“10 Things” is a regular feature in which the Sioux Falls Stage staff answers 10 burning questions with a local performing artist—this quarter we feature one of the owner-performers of Broad Cast Theatre, Nancy Tapken.

1. What is the single-most defining moment of your performing career?

Senior year at University of South Dakota (USD), Ron Moyer finally cast me in a show. The role had one line. What do you do with only one line? After being mad, you get to work. I gave my character a crazy back-story and a limp. Pair that with a horrible wig and my character became a mystery every time she silently limped on and off stage during the show, until my final appearance —and my one line—when I burst into tears. A castmate asked Ron, “How does she cry every time?” And he said, “That’s acting.” That felt amazing and so validating.

2. Who do you consider your greatest acting and performing influences?

My parents. They were both involved in the Sioux Falls Community Playhouse, on stage, on the board, building sets, fundraising. They took turns being in shows, so one of them was home at night. My siblings and I often hung out in the theatre during rehearsals. It was awesome. Also, Bill Wendt. He taught emotion memory and sense memory—intoxicating stuff. I had to do emotion memory in class while putting in curlers and reciting a poem. Because in life —and in plays—you don’t just do one thing at a time. One day we had to come to class in swimming suits. I copped out and came in a long-sleeved leotard.

Tapken (Center) performs with Anna Thvedt (left) and Julie Sauer (right) in Love, Loss & What I Wore at Full-Circle Book Co-Op. — **Tapken (Center) performs with Anna Thvedt (left) and Julie Sauer (right) in *Love, Loss & What I Wore* at Full-Circle Book Co-Op.**

3. Name three of your biggest theatre résumé highlights.

Annette in God of Carnage
Co-Founder of Broad Cast Theatre
Crimes of the Heart

4. When was the moment you knew you wanted to be an actor?

Watching my parents on stage. I was probably seven-ish.

5. What’s your acting warmup routine?

I arrive early, check props, take a little time to myself on stage. I’ll chit-chat while getting into makeup and costume, but once I’m in costume, that’s it. I find a corner, get into character, do some emotion memory. And pace. I don’t want to engage in anything outside the character once the costume’s on.

6. What’s your dream theatre role?

Antigone. And Agnes in I Do! I Do! No one ever casts me to sing! What’s up with that?

7. What’s your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?

I think they’re already doing it. Mix it up. Don’t conform to gender. Break norms. Keep surprising us.

8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.

August: Osage County by Tracy Letts
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Complete Works by Tennessee Williams

9. What’s your ideal wrap-party menu?

There’s always guac and olives. There may perhaps be liquor. Our rotary wall phones were a hit at the last cast party. And I came downstairs the next morning to find many pictures upside down...

10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.

Be afraid. Do it anyway.

10 Things with Nancy Tapken