Feature Friday with Rachel Stevens
By Jenna Pastuszek
We're back with Feature Fridays, where we interview Industry Peeps and share insider info, tips, and tricks! If you have anyone that you'd like us to interview, please let us know!
Our next interview is with Rachel Stevens, Assistant Director of
Broadway's NPGC1812, Bandstand at Paper Mill Playhouse, Preludes at Lincoln Center, and Regional Theatre Director.
Tell us one fun fact!
I talk to dogs on the street without realizing it and give no regard to their owners while in conversation the the pups.
What’s “belting” mean to you?
"Belting" means digging deep down into your gut and sending it out into the world spinning because the stakes are just that high.
What’s something you wish actors knew not to do in an audition?
Oh gosh. Not to think about the “do-not”s? Think of the “do”s — be you, tell the story, leave the rest to the ether.
What draws you to an actor?
What draws me to an actor is honesty, individuality and passion. I love working with actors who engage critically with me and the text. When an actor sticks to her guns about who she is and her lens on the material, we are bound to have a fruitful experience. Also, good natured, kind individuals- that's probably the most important.
What draws you to an actor?
What draws me to an actor is honesty, individuality and passion. I love working with actors who engage critically with me and the text. When an actor sticks to her guns about who she is and her lens on the material, we are bound to have a fruitful experience. Also, good natured, kind individuals- that's probably the most important.
What would you rather watch: vocal acrobatics or compelling storytelling? Compelling storytelling hands down. Vocal acrobatics only moves me if it's in action towards a need.
What's something you find yourself saying to your singing actors during stressful rehearsal processes?
It depends on the process, but I'll always go back to reminding actors to connect to what they want. The bed of the music will inform the emotional life or the need churning inside. The lyrics give you action- so trust that combination and your voice will find it's way.
What’s a lasting piece of advice you’ve heard from a Voice teacher or music director? I had a voice teacher in college who told me that the more I focus on my technique the less it works.