Spotlight On: Kathryn Lewis

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of Nine. Get to know Kathryn Lewis who is in our Ensemble!

Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:

Hello! My name is Kathryn Lewis. I’m in the ensemble for this production, and this is my second show on stage at CTC. I’ve also done stage managing and costuming for shows here in the past two years. In my free time, I love all sorts of crafting, including crochet, knitting, and cross stitch.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

There’s a lot of really interesting and intense music. I sang in church choirs for a long time, and there are several songs that remind me of that type of singing, especially The Bells of Saint Sebastian. Also I got to see our choreographer, Kim, choreograph a bunch of shows while I was part of the production team, and I wanted the chance to perform her choreography.

How do you prepare for a new role or character, and what techniques do you use?

To help me remember both the dancing and singing (especially when I have to both at the same time), I write the dance steps in the music. That way I can practice marking the dances when we go over the music.

What do you love about your character?

In this show I get to be lots of different characters, including a maid and a reporter. In my last show, I also got to be a maid and a reporter, so I can use a lot of the same mannerisms.

What challenges did you face bringing the script to life?

In this show the music is really challenging! There’s a lot of harmonies, contrasting rhythms, and high notes. It’s going to sound amazing but it takes us a lot of practice to get there.

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?

Everyone who gets on a community theater stage and tries to tell a story and make the audience feel something, because it’s hard work!

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?

If there’s an overture, I usually do some fun little dance with my fellow cast members. Either way I always like to take a small moment to get ready and feel appreciation that I get to do this!

What is your favorite film or theater production and why?

Howl’s Moving Castle, because I love the story and the animation

Nine opens May 17th and runs through June 2nd at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!

“A galloping fantasy [with a] ravishingly inventive and tuneful score.” – The New York Times