12 Angry Jurors is the latest Mercy-Xavier Drama Production, and, leading up to opening night, The Kestrel decided to talk to some of the senior cast, stage crew, and costuming about their thoughts about how the production has gone so far, what they were excited about, what they liked most about the play, and more!
Joshua Reichard ‘25 (Xavier), Juror #4:
How long have you been involved in theater, and what is your favorite part about theater?
I have been involved with Xavier/Mercy Theater since my sophomore year, and my favorite part about theater is the rewarding process of performing our shows after all the hard work we put in.
What is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most worried about for this production?
I am most excited to see how the audience reacts to our show, and to hear their feedback. I’m nervous because this show is different than many other shows we have done.
In having a significant role, what do you think has been the biggest challenge or struggle so far?
The biggest challenge with having a big role in the show is memorizing all of my lines. It’s a challenge to be one of the actors who carries the show on stage.
In your opinion, what is one important characteristic(s) of what makes a good actor?
In my opinion, a good actor is one who is open to feedback and is constantly trying new things with their acting. Being dynamic and being able to change things quickly is an important part of acting and the actors who can do this well are the best kinds of actors.
If you were to give advice to underclassmen or people interested in Drama Club, what would it be?
My advice would be to just go for it! We are always looking for new talent and always looking for new people to join us even if they have no experience! Trying a new activity like drama club can open up a world of opportunities for you.
Caitlyn Reilly, 2025, Head of Stage Management:
What have you found the hardest part about building/designing the sets?
There is no actual part that is considered hard; in fact, it is really more time-consuming, but I would still say that the hardest part of building and designing the sets is to make them look nice with detail and, at the same time, to make it practical for the actors on stage.
What do you think is/are the most important skills to have while working in Stage Management?
I think the most important skills are strong organizational abilities, good levels of communication, and the ability to multitask. Problem-solving and adaptability skills are also important in dealing with unexpected situations because we always need to think on our feet and be flexible in any given situation.
What does a typical day look like when working as the Head of Stage Management (responsibilities, etc.)?
A typical day as the Head of Stage Management is not much different from being on the crew. Like the others, I will help create the sets, manage props, and do other things. However, I have more responsibilities and things I need to do, such as when I am needed to write down notes and call out lines to actors who may need to remember their cues.
What is the most rewarding part of working on designing and building sets?
The most rewarding part is seeing the final product all put together on stage; it is incredibly satisfying to see hard work and creativity pay off. I also meet new people and work with talented cast and crew members with the same passion for theater.
What is one thing you would like to tell underclassmen or those seeking to work in Stage Management?
One thing I would like to tell underclassmen or people seeking to work in Stage Management is to have a positive attitude and be a team player since the core of theater is teamwork between people. Do not be afraid to ask questions and ask for help from time to time because errors are part of the learning process; therefore, take every opportunity that comes your way to learn and improve.
Olivia Arcari ‘25 (Mercy), Juror #8:
How long have you been involved in theater, and what is your favorite part about theater?
I have been involved in theater since I was 6 years old, and I have been a part of the Mercy-Xavier theater productions since I was a sophomore. My favorite part about theater is that it’s always been such a welcoming community for me, and I love being able to perform on stage!
What is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most worried about for this production?
One thing I am most excited about is the confidence I feel on stage while also having fun performing with my friends! However, I am a little nervous about remembering some of my more challenging lines.
In having a significant role, what do you think has been the biggest challenge or struggle so far?
The biggest challenge is definitely remembering some of my bigger lines and trying not to laugh with my friends during rehearsal.
In your opinion, what is one important characteristic(s) of what makes a good actor?
I think a good characteristic that an actor/actress should have is being able to understand the emotions and motives of the character they are portraying as well as understanding the plot or events of the play. This is all to draw the audience in and tell the story accurately.
If you were to give advice to underclassmen or people interested in drama club, what would it be?
If I had to convince an underclassman to get them to join drama club, I would say that it is a welcoming community that has allowed me to make so many friends and build my confidence. If I had to give advice to an underclassman, I would say that putting on a show takes a lot of work, dedication, and practice, but don’t give up. You aren’t alone in this process. It will all be worth it in the end and you get to share that success with your friends and directors during and after the show!
Maddy Brazeal, 2025, Head of Costuming:
In your opinion, what do you think is the most important skill(s) to have when working with costumes?
An important skill would be knowing the show, doing a ton of research, and seeing how other shows suit their actors. I would say the most important skill is to know how to do basic but strong hand stitching, just in case a costume ends up being too big; also knowing how to mend can be especially important. And having a basic understanding of taking measurements and the importance of that, so it is easier to find or make comfortable and mobile costumes for the actors.
What sort of costumes have you made for the drama club in the past, and what has been your most favorite?
I’ve made a couple of costumes before. Last year I made two dresses for the fall show, [Game of Tiaras] and a pair of pants for Pippin the year before, as well as a couple smaller things like capes or shirts. I would say my favorite was the pants, it was a fun project to do in general, I thrifted a pair of white bootcut skinny jeans, dyed one leg orange and the other leg red, and then cut the side seams and added fabric to make them a pair of bell bottoms. They were super cool and at the time a newer type of project for me. I would also say the cape I made as well, because it was quick and simple, and it is still used for a lot of shows or projects today.
What do you find is the greatest part/reward when constructing costumes?
The process of making something whether it be a shirt or a dress is quite difficult, and sometimes I’ve had to pull all-nighters to get something done by a deadline, so just being able to finish something especially in a short amount of time is very rewarding. It’s also a bonus to see the actor/actress wearing the costume super happy with it.
What is one thing you would share with people interested in creating costumes for drama club or as a profession?
I would say that it’s important to not get discouraged, know your time periods, and have clear communication. Making something completely from scratch can be frustrating, so it’s important to do whatever you need to do to not give up on the project, whether it be taking small breaks or asking for help. It’s also very important to know your time periods and the varying styles of each decade, because it would be weird to see a regency gown in a show that takes place in the early 2000s. And finally, always make sure you’re communicating the process of making or even scouting for pieces in a thrift store with the directors, and actors you’re costuming. You want to make sure everyone is involved, happy, and satisfied.