This week, I interviewed our new Board President, Ellie Wood, to help you get to know her better. Being a relative theater novice myself, I was truly impressed by the vast experience and skills of our new leader. I will not divulge her age here, but let’s say that 57% of her life has been spent in 20 years of theater. She can also see without glasses, though only during shows.
Q: How do you feel about MCT returning to live shows?
I have somewhat mixed emotions, because I am thrilled that there can be shows again, but this is tempered for we still must be cautious. MCT will obviously follow all the necessary precautions and all the waiting and hard work will be worth it.
Q: What experience do you have in theater?
I have been involved in many different aspects of theater over twenty years. I started in a play called “Merrily We Roll Along” as an actress and at one point was doing six different shows a year. Eventually I got into other fields such as lighting design, stage managing and direction.
Q: What is your favorite part of a show?
I more recently got into stage managing and just love it. I also generally enjoy all the tech aspects of theater. When I go to plays other than MCT, I look at the tech just as much as the performing. I also think big musicals are awesome.
Q: Which of your many performances or other activities are most memorable to you?
I loved directing “Legally Blonde” for it was such a great show and cast. I also take a little pride in doing “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” without glasses, though I am a wearer. The role was pretty physical , required I not wear and I cannot do contacts. It was challenging to try adjust my eyes before, and readjust them after, every nightly show