Hayfield Theater Whiz Aspires to Teach

Student:  Elizabeth Stapula

Age:  18

School and Grade:  Hayfield Secondary School, senior

Accomplishment: Starring in Shakespeare's 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona'

Patch: What is the play is about?

Elizabeth: The show is basically about these two guys and they live in Hayfield, since we're setting it in modern day. One, Proteus, he falls in love with this woman Julia. He has to go away to Milan, or 'UVA" in our version. She follows him there, dressed up as a boy, but he's fallen in love with this other girl there named Silvia. His best friend who lives there also is already in love with her and hilarity ensues.

Patch: What character do you play?

Elizabeth: I play Luchetta, who is Julia's sister. We put her as her sister, but in the original production it's her maid. But I'm playing her sister so I kind of give her wise advice and stuff through it all.

Patch: How did you prepare for the role?

Elizabeth: Honestly, I kind of identified with it especially since she was an older sister and I'm an older sister. So, I kind of played off of my own life.

Patch: What other roles have you portrayed?

Elizabeth: My favorite was when I played a boy. When I was young I was Peter in Peter and the Wolf. So yeah, I've been a boy, I've been a bird,  I've been pregnant, I've played a variety and it's fun.

 Patch: How did you get involved with theater?

Elizabeth: My family. My dad started a theatrer, so I've been involved since I was little.

Patch: In there could be any role or part you could play, what would be your dream role?

Elizabeth: Honestly, I would want to play Maria in "The Sound of Music."

Patch: What's next for you?

Elizabeth: I'm going to Old Dominion where I'm going to study elementary education and theater education. I'm excited. It should be fun.

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