Shaylee O’Dwyer has been participating in Kids Arts Program (KAPS) since she was eight years old. She enjoys theater and is pleased to be cast in the lead role in Roswell Community Little Theatre’s and KAPS’ next production, opening May 12th.
Shaylee will star as Mary Call in the dramatic adaptation of “Where the Lilies Bloom,” a young adult novel by Bill and Vera Cleaver. The story takes place in rural Appalachia, and Shaylee has risen to the challenge of dialect immersion. Shaylee is particularly excited to learn how to act as a different character – as Mary Call, she is absolutely learning a new persona.
Shaylee recently hammed it up in the KAPS improv troupe. She recalls being the ‘two headed expert,’ live on stage. The point of the game is to think and listen on your feet; two people are the two-heads of an expert being interviewed. Each person can only say one word at a time as the interview moves forward. Laughing at the memory, Shaylee recalls the interview going something like, “Well… we… wake… and… we… cry.” The audience laughed themselves hoarse on that occasion.
Another of Shaylee’s favorite memories is her earlier role in “Crisis Incorporated.” She playacted as one of the people who get to panic for hire. It was great fun.
The more Shaylee performs in new roles, the greater the empathy and compassion she develops for daily life. She also says that theater helps her listen to others and step outside of herself.
You won’t want to miss Shaylee in “Where the Lilies Bloom.” Opening on May 12th at the Roswell Community Little theatre. The play will run for two weekends, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights and a Sunday matinee. For more information, or tickets, go to Roswell Community Little Theatre.
I am a mother, author, engineer, farmer, occasional actress, and incurable dog-sap. I think things and write things and embarrass myself often.