First-Timers to Leaders: Oliver & Xander on Musketeers

Feeling a sense of déjà vu this #FrontRowFriday? We don’t blame you – Encore’s next production, The Three Musketeers , last played at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre back in 2015. Several members of that production are back for another turn! Today, we’re chatting with two of the members of the cast, Oliver M. and Xander T. Read on to learn more about their character motivations, lessons learned, and more!

Encore: What was your position on the last production of The Three Musketeers ? Which grade were you in? Had you been involved in an Encore show before that point?

Xander: I played Guard 1 and Thug 3 and I was in 5th grade. That was my very first Encore show, and I made great friends I’m still in touch with today!

Oliver: In the last production of The Three Musketeers , I was a Villager and Richelieu’s Scribe. This was my first play with Encore and I was in fourth grade.

Encore: What’s your position on this production? Which grade are you in now?

Oliver: In this production, I am playing the role of Porthos, and I’m in ninth grade at Washington-Liberty.

Xander: This time around, I am playing Older D’Artagnan, and I am a sophomore at Justice High School.

Encore: What is your favorite memory from the first production?

Oliver: As my character, I got to take care of the dog on stage! Her name was Piper and I even got to bow at the end of the show with her.

Xander: My favorite memory was opening night, when we had over 400 audience members! It was my first time on stage, and the whole night was special, from the motivational speeches given by some of the older cast members, to the performance itself, and to how much fun it was to bring an amazing story to life!

Encore: What was a challenge that you faced in your role during the first production?

Xander: A challenge initially was the stage combat. The sword was almost bigger than 10-year-old me! I also dueled an 18-year old cast member (who I am still friends with today!) who very experienced in stage combat, so I had to learn quickly.

Oliver: Since this was my first production with Encore, I was nervous to perform at a big theatre like Thomas Jefferson. I was nervous that I would forget a line or do something wrong in front of all those people. The hardest part was getting my confidence on opening night.

Encore: What stands out about this process compared to the first?

Xander: While I was one of the youngest cast members last time, I am now the oldest in this production, which is a different experience. It feels like I have come full circle in theatre, as I am now in the same position as my mentors from over five years ago.

Oliver: The biggest difference is that I now get to be a leader. In the first production, I was one of the youngest people in the cast and had so many people to look up to, including my older brother. Now, I can use my experiences from the past to set an example for the younger kids.

Encore: Has your perspective on The Three Musketeers changed at all? How?

Oliver: Now, I have a better understanding of all the jokes and conversations in the show. I also understand that this production of The Three Musketeers is going to be very different (but still awesome) because there is a brand-new cast who will tell the story their own way.

Xander: My perspective has changed, as now I understand more of the comedy in the script and on a bigger scale, I have grown a lot as an actor, leader, and member of the Encore family.

Encore: What’s changed about your role in/on the production between the first and this one?

Oliver: Now, I get to set an example. In the first production, I picked up all the amazing acting strategies that older kids use, and now I can be part of the example for younger ones. In both productions, I get to meet new friends and get to know the people in the cast.

Xander: Being the oldest in the cast now, I like to set an example to make sure everyone involved feels like part of this family, just like older kids did for me last time around.

Encore: What motivated your original character vs. current character? How would you describe the role?

Oliver: My original character mainly interested in the glory of the musketeers as a humble villager. Now, I’m on the opposite side as a musketeer. Porthos is not like most, for he is mainly motivated by food.

Xander: My original character was initially motivated to execute Older D’Artagnan and then became interested in his story, but now, being Older D’Artagnan, my character’s objectives are quite different. Now, my character’s goals are to stall his execution and to tell his story using words, facial expressions, and hand gestures. My mentor, Kris Heaton, was Older D’Artagnan previously and so to prepare for the role, I talked with him about it to build the character.

Encore: How has your view of the rehearsal process and ensemble-building changed as you’ve gotten older and worked on more productions?

Xander: As I’ve worked on more productions over the years, I have learned how to experiment with my character during rehearsal, build relationships onstage with my scene partners, and more! One of my favorite things about Encore is that it is an inclusive family where everyone can be whatever they want to be, so I feel like I’ve found my true self through many hours of rehearsals, cast bonding, and performances.

Oliver: I know how to make my character my own, and I make braver choices on stage. I think experience is the best way to improve acting, and I’m always learning new things from our amazing directors.

A huge thanks to Oliver and Xander for taking time out of busy rehearsals to share their reflections with readers of The Front Row. Come witness the evolution of these actors in this new production, opening next Friday!

Performance Dates and Showtimes:

Fridays, February 28 and March 6, 2020 at 7:30pm
Saturdays, February 29 and March 7, 2020 at 11am and 3pm
Sundays, March 1 and 8, 2020 at 3pm

Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by 2019/2020 Production Apprentice Kyla McLaughlin.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.

First-Timers to Leaders: Oliver & Xander on Musketeers

Encore Stage & Studio

The post First-Timers to Leaders: Oliver & Xander on Musketeers appeared first on Encore Stage & Studio.