Category: Uncategorized

Andrea Katz is an actress who has performed with Theater in the Rough, Theater and Theology, CBDB Productions, and J-Town Playhouse. Come see her this month in Theater in the Rough’s production of Julius Caesar! We asked Andrea some questions and would like to share her answers with you. 

JET: When did you get involved in acting?

AK: [I] sort of fell into it. I was asked to audition several times….and got hooked.

JET: What is your favorite theater memory?

AK: Being the non-Equity (illegal) substitute for a sick friend appearing in an off-Broadway production of House of Blue Leaves in 1971 or 72. Acted with Anne Meara, Harold Gould, Katherine Helmond, Frank Converse.

JET: What is the hardest part about being an actor?

AK: [The hardest part about being an actor is] the uncertainty of getting a part, finding time to rehearse, [and] wanting to run the show.

JET: What was the most rewarding show you have done?

AK: I translate/direct/produce/costume etc. a monthly 15-minute skit in my synagogue on Parshat HaShavua with a “troupe” of adults and kids.  Watching the actors develop through theater is incredible.

JET: How do you prepare for different roles?

AK: Besides learning my part (reciting it each night before I go to bed and on Shabbat), I just “feel it”. No special preparation.

JET: What is your pre-show routine?

AK: I’m missing the “excitement” gene. Never get emotional or all worked-up.  It just “happens”.  Or not.

What is your dream role and why?

AK: The psychologist in O, God! or anything once done by Katherine Hepburn.

JET: How have you changed as an actor throughout your career?

AK: I’ve learned to interact with my fellow actors in a way that benefits us all.

Tzipporah Rosensweig is an actor with Beit Hillel Theater Workshop, where she performed in Sound of Music and Cinderella. We asked Tzipporah some questions and would like to share their answers with you! 

JET: Why did you get involved in acting? 

TR: Passion, I love theater and performing despite that I’m an introvert. 

JET: What is your favorite theater memory? 

TR: Learning the waltz in Cinderella and being part of the Sound of Music cast was such a special [and] unique experience. 

JET: What is the hardest part about being an actor? 

TR: Well there’s a list…I’d say auditioning is the hardest. I am a much better performer without the pressure and [anxiety] of a panel of people just looking at me and analyzing my performance. 

JET: What was the most rewarding show you have done? 

TR: Cinderella, and recently [I] was part of a contest. Both of these performances were done when I wasn’t at my best physically or mentally, and it proved that I still can do this, improve,  and keep going. 

JET: How do you prepare for different roles?

TR: First I research the role I want to audition for, then I write down my monologue and or lyrics of the song repeatedly until it’s memorized. I also watch clips of the role/s and see how I can make them my own. 

JET: What is your pre-show routine? 

TR: Meditation, tea, a light healthy snack, and stretches. 

JET: How have you changed as an actor throughout your career? 

TR: I honestly don’t know, it’s difficult to self-reflect sometimes, I think I am better at teamwork and working with other people [than] when I started, and I have a deeper understanding of separating personal life and rehearsals then bringing my problems with me. I am also more open to stepping outside my comfort zone and challenging myself. 

JET: What is your dream role and why?

TR: I have so many! I know this isn’t traditional, but since I’m non-binary, I’ve always related to male roles rather than female [ones]. I’ve always wanted to play Joseph, metaphorically speaking I’ve always related to that story and if I’m ever in a genderbent  production of the Technicolor Dreamcoat I’d be thrilled to be Joseph or one of his brothers. My second dream role is the BBC version of Merlin…something like that would be a dream come true! Besides always being fascinated by magic, Merlin’s struggle to appear normal and hide his true self and nature while possessing unique gifts and not understanding how to use them is such a complex and one that I can deeply relate to. Especially since I lived with a family that was very conventional yet I was not [and] stuck out like a sore thumb despite trying to fit in. And lastly my 3rd dream role (although more of a fantasy than realistic) is Phillipe in Versaille, it’s a great TV show for those who love historical drama. His eccentric and melodramatic character is something I can relate to among other similarities. 

JET: Feel free to share anything else about your experience with the JET community!

TR: Being part of the theater community has been wonderful, so many interesting people and theater is just a great thing to be a part of.