February 1st, 2012 
Miss A got a chance to talk with actress Miriam Silverman who currently stars as Julia, a lady of Verona, in Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Lansburgh Theatre in DC. She is a graduate of Brown University. Ms. Silverman gave advice on being an actress, how she prepares for her roles, and what she loves about Washington, DC.
Miriam Silverman (Photo Credit: brown.edu)
How did you get this role?
I auditioned in New York where I live back in July. I got cast then. This is going to be my fifth show with the Shakespeare Theatre. I knew Michael (Kahn) and the theatre, but I didn’t know our director PJ before.
What drew you to this play?
I did a production of this many, many years ago when I was in school. It was a summer Shakespeare thing. We would go and perform it all over New England in parks, libraries, greens and places like that. It was a short summer fun like bring your families, pets and sit on the lawn and have a picnic. It was like a 90 minute version of the play. I really liked it. It was a paired down version. It always stuck in my mind as a light, fluffy play. When I heard about this production and the ideas for it, it seemed like a very cool opportunity to explore it and find out a lot more about this play and dig deeper into it. It is a real delight for anyone who likes Shakespeare. Some would argue it’s Shakespeare’s first play or others would say it is one of the earliest ones. It is just brimming with references and the seeds of what would then become his later plays. My character Julia in any given scene you can kind of find the beginning ideas for many of his later heroines. My first lines are almost exactly like the lines from Merchant of Venice with Portia and Nerissa. My second scene is with Proteus and he is leaving and I’m sad. It’s like Romeo and Juliet.
What do you like about coming to DC?
Oh I love DC! I am a native New Yorker. For the past three-four years I’ve been coming down to DC once a year for about 3 months. I’ve ended up at the Shakespeare Theatre, I did a show at the Arena Stage and the Folger. It’s a wonderful and exciting town because of all the politics and government and everything that is going on. There is a surprisingly wonderful artist community down here. Incredible theatre scene. I have many friends who live in DC and make a living as an actor full-time which you really can’t say about many other cities other than New York or LA. Every time I come down here, there is yet another new theater company that is doing really well and doing amazing work. It is an exciting community to be a part of.
How do you prepare for your roles?
Some people work for months in advance learning their text and others start just the week before (rehearsal). It varies. Usually in a rehearsal process you have the first week or two with your script in hand. The expectations to have the script completely memorized is not standard practice. It is not normal to expect people to know their lines when they come in on the first day. The process of getting to know the other actors that you are working with and the ideas that the director is bringing and the ideas that all the actors are bringing that always informs how the play is created and how your role is created. A danger sometimes of learning everything before you come in can make you less flexible about really being impacted by the choices and ideas being thrown at you. Part of being in a play is the joint collaborative energy, the stuff that happens in the room. I auditioned in July and we started rehearsing in early December. They also hadn’t cast all the roles. They didn’t cast some of the roles 2-3 weeks before we started rehearsal. Some people had to dive right into it. I like to read a lot about plays before I do them. There are always slight variations in the texts depending on what versions and editions. I usually read different texts. Why did they choose this word? You have to do your homework. You have to understand what you are saying. It is a creative process. The more ideas you bring, the more possibilities there are.
Why did you become an actress?
I always loved performing. I was a dancer from the age of 3. I took piano. I loved the arts in general. It was until my second week in college I auditioned for a production and got completely hooked. I knew I wanted to do it.
Off days what do you do?
Groceries. I am lucky as I have my hubby here as he is in the play. Love going to the museums here. Saw the MLK monument recently and that was amazing.
Favorite restaurants in DC?
We live near Eastern Market. I love, love Sonoma. Favorite wine bar. Downtown love Teaism and I get the bento box. Going to Founding Farmers soon and I can’t wait. I also enjoy Oyamel.
What are your dreams and goals?
I want a career as a theatre artist. To find a way to use theatre personally to have a social impact.
Advice for inspiring actors?
This may be controversial, but there is a lot of pressure to get advanced training. There is a problem in this country, the number of MFA programs.. there is never going to be enough work for those graduating. People are coming out with massive student loans. Don’t feel like you have to go to graduate school to do this. Just find whatever way you can to get the practical experience.
Go see Miriam in Two Gentlemen of Verona!
WHEN: Playing through March 4, 2012
WHERE:
Lansburgh Theatre
450 7th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
Ph. 202-547-1122
TICKETS:
BUY TICKETS FROM RECOUP: SAVE & DONATE TO CHARITY
A night out on the town is a luxury for D.C.’s young professionals–but it doesn’t have to be. Designed with young professionals in mind, the STC Young Prose Nights invite you to join other savvy theatregoers ages 21-35 for a fantastic performance and time to mingle. STC Young Prose Nights are fun, classical and financially friendly (usually $30 or under).
35 and under tickets available, click here: Wed, Feb 8 and Wed Feb 15
Great interview, Marlene!
Thank you Jennifer!! I love interviewing people. I learn so much!!