Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Video | Departmental Tour of Publicity
Friday, August 21, 2009
Behind the Scenes | Technical Staff/Intern Photos

The Williamstown Theatre Festival provides some of the best opportunities for theatre artists, technicians and administrators available in American theatre today.
By providing a vital and supportive atmosphere in which to experience the many challenges of working in the professional theatre industry, WTF offers students educational and career advancement opportunities seldom available elsewhere. WTF offers programs for young actors and directors, as well as opportunities for designers, technicians and administrators.
Training programs for young theatre professionals are a vital a part of WTF's mission. Many alumni maintain close relationships with WTF, and the Festival frequently offers them the chance to return and further hone their skills throughout their careers.














Monday, August 17, 2009
WTFaces | Emily Althaus, Apprentice
NAME: Emily Corinne Althaus.
DEPARTMENT: Workshop.
POSITION: Acting Apprentice.
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: This is my first year with WTF.
HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY.
JOB OUTSIDE WTF: ahh yes, this is normally the section where I would proudly write “student,” but a few weeks ago my institution let me graduate, and since “graduate” isn’t really a job…. I suppose that leaves me with the illustrious title of “Barista” (that’s a fancy way of saying I work for Starbucks.)
SCHOOL/TRAINING: I have a BFA (with an emphasis in Acting) from Western Kentucky University (I minored in American Sign Language for a bit…)
FAVORTIE PLAYWRIGHTS: I’ve always loved Marsha Norman’s work, Neil LaBute always makes me laugh, and as far as new playwrights are concerned I’m really in to Sean Taylor.
FAVORITE PLAYS: Proof. VIOLET. As Bees In Honey Drown.
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES:
1.Doodling. If I have a pen in my hand watch out, cause stuffs getting marked up J
2. I LOVE music: Listening, making, trading...if music is involved I am all about being a part of it.
3. Traveling is something else I really enjoy and would like to do more of.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT WTF?
Western has a pretty solid history of students coming through Williamstown. My freshman year in college I met Becky Ann Baker (a Western Alumn) at a Theatre and Dance reunion. She spoke so highly of the impact of Williamstown on her life that I had to check it out.
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST OR FAVORITE MEMORY OF WTF?
It’s hard for me to pin point just one. The friendships I’ve made here will by far be the best thing I leave with. I suppose some of those initial meetings have been pretty hilarious, memories I’ll probably never forget.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing what all of the various crews do here for the festival (a really beautiful part of being an apprentice). Daily I’m shuffled between shops and taught new skills, and I must say my table saw skills are coming along quite well.
I was recently cast in Torch Bearers, directed by Dylan Baker. I have an ensemble role in this HILLARIOUS play, but my absolute favorite part of this process is my role before the show opens.
WHAT ARE YOU MORE LOOKING FORWARD TO?
The rehearsal process. It’s such an amazing opportunity to watch people, who have been in the business professionally for some time now, work. I still can’t believe I’m aloud in the room some times. I can honestly say that I’m learning via observation every day.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
I have a one-way ticket to the festival. My plan is to move to NY at the seasons end and find an apartment. So begins a life of auditioning I suppose…
I aspire to perform.
Edward Albee truly believes that theatre is a mirror of society and that it has the power to change people. He’s said of his plays before, “If you come to the theatre and don’t like what you see, then change.” I want to be a part of the ting that makes people really examine life, and their part in the grand scheme of things. I aspire to make a difference. (Insert corny music)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
WTFaces | Isabella F. Byrd, Asst. Lighting Designer
NAME: Isabella F. Byrd.
DEPARTMENT: Lighting Department.
POSITION: Assistant Lighting Designer.
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: This is my 2nd season.
HOMETOWN: Houston, Texas.
JOB OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL: Freelance Designer, (recently graduated).
. SCHOOL/TRAINING: College Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati.
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Patrick Marber, Jose Rivera, (I’m always looking for new ones.)
FAVORITE PLAYS: New works!
