Actor Christine Brubaker talks about her experience as a text coach
So how did I get involved as a text coach with a bunch of lawyers? I’ve worked with Nightwood as an actor on a number of shows – most memorably the fabulous Danish Play by Sonja Mills, directed by Kelly Thornton. Nightwood has developed into a hub of important relationships for me. The Danish Play is where I met Kate Hennig
Christine in The Danish Play (left)
who ignited my love of Shakespeare (when she’s back from her Broadway gig in NYC, you should take her class, “Shakespeare from Both Sides Now”), Kelly Thornton has directed me many times and is a valued theatre chum, and Rebecca Peirson, Nightwood’s Director of Marketing and Audience Development, is my oldest and dearest friend who I’ve known since kindergarten. My teaching term at Humber College has wrapped up and the actor’s game of waiting for employment lies ahead. I kept hearing from Rebecca about how much fun it was working with these lawyers, how fantastic the auditions were and what a hoot they were having in rehearsals. Time to volunteer, flex the muscle and get involved! I love working on Shakespeare’s text – the musicality and depth of the language, the technical demands and of course, the humanity and absolute play-ability. Shakespeare can make the actor’s work easy. Really. Once you embrace its’ challenges and fully submit yourself to the form, half the work is done. Dig for the clues, be vigilant with rhythm, know what you want, go for it and then open your mouth and let his incredible artistry carry you. You’re almost there. The next, and for me, the best part is meeting your final playing partner – your audience.
