BWW Interviews: Shayna Raichilson-Zadok

Shayna Raichilson-Zadok

Shayna Raichilson-Zadok was born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (raised in Buffalo since she was 18 months old) and has been doing theater since the of age 5. She has been on stage at such companies as American Repertory of WNY, Artpark, Theatre for Change, Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions, Subversive and others.

Shayna performs in "5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE" at American Repertory Theater of WNY January 15th to January 31st.

MCL: How and when did the acting bug first hit you?

SRZ: I was singing before I could talk! As a child I was always recreating scenes from my favorite movies or trying to convince people that I was going to be "Annie".

MCL: First role you had on stage?

SRZ: My first lead was Goldilocks (en Français) in second grade. Before that I appeared in some local commercials and in concerts and as the "child" or "daughter" in some community plays.

MCL: First role where you actually felt like you were an actress?

SRZ: The first time I truly felt like an actress was when I played Russian Sonia in SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGIES.

MCL: Who inspires you?

SRZ: Artistically- Matthew Clark, Bette Midler, Janis Joplin. Beyond-Anyone who isn't afraid to breakout of the mold, stand-up for what they believe in, speaks their mind and does what's right for society and the greater good.

MCL: Role you want to do but haven't had the chance?

SRZ: The Witch in Into the Woods.

MCL: How do you balance a busy home life and theater?SRZ:

SRZ: Only by the grace of my husband- seriously, he is my rock. He picks up the slack for me with my share of the kids and the housework when my rehearsal/performance schedule gets insane. He is my biggest fan and greatest support- even when he is overwhelmed by the extra responsibilities. I could not do it without him and I do not take that for granted.

MCL: Favorite role?

SRZ: Loren a Hickock from FIRST LADY SUITE. Really, I could have played her for the next 10 years! The Actress from HELLO AGAIN is a close second. Both are Michael John LaChiusa pieces. I just really enjoy the way that he writes: not only the music, but the way that he writes his female characters. So much thought goes into the characters' development and no lyric is written without intention. I miss both of those roles!

MCL: One you wish you would have tried for after seeing someone else do it on stage?

SRZ: I wish I had the guts to get completely naked. To let myself be that totally vulnerable without the self-criticism and doubt and plus-sized loathing creeping in.

MCL: You ever direct or want to?

SRZ: I have not directed, but I would really like to- one day soon!

MCL: Advice for anyone who wants to be on stage but has no idea where to start?

SRZ: Hone your skills through workshops, reading as many theatrical pieces as you can and through observing the world around you. Once you feel ready, start auditioning. Audition for everything you can- be confident!

MCL: What's your next show?

SRZ: I will be playing Vern in 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE in January and in February, I will be reprising (for the 4th time) the role of Sr. Robert Anne in NUNSENSE II- THE SECOND COMING.

MCL: What made you seek out that show?

SRZ: 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE was offered to me by a director/production company that I worked with last year for THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES. I couldn't be more excited! Lesbians, quiche, the 1950's and the threat of a Communist Soviet invasion!!! What more could a girl ask for?!?!

For more information about "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche":

http://www.artofwny.org/

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/901393

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