Student Blog: New Work is the Best Work

This month I performed in the premiere of a play written as an adaptation of a movie. This experience reminded me how much I enjoy working on new work as an actor, and the opportunities it creates. I realized that a great deal of my time in college as well as growing up has been centered around new work, from originating roles to writing material, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every process. The journey with a new play or story is unlike any other time, and I really cherish the ability I have to participate in such exciting and monumental moments.

Originating a character is one of my favorite parts of working on original content. Much of the world-building and storytelling is crafted from the strong foundation of characters, and these individuals are the most concrete start to a process. While there is a baseline of what the author and director's intentions are with a given character, the actor has so much freedom when presenting a role for the first time. The decisions individuals make regarding the actions of their characters serve to inspire the path of the play as well as what will be expected from the role in the future. There is always room to grow, but the beginning is always the most exciting time filled with exploration as well as interactions to find the true voice of the character and how they interface with the world around them.
I also have a strong passion for the themes and ideas contemporary material can share with a greater community. This current work has a pulse on what society needs, in terms of 'why this story and why now', and I am honored to be part of this discussion. Each premiere is a step toward change, and it is amazing to build that ladder of discovery and growth. Breaking boundaries and inspiring audiences, being part of new work is a gratifying process that feels progressive as well as understanding of the current state of the world.
The energy of an audience viewing a new piece is unlike any other atmosphere. Though there is always the individual taking in a classic for the first time, when the work is brand new it allows every patron to have that inspiring and refreshing experience. There is a great deal of excitement as the audience perches on the edge of their seat as no one knows what will happen next. I enjoy how premiering material can engage audiences in a different way and truly inspire change since individuals are open to hearing this concept for the first time as well as fully hooked on the new material.

I find myself working on new art time and time again, and I thoroughly value every experience I have with it. From originating a role to making a difference and shocking audiences, original content has a thrilling role in popular theater today. There is always further to push and more to explore, and new work truly allows me to play with the limits and make free choices. I highly recommend that everyone experience a new process at some point in their training, and while it can be daunting, it gives such satisfying rewards to all involved.