows.

CAROLINE SANTILLI

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Haverford and Newtown Square, Pennsylvania but I spent every summer up in Little Deer Isle, Maine.

2. What’s one word your friends would use to describe you?

Passionate on a good day.

3. If you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be?

I would definitely have to choose Eliza Thornberry because she can talk to animals.

4. What are you most excited to do during your OHA summer?

I am mostly excited to meet a lot of new people who share my interests and become a part of the art community of Deer Isle.

GWEN HIGGINS

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Sandy Point, Maine – a town so small that we don’t even really count as a town anymore. I previously went to school in Searsport, Maine.

2. What’s one word your friends would use to describe you?

I believe they might consider me witty, possibly even facetious at times.

3. If you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be?

Pepper Ann. She was my childhood, and I can’t help but think she somehow influenced me to become the independent and free-minded young woman I am today, all with an underlying tone of 90s-grown feminism.

4. What are you most excited to do during your OHA summer?

I’m really looking forward to taking what I’ve learned at my university and applying it outside of the academic setting. Also getting to branch out from my usual, comfortable theatre settings is going to be an interesting experience.

JACK LAWLOR

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Salem, New Hampshire

2. What’s one word your friends would use to describe you?

Careful…

3. If you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be?

I would definitely be Squidward. No doubt or hesitation there.

4. What are you most excited to do during your OHA summer?

I am excited to get further my tech skills, and work with all the lovely people at the Opera House for another wonderful summer!

JESSICA WALKER

1. Where did you grow up?

I’ve grown up in Orono, Maine, but have spent almost all of my summers in South Brooksville, which I consider to be my second home.

2. What’s one word your friends would use to describe you?

Effervescent!

3. If you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be?

I would probably be Belle from Beauty and the Beast, because I love to read and find myself humming a tune everywhere I go!

4. What are you most excited to do during your OHA summer?

This summer I am super excited for the opportunity to work with such a creative and talented group of people! The work done at OHA is so incredible, and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

MARVIN MERRITT

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up on Deer Isle.

2. What’s one word your friends would use to describe you?

Loud.

3. If you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be?

I would be Marvin the Martian, solely because we have the same name.

4. What are you most excited to do during your OHA summer?

I am excited to create new relationships with actors, as well as other interns; I am also eager to be a part of this transformative summer for not only the physical space, but also the people within the Opera House.

Throwback Thursday

In 2013, Bridgman|Packer dance enchanted OHA audiences with the video/dance magic of Voyeur.

Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer are returning July 16-19 with new multimedia performances of TRUCK and Remembering What Never Happened. Tickets are available now both online and by calling the box office, 207-367-2788.