July 25, 2018
2018 Institute: Meet the Players: Ariella Wolfe
This summer we traveled to the other side of the country to make a new play called, The Cardinal with and about the people of Queens New York, the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world. The production is part of Cornerstone’s Institute Summer Residency, which has brought together thirteen participants (“the players”) from across the United States and Canada to live, learn, and create together. In one month’s time, and working alongside Cornerstone staff, Ensemble and community members, these creative souls are learning Cornerstone’s process for creating community-engaged theater. By participating in classes, workshops, and taking part in every aspect of the play-making process from casting, auditions, rehearsals, costume/design build, and acting. This blog series is an opportunity for you to “Meet the Players”!
Ariella Wolfe AKA Assistant Stage Manager
A little about Ariella
“Hi, I’m Ariella, Northern California born-and-raised (but currently based in Los Angeles). I have loved performing in musicals and playing music since I was a little kid, but my experiences directing, stage managing and working in community and Applied Theatre spaces have really helped shape who I am. I graduated from the University of Oregon (Theatre major, Psychology & Spanish minors) in 2015 after also studying abroad in Buenos Aires and then spent a year in the fellowship program at A.C.T. in San Francisco. I am passionate about social justice, and you can usually find me eating yummy food, reading (plays), singing, or spending time in nature.”
What inspired you to join Cornerstone’s Institute Summer Residency this year?
“I want to build a career that incorporates community-based theatre practice and collaborations, and joining this program felt like an important step for me in figuring out what that might look like for me. I had attended a Cornerstone 2-Day Intensive in October 2016 and wanted to come back for more training after working for a while in a mostly administrative position at The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company in Los Angeles.”
What has been your favorite moment thus far?
“My favorite moment was the experience of leading the vocal music callbacks and guiding our auditioners through some vocal exercises and songs, while also getting to know each other.”
What do you hope to learn from your experience this summer?
“I am hoping to learn about how Cornerstone’s community-based theatre functions in practice, since I’ve done similar work in other contexts and would like to get a sense of their similarities and differences and what seems to be effective practices to use in future projects. I also want to learn ways for me to be more effective as a collaborator, a partner, and as a facilitator.”
Complete this sentence. Queens is….
“a home that cannot be defined by a single narrative.”
Why do you think people should come and see the play?
“The play will take you on a journey that will probably make you laugh, and it might even make you cry. But most importantly, coming to see the play is a chance to connect with community in a new way to witness a story that uniquely weaves together the voices, hopes, and experiences of people right here in Queens.”
The Cardinal performs August 10 & 11th. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets today!
“…and you can usually find me eating yummy food.”
Exploring Queens, and eating more yummy food.
