Debuting Artist: Kiere Gilbertson
Kiere Gilbertson performs with OpenStage for the first time in Dracula
Please tell us bit about your background and how you got into theatre!
I’ve been passionate about the fine arts and involved in them in some way since I was very young. My official acting debut was in third grade, and I loved it. We were learning about Greek mythology and got to put on performances for our parents. I played Arachne in The Myth of Arachne and Athena. My mom later told me that some of the other parents said I was a good actor and should be on Days of Our Lives. I never forgot that, and we all still laugh about it.
What is your role in this show, and what excites you most about working on this particular production?
I play the maid and am part of the ensemble in Dracula. I’m most excited about the creepy, gothic atmosphere that the cast and crew have created together. Also, all the blood. It’s so much fun.
What has been a memorable part of the rehearsal process so far?
The most memorable part has been bringing Peter’s vision to life. During our first read-through, Peter told us to ignore all the stage directions because we were making this story our own. I love the passion and creativity in this production, and I love that we’re putting a unique spin on how we tell the story.
What has been the most fun or interesting part of bringing your characters to life?
I play multiple characters in the ensemble, and the most interesting part has been weaving them into the greater story to create an atmosphere that supports the principal actors. Everyone involved is so talented, and no matter my role, my goal is to support the rest of the cast so we can tell the best, most immersive story possible.
What is your favorite moment or scene in the show (without spoilers), and why does it stand out to you?
This is such a tough question! The scenes with Renfield really stand out to me. He’s such a playful, unhinged character, and I thoroughly enjoy the energy and chaos he brings to every scene he’s in.
If you could swap roles with any other character in this play for a day, who would it be and why?
It would absolutely be Count Dracula. He’s so monstrous, yet so sensual and clever. Playing villains is always fun, especially the supernatural variety.
What is your favorite play and/or musical, and why?
My favorite musical is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Stephen Sondheim is an incredible composer. While the story is very dark and gory (watch at your own risk!), it has a lot of humor woven in, and its themes are ones most people can relate to on some level. It’s such a brilliant musical.
Is there a dream role or type of production you hope to work on in the future?
Dracula was actually one of the productions on my dream list. I saw it for the first time when I was 13 and fell in love. I absolutely adore gothic literature, and I remember setting a goal to be in a theatrical production of Dracula someday. It happened, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Another production I would love to be part of is the musical Sweeney Todd. I’d love to get my hands on the role of Sweeney Todd again. I’d love to direct RENT someday. I’d love to sing Mozart’s Figaro once more.
What do you like to do in your free time (when you’re not working on theatre projects?)
I enjoy studying various topics in psychology (I’m currently applying to PhD programs), figure skating, screenwriting, and creating and participating in film projects.
Dracula
