Spotlight On: Katie Jones

 

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. Get to know Katie Jones who is in the ensemble of our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi! My name is Katie Jones! I am 12 years old, and I am going into 8th grade and some things I like to do are running dancing singing hanging out with friends and theater.

 

The score for Jesus Christ Superstar is notoriously taxing. What are your specific vocal warm-up routines or rest-day rituals to maintain your voice?

In order to maintain my voice, especially for a show like Jesus Christ superstar some things I will normally do are warming up using scale warmups, different vowel warm ups, diaphragmatic breathing and sirens. The day before and the day of a performance, I will usually go on vocal rest and drink hot tea with honey along with minimal speaking.

 

This show is largely a non-stop, sung-through rock rollercoaster. How do you maintain the dramatic arc and emotional stamina from the overture to the curtain call?

Still being a kid I am filled with energy, but to give me a bigger boost, I will normally eat a lot of sugar and protein to keep me going throughout the show. I also get a good nights rest between shows so I’m well rested for the next performance.

 

The musical has been thrilling audiences for over 50 years. What do you think makes this sung-through rock opera still feel contemporary and relevant to modern audiences?

The music in Jesus Christ Superstar is fantastic and it also brings in a bigger audience because it has a religious theme to it.

 

Historically, this show has faced protests and intense debate regarding its content. Does that legacy of controversy cross the cast’s mind today, or has the cultural perception completely shifted?

 Today there is a divide in religious versus the rest of the world, but I think that most people can appreciate that this is a really good story,that is compelling to watch.

 

From the opening overture to the final curtain, the show rarely stops for a breath. What is the rehearsal environment like trying to maintain that high-octane energy?

The  rehearsal energy normally is super bubbly, although the theme of the show at times can be serious. Many times, you will see a popsicle being eaten throughout rehearsals  to keep the energy up!

 

How do you balance full-time jobs, school, or family commitments with an intense community theater rehearsal schedule?

My family has been extremely supportive driving me back-and-forth to rehearsals and other commitments. I have, along with my family, used a Calendar app to see what everyone’s doing and when rehearsals are.

 

Community theater casts often become incredibly tight-knit very quickly. How did this specific cast build its chemistry and trust during rehearsals?

I feel that the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar built their chemistry off of the breaks we were given.  Also talking problems out with each other bonded us.  I also feel that I was able to build a stronger bond with the dancers because I had so many scenes with them and they were really able to help me through any difficulties I had and made me a better dancer.

 

When local theatergoers leave the venue and head to their cars, what is the main conversation or feeling you hope they take home with them?