“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 vocalist who has been a long-time company member with the Good Night Theatre Collective, Betsy Gorham.

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

It’s a cliché, I know, but winning a Stage Award. As someone who spent so many years auditioning for shows and never being cast, or being a permanent chorus member, it was just really special to be acknowledged by a community of individuals I admire so much. For it to be for An Iconic Cabaret, which was such a special show for all of us involved, just made it that much more meaningful.

2. Describe the moment you knew you wanted to be a performer.

I come from a theater family, so when you grow up watching your parents, and your grandparents, and your aunts and uncles, and so many other people doing it… you kind of can’t help yourself.

3. What’s your post-show wrap-party menu?

A strawberry shake from McDonald’s

Betsy Gorham (center) performs alongside Jess Johannsen (left) and Emily Smith (right) in the June 2021 *An Iconic Cabaret* with the Good Night Theatre Collective.

4. Highlight three of your proudest theatre résumé moments.

Sweeney Todd (Sioux Empire Community Theatre, 2012)
An Iconic Cabaret (The Good Night Theatre Collective, 2021)
A Yuletide Cabaret (The Good Night Theatre Collective, 2021)

5. Whom do you consider your greatest acting influences?

I admire anyone able to get on stage and do things I might consider out of my wheelhouse. It makes me want to push myself out of my comfort zone to try.

6. What’s your favorite non-theatre-related pastime?

I have a lot of hobbies, but I have the most fun watching movies and recording Never Seen It, a podcast I have with my husband, Trent.

Betsy Gorham accepts the award for Best Dance or Variety Performer at the 2021-22 Sioux Falls Stage Awards for her work in *An Iconic Cabaret*.

7. If you were banished to a deserted island and could only bring three play or musical scripts with you, which three would you select?

The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde
Much Ado About Nothing, by William Shakespeare
Company, by Stephen Sondheim

8. If casting parameters don’t exist, what would be your dream role?

It would be a blast to play the D’Ysquith Family in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

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

I hope more people continue to create theatre representative of a wider field of experiences. Seeing more shows move away from traditional casting has been exciting, and I’ll be interested to see how this develops in the future!

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

Put your self out there!

10 Things with Betsy Gorham