Meet Maddy's Theatre Intern: Alyssa Pearl Ross!
“I’m excited for children to come to Maddy’s Theatre and feel connected, accepted and inspired!”
Alyssa in The Marvelous Meep Island Adventures with USM
Production Photo by @frenchphotography
Alyssa is currently a senior pursuing her Bachelor’s of Art at the University of Southern Maine (USM), studying Theatre Performance and Dance. She spent most of her childhood being a part of the Slightly-off Centered Players performing in children’s musicals in Central Maine. Alongside performing, Alyssa helps out in the community and the University where she was previously the Co-director of a Youth Drama Camp; worked in the Diversity Center; and is an Orientation Leader for upcoming students. Some of her past works with USM include The Marvelous Meep Island Adventures, For Colored Girls, The Woman who Mapped the Stars and Almost, Maine.
You’re Maddy’s Theatre’s first intern! Can you tell us a little bit about what your internship entails?
Here at Maddy’s Theatre, I have the pleasure and opportunity of working with three mentors, focusing on Technical Theatre with Technical Theatre Coordinator Emily Dixon, Marketing with Theatre Company Coordinator Allison McCall, and Season Selection and audience engagement with Theatre Artistic Director Reba Askari. I’m at Maddy’s Theatre a couple days a week where my time is partially spent in meetings, but I spend most of my time learning how to create a safe, fun, educational place for children and families to come and see art. Every week is something new, and things are always changing, especially as we continue to navigate the pandemic. Sometimes I’m building sets, or I spend all day reading plays and figuring out which productions are the right fit for Maddy’s Theatre’s next season. I even sat in during Crew Workshops, where Emily teaches children all the tech aspects of theatre.
Alyssa with Theatre Technical Coordinator Emily Dixon, reviewing the tech booth in a Crew Workshop
By attending the workshop I learned how to run a light and sound board and how to tie some specific knots for rigging or lights. I used that knowledge in my Lighting Practicum at USM and I eventually got to do some advanced work with my professor because of the previous skills I learned here at CMTM. At the start of my internship, I actually stepped in as an understudy on Crisscrossing the Galaxy and I provided some voice over for the spring production of Dragons Love Tacos. Working here, I get to experience bits and pieces of what it’s like running a professional children's theatre.
Alyssa working in the CMTM shop on the set for A Year With Frog and Toad
What are you most looking forward to during your semester with Maddy’s Theatre?
I am so thrilled to choose and share the productions selected for the upcoming theatre season! We could tell countless stories here at Maddy’s Theatre, but we want to know: What does the community need right now? What are some important lessons we could tell through theatre that could benefit young audiences? Are these shows inclusive and diverse, so everyone watching feels at home? I’m excited for children to come to Maddy’s Theatre and feel connected, accepted and inspired!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background in theatre? When did you first get involved, what have been some favorite productions or memories, etc?
Theatre has always been my second home. At 9 years old, I acted in my first production of Annie Jr. I was part of the ensemble and had almost no lines. At first, I was discouraged: the other kids my age were cast as young children while I was cast as a cop. But did I let that stop me? Never! After opening night, I arrived home to a tiny red carpet and a golden star with my name that my parents had laid out for me. This is the memory I hold dearest to me because I realized in that moment that the role and your age doesn’t matter: I knew this is what I had to do for the rest of my life. I have been making theatre for thirteen years now and have experienced many different roles in theatre, both on and off the stage.
“If you have an idea, create it and share it because the most exciting pieces of art can come from out of the blue. Theatre is magic and you’re what makes it magical! Don’t be afraid: use those feelings and turn it into passion, show everyone what you’re meant to do!”
Tell us about your experience with the University of Southern Maine (USM)! What is your field of study, what activities are you involved in, etc?
Attending USM is a surreal experience. I went from living in a town with a population of less than 1,500, to a campus with over 5 times the people! I came in undeclared at the start of my college career, which felt intimidating and scary. I involved myself with an amazing group of people who had a common goal of creating a safe, honest, accepting place for all students starting their new journey: Orientation Leaders. In this organization, we help new students to meet new people, find resources, and assist them around campus. I started at the Diversity Center, which is a space for BIPOC, LGBTQA+ students. The mission is to meet new people; have a safe space for religious practices; and educate and learn from each other about the diversity in our community.
When it comes to Theatre and Dance at USM, I’d say the possibilities are endless. The dance program is constantly improving and the connections you make through theatre will shape your life. I am a member of the theatre club PAW (Performers at Work), we create student run projects and hold workshops to better our craft. USM also provides opportunities for student jobs. I work in the Box Office, where I handle the ticketing and marketing for our productions. The professors and my peers are what make the education worthwhile.
Alyssa (right in purple) with the ensemble of For Colored Girls (USM)
Production Photo by @frenchphotography
Do you have any advice for young theatre makers? Or students looking to get involved in a program like this?
There is a place in the theatre for everyone, no matter your interest. For a long time, I thought there were strict guidelines of what makes you an artist. That is simply not true! If you have an idea, create it and share it because the most exciting pieces of art can come from out of the blue. Theatre is magic and you’re what makes it magical! Don’t be afraid: use those feelings and turn it into passion, show everyone what you’re meant to do!
Alyssa in The Women Who Mapped the Stars with USM
Production Photo by @frenchphotography