An interview with Upstage Players Improvisational Troupe leader, Carrie Walsh-Hilf
Here is an e-mail interview between A. Boles and Upstage Players Improvisational Troupe leader Carrie Walsh-Hilf.
AB: What is the Upstage Players improv group?
CWH: UpStage Players Improvisational Troupe is a group of actors who dedicate time to working on the craft of acting and improvisation. They perform original scenes at different venues. Our future performances will be at the East 200th Street Stroll and at the Waterloo Arts Festival. This group is a piece of UpStage Children's Theater, but differs in that it is open to ages 5-whatever. We have about twenty participants and are always looking for more.
AB: What do you when you get together?
CWH: It depends. We do traditional vocal warm-ups and body warm-ups. Then we play a variety of games. The games will turn into our scenes. However, the scenes that we practice are just practice; we will create new scenes when we perform at whatever venue we are at. Sometimes we create a show out of ordinary boxes big and small, other days we turn ourselves into out-of-the-ordinary super heroes such as Bubble Man or Fashionista Girl with crazy super powers. You never know what will happen when you plan the games. Creativity fills the auditorium the instant you announce the game. We play different improvisational games each meeting. It is interesting to watch how a story can shift depending on who is leading it.
AB: What benefits do members receive from being involved in the group?
CWH: Being involved in the theater, a show, is like life. Theater reflects life so it should. You audition [interview], have to be responsible, need confidence, awareness of others around you have to think on your feet. We practice all of this at our meetings. Being in the improvisational group also will help you build confidence, creativity and your craft for future auditions. It is a lot of fun and you make new friends.
AB: When and why did you decide to start the improv group?
CWH: In the past we did a one-act play festival each summer with teens. The challenge was getting them to come to rehearsal for the one particular role. Now with the improv troupe, we include many ages and it is less of a time commitment. It is turning out to be more fun and have better attendance than the summer show ever did. We may do both, maybe a fall teen show or maybe next summer, but right now, this project has been fun to foster and see grow.
AB: What is your background in theater?
CWH: I started acting in seventh grade and have done a show every spring for the past 23 years. I have my theater degree from Cleveland State University and I have been the artistic director of UpStage Players for 16 years.
AB: Who else is involved in leading the group, and what is their background?
CWH: We have many seasoned artists in our theater group, UpStage Players, whether it be hands-on training or professional and community. In the improv troupe, it’s me and my adopted son Edwin Smith who has been acting since high school in school plays and with Near West Theatre.
AB: Tell us about any upcoming events.
CWH: We will be performing at Concerts in the Sculpture Garden on July 11, from 2-7p.m. on Waterloo, and the Speakeasy Fundraiser on October 2 with UpStage Players and the Slovenian Home. We could come to parties, and street fairs as entertainment though.
AB: Just because you're from here, doesn't mean you have to stay here. Why do you choose to stay, live and play in the Euclid/Collinwood area?
CWH: Collinwood is such a rich neighborhood, filled with traditions, ethnicity and real people. This Waterloo area and The Slovenian Home have embraced our artistry and our mission to promote the arts to children. We are so happy to call it home.
AB: Tell us about how people can get involved in the group.
CWH: Email Carrie Walsh-Hilf at walsh-hilf@sbcglobal.net for more information or call 216.978.2395.