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: Travel, Yoga, Art Museums, Cooking, Bargain shopping.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
Early in school and before WTF, I spent a summer interning at the Alley Theatre in Houston, assisting Lighting Designer Rui Rita, a long time WTF’er. We kept in touch, and then two summers later he recommended me for a drafting and assistant position here, within the Festival. Viola!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
All of the opening nights because they are the most rewarding moments in the season. It’s amazing to see everyone together to enjoy the shows we work so hard on.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
As the staff Assistant Lighting Designer, I am assigned to first assist the designers for the Nikos show Knickerbocker, and two of the Main Stage productions, True West, and The Torch Bearers. My responsibilities include being the main communication link and draftsmen between our freelance designers and the Festival. I am also the Lighting Designer for the Fellowship new Musical, Golden Gate.
The Lighting Department also puts huge emphasis on our Internship Program. As a staff member, I play a major role by teaching and mentoring our interns. This includes teaching them industry standard drafting programs, advising their Workshop designs, and helping them find their place as artist within the Festival.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO:
Freelancing in New York City and seeing as many shows as possible. I’m always seeking new inspiration in my work from all people, places, and experiences.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
To design and work with wonderful people. That isn’t too much to ask, right? I love new work and exploring new ideas inspired by my surroundings. Light is simply my chosen medium of expression. However I might find the next spark to my imagination, maybe walking down the street, visiting a museum, sharing an unexpected conversation… I want to find people who want to create experiences from these things with a fresh perspective. Theatre, dance, music, installation… whatever! Let’s make the most of it.
[photo] Sam Hough for WTF ’09
[pictured] Isbella F. Byrd
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
WTFaces | Robert Keller, Apprentice
NAME: Robert Keller.
DEPARTMENT: Workshop.
POSITION: Apprentice.
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: 1.
HOMETOWN: Montreal, Canada (but living in New York, NY since 2001).
JOB OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL: Former attorney (practiced law full time from 2001 to 2008, including litigation, securities regulation, and corporate governance).
SCHOOL/TRAINING: About to enter second year of the two-year Conservatory program at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York.
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Noel Coward, Stephen Adley Guirgis, Richard Greenberg, Douglas Carter Beane, Charles Busch.
FAVORITE PLAYS: Blithe Spirit, Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, Orange Flower Water, Three Days of Rain, As Bees in Honey Drown, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: Cooking, working out, listening to music (R&B, Pop, Jazz, sometimes even Classical), listening to NPR, going to the movies, wine tasting, going to the beach, and travel (when I can afford it again!).
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
In the spring of 2007, an actor friend of mine, Jeannie Cole, whom I met while working on a TV show in Canada (The Second City’s Next Comedy Legend), recommended the Festival to me, saying that she had been an apprentice in 1999 and that it had been the time of her life. In addition, more recently, one of my acting teachers at the Atlantic (Cynthia Silver) encouraged me to apply.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
Walking out for the first time onto the Main Stage to portray Pokey, the character in A.R. Gurney’s play Children, who emerges from backstage at the very end of the show and stands behind a screen door silently for about six minutes while his mother (played by Judith Light) delivers a very moving monologue about the disappointments in her life.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
- Performing as a private eye in Film Noir (a parody of the old noir films from the 1930’s and 40’s) with my fellow apprentice, Claire Siebers; we are being directed by a fabulous Director Intern, Krista D’Agostino.
- Lighting for the Main Stage.
- Running lines with Equity actors Brooks Ashmanskas and Susan Pourfar from the cast of Knickerbocker.
- Performing in Children as Pokey (with Judith Light).
- Helping to draft a proposal for a short play for Apprentice Night, in which I would perform with fellow apprentices Georgia X. Lifsher and LaToya Lewis, directed by Ariana Seigel.
- Picking up cigarette butts near the Greylock building with Hillary A. Sexton. (No apprenticeship is complete without it! And Hilary is a riot.)
