Meet the Cast: Michael Lavoie

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Mike Lavoie is in his first year at Manchester Community College with exciting plans for his future! Mike joined us this past September at the Players’ Ring for Margaret McAleese’s original play Black Mayo, and we just adore working with him. This will be his very first V-Day and we can’t wait for you to meet this talented young man!

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“About 7 years.”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent roles/productions?

“My favorite roles have been Edgar/Poe in the ‘Tell-Tale Heart’, Linus Van-Pelt in ‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’, Randy in, ‘Day Dream’ (an original play), and most recently, Jimmy Manion in Margaret McAleese’s original play ‘Black Mayo’ at the Players’ Ring this past September.”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“Nope, this will be my first year, and I’m VERY excited!”

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

“Well acting is my passion and I would like to do it for the rest of my life, but also because I was raised by a single mom and grew up with my little sister, Allyson. It was just me, Ally, and my mom for a very long time. The three of us have been through the woods and back together, so I believe that I have developed a deep respect for women.

Q – Who is the most influential/important woman in your life?

“My sister Allyson, my mother Christine, my two grandmothers Connie and Denise, and my God Mother Cara.”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“What inspires me is the idea that If I stay true to myself and follow my dreams, I believe that I can achieve all of my goals and possibly more. And if not, then it was meant to be. No regrets.”

Michael Lavoie

Meet the Cast: Kolby Hume

Kolby Hume

Kolby Hume is no stranger to V- Day, however this will be her first V-Day on the Seacoast, and we are thrilled to have her with us! You may have seen her brilliant performances recently in Sam Shepard’s “A Lie of the Mind” and Margaret McAleese’s original play “Black Mayo” this past fall at the Players’ Ring.

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

“I started dancing when I was three, and was recruited by my dance teacher for my first official production when I was 8. Apparently, my incessant prancing and singing made me a prime candidate for becoming an actor!”

Q – What are some of your favorite recent roles/productions?

“I recently had the opportunity to reprise my role as Beth in Sam Shepard’s ‘A Lie of the Mind’ at the Player’s Ring. This part was the last role that I had the opportunity to play in college, and it was an amazing experience to have the chance to tackle such a complex, damaged character again five years later.”

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

“I have! I participated in the Vagina Monologues through my student-run theater group in college. I was part of the quartet in ‘When I was 12, my mother slapped me’ and later had to opportunity to perform ‘The Vagina Workshop.'”

Q – What made you want to be involved in V-Day this year?

“I love the idea of getting to support a worthy cause while spending time with a group of talented, passionate women.”

Q – Who is the most influential/important woman in your life?

“My mom. She is my best friend and greatest role model. I marvel at her strength and poise and feel so lucky to have her in my life each and every day.”

Q – What or who inspires you?

“I am constantly inspired by my home here in Portsmouth. I have lived here for a year and half, but am still blown away by the natural surroundings, the history, the arts and the people. I am so grateful to live where I do and to have met the wonderful people I have here on the seacoast.”

Kolby Hume