I was lucky enough to have worked with a very special freshman theatre student earlier this semester on the MTA's production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Her name is Brigitte Choura. She's an amazing personality who not only is a wonderful actress, but is one of the kindest individuals you could probably meet on this campus. Recently elected Secretary on the MTA E-Board, Brigitte gave a wonderful interview with me in the lobby of the Trexler Pavilion before running off to a late night rehearsal. It was a wonderful hour for me to sit and talk with her and in this interview I think you'll see just why.
PH: OK, Brigitte, to start... how old are you?
BC: I'm 18 and a half.
PH: And where are you from, born?
BC: I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but from the suburb of Mount Lebanon, but I just say Pittsburgh.
PH: Your name is spelled a little differently. Could you explain the spelling?
BC: Well, my Mother just really liked the French spelling. She thought it was pretty, beautiful.
PH: OK, and back in High School... Where did you go? What activities were you involved in?
BC: I went to Mount Lebanon High School and I was involved in a few things. Choir, "The Triple Trio", which was a small singing group, our dance company which also choreographed the musicals, the musicals, and Forensics (the speech part). I had a class in International Relations that was my favorite because of the teacher who served as a mentor to me.
PH: And why did you choose Muhlenberg? Did you visit before you came?
BC: One of our family friend's daughter, who was a lot like me, said that Muhlenberg was beautiful, so I decided to visit and took a ballet class, talked to Charles Richter, and auditioned. This may sound clichéd, but I just had that feeling when I got here that I could really see myself here.
PH: It doesn't sound that way at all. What are your majors here now?
BC: Tentatively theatre and dance - but possibly picking up an English major.
PH: And what type of experience in theatre do you have?
BC: I've taken acting lessons with people in community theatres from an early age. At one of the first places, one of my teachers asked me to be in a production of "Charlotte's Web" and I then grew up with that teacher and theatre in a way. I went to another community theatre for a little for summer theatre while all along staying at the first.
PH: What was it like coming in as a freshman to the MTA and our theatre world? Was it inviting? Was it easy to adjust to school life here and the world of the MTA?
BC: I would say... yes. The "Orange Eating Contest" in particular kind of made me feel like a part of the community here and I didn't feel intimidated. Maybe it's just me though, I don't know.
PH: And speaking of entering the MTA last fall, how did fall auditions go for you? How would you describe the experience?
BC: Extremely busy would be the best two words to describe them. It was an overall awesome experience. The whole thing made me feel part of the community in another way. I didn't ever feel that "competition" because all of the people I auditioned for (Matt Moore, Charles Richter, Jim Peck) were so gracious and I feel like I learned a lot. Reading with others and being in the presence of such talented people also made me feel great.
PH: And after the auditions were over, what was it like getting cast as Chris in "Dancing at Lughnasa" and working with Matt, and the other actors?
BC: I felt initially astonished, but so honored to be a part of it. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. And Matt — I don't even know if there are words to describe him. His ability to communicate with his actors and people in general makes him like the precious jewel in the directing world. But everyone in the cast was like that. There was just that vibe and it was all established from the very first read-through.
PH: And then you broke your foot. How far into the rehearsal process of Lughnasa did this occur and how did it happen?
BC: Two weeks before the show opened, I was in dance class with Charles Anderson. Five minutes before class ended, I was doing a back sauté and having a moment and my ankle buckled and I ended up breaking my fifth metatarsal on my right foot. And Charles, who is just great, literally carried me to the health center.
PH: How bad was the pain with that?
BC: It really wasn't that bad. I think I was more worried about having to tell Matt.
PH: Because of this, you ended up not playing Chris in the production. How was that decision made?
BC: I had numerous conversations with Matt and Beth Schachter [faculty mentor on the project] and I explained to them that I always wanted what was best for the show. I respected Matt and wanted his vision to keep going and didn't want to stop that. Matt was advised to get an understudy and Sophomore Kristy Greener was cast.
PH: This isn't the greatest question, but what did it feel like having to give up the part you had rehearsed with for so long and then watch Kristy perform?
BC: Something that Beth Schachter said to me particularly stuck in regards to this. She reminded me that we shared the character and I gave her part of myself when she took over the role of Chris. She said that my choice of involvement after I broke my foot allowed for this sharing of the character. So, to be honest, when I watched Kristy perform, it wasn't foreign. I watched "Chris" and there was always a little bit of me that Kristy took and that we had connected on from the beginning.
PH: Were you nervous because of this experience to audition for the spring?
BC: I was excited but I wasn't nervous. (laughing) I didn't want to have the opportunity to "mess up" another show.
PH: And then how was your experience with Measure for Measure?
BC: It was my first Shakespeare production and I developed a deeper appreciation for his work through the show. I feel as though the way the production was approached gave me a purpose in terms of how it resonates with me now.
PH: For you, what was it like working with director Beth Schachter again?
BC: From the very beginning, I respected and valued the process that Beth employs. I feel like she has a way of looking at things that makes me see them in a different light. I learned by being in the presence of the process. And her faith in people is really unbelievable.
PH: How were the rest of the cast members to work with? (Especially that guy who played the Duke) *Editor's note: Phil is that guy.
BC: Professional. Very compassionate. And very welcoming. They provided an environment that just made me want to be myself all the time.
PH: Aww, thanks. And what are your plans for the rest of the semester now that Measure is over?
BC: I'm involved with the documentary theatre project that Robbie Saenz De Viteri is directing in the black box. And I'm also in Troy Dwyer's First Year Seminar and producing a piece of performance art with them. I feel very invested in both.
PH: Any plans for the summer?
BC: I'll be working on a production of "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder at Little Lake Theatre in Canonsburg, PA with my first acting teacher and mentor, Sunny Disney.
PH: That sounds like it will be great. OK, now probably the hardest question... What goals have you set for yourself here at Muhlenberg?
BC: (after a long pause and some stammering) I can write it, but I can't say it.
PH: So write it. (I handed her a piece of paper and this is what she wrote...)
BC: Not only do I wish to continue to develop new perspectives and a better understanding of everything around me, but I want to continue to grow in and out of myself.
PH: Are you seeing anyone special right now?
BC: What kind of question is that?
PH: A good one.
BC: I'm seeing a lot of special people everyday in my life right now here at Muhlenberg College.
PH: And finally, some questions to get to know your tastes better. What is your favorite play?
BC: At the moment, "Summer and Smoke" by Tennessee Williams
PH: Musical?
BC: West Side Story.
PH: Actor or Actress?
BC: Right now, Dustin Hoffman.
PH: Food?
BC: OK, this is going to be really specific. Havarti cheese with bean sprouts on wheat bread. That's my own creation.
As you can probably tell, Brigitte is not your average college freshman here at Muhlenberg. She is uniquely articulate and I believe some the MTA Spotlight will be shining on her for years to come. Good luck, Bridge!