interview with cast member – emma campbell effect of being diagnosed with a chronic, incurable disease and how it impacts not only the individual and their life, but how their family lives, was an eye-opening experience. Having said that, the writers of the monologues have successfully written them in such a way that the pieces have elements of light and dark in them. Emma (17) plays Louise in Stick
Why did you audition for The One Sure Thing? I graduated high school last year, and my HSC Drama IP was a piece from The One Sure Thing’s predecessor, Tell it Like it Isn’t. Having read countless monologues, the aim of the project – to create and encourage quality writing for young actors to play young characters – is much needed and warmly welcomed from the perspective of a young actor. Being involved with that process is what prompted me to audition. The theme of “death” could be perceived as quite heavy and depressing. What has it been like preparing for the role? Do you need to de-role after rehearsals and performances? When I was researching Crohn‟s disease for my role, it did become hard, reading about what people went through with a relatively unknown disease with no cure. I read some personal accounts of living with the symptoms and talked to a girl who had been recently diagnosed. Realising the
How does your character change and how do you reflect this change in your performance? Stick very much explores Louise‟s reactions and feelings towards her disease. She experiences a range of emotions, including an element of denial, but eventually is able to be very vulnerable and honest to herself (and the audience). It‟s very much about submerging yourself in those emotions and feelings, and either putting yourself in the situation and simulating how you think you would react, drawing on your own experiences, or creating a world of given circumstances for your character, which is what works best for me. What advice would you give to young actors preparing for the HSC Drama performance? Find a monologue that you love and won‟t completely hate by the end of the year; there‟s nothing worse than forcing yourself to perform a piece you despise. I‟ve seen it happen before and it‟s just not the same. Don‟t get lazy with your GP and IP, but don‟t work them beyond a point of no return, either.