10 Things with Terry Zerfas
“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 frequent Sioux Empire Community Theatre player Terry Zerfas.
1. What is the single-most defining moment of your performing career?
Great adventures—some awful and a good many truly exceptional ones—have made up my artistic life. If there was one bright light that shown above any other (and there were many bright lights), it would have to be the time in my college years where a famous and respected theater artist ran up the theater aisle during our curtain call of Midsummer Night’s Dream and spontaneously picked me up and whirled me around in a massive hug. That is a memory I relive with a smile!
2. Who do you consider your greatest acting and performing influences?
Perhaps my brother, Wally, a theater teacher, was my biggest influence. He was encouraging, yet a firm director, and that is where I learned that being in a “Play” meant “Work.”
I shall always remember how disappointed he was at a rehearsal he attended, where he caught me not paying attention while on stage. I was 13, but that lesson has stayed with me.
Brandon Hanson & Terry Zerfas perform in Arsenic and Old Lace for Sioux Empire Community Theatre. (Credit: G+L Photography)
3. Name three of your biggest theatre résumé highlights.
Founding Member of Atlanta Actors Co-Op
Abby Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace
M’Lynn & Ouiser in Steel Magnolias
4. When was the moment you knew you wanted to be an actor?
I was 12 and looking at the board outside the drama room to see if I had been cast. My name was not there. I am not brave, but I was so intent on being in the play, I went in and asked why I was not included. It turns out the director had mistakenly omitted my name. I had the lead. And that was that!
5. What’s your acting warmup routine?
For me, I have to have a quiet bit of time to think through and get into my role. I also do a physical warm up as well—simple stretching and deep breathing. I don’t go over the script as I find this takes it out of context before a show, but I will go over the first few sentences, along with a prayer for the cast and crew. That is what calms me.
6. What’s your dream theatre role?
Perhaps a one-woman show like Twigs where one woman plays the mother and all of her daughters. The challenge would be monumental! But then, I would truly miss the camaraderie of cast members, which is such a joy.
7. What’s your ideal wrap-party menu?
Cast party at our house! Bob and Dan will have grilled up something fabulous!
8. Deserted island game—pick three scripts to take with you.
Complete Works by William Shakespeare
The House of Blue Leaves by John Guare
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon
9. What is your hope for the next generation of theatre artists?
Be brave. Try out for everything. Find mentors wherever you are. Work backstage. Learn all phases of a production. Remember that a Play is hard Work, so put in the necessary hours to do your very best. And don’t, absolutely DO NOT touch a prop that doesn’t belong to you. I really mean that last part!
10. Give advice to fellow theatre artists in just five words.
Never stop improving your performance.