Great Valley Drama Guild Honors Four Graduating Seniors

This year, the Great Valley Drama Guild is graduating nine seniors. Despite a year like no other, these talented individuals are featured in GVDG’s interpretation of Neil Bartram and Brian Hill's The Theory of Relativity. Four of these seniors reflected on their experience with Drama Guild by answering a few questions.

Melanie Zhang

1. What is your role in The Theory of Relativity? How are you most like your character? How are you most different from your character?

I play Amy, and I think I am most similar in the way that we both talk a lot without much of a filter and can ramble. I am most different from my character when she discusses all the people in her life that she reflects on since I do not have as many experiences as she does.

2. What has been the biggest challenge for you with doing the show virtually?

The biggest challenge has definitely been not being able to have bonding events and talk to people before and during rehearsal. The lack of interaction has been disheartening.

3. What was your favorite show you have been a part of in GVDG?

My favorite show was Seussical. It was just so full of energy and the cast was welcoming and kind. Everyone had a lot of fun and I loved the costumes.

4. What is your favorite backstage memory?

My favorite backstage memory has got to be hiding memes in props for people to find on stage whilst performing. It really brought another element of fun into the shows.

5. What are your plans post-high school?

My plans post high school are just attending a 4-year college that I find fitting, wherever that leads me!

Olivia Bedell

1. What is your role in The Theory of Relativity? How are you most like your character? How are you most different from your character?

My role in the show is Mira, and I sing “Promise Me This.” Mira and I have a lot in common, especially since we both are very close to our moms and are very ambitious towards reaching our goals in life no matter the challenge.

2. What has been the biggest challenge for you with doing the show virtually?

The biggest challenge in doing this show virtually was creating that community that is so present and special about Drama Guild. I think what has always set us apart is our unwavering support of one another and our ability to work really hard and still have a lot of fun, so trying to create that virtually was a challenge.

3. What was your favorite show you have been a part of in GVDG?

My favorite Drama Guild show was probably Footloose (although they’ve all been so great to be a part of!). I think the energy and challenge of that show surprised all of us and made me really proud to be a part of that production. Even though we never got to perform it for audiences, we’ll always have that show as being something really special that we all share.

4. What is your favorite backstage memory?

My favorite backstage memory is the singing, laughing, and shenanigans that constantly occurred backstage that made every moment in the theatre exciting. Simple moments of support and laughter backstage remind me of why I love to perform and be a part of a community of people who really care about one another and work so hard to create something special for audiences.

5. What are your plans post-high school?

My life-long passion for the performing arts has led me to pursue a degree in theatre, either musical theatre or acting, although I have not yet committed to a program.

Kieran O’Donnell

1. What is your role in The Theory of Relativity? How are you most like your character? How are you most different from your character?

I have various parts; I sing and act as Julie in "Person A Reprise" and have other solo lines as well. I am similar to my character because I, too am intrigued by how interconnected we are as a species, and tend to notice how people around me act. I am different because I find it hard to verbally express my emotions.

2. What has been the biggest challenge for you with doing the show virtually?

The biggest challenge for me has been not being able to hear my fellow castmates singing next to me.

3. What was your favorite show you have been a part of in GVDG?

My favorite show was Seussical freshman year.

4. What is your favorite backstage memory?

My favorite backstage memory is playing in the curtains while waiting in the wings.

5. What are your plans post-high school?

I am going to Elon University to major in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice.

Colin Search

1. What is your role in The Theory of Relativity? How are you most like your character? How are you most different from your character?

My character Paul is very similar to me, as he is this super nervous guy, whose enthusiasm and caring for the people in his life makes him very relatable. Also, we both share a cat allergy.

2. What has been the biggest challenge for you with doing the show virtually?

The biggest challenge has been staying interested/ invested in the show, as it's more interesting and fun to be doing a show like this in person when I can be on an actual stage, interacting with other members of Drama Guild.

3. What was your favorite show you have been a part of in GVDG?

My favorite show I’ve done in GVDG was The 39 Steps. This absurd comedy was a blast to be in and was also the last show that we got to perform on stage. I got to just have fun and be weird with my friends with this one, and as such it ended up being my favorite production.

4. What is your favorite backstage memory?

It would be hard to just pick one, I’ve spent so much time backstage having fun with friends over the years.

5. What are your plans post-high school?

Post high school, I look forward to going to college and definitely finding ways to continue performing.

The Theory of Relativity will stream April 22-24 on ShowTix4U.com. You can purchase tickets here: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/19490