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Connecticut Theatre Company

Spotlight On: Kim Saltzman

 

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of Cabaret. Get to know Kim Saltzman who is portraying a Kit Kat Girl!

 

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Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:

Hi, I’m Kim Saltzman. I am currently an occupational therapist, Dancer/Performer, Dance Instructor, and residential choreographer for CTC. Recently, i have had the honors of not only choreographing Cabaret for an incredibly talented cast, but also get to join them on stage as I play the role of Rosie (Kit Kat Girl). I am truly looking forward to sharing this show with all of our patrons both new and returning! Insta: @Saltzman_in_Motion

 

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

As a dancer and choreographer, auditioning for “Cabaret” was a must. I studied Fosse all throughout high school and college and always admired his work and shows. “Cabaret” at CTC was an opportunity to share my love of Fosse, not only on a creative side, but performance side with friends who quickly became family. 

 

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

When playing a role in the ensemble, you are not graced with as much of a backstory and understanding of who these characters are like you would when playing a lead. Which for me, is where the fun comes in! I I will sit down and watch various versions of the show to truly understand the storyline and then will sit with my script and develop a backstory and relationships to other characters I interact with. Why am I there? How did I get there? What’s my favorite snack? And I always try to add connections to my real life as to be able to truly connect with the role I am playing. Then throughout rehearsals that story gets developed and translated to actions and reactions that would best enhance who my character is and the story being told. 

 

What do you love about your character?

Being a member of the LGBTQ community, I love the fact that Rosie herself is a member of the community allowing me to represent a piece of myself in the show. 

 

What challenges did you face bringing the script to life?

As a choreographer, it is my job to create movement that truly enhances the story as well as our director Erin’s vision. That in itself is always a challenge for many reasons, however, for “Cabaret” specifically the biggest challenge was how to create movement that expresses a very sensitive subject of the Nazi party that is respectful and clear to the audience. As someone who is half Jewish and fully a part of the LGBTQ+ community, the kick-line as well as other moments of the show were important to me to express correctly through the movement.  

 

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

If I was being completely honest, I wish I could say some famous performer or choreographer and although there are many I am inspired by and do look up to and have learned a lot from… it would not be fair to list them. The people who inspire me the most are my best friends who I have the joy of watching chase after their dreams in this field of theatre and dance. As they may not be some idol that the world talks about on social media (Yet!), they are people just like me who have this endless love for the arts and despite how hard life may get, they still chase the dream. Not to mention they are incredibly talented as well! They have taught me so much about the world of performing, theatre and dance. But even more so, they taught me about who I am and can be within that world. I am forever grateful to witness their success, stand along side them and getting to be inspired by them every day.

 

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

Before every show I must have chocolate (Thanks Mom) – its a superstition. But then after we finish chanting and get pumped up and places are called, I like to take a moment to stand in the darkness of the wings with my eyes closed and really take in the moment. Every chance I get to perform is a gift and I like to make sure I’m not taking it for granted as no two shows or performances are ever the same. I like to take in all the sounds of the room, the energy of the people I’m about to perform with and notice as much as I can about my surroundings. I notice how my body feels and prepare myself physically and mentally for the intensity of the show. And finally right before  the show starts… I dedicate my performance to someone special to me. Someone who supported me and helped me not only be where I am in that moment but who helped me become who I am. 

 

What is your favorite film or theater production and why?
My favorite production would be “Jagged Little Pill”. Watching this show from the lens of the dancer, it was a show that succeeded at telling the story through the movement to enhance the production. Full concepts and themes shared through dance, which is so incredibly important to me and besides who wouldn’t want to relive my childhood years jumping on a couch! 

Cabaret opened July 19th and runs through August 4th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!

 

“A stunning musical… this marionette’s-eye view of a time and place in our lives that was brassy, wanton, carefree and doomed to crumble is brilliantly conceived.”– Walter Kerr, The New York Times

“Stunning… a masterpiece of musical theater penned as a cautionary tale and not at all leavened by the embrace of paradox.” – Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune