Meet the V-Day Portsmouth 2015 Cast: Michael Stailey

michaelstailey

Michael Stailey

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

I caught the acting bug very young, playing Santa Claus in the school Christmas play at age 5. From there I’ve been on and off the boards, taking time away for music, school, and career, but somehow always managing to find my way back when my soul demanded it.

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

I had a phenomenal experience doing summer stock for the first time this year up at Hackmatack Playhouse under the guidance of artistic director Sharon Hilton and her amazing crew in their final season. That opportunity gave me the chance to create Dr. Einstein for Arsenic & Old Lace, sing barbershop harmonies in Music Man, and channel the Pythonesque insanity of Patsy in Spamalot. I’ll cherish those memories for a lifetime.

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

I was blessed to have performed “True” last season for V-Day Portsmouth at Seacoast Rep, and get an opportunity to
reinterpret that piece for The Music Hall this year.

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

After last year’s empowering transformative experience, it was a no-brainer to make myself available for another go-round.

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

All of the women in my life have been equally influential. From the women in my family to the amazingly talented women I’ve done theatre with over the years, each has given me a unique perspective on the divine feminine spirit and what it means to the world.

Q – What or who inspires you?

I’m continually inspired by creative expression in all its myriad forms. You can find it everywhere you look, from the most mundane daily tasks and what brilliant people make of them, to the ridiculously impressive work of bold artists pushing the boundaries of entertainment and enlightenment. That all stems from people who have embraced living as their true authentic selves – flaws, scars, and all. I aspire to one day attain that same authenticity, so as to unlock and empower my true creative potential.

Get your Tickets For V-Day Portsmouth 2015 The Vagina Monologues at The Music Hall now!

Meet The V-Day Portsmouth 2015 Cast: Becky Rudolf

becky11withborder

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

I have been auditioning for theatrical productions since I was in 5th grade, so 17 years. My first role was as Muff Potter in Tom Sawyer.

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

A few of my favorite roles are Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Seven Stages Shakespeare Company, Ensemble in Sweeney Todd at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, Rhonda in Sharp Dressed Men, Edith in Blithe Spirit with New Hampshire Theatre Project, Alice in Closer and Callie in Stop Kiss, both at Players’ Ring.

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

Yes, two years ago I performed the monologue I am reprising this year: Because He Liked To Look At It

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

This show creates a certain kind of community among its participants. I also believe it is important to educate and build up women’s sense of self and confidence. I believe this show accomplishes that.

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

My mother is the most influential woman in my life. She is selfless and is an amazing problem solver who shares her talents with everyone she meets. She was selling a walker online and when she went to drop it off at the buy’s home, she saw that the walker she had was really too large for this man, so she voluntarily searched different venues to find one more appropriately sized.

Q – What or who inspires you?

Kindness, joy, sincerity, and creativity inspire me. When I see these in people or art, I feel inspired.

Get your Tickets For V-Day Portsmouth 2015 The Vagina Monologues at The Music Hall now!

V-Day Portsmouth 2012 Photo by Mat Kingsbury/2046

V-Day Portsmouth 2012 Photo by Mat Kingsbury/2046

Meet the V-Day Portsmouth 2015 Cast: Erica Skoglund & Zoe

Erica & Zoe  V-Day Portsmouth 2014

Erica & Zoe
V-Day Portsmouth 2014

Erica Skoglund

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

That’s hard to answer. I’ve been performing in front of people since 1999… but I started with campfire skits, storytelling and weird plays after lunch to encourage kids to compost at science camp.

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

I Could Just Diary 2 & 3 at Seacoast Rep were ridiculously fun and such a great way to step out of my comfort zone. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time!!

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

Yes! I was in the sextet last year and am excited to reprise my role and get to know a new fabulous 5.

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

As an educator for SASS I get the opportunity to go into schools on a daily basis and talk to kids and teenagers about some very important topics. I am always excited for opportunities to reach a new audience and spread the SASS love a little further.

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

My mom – hands down.

Q – What or who inspires you?

Silliness, time with friends and my crazy family, bad puns, vintage clothing and the thrill of the hunt, laughter, puppets, puppets and more puppets.

Photo by Monica Bushor of Bushor Photography

V-Day Rochester 2014 Photo by Monica Bushor of Bushor Photography

…Speaking of Puppets, here’s what Zoe had to say:

Q – How long have you been involved in theater?

Well – we don’t have a large stage or pretty red curtains…but I still think that I do theater every day! I have been in shows at elementary schools teaching kids about keeping their bodies safe for the past two years. If you think that’s a lot – my co-workers have been doing it for like 25 years. That’s crazy long!

Q – What are some of your favorite recent productions?

Sesame Street on Ice.

Q – Have you performed in the Vagina Monologues before?

YES!!! I was part of the sextet last year and it is SO RAD that I was invited to do it again. Yay me!!!

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

Are you kidding me? Why wouldn’t I want to be involved?! First of all – this show ROCKS!! Also – I would shout from the highest rooftop about what I do and how important it is if I could…but since I can’t, I guess being on stage in front of like a gazillion people is a good way to get the word out.

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

I can’t pick one because all the ladies who work at SASS and A Safe Place are amazing. They change people’s lives. You don’t get much more influential than that!!

Q – What or who inspires you?

Rainbows, unicorns, smiles, the color pink, The Muppets, hugs, and anything glittery.

Get your Tickets For V-Day Portsmouth 2015 The Vagina Monologues at The Music Hall now!

Erica Skoglund