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Apprentice Night, the Cabaret show, and performing Film Noir in the Directors’ Studio.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
My immediate goals (for the next year) are three-fold: (1) to continue pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and deepening my craft by taking full advantage of the classes I will have in the upcoming school year (including a Shakespeare class); (2) to expand The Manhattan Comedy Project, a live stand-up comedy show that I will be producing and hosting for the first time in Montreal in August, by bringing it to other cities, such as Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, Washington D.C., and Chicago; and (3) to secure representation with a commercial agent either in the U.S. or Canada, or both, if possible. My medium-term goals (1 to 3 years) are to perform Off Broadway and in television commercials. My long term goals include working on Broadway and in film and television in L.A., especially in comedic work (such as situation comedies and romantic comedies). I would also like to explore the world of voice-over work, especially for radio and television commercials, animation, and dubbing (since I am fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian).
Saturday, August 1, 2009
WTFaces | Ariana Seigel, Apprentice
NAME: Ariana Seigel
DEPARTMENT: Workshop
POSITION: Apprentice
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: First
HOMETOWN: NYC
JOB OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL: Comedy Writer/Bartender
SCHOOL/TRAINING: BFA NYU Tisch
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: A. R. Gurney, Itamar Moses
FAVORITE PLAYS: Sylvia, [Title-of-Show]
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: stilting, dancing around my apartment, eating bagels, enjoying the mariachi bands on the subway
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
Through a show I did in NYC with WTF alumni.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
Jumping off a cliff into a freezing cold lake.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
Hanging Lights/holding things while other people hang lights, attending awesome master classes, doing shows! Right now I’m working with some fantastic peeps (Johanna McKeon, Sam Foreman, and Kris Kukul) on SHMOOZY TOGETHERNESS, WTF’s Free Theatre Show. Check out the Cabaret as well, I’ll be singin’ back-up, yo.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Meeting fellow artists that inspire/excite me. Being back at summer theatre camp. Water Holes. Lickety-Split’s “Purple Cow.” Try it.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
Continuing to create funny, new work with a company of great people. And eventually making a living from it!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
WTFaces | Rachel Welt, Company Management Intern

Wednesday, July 22, 2009
WTFaces | Tommy Crawford, Apprentice

NAME: Tommy Crawford.
DEPARTMENT: Workshop.
POSITION: Apprentice.
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: First.
HOMETOWN: Montclair, NJ.
SCHOOL/TRAINING: Just graduated this past spring from Yale University, BA in Theater Studies.
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Brian Friel, Eugene O’Neill, Arthur Miller, Sarah Ruhl, Anton Chekhov, Thornton Wilder
FAVORITE PLAYS: The Real Thing, Our Town, Faith Healer, Death of a Salesman, The Seagull, August: Osage County
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: I love to play and watch tennis and baseball, I’m a huge Yankees fan, I like to draw and paint, especially cartoons, and illustrate my own stories; I like to write, cook, and I’ve done a good deal of farming in Connecticut and in France and really love working on farms and cooking with just-picked ingredients. I also sang in an a cappella group at Yale (Redhot & Blue), and love to sing.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
I think I had heard of Williamstown a long long time ago, it’s reputation preceded it, but it was really brought to my attention as something I should do by a Master’s Tea at Yale this past winter. An up-and-coming director and Yale grad, Henry Wishcamper, gave a talk where he spoke of how awesome Williamstown is and how, though he never did it, many of his acting and directing friends had, and that it’s a great thing to do right out of college. So I applied and got in.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
It’s tough to choose. After being here like a week, it felt like I had been here for months and months. I think that’s a factor of there being just so much to do, and because I met so many people in such a short amount of time. Maybe one of my favorite moments was discovering a swimming hole beneath a cemetery (creepy, right? It’s like the River Styx) in a nearby town after driving around with a bunch of friends. We actually went to “swimmingholes.org” to search for it. It’s not a joke. We were like “How are we gonna find a swimming hole?” “Let’s go to swimmingholes.org.” And there actually was one. Anyway, this place was great, and I leapt off a 30-foot rock into freezing cold water. Fun.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
