Blog Archives
Meet the Cast: Jennifer Schleinz
Name: Jennifer Schleinz
Role: Terry
Last seen in: Mad Cap 24 Hour Play Festival, Laramie Project (Studio Players), Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Li’l Abner, Odd Couple (STC)
Who is your character in Extremities, and what’s challenging about bringing him/her to life?
I play Terry. The challenge and reason I auditioned to play her is how different she is from myself. I view her both as the weakest yet most practical of the women. I believe the other women see her as a push over but she has moments of clarity and strength that I admire.
What aspects of your character are part of you?
I think that Terry seems to control how much of herself she lets people see or connect with. Her relationships need to be on her terms. She is fun but not terribly responsible.
Extremities was written and performed in the early 1980s. Is the subject matter still relevant today? How has the conversation about rape & assault changed in the last 20 years?
The subject matter, sadly, has not changed much in the last 20 years. I think the way we see victims has not changed enough. I think everything is easier to talk about now than 20 years ago but many of the opinions have not changed. I think there is an openness to discuss rape and other important issues but a lot of stereotypes to overcome. I believe that people still blame the victim as a way of feeling safe…of distancing themselves from the possibility that they could be victims…to be able to tell themselves “It happened to her but won’t happen to me because I don’t ____”
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue from the play?
“You want ME to pay for his medicine?”
How is this show different from other shows you’ve done?
Most of the shows I have done have been musicals or comedies. I love the chance to bring to life a show that is relevant and uncomfortable in an important way. I am sure that each of us has a friend or relative who has experienced some form of assault.
What is the audience going to be thinking about as they drive home after seeing this show?
I hope there is thought or discussion on the aftermath of the act. It does not end once it is done. The victim has to live with the decisions she or he made as well as deal with the act itself. The main thing for everyone to remember is there is no right or wrong way to react or feel or survive.
Extremities runs October 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paradigm Annex. Tickets are available now online or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music. This show contains mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.
Meet the Cast: Koral Rose Curkeet
Name: Koral Rose Curkeet
Role: Patricia
Last seen in: Roz Keith in 9 to 5: The Musical & Mrs. Corney in Oliver (STC)
Who is your character in Extremities, and what’s challenging about bringing him/her to life?
Patricia…is so different from any I’ve portrayed. I’m used to being larger-than-life (in my theatrical roles as well as my own personality) and Patricia is calm and more controlled. It’s an exciting challenge.
What aspects of your character are part of you?
Patricia is a nurturing person. I too have nurturing qualities. Also, after years as a charge nurse, the “take control” aspect is comfortable to me.
How is this show different from other shows you’ve done?
Being a singer, I am used to fluff roles. Don’t get me wrong, I love musicals, but most of those characters are a bit 2 dimensional. Marjorie, Patty and Terry could be your old roommates or friends. What they say, how they interact, it feels like real life.
Extremities was written and performed in the early 1980s. Is the subject matter still relevant today? How has the conversation about rape & assault changed in the last 20 years?
Yes! The issues remain the same. It’s scary to think that 97% of rapists are never incarcerated. And … I was surprised about this fact … most college students think 50% of rape claims are false, but the reality is only 2 – 8%. You’d think we’d be more knowledgeable with how connected we are to the internet and the many shows such as Special Victims Unit. If CSI can teach us “how to get away with murder”, why can’t SVU help educate our society on the facts of rape?
Have your personal views on sexual assault been challenged since being cast? If so, how?
No. I know too many people who have first hand knowledge of this. I’ve seen the damage it can cause years afterwards. There are some wounds that never heal. You just hide it away, smile, move on and accept it as a normal part of life.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue from the play?
“I don’t want to flinch when a man touches me. I won’t wear a goddamn whistle.”
What is the audience going to be thinking about as they drive home after seeing this show?
Hopefully they’ll be more knowledgeable about this subject. Maybe leave wondering what they would do in the same situation.
Extremities runs October 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paradigm Annex. Tickets are available now online or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music. This show contains mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.
Meet the Cast: Mike Roehl
Name: Mike Roehl
Role: Raul
Last seen in: Laramie Project & Sylvia (Studio Players), Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940’s & Escanaba in da Moonlight (STC)
Who is your character in Extremities, and what’s challenging about bringing him/her to life?
