ATC 1-on-1: Student Eloise Lushina on her role in Writers Theatre’s new production of “Trevor: the musical”

Going from graduating middle school to starring in a groundbreaking new musical isn’t typical for every 14-year old, but only par-for-the-course for young actress Eloise Lushina, currently starring in Writers Theatre’s original production of “Trevor: the musical” opening tomorrow, August 9th.
Lushina is hardly a stranger to balancing teenage normalcy with the expectations of the industry. Before working with Dan Collins’s “Trevor” — directed by Marc Bruni, Eloise appeared on screen in films like thrillers, Happy Snow Day, Franny and Break My Bones, as well as onstage in Paramount Theatre’s “Mary Poppins” as Jane Banks and “A Christmas Story” as Mary Beth. In “Trevor”, Lushina takes on a role quite different from herself in the mean, popular girl, Mary.
“Trevor,” a musical based on the 1994 Academy Award winning short film, focuses on a young boy of thirteen who after being outed by one of his classmates, is confronted with the complications that come with adolescence identity and independence — all with a song in his heart.
The original film, which inspired The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization focused on saving young LGBTQ lives, transcends its original medium — projecting the realism of this turbulent time onto the stage, a time of life Lushina believes “Trevor” accurately captures in relaying what it means to be a young teenager in today’s world. But how does a soon-to-be high school freshman approach such a powerful and important piece? According to Eloise, it’s all about the preparation.
ATC: Can you talk a little bit on the audition process for “Trevor”? Was it a typical musical theatre audition process?
Eloise: I auditioned for the workshop before the actual musical — four times! I was put on hold after the dance call but still had to come back two more times to prove I was right for the part. After the workshop presentation, I got a call from the casting director offering me the role of Mary in the actual musical — I was ecstatic! I worked so hard and was relieved that I was chosen to be part of this wonderful new musical.
ATC: What goes into preparing for an audition for a show — even a workshopped production — like this?
Eloise: To prepare for my audition (or any audition) I always do a ton of research online to get as familiar with the project as possible. I read the script twice and watched the Oscar-winning short film “Trevor” which inspired this musical. Then I worked with Actors Training Center’s Music Director, Adam Goldstein, on a 32-bar cut of the song and a song of my choice.
Adam always emphasizes that you have to think of a story that resonates with your character so you have a place to start — a beginning, a middle, and an end. You can’t just sing a song; you have to act the song.

ATC: What techniques from your training, if any, did you incorporate character work?
Eloise: I am nothing like my character, so I’ve learned that you have to create a character backstory, asking questions to help fully embody the character: “Why is she the way she is? What is her relationship with her family? Are her parents married or divorced? When she comes home from school is anyone ever there? Is she in any sports or clubs?”
The more details I can fill in, the more choices I can make in every scene. I take the time to fill out a character profile and her story in my acting journal.
ATC: What was your biggest challenge of the production? What came the easiest for you?
Eloise: I’ve been fortunate to be cast in other large musical productions around Chicago so my experience and training has well-prepared me to work with the Tony-Award winning Broadway director, Marc Bruni.
This score is so beautiful and the songs are catchy, but there are many harmonies so it was initially challenging singing the alto notes standing right next to a soprano or a bass. But, after rehearsing all day I come home and practice over and over again so I’m technically proficient.
ATC: What was it like working with your cast members? Was it nice to have someone from ATC in the cast?
Eloise: I’m always anxious to learn who is cast in a show because they’ll become my colleagues over the next few months and together, we share in this incredible experience together, becoming great friends.
Reilly Oh, another ATC student, was cast as Jason and plays my boyfriend. We’ve been lucky enough to have worked together in “Legally Blonde”, “Bonnie & Clyde”, as well as both taking ATC classes. Our characters share a somewhat intimate scene together and because we’re friends, it wasn’t awkward or embarrassing for me. I’m able to concentrate on my character and my acting rather than fixating about what we’re doing or about to do in the scene.

ATC: What drew you to the story in “Trevor”? How do you relate to it?
Eloise: When I first read the script, I was automatically hooked, and I knew that I had to be a part of it. This story takes place in my favorite decade ever — the ‘80s. If I could go back and live in any decade I would want to live in the ‘80s because I love the fashion and the music. But, as a recent middle school graduate, this story resonates with me because it’s incredibly realistic. Every day, kids like me are always questioning who we are and where we fit in. How do we behave and treat others especially if we’re under the influence of our peers?
ATC: Having worked other musical theatre productions, what do you think makes “Trevor” such an important musical in today’s musical theater canon?
Eloise: The timeliness of this story. It’s a musical that focuses on a younger generation dealing with the confusion of adolescence, friendships, peer pressure, and sexuality. It’s told in a very real way.
ATC: What is one thing you hope audiences take away from “Trevor”?
Eloise: I’m confident that anyone who experiences “Trevor” will be able to relate to one of the characters and their story. There are jocks, geeks, popular and mean kids, and those that don’t know where they fit in; it’s incredibly truthful. It’s an emotional roller coaster with catchy music. You will be able to carry “Trevor’s” story with you long after you’ve left the theatre.

“Trevor: the musical” opens this Wednesday, August 9 & runs through September 17, 2017. Tickets online NOW at www.writerstheatre.org.
For more information about Eloise or ATC classes & workshops, visit:
www.actorstrainingcenter.org.
Article & interview by Rae Lindenberg
