Johanna Jaquith

Johanna Jaquith (Denise)

The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong

APRIL 15 — MAY 20

What excites you about The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong and the role you are playing?

This show is just one of the best kinds of comedies. It is packed with all styles of humor and is a delightful ride from start to finish. People need that right now. They need a night free from troubles and deep thought where they can just let go and laugh! I am over the moon that I get to be a part of the cast that brings it to Vintage audiences. For my character, specifically, the part is usually played by a man, so tackling this gender swap has been exciting. "Denise" is a totally new construct and has facilitated a lot of new discoveries for our cast and the arch of the show. It's really an actor's dream to be the first to create something, so I'm VERY excited about that.

What’s your process like in preparing for a show like this, and how does that process change (if at all) from other shows?

For me it was all about finding Denise's voice. There wasn't an existing blueprint to use as a starting place because of the gender swap, so I had to decide fairly quickly where we were headed with this character. Luckily, I had hit on something in auditions that really seemed to work, so I was able to carry that into the rehearsal process and flush her out more fully. Everything I have done since has been in service of that voice. This whole process has been so wonderfully collaborative that the work has felt effortless. We all just play and explore and kick ideas around and then Steve shapes it all together into comic gold! In my experience that kind of trust and chemistry is rare.

What’s your biggest challenge about taking on this role?

Two words....Physical. Comedy! This show is the most physically demanding show I've ever done and I'm here for it! It is a challenge but a welcome one. I love getting to push myself as an actor, so from the get go I've been looking forward to this part of the show.

How did you get started performing?

I was bitten by the bug at a very young age. My mom took me to my first musical when I was only 3 or 4 and she said my eyes were like saucers the whole time. I then got the narrator part in my kindergarten class play and guess my fate was sealed. I have been performing any way I could ever since. I was the kid who would write and direct original shows then make my brother and cousins perform them with me. I got going more in middle school doing Shakespeare and then picked both my highschool and college based on their drama departments.

Why do you still perform?

I love it. Simple as that. I love being on stage, I love finding new characters, I love creating an environment where people can feel strong emotions and I love being there to witness that catharsis. The theater is a magical place and is unlike anywhere else in the world. It is a place to escape, a place to dream, a place to cry and face deep personal truths. During a show, the audience, the actors, we are all sharing a moment frozen in time, a moment that will never come again but a moment that may also stay with us forever. It's magic and I'm so happy it's back!

What’s your dream role, and what do you feel you would bring to it?

For comedies, I'd say literally anyone in Noises Off or Ros (now) or Charlotte (in a few years) in Moon Over Buffalo. They are my favorite farces and I'm dying to work on both of them. For drama, Katherine in Proof and Sam or Bobbi in Some Girls are both bucket list shows for me. I have worked on both shows behind the scenes and I love them. Someday, I'd love the chance to try these characters on for myself.

What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?

I am a synchronized swimmer. I started swimming when I was 9 and swam all the way through college. I have coached since ageing out, but it had been years since I had actually competed myself. A few years ago I decided to join the masters team and get back in the pool to see if I still had what it takes. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done but I am now a two time national champion with hopes of defending again in October!