Debuting Artist: Nyssa Justis
Nyssa takes the stage for the very first time with OpenStage in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night!
Tell us about yourself! What training or other theatre experiences did you have before working on this show?
I just graduated with a BA in Musical Theatre Performance from Colorado State University and I cannot wait to start working all over! It has been a huge pleasure working with OpenStage. While I started performing when I was young and continued all through grade school, I found a love for directing in college. Working on Twelfth Night has been a wonderful way to continue developing my craft and learn more about the theater process from another angle.
What is something you spend your free time doing, outside of theatre?
I spend a lot of my time with my dog! Together, we love exploring the mountains and finding the best coffee shops in town! He loves his pup cups.
How did you hear about OpenStage? What compelled you to audition for this show?
As a student of theater at Colorado State University, it was important to me to know about the local theater companies so I could see shows and the local theater community. When OpenStage had auditions for this round of shows, I auditioned with the hope of starting to work in theater outside of the department at CSU — and I was so excited to be given the opportunity to work on Twelfth Night!
What has been your favorite part of rehearsals so far?
I have loved watching everyone’s clever bits and ideas! Everyone is so funny and creative — playing with all the different and funny ways we can put the show together has been so much fun!
What has been the most challenging aspect of rehearsals for this show?
Because Twelfth Night is Shakespeare, there is the natural challenge of understanding and using the language appropriately. It has been super fun watching everyone truly understand what they are saying so I can better understand what they are saying and hopefully, the audience will too!
What is your favorite character from the show (other than your own)? Why is that one your favorite?
I love Malvolio — Bryan has brought such a wonderful and funny interpretation of the character that is somehow endearing and also infuriating — it’s so fun to watch!
Why is Twelfth Night important? What do you hope audiences will get out of it?
I think sometimes serious theater artists forget how important it is to make art that is fun and a good time. I hope this show helps bring the larger community together to have a blast while watching a show that highlights how individual we all are and connects us to humans from centuries ago who enjoyed the same story.
What is your favorite line in the show?
“Is ‘t so saucy?” “Ay, is ‘t.” III.iv
What is your favorite role you’ve played in the past?
Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
What is your favorite play or musical?
Right now, I am really loving the whimsy and nostalgia of Finding Neverland.
What projects are you working on next?
I love working with kids and sharing theater with them, so I am excited to be working with Kids Do it All this summer!
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Debbie Swann
June 8–July 13, 2024
Playing in the Park at Columbine Health Systems
Come see Nyssa take the stage in “Twelfth Night” June 8- July 13!
In a rambunctious story of hidden identities and misplaced love, the witty, resourceful, and inventive Viola turns tragedy and loss into a life-changing experience for herself and everyone she touches. Shipwrecked in a strange new land, this charming woman proves to be equally charming disguised as a man as she manages to throw the collective romantic life of the island into further disarray. In a place where everyone is in love with someone, but no one is in love with the someone who loves them back, Viola may just be the soul to set them right. Full of humor and hijinks, Twelfth Night showcases a whirlwind of unbridled passion and embraces the insanity of love. Walk in, bike in, or drive in! Featuring nightly food trucks.
