10 Things with Whitney Rappana
“10 Things” is a regular feature in which the Sioux Falls Stage staff answers 10 burning questions with a performing artist—this quarter we feature local theatre performer and director with the Good Night Theatre Collective and Monstrous Little Theatre Company, Whitney Rappana.
1. What is the single-most defining moment of your arts career?
If I had to choose one moment that defined my journey, it would be when I was studying at a conservatory in Dublin. At the end of the course, we had a showcase. I didn’t think I had done anything outstanding in that show and was actually feeling pretty down at that time and questioning if the whole acting thing was really for me. But one of the instructors pulled me aside afterward; he’d been all over the world, teaching and doing theatre for ages, and I admired him so much. He looked me straight in the eye and told me to keep going. He said I had the potential to become a great artist if I just kept working hard. Those words felt like a confirmation that I was on the right path. It gave me that extra push to embrace the challenges ahead and always keep learning and growing.
2. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a performer.
I can’t think of an exact moment — it is just something I always knew. I was always singing as a child, even before I could talk. Our living room was my stage, and I’d put on plays and concerts (my parents deserve a standing ovation for putting up with it all). Hours would fly by while I was in my own little world, dancing and singing in front of my mirror.
3. What’s your post-show wrap-party menu?
French fries! If there is a cast outing, I will order fries and a sweet cocktail, but if not, then I’m grabbing McDonald’s fries on my drive home!
4. If casting parameters don’t exist, what’s your dream role in theater?
Bobby from Company has been a dream role of mine forever. I mean, seriously, I’ve never connected with a character as much as the single New Yorker who’s afraid to get married and afraid not to. When I heard about the London revival casting a female Bobbi, I was so excited! My fingers are crossed that it will still happen for me someday.
5. Highlight three of your proudest theatre résumé moments.
One of the most memorable experiences in my career was when I had the opportunity to direct an original play called The Disorientation of Butterflies. It was quite unexpected, as I was brought in as a last-minute choice after other directors had backed out. However, it turned out to be a magical experience where everything fell into place. The script was incredibly beautiful and moving, requiring the cast to be extremely vulnerable. I was fortunate to work with an exceptional group of actors who came together, supported one another and worked tirelessly to honor the script and playwright. Since it was a workshop for the piece, I had the chance to spread my wings and contribute to the music, rewrites and even choreography. The production was selected for the New York Fringe Festival, which felt like a tremendous achievement. Overall, it was a truly wonderful experience.
Another significant endeavor in my career was the decision to move to Chicago. I had no idea what I was doing at the time, but I just started auditioning, and one opportunity led to another. I became involved with two start-up theatre companies, directed plays for new playwrights and festivals, coached fellow actors for auditions and met some incredible people along the way. Chicago is undeniably a theatre town, and I cherished my time there.
6. Whom do you consider your greatest acting influences?
A few celebrities that I admire are Jessica Chastain, Kate Winslet and Viola Davis. (Guh…I love her and her snot-nosed crying!) I’m obsessed with Jessica Vosk and would listen to her sing anything! But my biggest acting influences are my friends hustling and grinding every day. The most talented people aren’t necessarily famous, but they put in hours of work for a 60-second audition. Actors and artists that start something new to create their own work really influence the kind of artist I hope to be. To keep going and keep working on the craft instead of focusing on notoriety is really inspiring to me.
7. What’s your favorite non-theatre-related pastime?
I love watching movies and playing board games. I sometimes tinker around on my ukulele to try to figure out the chords for a new song or revisit the piano, although my piano skills are rusty! I have a dog that takes a lot of time and attention, and we spend a lot of time outside when the weather is nice!
8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.
Chicago, John Kander, Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse
No Exit, Jean-Paul Sartre
The Seagull, Anton Chekhov
9. What’s your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?
I hope that future generations fully grasp the magic of theater, which I would even venture to call sacred. In today’s culture, we are constantly glued to screens or cameras, immersed in a digital world. Countless artists share their work, auditions and even mundane daily tasks through various online platforms. And don’t get me wrong, this is wonderful, and this form of entertainment has its place. However, it only amplifies the extraordinary nature of theater, which is the live element; the presence of countless individuals gathered in a single space for a unique experience that can never be replicated.
10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.
The work is never over.