As apprentices, we basically carry responsibilities spanning all aspects of theatre production on the Main Stage. We help at the carpentry shop, we help focus lights, we help on run crews, we help with costumes, etc. etc. It’s a pretty awesome learning experience. I’m hoping to add things like welding and carpentry to my list of man-skills. Also, some of us can get cast in the Main Stage in small roles, and sometimes we help famous actors run lines. I’m in the world premiere of Noah Haidle’s What Is the Cause of Thunder? which stars Wendie Malick and Betty Gilpin. The other day I ran lines with Nate Corddry and Paul Sparks of True West. At the same time, there are numerous projects going on in the other theaters on the Williams campus. Right now, I’m in Tracy Francis’s (one of the directing intern’s) project, a short Beckett play, Rough For Theatre I. I’m also in the process of putting together a proposal to direct a short play for the evening of apprentice plays later in July.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I’m really excited to work on What Is the Cause of Thunder? The cast is amazing, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
I’m moving to New York in the fall when I get back from Williamstown. My future goals are to become a working actor in New York. I also want to start doing films. I think eventually, I might want to become part owner of a small organic farm; and if that farm can in any way can be related to theatre, that would be a dream. At school, I worked with a bunch of actors and friends, and we essentially had an ensemble. Starting an ensemble theatre company with my friends is also something I would love to do in the near future.
[photo] ©SAM HOUGH for WTF 2009
[pictured] Tommy Crawford
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
WTFaces | Megan Perry, Asst. Costume Shop Mgr.
NAME: Megan Perry.
DEPARTMENT: Costumes.
POSITION: Assistant Costume Shop Manager.
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: First Season.
HOMETOWN: Roscommon, Mich.
JOB OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL: Costume Shop Manager, Merrimack Repertory Theatre
SCHOOL/TRAINING: Northern Michigan University
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Oscar Wilde, David Lindsay-Abaire, Christopher Durang
FAVORITE PLAYS: Duck Variations, Pippi Longstocking, Les Miserables, The Fantasticks, Moon for the Misbegotten.
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: Reading, Writing, Crafting, Singing, Long walks on the beach, playing with my kitty
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
My Production manager at MRT told me I should. So I applied and Spencer [Costume Shop Manager] hired me! Very cool.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
Winning my first game of scrabble and chillin with the carpenters in the rain for four hours.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
The main thing I am working on this summer is assisting the costume manager. I work on every single show where I can, stitching, crafting, wig maintenance, doling out duties, and inputting all budgets.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Watching how The Torch-Bearers unfolds in the process. We have a lot of work to do on our biggest show, and I am incredibly impressed with the work put out by the people in this shop already. It will be fantastic to see once the process is completed.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
Many things, but as of now I love costume shop management so I do want to continue to work in that area.
Friday, July 17, 2009
WTFaces | Julia & Kayla, Publicity Interns
NAME: Julia Isenberg (left) and Kayla Shriner-Cahn (right)
DEPARTMENT: Duplicity Publicity
POSITION: Interns
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: 1st yr
HOMETOWN: NYC and Wallingford, Conn.
JOB OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL: please hire us (no, seriously)
SCHOOL/TRAINING: Kayla—Binghamton University B.A. in theatre, directing concentration
Julia—Mount Holyoke B.A. in theatre, directing concentration and art history
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Ionesco, Lorca, Tony Kushner, Anton Chekhov, Wendy Wasserstein, Suzan Lori-Parks
FAVORITE PLAYS: Angels in America, Fuddy Mears, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Seagull, As Five Years Pass, The Homecoming, Jack, or The Submission
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: There are other activities besides theatre?