I portray Raul. The quick and simple answer is…I’m not a rapist. That aside, the script allows for many different choices that an actor could make. These choices are challenging when [considering] power and control vs. sexual deviance.
What aspects of your character are part of you?
Raul can display a “softer” side as he tries to manipulate others. Albeit insincere on his part, I’d like to believe that side of ME is sincere.
What has been your favorite role to play on stage? Why?
I’ve had the privilege to portray many wonderful characters over the years. It’s difficult to chose just one. However, the role of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life stands out for several reasons. Personally, I love Christmas and it was an opportunity to tell a classic Christmas story. It was a character that challenged my abilities and truly helped me grow as an actor. It was also the first play / role I did in which people took me aside and told me they not only enjoyed the show but, it touched them emotionally, on many personal levels.
What’s your dream role to play on stage? Why?
I’m not sure where or how it got started but, I’ve always had a fascination with The Three Musketeers. I’d like to portray one of them. The period, style, and stage combat would be challenging and exciting.
How is this show different from other shows you’ve done?
The language and violence….Way over the top from anything else I’ve done.
What is the audience going to be thinking about as they drive home after seeing this show?
“I’m glad we didn’t bring the kids”
Extremities runs October 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paradigm Annex. Tickets are available now online or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music. This show contains mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.
Meet the Cast: Michelle Jorgensen
Name: Michelle Jorgensen
Role: Marjorie
Last seen in: Mad Cap 24 Hour Play Festival, Van’s Sister in Dog Sees God (Studio Players), Shelby in Steel Magnolias (STC), Lexington in Classic Eight (Mad Yarn Theater Company), Elizabeth in Laundry & Bourbon (Studio Players)
Who is your character in Extremities, and what’s challenging about bringing him/her to life?
I get to play Marjorie. Besides being a physically demanding role, the hardest part is playing a victim of assault in such a way that pays respect to actual victims of assault.
What aspects of your character are part of you?
Marjorie doesn’t follow the rules. Instead of doing what she is “supposed to do,” she does what she feels is right. I like to think I do the same.
What has been your favorite role to play on stage? Why?
Probably Shelby in Steel Magnolias. The cast and crew were amazing and I love any role where I get to use a southern accent.
Extremities was written and performed in the early 1980s. Is the subject matter still relevant today? How has the conversation about rape & assault changed in the last 20 years?
Unfortunately, yes, it is still relevant. Sexual assault is still prevalent in 2014 and seeking justice through the system is often a painful, humiliating process for the victim.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue from the play?
I like Marjorie’s line, “I want him to hurt like me,” because it is such a simple yet profound statement. People who commit acts of violence do so because they have experienced acute suffering themselves. This statement eloquently describes how and why the cycle of violence is perpetuated.
What is the audience going to be thinking about as they drive home after seeing this show?
After watching these characters make hard decisions under extreme circumstances, they will be thinking, “What would I have done?”
Extremities runs October 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paradigm Annex. Tickets are available now online or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music. This show contains mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.
Meet the Director: Shari Roehl
Name: Shari Roehl
Role: Director
Last seen in: Stage Manager for 9 to 5: The Musical at Sheboygan Theatre Company, Director for Shirley Valentine
Extremities was written and performed in the early 1980s. Is the subject matter still relevant today? How has the conversation about rape & assault changed in the last 20 years?
This subject matter is extremely relevant. The Extremities characters bring to life the current way we deal with assault and its victims: make up a story that will be believed, if you have no marks it isn’t assault, offenders don’t get prosecuted as often as they should, women ask for it. It is truly a shame that assault [victims] suffer this kind of assault.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue from the play?
“What do people do with things in a fireplace?”
“Hey, wait a minute…..”
This exchange gives the audience a chance to giggle.
How is this show different from other shows you’ve done?
The major difference between Extremities and Shirley Valentine is that there is more opportunities to laugh in Shirley. The subject matter is virtually the same, women don’t have to just be the victims in their lives. Both plays [are] very thought provoking in many ways.
