02/27/2020
Spotlight on Jessica Schnell who is playing the role of Elle in Legally Blonde. Jessica is a 2nd year Theatre Arts student graduating this spring. This is her last show with us so we wanted to get her thoughts about the program and some of her plans for the future.
You’re graduating from the Theatre Arts program this year. Looking back, what have been some of your most memorable experiences from the last 2 years?
The last two years have been some of the most memorable months of my life. It’s really an experience unlike anything else.. One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is just how important community is. It’s really special to see how much we’ve all grown, as performers of course, but also as people since entering the program two years ago. One of the most memorable moments I can recall is opening night of Pippin, which was the first mainstage show of our season in the fall. It was so exciting to feel the energy we were all sharing with each other on the stage of the Triffo for the first time with an audience. It felt like it was a long time coming for us to be able to come together and show everyone what we had been working towards together, not only in the rehearsal hall, but all of first year in vocal lab and movement, etc. The energy in the theatre was palpable and I felt so lucky to be sharing the stage with some of my best friends.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?
Each day our class spends upwards of twelve hours together in classes and rehearsals. With that kind of schedule it doesn’t take long to realize how important it is to be able to trust and lean on each other for support. At times it can be challenging to remember to find joy in the work we do, especially when the days start feeling hectic. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I try to take a moment to remember how lucky I am to not only be able to wake up each morning and spend the day doing something that fulfills me, but that I am constantly surrounded by supportive peers and generous instructors.
You’re playing Elle in Legally Blonde. How do you prepare for this role? In what ways do you connect with the character?
I feel extremely lucky to be telling Elle’s story on the stage of the Triffo this spring. Elle’s journey as a character is so inspiring and dynamic which means that it’s really important for me to be able to access extremes on both ends of the spectrum to accurately portray the changes that she undergoes emotionally and physically. Throughout the rehearsal process, one of the most important ideas I’ve been working on to give Elle the kind of inner life she demands, is using every choice hyperbolically.
I relate to Elle in so many ways, and I have looked up to her as a character for years. She is empathetic, sensitive and never stifles her impulses. She is always completely and apologetically herself, regardless of how she may be perceived. She always operates from a place of honesty, is trusting and makes friends wherever she goes. Elle is a woman who understands that vulnerability is strength and not weakness. She allows herself to be taken wherever her heart wants to go, and I hope she inspires you to live that way too.
Looking forward, what are some of your plans for the future?
Looking to the future, I hope to continue my experience in the theatre any way I can. I plan to pursue theatre in Edmonton and contribute to the art scene here in Alberta. I aspire to be as generous with others as my instructors and peers have been with me, and of course to keep learning! Beyond that, my future is pretty wide open, and I will go wherever theatre takes me, and as long as my heart is still in it, I know it will be the right place. I hope you make it out to see my classmates and I in this show, you won’t want to miss it!
