Alumni Spotlight: Mason Hawkes stars in A Year With Frog and Toad!
“Children’s theater is such an integral part of my journey and the journey of young children anywhere.”
Mason is a young creative local to Maine. They enjoy storytelling through music, designing their custom fashion line, writing, and are currently producing and directing a short film this spring! More than anything, Mason enjoys telling wholesome stories like A Year With Frog and Toad, which teaches us the importance of love and honesty. Years ago, Mason acted at the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine at Free Street, in productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2015), Shakespeare’s Stories (2015), The Witches (2015), and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (2016). They are so happy to be able to continue the blessing of sharing theater with children of all ages!
How does it feel to be back with the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine and working in Maddy’s Theatre?
It honestly feels surreal! The journey from where I was as a young child acting back on Free Street compared to now, in the gorgeous new space is honestly humbling. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to continue to honor my appreciation and respect for this program as an adult now as well!
Mason as Charlie Brown with Jin Defilippis (Linus) and Oliver Hettenbach (Snoopy) in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (2016) at 142 Free Street
“The friends I made in my early years of acting have been some of my longest friends to this day and as my return to children’s theater implies, the mentors you meet and the theaters you work with will always have a special place in your heart.”
What does children’s theatre mean to you? Do you have any advice for the next generation of theatre makers?
Children's theater is such an integral part of my journey and the journey of young children anywhere. Since ancient Greece, the theater has been a place for thespians to tell important stories that translate to an audience better than any book could. In today's world I find it really crucial that we share beautiful and meaningful stories with young children. Often we think that the media we show our really young children will not be remembered in their late years, but I can distinctly remember the first show I watched as a child and the way theater made me feel. As a young actor at the museum myself I can attest to the importance of children performing and participating in theater as well. Having worked in child care during the pandemic I began to understand that young kids these days are more perceptive of the world than we think they are. They have important stories too and theater is such a healthy and fun way to help and share those emotions.
Theater is important but it is also meant to be fun. The friends I made in my early years of acting have been some of my longest friends to this day and as my return to children's theater implies, the mentors you meet and the theaters you work with will always have a special place in your heart. Always lift your castmates up. As you share the stage with other actors, there may be a temptation to steal the spotlight; remember that as you share the stage with others, they will share it back. Lastly, start memorizing lines way before you think you need to! As many actors can attest, even as you get older, memorization can be a challenge. The sooner you start memorizing, the easier it will be and it will give you the space to play, fine tune your performance, and it will probably make your director a bit happier!
Mason as MacBeth with Leah Anton, Iris Weidner, and Nolan Chastain as the Witches in MacBeth, part of Shakespeare’s Stories summer 2015 series at 142 Free Street
Something I often struggle with as a creative is pushing myself to have a "thing": a single art form that I master better than the others and focus on the most. However, I would urge everyone to explore new art forms as often as you can! You do not need to be incredible at one thing to be an artist. Sure Van Gough and Shakespear found thier "thing" and were renowned for it, but the lifestyle of being a tortured artist is not as glamorous as it appears. Explore new things and tell your stories in whatever art from speaks to you. The world will never run out of good stories, so don't trap yourself in one creative rut. Your story is important no matter how you tell it.
“I would urge everyone to explore new art forms as often as you can! You do not need to be incredible at one thing to be an artist... Your story is important no matter how you tell it.”
Why is A Year with Frog and Toad an important story to tell in Maddy’s Theatre?
This story is really important to share with children specifically, because this story teaches us how to be good friends. It also helps us understand that being someone’s friend is not always easy, but if we are honest and know when to apologize, even better days are ahead of us. This show teaches us about fears, misunderstandings, and change. Change is scary, but it's the friends around us that keep us strong.
Mason as Frog and Nathan Lapointe as Toad in A Year With Frog and Toad
Production Photo by Katie Day
Tell us about your character in A Year with Frog and Toad!
Where to begin! Frog is a kind, reserved, observant amphibian who is, more than anything, a wonderful friend. He is great at seeing the strengths and weaknesses in others and helps his friends feel needed and appreciated. He does have a quirky sense of humor and occasionally likes to play a lighthearted prank on Toad, but always to coax him out of his comfort zone. Frog enjoys spending time with his best friend Toad, who is energetic, anxious, fast-paced, and who entertains Frog to no end. Frog is a very good listener but can also tell his fair share of stories.
Mason as Toad in A Year With Frog and Toad at Carnaval ME (February 2022)
Event Photo by Kat Moraros Photography
A Year with Frog and Toad is the first Traveling Show from Maddy’s Theatre. Can you tell us about the process of bringing a play to life that will also be traveling to other locations?
At first the process seemed daunting. As time has gone on, the fact that we are able to share this story not only with the children joining us in Maddy’s Theatre, but also the more general public is exciting. As actors, knowing this show would be performed in multiple locations, we put our focus on the story and developing strong characters that we can perform on any stage.
A Year With Frog and Toad runs in Maddy’s Theatre through March 20. Click Here to meet the rest of the production team.
This production is available to tour to Maine schools, cultural centers, or festivals through June of 2022. For more information about Traveling Shows or to submit an inquiry for A Year With Frog and Toad to visit you, please visit our Traveling Shows Webpage.
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD - TYA is presented with special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com