Performing Their Authentic Selves: Third-Year M.F.A. Students Prepare a Cabaret
By Annie Sears The M.F.A. class of 2018 joins hands at the end of October 2017's third-year cabaret Now. Here. Us. Photo by Alessandra Mello In crafting this year’s M.F.A. productions, Conservatory Director Melissa Smith promised “a panoply of theater that will challenge and grow our students.” Third-year actors are seeing that promise come to fruition. They recently explored complex, serious characters in Chekhov’s Three Sisters , and next week, they’ll explore a different kind of performance, a performance that doesn’t require a character: musical cabaret. “Music is so primal,” says Avanthika Srinivasan. “It’s ingrained in our human nature. It’s how we express emotions, communicate, and connect with each other. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking to be emotionally vulnerable, but as actors, we’re always trying to practice being vulnerable.” “Preparing a cabaret is about coming forward with myself alone,” says Carlos Andrickson. “It’s a very exciting opportunity to sh...