Spotlight On: Grace Hogan

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Grace Hogan who is in the Ensemble of our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Grace Hogan, and I am in the ensemble of The Prom.

 

What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?

I was drawn to the ensemble because of how involved they are in the show. Their involvement helps build the story, which I love being a part of. The most rewarding part of being in the ensemble is learning more challenging dances than usual, but learning to express my character through them.

 

What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?

My biggest “pinch-me” moment was during the rehearsal process when we finished all of my costuming. It made me really feel like I was in the world of the show.

 

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?

My favorite song to perform in the show is “Love Thy Neighbor”. I love this number because almost the entire cast is on stage, and we all come together. It is such a peak moment in the show, as well as a very fun dance. In addition, it’s one of my favorite songs from the show.

 

Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?

I approach my character by finding similarities to myself because that helps me connect with my character. That’s how I understand how my character feels or reacts to moments in the show.

 

Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?

My pre-show ritual that calms my nerves is always a shake-out. Shake-outs have become my favorite thing to do before a show, and I have done it before every show I have ever been in. 

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?

My advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater is to just let go of nerves and do it. It is genuinely such a fun and creative environment that I am so happy I got into. People just have to step out of their comfort zone to do musical theater.

 

What was your experience at your own high school prom?

I haven’t been to my high school prom yet, but I am very eager to go.

 

What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?

Performing a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self means so much to me. I have always been the one who expresses herself in public, and being in a show that represents that really gives me joy.

 

 

“The Prom” opens on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety

 

“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.”  —  JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh

 

“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” —  JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse