Q and A with Jessica Oliver, Who Played Emily in Our Town

#1: What are your roles in My Town?
Emily Webb

#2: Did you enjoy producing and rehearsing for this play, and why?
It was a wonderful learning experience. Being involved in the process of the play from start to finish helped me grow as an actor.

#3: What obstacles did you face in your role(s) during the rehearsals?
It was challenging to incorporate contemporary views to a play that was written a long time ago that dealt with issues that may not be as important in today's society.

#4: Do you feel the audience would enjoy this play, and would this play be appropriate for all ages or for adults only?
This play is appropriate for people of all ages and will be enjoyable because it talks about different types of people and their lives, and hopefully they can relate to what they see.

#5: In the midst of mid-semester tests, etc, why should students bother coming to watch the play--what will they benefit from seeing this play?
Everybody can take something out of this play, whether it be for entertainment purposes or internalizing the characters' experiences and trying to learn from what the characters go through.

#6: What is the central theme and conflict in this play?
To cherish every moment while you can and not take it for granted before it's too late. To go out and live your life and make a difference/contribution in society.

#7: How would students and faculty relate to this play, if in any way?
The audience will be able to relate to the characters and see themselves in the characters in some way because it deals with issues that people experience throughout their lives such as dealing with school, families, being happy, love, death etc.

#8: Would you have anything to say to include in my story for students and faculty to hear?
My main concern is that a lot of students (especially those who have not been exposed to theatre) will not be able to experience all types of theatre styles with today's high-tech society. Hopefully the audience will be able to experience how different the director has approached this play that has been read and done so many times before. Sometimes the play will be realistic, sometimes it will be unrealistic but the audience will always be reminded that they are watching a play and that we are putting on a play for them, therefore instead of distancing themselves from the play, to personalize what the characters are going through, and to get a message or be provoked to make a difference in their lives!