Meet the Two Actors Playing All 14 Roles in ‘Snow White’
Students in Theatre Arts Training’s Audition Workshop for Grades 6–8 Summer Camp asked Snow White actors, Joy Dolo and Dean Holt questions about the play, how they play so many characters, and what they are most looking forward to. Check out their answers below and also see photos from other productions these two dynamic actors have been in together!
“How can you play 14 characters with just two actors?” –Rohan
Dean Holt: “Great question! It’s really fun and takes a whole lot of imagination. The director of Snow White [Greg Banks] really enjoys taking big stories and telling them with as few people as possible, in this case two. It means Joy and I need to focus on the story and how we can tell it in the strongest way; if the storytelling is clear then the characters become clear because of that. We need to listen closely to one another, take on the physical and vocal trait of whichever character it is we are playing so that the story comes alive as vividly and clearly as if we had a cast of eight.”
Joy Dolo: “What I like to do is find something that is specific to the character. Are they really excited? Do they have a deep voice? Do they swing their arms a certain way when they walk? The character “quirks” are what make them distinctive and different. If you created a one man show, you could have as many characters as you want!”
“Why do the two actors want to be in a play like this?” — Izabel
Joy: “I want to be in this play because the story. I think the story of Snow White is about loss, loneliness, and friendship. It gives me hope that everyone watching the show will feel a sense of hope and a renewed investment in the people that care about them.”
“What is the most difficult part in the play to change characters? When do you have to move the quickest?” — Valentine
Dean: “For me, it is when I have to play all seven dwarves in one scene. It happens in an instant and requires me to be physically, vocally, and mentally present so that my choices are clear to me, to Joy, and to the audience.”
Joy: “I’m not sure yet, but I have a feeling it will be Dean playing all the dwarves.”
“Is it hard to change so quickly?” — Robin
Dean: “It is, but the hardest part is in rehearsal as you are working it out, discovering things and mapping exactly what you will do in the show. Once you open, it begins to get easier because it begins to feel more and more like second nature, that’s when it starts to get really fun!”
“What’s it like to portray so many characters in one scene?” — Vi
Joy: “It’s fun! I feel like I can tap into silly Joy, angry Joy, sad Joy… I get to use all parts of myself.”
“What’s your favorite character in Snow White?” — Adilynn
Joy: “Right now it’s between Stepmother and The Prince. Subject to change!”
Dean: “I think the character of the Huntsman is interesting because he really needs to struggle with the idea of what is the right thing to do. He has a daughter himself and I think that affects his decision to let Snow White flee into the woods. It makes me think of when I see situations on the news, in the world, or even in my day to day life and think what would I do, should I say something, should I help someone or am I too afraid to speak up.”
“What do the actors expect to gain out of the experience?” — Rohan
Dean: “I always look forward to that discovery and I don’t think you ever know what you will gain until you actually experience something. Any assumption I’ve made is usually wrong and I am always excited and delighted to discover new things about the show and myself as I am doing it. A show like this really requires you to be fully present in the moment, to know what the request is of the story, your fellow actor and the audience at any given moment. I know it will be fun, I’m looking forward to working with Joy again and I love the challenge of a show like this.”
— Article by Melissa Ferlaak
Don’t miss the virtuosic performance by Joy and Dean in Snow White, beginning September 29! Adventure awaits — get your tickets today!
