Five Minutes, Five Questions

Jason Suel, Director ‘Seussical Jr.’

Q. Tell me about choosing this show. Was it part of a summer class? What makes it appealing to you as a director and to the kids as actors?

A. We chose the show because we wanted to challenge to actors to a new level of performance. There is a lot of singing and choreography with this show -- more so than summer musicals that Trike has presented in the past. There is also a great sense of ensemble in this piece. The show is part of a three-week intensive performance camp. So, it's a unique experience. In the mornings of camp, we focus on giving these young actors a well-rounded experience of the world of theater. The instructors teach classes in the mornings, anything from stage combat to set construction and ensemble juggling to vocalization.

FAQ

Trike Theatre:

‘Seussical Jr.’

WHEN — 7 p.m. today & 2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Arend Arts Center in Bentonville

COST — $10-$12

INFO — 464-5084

For me, I am a big fan of exposing these young actors to as many facets of theater as possible. There are so many other things to be involved with other than acting. Our hope is that every camper finds the component of theater that sparks them the most.

Q. Are there challenges in creating Seuss' larger-than-life characters?

A. The whole world created in this play is larger than life. From the set and lighting to the characters and costumes. The great thing is that we were released to let our imaginations run wild. What would a Sour Kangaroo look like? Sound like? How would a Who walk? Would it be different than a human? The challenge to the actor lies in letting go of inhibition and be willing to take risks and even fail in front of a group of peers.

Q. What are the lessons in this show for the actors and the audience members?

A. Lessons from the show are similar to the themes found in Dr. Seuss's writing. Being Faithful (100 percent). Dedication. Imagination. Creativity. And when you're stuck with a rainy day... "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think."

Q. What in the world is it that keeps you going 24/7? You are the energizer bunny of Northwest Arkansas actors/directors!

A. I enjoy what I do. What keeps me going is the young people. Theater did so much for me as a youngster. I was just a weird little kid who didn't fit in with the cool kids. I was able to find my voice and my self-confidence through the world of the theater. It's my hope that the young people of Northwest Arkansas experience the world of the theater in a way that allows them to dream, create, imagine, overcome challenges and have fun!

Q. What do you hope young audiences take away from this -- or any -- theater experience?

A. I hope that every experience in the theater allows the audience to check out of life for a moment. Life is cluttered and busy and sometimes unpleasant. But, theater offers an escape and a needed moment of reflection. When I watch a show, I always try to put myself in the character's shoes: What would I do if those circumstances happened in my life? For me, the theater can teach us a lot about who we are and who we can become.

-- Becca Martin-Brown

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 07/25/2014

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