Valley Playhouse Board Member and local playwright ( The Blue Hotel) Michael Trocchia interviews our three actors – Lori Smilowitz, John Michael Shott, and Nita Gibson – as they prepare their connected monologues that comprise Jeffrey Hatcher’s Three Viewings about acting, community theater, and their experience with Jeffrey Hatcher’s compelling piece.
Lori Smilowitz
Lori plays Mac in “The Thief of Tears”
Michael: What attracts you to acting? As an actor, what is it about live theater that draws you to it?
Lori: I love live theater because of the escape it offers. I love to have fun! Whether I’m performing on stage, helping back stage or sitting on the edge of my seat in the audience, theater allows me to check myself at the door and live in an imaginary world for an hour or two. I love acting because I love story telling.
Lori: I love live theater because of the escape it offers. I love to have fun! Whether I’m performing on stage, helping back stage or sitting on the edge of my seat in the audience, theater allows me to check myself at the door and live in an imaginary world for an hour or two. I love acting because I love story telling.
Michael: How did you first get involved with the Valley Playhouse?
Lori: I was cast as Clelia in The Nerd in February 2004.
Michael: What attracted you to this play, to this role?
Lori: It’s a beautiful script. Playing Mac may be my biggest character challenge to date. She’s taking me far outside my comfort zone and I love it!