Three Oxford youths recently participated in a production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar held at Springfield Oaks Pavilion in Davisburg June 18-20.
Chelsea Landry, Nichaolas Risinger and Mary Beth Skylis performed in the play through Michigan Youth Theater (MYT), an organization that teaches students communication skills, personal expression and creativity through training in the performing arts. MYT also promotes teamwork, enhances self-esteem and develops the concepts of responsibility and leadership skills.
‘I went to one of the plays and met the director afterwards,? explained 14-year-old Landry, who has performed for the past three years with Lapeer Community Theater. ‘She kept e-mailing me about auditions and I finally went to this one. It was very interesting to do Shakespeare, I’d never really done it before.?
Risinger said he heard about the auditions through Landry.
‘It sounded like fun and was different from anything I’d done before,? explained the 14-year-old. ‘I was excited to do something outside of school.?
This was the first time the two Oxford High School freshman had performed with MYT. They each held three roles in Julius Caesar: Landry was Calpurnia, a citizen and a soldier; while Risinger was Decius Brutus, Marullus and Lucilius. Director Lisa Kander decided to make the production gender-neutral in order to emphasize the characters and the issues of passion, loyalty and love they were facing in regards to friendship and state.
In addition to their parts, the three Oxford youths also assisted with making their costumes, the sets and the staging. They spent time learning the background of the play including the political and general history of the time period.
‘I thought the play was interesting and exciting,? said Risinger.
‘Learning the background really helped a lot with telling the story,? added Landry. ‘You can do so much more when you know the history.?
Both students agreed that their first opening night with MYT was both exciting and nerve racking.
‘Opening night was the best night of all,? said Risinger. ‘We were nervous, excited and just trying real hard; and putting a lot of pressure on ourselves because you expect yourself to be perfect that night.?
‘I was really nervous, but also excited,? admitted Landry. ‘I think the other nights we were not as nervous, we were able to come down, not try as hard and be more natural.?
Twelve-year-old Mary Beth Skylis played five different small roles in the play: Soothsayer, Citizen, Commoner, Messenger and Soldier. In her program biography, the young actress said she began performing when she eight. She has been in several plays including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Comedy of Errors, The Marriage of Psyche and Ten Nights in a Barroom.
Skylis said she enjoys horseback riding, playing soccer, drawing, reading, climbing trees, hanging out with friends and ‘exploring the everlasting depths of my brother’s room.? When asked about the play, Skylis was excited about her role: ‘I have one of the smallest roles, but its one of the sweetest.?
Both Landry and Risinger said they would like to audition for future MYT productions.
‘Nicholas just had a great experience,? said mom Stacey. ‘He enjoyed the everything so much.?
‘All the kids are really fun to hang out with,? agreed Risinger. ‘It’s been great to get to know them. We’ve made some great friends.?
‘Everything is done by the youth in this,? said Landry. ‘It’s a very personal thing for the kids in it. We really put everything we have into this production.?
Michigan Youth Theater is a nonprofit organization began in 2000 and is for youths ages 12-19. The performing ensemble is comprised mainly of Oakland County youngsters. In Julius Caesar, approximately 20 kids worked together as performers, set designers, costume designers and theater technicians.
For more information on Michigan Youth Theater, please call 248-212-4138 or visit www.michiganyouththeater.org.