Interview: Theatre Life with Caroline and Mia Rilette

If you ask today's subjects how they are currently living their theatre lives, you will probably get an answer that you wouldn't expect from two ten-year-old girls. Caroline and Mia Rilette alternate nightly, playing the role of Kayden in the apocalyptic drama Baby Screams Miracle at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The production plays through February 26th.

Caroline and Mia last played no neck monsters in Round House Theatre's production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. This production may only be their second professional theatre credit, but let's be clear - the Rilette girls are fierce onstage. They both posses strong stage presences and can more than hold their own against such seasoned performers as Kate Eastwood Norris, Cody Nickell, and Sarah Marshall.

The last name "Rilette" might sound familiar to you because Caroline and Mia's dad is none other than Round House Theatre's Artistic Director Ryan Rilette. Talented family all around, wouldn't you say?

The girls live and attend school in Potomac, Maryland and, as you will read, have other interests outside of the theatre. Read on to see how they feel about continuing in the arts.

Check out Baby Screams Miracle at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and take note of the youngest cast member. No matter which Rilette girl is on at your performance, you'll be pleased with the result.

How did you get interested in theatre, and specifically performing?

Caroline- When I was younger, I would visit my dad at work. Because he ran a theater, I got to see tech rehearsals, and watch designers and directors work on plays. I've always loved scenic design, but going to Round House summer camp introduced me to performing.

Mia- Since my dad runs a theater, I learned about things that he does. When he performed in Uncle Vanya, that's when I really got into theatre. I saw how happy it made him and all of the work put into it. The costumes, the set, and the lighting made me happy, too.

Do each of you remember what your first time onstage was like? Were you nervous? What was the production? Were you excited on opening night?

Caroline- I was excited and nervous on opening night of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, but the whole cast helped me relax and have fun. We had a blast onstage and backstage with our "brother" Fin McCahill and our child wrangler.

Mia- The first show that I did was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I was a little nervous because it was my first time preforming in front of an audience, but that also made it exciting.

Can each of you tell us a little something about Baby Screams Miracle at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and the character you play?

Caroline- Baby Screams Miracle takes place in a storm, and centers on a family struggling with their faith and each other. Kayden is a shy, little girl who is always inside her head. She is afraid and wants her family to be safe.

Mia- In Baby Screams Miracle, I play Kayden, a very shy girl whose family is in the middle of a chaotic storm. She's worried, but she has to find ways to cope with her fears. In the midst of the storm, nobody has time to help her with what she's going through. So she makes a journey where she learns more about herself.

What did you have to do for your audition for Baby Screams Miracle?

Caroline- We had to do two of the main scenes we are in. Then Howard (Shalwitz, the Director) worked with us, asking us how we would play the role, and trying different scenarios of playing Kayden.

Mia- I had to read a few scenes from the play that included my character and play around with them a little bit. The director asked me to try playing the scenes different ways.

In Baby Screams Miracle you alternate performances. Do you decide who goes on when or is the schedule set by the Stage Manager?

Mia- The stage manager sets the schedule.

Most shows rehearse during the school day hours. How did you balance the two when preparing for Baby Screams Miracle?

Caroline- I'm a good student, so I was able to keep up with my work. But I got really tired between school and rehearsal. Every night when I got to my bed, I crashed. After I got used to the schedule, I was able to pace myself better and find ways to rest throughout the day.

Mia- I went to school for most of the day and then about half an hour before school ended, I would go to rehearsal. The whole crew helped out by adjusting what they were doing so we could be there less hours. Since it was very tiring, some days I slept in a little later and went to school a few minutes late.

Have you auditioned separately for productions before or do you always go together?

Caroline- We've gone to the same auditions, but the director always brought us into the room separately to read the scenes both times we auditioned.

Mia- Caroline and I always have auditioned together for parts. We are interested in similar things, so that's how it turns out.

Your dad Ryan Rilette is the artistic director of Round House Theatre and performs onstage sometimes. Are you interested in a career in theatre? What kind of career (performance, arts management etc.)?

Caroline- I don't know yet. I love theatre and the artistic aspect of it, but there are a lot of different jobs out there. I know I would like to do something creative.

Mia- I enjoy performing, but I'm not really interested in a career in theatre. However, I do want to keep performing as a kid.

What do you like to do when you're not onstage?

Caroline- I like to play soccer. I really love reading and writing. I love to bake, and in my free time, I love to be with my friends.

Mia- When I'm not onstage, I enjoy reading, writing, playing soccer, and hanging out with my friends.

Where can we see you perform next after Baby Screams Miracle closes?

Caroline- I don't know. I'd like to do another show when I'm a little older. I love working with Sarah Marshall, and everybody in this fun cast!

(Note: Sarah has played their grandmother in both shows they've been in.)

Mia- Right now, I'm not sure, but I hope sometime soon.

Special thanks to RR Management for their assistance in coordinating this interview.

Theatre Life logo designed by Kevin Laughon.

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