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Staff Intern Few actors get the opportunity to turn professional, and even fewer get the chance before their twelfth birthday. Eleven-year-old East Longmeadow Resident Seth Olsen recently made his professional debut in the drama "The Turn of the Screw" at the New Century Theatre located on the Smith College Campus in Northampton. An equity theatre, the venue prides itself on providing training to students and up-and-coming professionals. The production began June 15 and runs until July 2. "The Turn of the Screw" is written by Henry James and directed by Jack Neary. According to the New Century Theatre website, it is the story of a young woman who is persuaded to be the caretaker of two young, wealthy orphans at their uncle's household. The woman begins to hear strange noises and see shadowy figures, and desperately attempts to uncover the mystery of the home. Olsen plays Miles, one of the children who drives the governess to insanity. Olsen joked that he is only "sometimes" like his character in real life. He was among many to tryout for the character. After auditioning, he received a callback which he was unable to attend. Olsen didn't expect that he made such an impression that those in charge would give him the role anyway. "It was mind-bending," he said. "I was the lucky one to get chosen. It's such an honor." Olsen first experimented with acting at age nine. He attended an after-school program that included a drama club. Recommended to the Drama Studio by a member of the after-school program, he has been taking classes at the Springfield organization ever since. He also attends an acting camp during the summer. "I like making people laugh." Olsen said. "I want to take that to the stage." And make people laugh, he does. Olsen joked that his role in the current play has gotten him the attention of "all the babes." Prior to "The Turn of the Screw," Olsen performed in "The Artist," "The King of Ireland's Son," and "Marcia's Kind-of Hot." The "Turn of the Screw" is his first horror play. Olsen certainly had a lot on his plate while preparing for the production. The fifth grader just finished the school year at Mountainview Elementary School, and spent countless hours per week at practices and rehearsals. Olsen prepared for the play Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m., including one grueling rehearsal that went from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Olsen said that, though hectic, he enjoyed the preparation for the production and claimed that it is not hard for him to balance school with acting. "I missed a little bit of school, but I actually got better grades while I was preparing for the play," he said. He also explained that it wasn't difficult to work with a cast that was primarily much older than him. "I had a blast. Working with these actors and actresses, I felt completely at home. It was one of the warmest welcomes I've ever received," Olsen added. He attributed part of his love of acting to comedian Jim Carey, star of such movies as "Ace Ventura," "The Mask," and "Liar, Liar," and said it would be a dream to work with Carey some time in the future. "He's a comedy genius," Olsen proclaimed. Aside from the acting world, Olsen sites his parents as role models, jokingly referring to his mother as his "limo driver." The first of his family to become interested in theatre, Olsen aspires to do much more of it in the future. He looks to get involved with more comedies, his favorite type of production, and possibly experiment with television or movies in the future. His next project will be a comedy called "The Nerd." Olsen was recommended for the production, which will be held at Majestic Theatre in West Springfield, and run from November 9 through December 17. But for now, Olsen's next step is preparing to make the transition to Middle School. In the fall he will attend Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow. Olsen's mother, Karen Huntoon, said that she couldn't be more proud of her son and his accomplishments. "It's so exciting to see him doing something he loves, and doing it well." For tickets for "The Turn of the Screw" or any of the other summer shows at the New Century Theatre, call 587-3933. | ||||||
