Introducing Trenton Schindele
Where have audiences seen you before and where can they see you next?
I have been performing across Colorado since I was very young, beginning in places like Northglenn Youth Theatre, Jesters Dinner Theatre and community theatres across the state. I have been performing with Phamaly Theatre Company nearly every season since 2012 and you may have seen me as Ernst with them before when they did "Cabaret" I have also worked with companies like BETC and now with Vintage. As for where you can see me next, time will tell but keep an eye out for my name.
What are some of your favorite moments from rehearsing and performing Cabaret?
My favorite moment every night during rehearsals was working with Grant, who is fantastic as Cliff and a quick witted actor always willing to let me try anything new that I felt in the moment and rolling with it, this cast has also been incredibly supportive backstage as I play a role that is easy to lose yourself in and can take you to dark places. Many castmates offered kind words, hugs and deep conversations that would help ground me in reality and cheer me up if the character was getting to me.
What was your approach to crafting your unique take on your character?
Ernst is fascinating character to me, he has so much more depth to his emotions and motivations than are just written on the page. He is a complex human being, extremely proud to be German, he is charming, funny as well as reserved but he hides who he is nearly all the time, from his work in politics, his selfishness and darkness to his sexual orientation, he is the most human part I've ever played and I think bringing humanity to his darkness is the most important part in the process of crafting a character such as him.
Playing Ernst a second time has been a whirlwind of emotion for me, Phamaly Theatre Company's "Cabaret" will always be close to my heart. There was such power in the cast being played by disabled artists, putting their bodies on display, being vulnerable and finding their power in their roles. I have been remembering Lucy Roucis, my original Fraulein Schneider, who we lost recently. A master of the craft, she told me after a performance in our closing weekend to not get lost in the darkness of this character but to focus on his humanity to ground myself. I didn't understand then, but I took her wisdom with me into my second portrayal, playing the character sent me into a long depression my first go around and this wisdom has helped me separate myself from Ernst. It has has been an absolute joy having a fellow Phamaly artist, Sam Barasso, on stage with me through this process as well, she and I have worked together for years and though she wasn't in Phamaly's version it is so fitting to have a member of my "ph" family with me through this process and seeing her bring such life to Fraulein Kost.
What has the audience energy been like and what do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
The audience energy has been electric every night, they lose themselves in the story we're telling, hanging on every word and noticing every detail. I hope that they take the memory of this history with them through our show as it is a dark part of human history that should never be forgotten but also that they see the things like love, art, perseverance and the joy that comes with being alive that are also prevalent throughout the couple of hours they spend with us.
(Director Bernie Cardell added: “This is the second time I’ve gotten to work with Trenton and his authenticity and 100% energy on stage is thrilling to witness. I can’t wait until our next opportunity to collaborate.”)