Compiled by Meredith Boyd and Lauren Burdick
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A Student Apprentice: Junior Matt Bloom gears up for his behind-the-scenes role as student director

Q: How does being a director differ from being in the cast or crew of a show?
A: I’m here every rehearsal and I’m sitting with Ms. Cassidy, who is the main director. I’m taking notes on whatever she says, and she asks me for opinions and I get to give my ideas to the blocking or how the characters interact. I come up with the ideas for the scene and set.

Q: Do you have a preference between acting and directing?
A: This is really new; I’ve never done anything like (directing) before. I really enjoy being on stage. They’re really different; I’d say I like both of them.

A Rising Star: Senior Bethany Arrington plays Eleanor Dashwood in the show

Q: Tell us a little bit about the show’s historical context.
A: Jane Austen wrote the book, and this is actually an adaptation of the book. (Austen’s version) was in the 1800s era.

Q: Is the cast and crew staying true to the literary version?
A: Our director decided that she really wanted to do a Jane Austen production. It’s strictly the era. Our costumes will be that and our set as well. I know, personally, as a modern actor doing a more classical work, I take a lot of time researching the language, because language is a lot denser. Instead of saying “thank you,” I say “it’s a pleasure to thank you for everything you’ve done.” It’s just really lengthy. So I definitely did my research on words, just so I know exactly what I’m saying. That way if (the audience) doesn’t know what I’m saying, they can tell by my body or my inflection exactly what I’m trying to get across.