Come Chat with the "Princess Academy" Cast

by Janine Sobeck, dramaturg

One of the traditions in the BYU Theatre and Media Arts Department is the Thursday post show. Each Thursday night, immediately following the performance, the cast and members of the production team join the dramaturg on stage to chat with the audience. This is a great opportunity for the audience to ask questions about what they saw on stage, learn more about the process that we went through, and to discuss the different topics of the show.

For Princess Academy, we will be holding our traditional post shows on Thursday June 4th and Thursday June 11th. We invite you to join us in the Pardoe Theatre and add to the conversation!

We are also delighted to announce an additional, special opportunity. On Saturday June 13th, directly following the matinee performance, author Shannon Hale will be joining me on stage for a brief Q&A with the audience. This will be a great opportunity to hear from the author of the original Princess Academy novel. We are excited to have her watch the show and delighted that she will be staying to chat afterwards!

To purchase tickets to any of these performances, simply click here. We hope to see you at the show!

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by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg After the show wrapped up and people went their separate ways, Garret Rushforth, who played Wilbur, and I chatted and I asked him some questions about his experience with the play. What better way to gain insight about the show than from the actor who was in the thick of things from the very beginning? Here is what Garret had to say about this unique opportunity: Me: How was this experience of playing Wilbur? What was your Favorite aspect of it all? Garret: I loved playing Wilbur. My favorite aspect was discovering the character more and more each performance. I never really felt that I had learned all that the character had to offer. Me: What were some challenges that you faced while preparing for the show? Garret: A few of the challenges that I faced had to do primarily with transportation. My car tried to die a couple of times during the run. As far as developing the show goes, I found that the difficulties were mostly in finding the lines. Not simply reciting them, but discovering what was beneath them, motivating them and making them come to life. Me: What lessons have you learned from playing this part, or just from the play in general? Garret: I've learned that there is an amazing opportunity to find out about yourself from the character discovery process. I also learned how much a family the cast can become if given the opportunity. Me: What is your favorite part of this story? Garret: I love when Wilbur and Charlotte talk about Charlotte's death and Wilbur is so devastated. It showed how deep Wilbur's reliance on Charlotte was as well as his desire to help her too. Me: As you leave this production, what will stay with you? Garret: The friendships I've made and the things that I've learned about myself because of the show. Me: What aspects of your character did you love/latch onto from the beginning? Garret: I latched onto the loneliness aspect of Wilbur's life. For all his life, he'd not been given much of a chance, Fern and Charlotte being the exceptions. He was written off by nearly everyone until Charlotte pointed out how special he is. Me: Any final thoughts you would like to share with those who came to the show? Garret: Charlotte's a web was a show that offered a unique view of friendship and family. It doesn't matter what someone looks like or where they're from, friendship and family can transcend all differences.

Come Chat with the "Princess Academy" Cast

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