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 Samantha Hanna
Samantha is performing in Feminist Horror Stories by Alice Stanley Jr., the next #newworkshop selection in Now & Then's 3rd season. Artistic Director John Perovich had a chance to speak with Samantha about her role and her process for the workshop. Feminist Horror Stories by Alice Stanley Jr. will be presented to audiences Friday, October 25 at 7:30PM and Saturday, October 26 at 11:00AM.
John Perovich (JP): Can you share a bit about yourself and your performance experience?
Samantha Hanna (SH): I love acting and the ability to bring stories to life. Theatre has been so impactful for me in the ways that I have learned and grown as a person because of what skills you attain as an actor. I just find it all so fascinating and acting always remains fresh, fun, and challenging. I especially love theatre that challenges the mind and heart. I have been lucky enough to be in impactful shows that do just that. Some of my work includes shows like Kiss and Two Mile Hollow at Stray Cat Theatre, and Othello and Three Sisters at Mesa Community College. Once I found out about this workshop and read the play, I knew that I was in for an awesome time with a really great theatre company and wonderful story.
JP: Thank you! I've seen you perform in both plays at Stray Cat and I really admire your work. Please tell us a bit about your process as an actor. How has it been different for this workshop?
SH: To sum it up, I always want to figure out my characters' motives; therefore, I like to create a backstory for characters and build offstage relationships through the characters' eyes to better solidify and figure out the world of the play. I always try to think about how my character impacts the story and the other characters, too. With this workshop, I do find my general process a bit different, but being able to be so hands on with everyone in the room and asking questions and figuring it all out together—along with the writer—really helps in solidifying the character and the world.
JP: I always find the workshop format challenging when it comes to process—each workshop is different because each play is in a different place/has different needs. I like what you said about, "figuring it all out together"—that best describes the process. It's a team effort. Final question, there are so many options for seeing theatre in the valley or staying at home to stream stuff. Why should audiences check out Feminist Horror Stories?
SH: Feminist Horrors Stories is unlike any play you've seen! It’s fun and it's full of stories we resonate with and are familiar with. Not to mention, Now & Then Creative Company—as a whole, and everyone involved in this specific production—is so creative. The team has come together to present a wonderful piece that's sure to bring you a night of laughter.
Feminist Horror Stories by Alice Stanley Jr. will be presented to audiences this Friday, October 25 at 7:30PM and Saturday, October 26 at 11:00AM. For info and tickets, click here.