FAVORITE DRINKS: sour apple martini, gin and tonic, Guinness :)
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
Jane [PR & Marketing Manager] chose us. Jane has spoken. Let it be so.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
Sitting here with Julia typing this right now
For Julia, its when we coached her through making her first omelets
And Amy’s birthday
And when we met the bunny that lives on the Nikos backstage
And bar tending at the Cabarets
And breakfast at the Blue Benn
And …
And…
And…
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
- Coordinating press seats
- Greet the press
- Arrange photo ops
- The liaison between the Festival and the community
- Coordinating advertising with local papers, radio stations, and public television channels
- Archiving reviews, advertisements, and features
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Seeing all the new work on the Nikos Stage. We also love meeting new people and learning from all the talented professionals that work here.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
Julia wants to found a non-profit organization called Arts for Appalachia that seeks to bring arts education to disadvantaged communities. Until then, she plans to continue working in the education and arts community. She also wants to continue to create her own works and travel.
Kayla would like to work in the artistic department of a non-profit theatre company, where she can support emerging artists. She also plans to direct plays.
Both plan to stay friends, make mean martinis, and take New York City by storm.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
WTFaces | Matt Bovee, Apprentice

NAME: Matt Bovee
DEPARTMENT: Workshop
POSITION: Apprentice
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: First!
HOMETOWN: Pacifica, CA
JOB OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL: Senior Campus Tour Guide @ UC San Diego
SCHOOL/TRAINING: entering my 4th year as a double major in Theatre and Dance at UC San Diego
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Steven Gurguis, Wendy Wasserstein, Billy Shakespeare
FAVORITE PLAYS: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Twelfth Night, The Heidi Chronicles, to name a few
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: I’m not sure I understand what you mean…do singing and dancing count?
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
I had a couple friends do it a couple years back who mentioned its awesomeness. One of my favorite teachers also encouraged me to apply, and must have written me a really good recommendation letter, seeing as how I’m here.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
Working on a kids musical [Schmoozy Togetherness] has been amazing. I’m really great at cheesy.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
As an Apprentice we do everything from building sets to hanging lights to reading lines for the Main Stage actors at their rehearsals… we are the everyman. When I’ve not been bravely scaling the Main Stage lighting grid, crescent wrench in hand, I’ve been in rehearsals for the free theatre musical Schmoozy Togetherness which is a total blast. I’m also going to be working on the first cabaret, which is pretty exciting. This weekend a few friends and I are also going sing some barbershop in the local street fair. Keeping busy for sure.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Making new lifelong friends! (Yeah, I’m that cheesy.)
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
I would like to act in as many types of venues and capacities as I can for the rest of my life, without starving or living in a cardboard box. When I’m old and really grumpy and awesome, I think I’d like to teach high school theatre.
[photo] Sam Hough for © WTF ’09 [pictured] Matt Bovee
Saturday, July 11, 2009
WTFaces | Reed Wilkerson, Apprentice Coordinator

NAME: Reed Wilkerson
DEPARTMENT: Workshop
POSITION: Apprentice Coordinator!
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: 2
HOMETOWN: Fort Worth, Texas
SCHOOL/TRAINING: Studied Theatre Management at the University of Evansville
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Dion Boucicault, Horton Foote, and Jim Leonard Jr.
FAVORITE PLAYS: Broke-ology by Nathan Louis Jackson, August: Osage County by Tracy Letts and The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: Sports, hanging out with my friends and family
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
Last year my good friend Emily Kent was looking for an assistant to help her run the Apprentice program and brought me along with her.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
My favorite memory of Williamstown is when we close the office for the morning and go to the Blue Ben for brunch. I also really enjoy opening nights because it’s a time to celebrate all of the hard work we put into a production.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
I am responsible for scheduling the Apprentice Company for festival rehearsals, run crews, special events and work calls. I also schedule all of the Apprentices’ daily and master classes and serve as a liaison between the Apprentices and the other festival staff. I also help House Manage all of the Workshop shows and coordinate Kids’ Day.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I am looking forward to seeing all the Workshop shows. The late night shows are a really fun way of seeing new and exciting theatre.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
I aspire to one day be the General Manger of a large not for profit regional theatre.
[photo] Sam Hough for WTF ’09 [pictured] Reed Wilkerson

