Masters of Merry-Making: Returning YC Actors in Carol Part One

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By Elspeth Sweatman

The Christmas Carol cast is filled with veterans of the Geary stage, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. Every December, A.C.T. stalwarts James Carpenter and Anthony Fusco (our Scrooges), as well as original company member Ken Ruta (Jacob Marley), share the stage with several Young Conservatory actors who are performing in the show for the fourth or fifth time. With performances beginning this Friday at The Geary Theater, we reached out to five of our returners—Alejandra Zavala (11 years old), Mattea Fountain (12 years old), Maximilian Wix (12 years old), Pilar Rivas (11 years old), and Seth Weinfield (13 years old)—to ask about their Carol experiences. This is Part One.

The Young Conservatory actors of the 2016 production of A Christmas Carol.
How have you changed as a person throughout your three seasons in A Christmas Carol?

Alejandra Zavala: I am more confident and comfortable because now I feel like I know what I am doing. I am a much more focused person than I was in second grade (when I started acting at A.C.T.). I feel like now I understand what my acting teachers expect of me and that I can now fulfill their expectations.

How have you grown as a performer?

Seth Weinfield: The first time I was in Carol, I didn’t know how to project my voice as well as I can now. I’d never performed in a theater that big. Now I’m comfortable performing in front of a thousand people.

What is your favorite part of the show?

Maximilian Wix: My favorite part of the show is the Cratchit dinner because it shows the poverty of Victorian London, and a family coming together to express gratitude for what little they have. They may not have much, but they are excited to have everyone together to enjoy a Christmas feast.

What has been the most challenging part of being in the show?

Pilar Rivas: I think the most challenging part of being in the show is saying goodbye to everyone I’ve met, even if I get to see them again next year.

What have you learned by being in A Christmas Carol?

Mattea Fountain: Even though I am not a big person, I have learned that I can make a big impact on how others feel. Performing in A Chirstmas Carol for many years, I’ve learned from the adult actors and the M.F.A. Program actors how the professional acting world works and that playing isn’t just for kids.

Come celebrate the holidays with us! A.C.T.'s production of A Christmas Carol runs December 1–24 at The Geary Theater. Click here to purchase tickets through our website.

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