Welcome to Artist Features—an offering from Now & Then that provides depth and insight into the work of our artists. For show info and tickets, visit our box office.
Meet Actor Cynnita Agent
Cynnita is performing in The Mall, the next #newworkshop selection in Now & Then's 3rd season. Artistic Director John Perovich had a chance to speak with Cynnita about her process. The Mall by Jesse Saywell will be presented to audiences Friday, February 21 at 7:30PM and Saturday, February 22 at 11:00AM.
John Perovich (JP): Cynnita, it's wonderful to have you with us at Now & Then! Without giving too much away, can you share a bit about your character with us?
Cynnita Agent (CA): I play Amanda, one of the more unfiltered members of the group. She has often been referred to as a troublemaker and the life of the party. She hasn't always made the best decisions, and is now at a crossroads where she has to either answer to the things she has done or continue to run from them. I am definitely enjoying becoming this character, and am not too surprised to find some similarities between us. Amanda is that funny, in your face friend that everyone needs at some point. She really helps to call out the obvious truths in her friend group, while somehow masterfully dodging the facts in her own life.
JP: There are so many nuances to how you described to Amanda's character—and that is something that I have enjoyed about each of the characters in The Mall. The characters are multi-dimensional and layered which makes for an enjoyable (and at times heart breaking) theatre-going experience. Next question! Workshops are different from traditional rehearsal processes. Can you share a bit with us about your process for this workshop?
CA: Normally, when I get get my script, the first thing I do is read and re-read the script to get a clear understanding of what is happening in the story. After that I fully commit to memorization, and start playing around with coloring my lines a little to really paint the scene. All the while, I am considering the character's backstory through what the text gives and what I can assimilate. The workshop is slightly different in that—I don't have to memorize anything—and instead, can jump right into character development and giving the text legs, so to speak.
JP: I really love how you describe coloring the lines and painting the scene—it's a dynamic, visceral, and visual way to think about all the levels and emotions that go into creating a character...creating moments. Final question: There are so many options for entertainment in our lives. Why should audiences join us for The Mall?
CA: The Mall has the potential to be one of those classic comedic plays that manages to pack in a pretty hard moral punch. If you want to laugh til you cry and then laugh again, this is one that you CANNOT miss. Not to mention, this cast is simply amazing! You will definitely regret not catching one of these performances—so don't be that person!
The Mall by Jesse Saywell will be presented to audiences this Friday, November 21 at 7:30PM and Saturday, February 22 at 11:00AM. For info and tickets, click here.
