O! For a Muse of Fire!

Colton Needles - Junior Theatre Arts Major

"Men of few words are the best men..."(HV 3.2.41) An interview with Colton Needles

We sat down with star of 2nd Studio's production of King Henry V, Colton Needles. What does this guy have up his sleeve?

J: What other shows have you been in or worked on?

C: I acted in Romeo and Juliet and worked light and sound board for God of Carnage and An Ideal Husband.

J: What particular challenges do you face with this part?

C: The first thing that comes to mind is meeting expectations of the role itself. Its a pretty big role, pretty well known - especially the speeches. As well as just memorizing all of it.

J: What do you find is the easiest part about playing King Henry the V?

C: None of its really easy, but I guess the easiest part would be slipping into the language and finding his intentions and what he wants.

J: Is there anything unique about this particular production of Henry V?

C: We are stripping it down to the bare bones of the show - its just about the acting. It makes it more difficult because you really have to bring it out there or else its just boring.

J: How did you feel when you saw the cast list?

C: I honestly didn't believe it. I had to take a picture and look at it several times in order to properly digest it.

J: Would you consider this a dream role?

C: I guess getting cast in the leading role is relatively new. I didn't know it was a role I really wanted until I had it. Reading through it I've realized its a role I definitely have wanted to play. But I honestly never thought I'd get the chance.

J: What's it like working with Jess (director) and Amber (asst. director)?

C: It is wonderful. For student directors they certainly know their stuff. Its been real great to work with them. They work really well with everyone and bring out the best in everyone.

J: What is something interesting people should know about you?

C: Honestly not a lot...I referee soccer, I collect pens.

J: Where would you like to be 10 years from now?

C: Definitely in New York doing theatre; either directing or acting whatever I can get my hands on. 

J:What advice would you give to people just starting out in the theatre program?

C: Diligence You have to keep working in order to stay relevant or else you will fall behind. You have to work hard. If you're not willing to work hard you're not going to get cast. Love what you do. You have to really really love theatre to do it.  

Dressing Lughnasa

Andrew Hautre, His Freshmen year.

Dressing Lughnasa
By Henry Ballesteros


Many people who go and enjoy the theatre often underestimate what goes into dressing a show. Especially a show like Dancing at Lughnasa. We sat down with Andrew Haueter, who is the costume designer for Lughnasa.

H: How did you get ready to design costumes for Lughnasa?
A: First by reading the play and second by meeting with the director, Melinda Vaughn. She really wanted to drive the point that this was a memory play. The memories of Michael Evans (Josh Hopkins) looking back on 1936. I looked through a lot of vintage photos close to that time period, as well as Victorian photos that have been colorized. Everyone in the memory has the same color tones, with the exception of Uncle Jack (Nate Smith). He has no color as he doesn't fit in with the family anymore. Seeing as how Michael is looking back on his childhood, I wanted him to have a combination of his mother and father as far as color and design are concerned.

H: What was a challenge for you doing this particular show?
A: I have never done a straight play before. It's a challenge to do a show were the pacing is different and the audience has a better chance of really seeing the clothes the actors are wearing versus listening to amazing singing and dancing.

H: What is something the audience will be able to take away from the show?
A: Everyone who comes will be able to relate to at least one member of the family, if not all of them.

H: What would you tell those who want to pursue a career in Theatre Arts?
A: Never be afraid to ask for opportunites. One of the first shows I worked on was Rabbit Hole for Second Studio. And it has helped me all the way to working on Lughnasa. The first Main Stage I assisted on was Christmas Carol on the Air (the first time).

H: Are there any kind of words of wisdom you'd like to share with any new students?
A: It's okay to make mistakes. Once you've made them, learn from them, own it and move on.

Andrew first came to SUU as a History Education Major, but then realized his true calling was in Theatre Arts. Andrew is a Senior, and will graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Theatre Arts. Dancing at Lughnasa opens November 5th and runs to the 10th with a matinee on the 8th.