The Little Theatre of Alexandria

  Tell us a little about yourself: Hello! My name is John Paul Odle, I’ve worked with LTA since 2017 and since then I’ve been performing rather regularly. I have a theater degree from Providence College, as well as a few acting credits from Catholic University. Since starting at LTA I’ve been in just under a dozen different productions around the DMV area, from Aldersgate Community Theater to the newly founded NoVa Nightsky Theater in Falls Church. In addition I made a bit of a reputation for being a reliable stagehand in college, so I know my way around a lightboard, soundboard, and just about every wheel, pulley and rope in a theater. Among other things, I’ve been made a fight captain and fight choreographer. How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on? Aside from having to learn a British accent? Quite a bit actually. I always told myself that I would save villainous roles for a later date, when I feel more adept at performing, and yet in the first act, al...

What do you find appealing about your character and this show? Celia is passionate about learning. She defies societal expectations about how and what a woman should be. She desires to be educated above all. I really appreciate how each young woman is different and yet they all desire an education. What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Celia? As a cast, the Blue Stockings actors have explored how change happens in a society. We’ve asked ourselves, what does my character think about the issue of women’s education? I’ve become more aware of how fortunate I am to have access to education and greater equality than the women in this show. I am also aware that this access and equality is not yet available to everyone and in this day I have a role to play in continuing the work of those who went before me. What do you want the audience to experience/take away from this show? I would love for the audience to hear the many different view points and attitudes peop...

Tell us a little about yourself. I’m originally from North Carolina, so this show really hits home (literally)! I work in Bilingual Education in DC and dance with Capitol Movement’s contemporary company. Outside of work/rehearsal, I love all things fitness, and exploring new neighborhoods! Why did you audition for Bright Star? I auditioned for Bright Star to tap into the DMV theatre community, improve at something that I love, and really enjoy being a part of such a hopeful show after the past two years. What do you enjoy most about your role? I love getting to make discoveries as I do the work to construct my own character. That’s one of my favorite parts of being in the ensemble! Of course, I also love working alongside such passionate, dedicated cast members. What have you learned from working on this production? A TON! Mostly, I have loved learning from my fellow cast members and production staff members. Everyone has such unique experiences and insights to provide. It’s been a ve...

Why did you audition for Bright Star? I’ve been meaning to get involved in the local theatre scene ever since I got to DC in 2016, but never quite got around to it. When my friend and coworker Leah Wong sent me the audition announcement, I figured trying out would be a great way to dip my toes back in—and then it worked out great for both of us! What do you enjoy most about your role? I’ve loved just getting back into the swing of things—having music to learn and choreography to practice and an audience in front of which to perform. Plus, it’s been amazing getting to know such a fun and talented cast of new friends, especially after these past two years of having very few opportunities to do so. What have you learned from working on this production? I’ve learned that I should have done this years ago! I always worried that I wouldn’t be able to balance work and a show, and while it’s definitely been challenging, I couldn’t be happier that I decided to take the leap. How long have you b...

  Tell us a little about yourself. I've been singing along and being in musicals ever since my parents took me to see Julie Andrews in Sound of Music (date unspecified!). Throughout the years, I've been in community productions, choral groups, bands, and even had a stint as a paid wedding singer. I've loved being in two recent plays at LTA in 2019 — Fox on the Fairway, and The Haunting of Hill House — but Bright Star is my first LTA musical. What have you learned from working on this production? The best things about being in Bright Star are: 1) the lively music itself is so wonderful, and relatable, to an audience and 2) our great cast and crew and the fun we've had working together during this incredibly uncertain pandemic time. Of course, we always protect each other, wearing masks and being careful, but the best part is the spirit with which we sing and dance and work together. I've learned through Bright Star that you can't beat the combination of a great t...

What do you enjoy most about your role? So far, my favorite part about my role has been my scenes with Maura (Alice). As I write this, we’re not yet rehearsing on the stage, but even in a classroom with a script in her hand she’s already such a force. I really enjoy the relationship between our characters and I’m excited to continue to explore that with her and to get these scenes under the lights! What have you learned from working on this production? I’ve learned how much I’ve missed being a part of a theatre community. After almost two years, this production has been such a breath of fresh air in my life, and I can’t express enough how thankful I am for everyone that’s worked so hard to make it happen. How long have you been acting and what made you get involved in theatre? My first production was Ire David Wood III’s A Christmas Carol (an annual production in Raleigh, NC that’s still running!) when I was six years old. I liked to sing as a kid, so a family friend recommended to ...