I’ve got to start by saying that, being an acting intern, I probably shouldn’t be writing this. I still have half my Boyet lines and all of my Dumaine lines (2 of my 4 understudy parts) to memorize, I still need to solidify the blocking for all of my understudy parts (the other two being Costard and Cassio), and I’m probably going to be called to do something on stage as I type. In fact I’m writing this on my iPhone on the short break between my morning La Ronde rehearsal (the Fringe show, starring all of us interns) and the start of Day 3 of Othello tech. But regardless, I must fill the Internet cosmos with the plight of the acting intern!

Today the acting interns had a 9am call to work on our show (La Ronde), which is basically a turn-of-the-century sex-coupling-play. Rest assured, all the interns have had the opportunity to get very friendly with one another. This morning’s rehearsal was with one of my wonderful scene partners Brenan Dwyer and my awesome director Kirsten Brandt. As we worked through our scene and I had a wonderful epiphany when I realized just how much stage time I will be spending in my underwear. In the cold. Outside. In the Glen. It’s all very exciting.

After rehearsal I moved onto Othello tech – which basically consists of me running around with flaming torches and getting into knife fights for 12 hours. What’s not to love?

Though we’re on a bit of a hiatus from it, Love’s Labor’s Lost has been an extremely fun and rewarding project. I was lucky enough to receive an actual speaking part in it and one that also plays a pivotal role in the play (if I do say so myself). I come in and turn the play from a silly romantic romp to a melancholy rumination on death and time (Editor’s note: Noah does this at parties, too!). So here’s a fun audience member challenge: See if you can figure out which part I play without looking at the program!

We acting interns do put in long days and are often the butt of many an Equity joke (the Actors union), but we are repaid ten fold by this experience. Getting the opportunity to learn from this group of incredibly talented actors, directors, and everything in-between is unbelievable. The talent and work ethic of the people around me is astounding, and is a constant inspiration and motivation. On top of it all is that everyone in the entire company so freaking nice! Every day I come to rehearsal and cannot believe that people actually get PAID to do this!

If you want get a day-to-day look at all the inner workings of Shakespeare Santa Cruz (from an intern-eye-view) check out my blog:
http://n-a-k.tumblr.com or my Twitter: @N_A_K.

But seriously, I need to get back to those Boyet lines…