What is the audience going to be thinking about as they drive home after seeing this show?
I hope they leave thinking what would I have done if it were me? I hope this discussion is was she right/justified? Ultimately, I want reflection on how to treat each others better, all around.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about buying a ticket to Extremities?
You need to see this show, as difficult as the subject matter is. Good theatre can entertain and make you think at the same time. This is GOOD theatre!
Extremities runs October 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paradigm Annex. Tickets are available now online or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music. This show contains mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.
Cast of EXTREMITIES Announced
Director Shari Roehl has completed casting for Studio Players’ production of Extremities, by William Mastrosimone, to be performed at the Paradigm Annex October 23-25. The cast is:
Raul Mike Roehl
Marjorie Michelle Miller Jorgensen
Patricia Koral Rose Curkeet
Terry Jennifer Schleinz
Extremities tackles the subject of rape in an uncompromising dialogue between a potential victim (Marjorie), her attacker (Raul), and her friends (Patricia and Terry), who have to decide how much of Marjorie’s story to believe. The audience plays witness to both the attempted rape and the fraught aftermath.
Tickets for Extremities are $10.00 and are available now online or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music.
Auditions for EXTREMITIES Announced
Auditions for Studio Players’ second show of the 2014-2015 season, Extremities by William Mastrisimone, will be held Saturday, September 13 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at Horace Mann Middle School. Director Shari Roehl is seeking three women (20s-early 30s) and one man (30s-40s) for this jolting drama that explores the fraught aftermath of an attempted rape and the lengths to which the intended victim would go for revenge. Actors will read from selected scenes. Perusal scripts are available through STC Managing Director Tom Berger at 607 S. Water Street in Sheboygan.
Any questions regarding auditions can be sent to studioplayers@outlook.com.
Tickets are now on sale for GREATER TUNA
Tickets are now available for Studio Players’ Greater Tuna, directed by Ty Wesley and starring Zack Pledl & Cody Gornal. Tickets are $10.00 for general admission, and can be purchased in advanced through TicketLeap.com or in person at Paradigm Coffee & Music. Performances are Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, if available, can also be purchased at the door one half hour prior to performances.
Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, Greater Tuna features two actors playing over 20 roles as they portray the hilarious lives of citizens in small town Tuna, TX.
Additional fees apply for online and credit card purchases.
Cast of GREATER TUNA Announced
Director Ty Wesley has selected his cast for Greater Tuna, by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard. Zack Pledl previously appeared on the Studio Players’ stage in the Wesley-directed duo of Lone Star and Laundry & Bourbon. Cody Gornall will make his Studio Players’ debut.
Greater Tuna runs July 17-19, 2014 at the Paradigm Annex.
Studio Players Announces its 3rd Season
Studio Players is pleased to announce shows for it’s upcoming 3rd season. The following shows will be presented at the Paradigm Annex.
The season kicks off with Greater Tuna, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard. This ambitious comedy features two actors playing over 20 roles as they portray the hilarious lives of citizens in small town Tuna, TX. Greater Tuna made it’s off-Broadway premier in 1982, and was one of the most produced plays in the country by 1985. The original acting duo performed for President George H.W. Bush and starred in an HBO adaptation of the play. Greater Tuna will play July 17-19, 2014.
Extremities, by William Mastrisimone, tells the story of a young woman, Marjorie, who is attacked in her home by a would-be rapist, Raul, and manages to turn the tables on him, tying him up in her fireplace. When Marjorie’s two friends return home, a tense argument ensues as each makes the case for what to do with Raul. Personal histories are shared, and secrets are spilled as Raul uses the knowledge he’s gained stalking the young women to negotiate his release. Extremities will play October 23-25, 2014.
Finally, Yankee Tavern, by Steven Dietz, will transport you inside the crumbling walls of a New York City bar. Just when you thought you’d heard every crazy 9/11 conspiracy theory, a stranger walks into the Yankee Tavern. There, a young couple finds themselves caught up in what might be the biggest conspiracy of all. This acclaimed production is a fierce, funny and ultimately mind-bending work of theatrical power that grips you until the final word. What you don’t know can hurt you. Yankee Tavern will play April 9-11, 2015.
