Interview with Actress Gabi Jones - Playing Abigail Williams in the untold story of The Crucible.
Gabi is 19 years old and will be playing Abigail Williams in our production of Afflicted: Daughters of Salem this November 15th at the La Mirada Theatre of the Performing Arts. Almost 10 years of acting under her belt, Gabi grew up in a sports family (brothers played football, soccer, baseball, basketball, cross country, archery, etc.) she was always very bad at sports and loved the idea of getting to play pretend and tell stories. She found herself in theatre and never looked back!
What are your dreams and goals as an actor?
I am currently pursuing a BFA in theatre performance and would like to get an MFA and be in a repertory company/teach. I've also considered opening my own theatre company back home in Minnesota where I would produce only genderbent shows (where all the women are played by men and all the men are played by women). Before I die, I have to do 13 the musical!
What made you want to audition for Afflicted: Daughters of Salem?
I wanted to do a show outside of school so badly and when I saw auditions for this production, I was immediately drawn to the characters and dark story-line. There's so much to play with!
Can you tell us a little bit about the character you’ll be playing?
Abigail Williams wants to break free from the constraints of 1691 Puritan society. She is eager to experience life and fall in love, and finds herself being crushed by the rules and regulations of the people around her. She is willing to do anything and everything it takes to protect herself and while I can't excuse her willingness to manipulate and hurt others, I think it stems from fear and a desire to change the way things are. I think, in a lot of ways, Abigail was ahead of her time in the way she thought.
What do you do as an actor to prepare for this role & show?
I think it's important for me not to judge Abigail. I've done a lot of research about her historically, but creating this version of Abigail Williams is a bit more playful and relies more on this script. I've been thinking of her as a wolf in a pack of wolves and am trying to play with her tactics and the success/failure of those tactics by gaging her scene partners' reactions. The rehearsal process will definitely include a lot of playing around with how to get a result.
Why do you like live theatre?
I love the intimacy and honesty in watching someone perform something just for you. Everyone enters the theatre knowing it's a fantasy, but are willing to believe (and sometimes be convinced) that there's truth there; because there really is!
Are you working on any other projects at the moment? If so, can you share?
In the spring I will be in a production of She Kills Monsters at Chapman University.
What’s your typical week like now with rehearsals? (school, jobs, hw, classes, etc)
I am a full-time university student and have theatre and Spanish classes Monday-Thursday. I work Friday-Sunday at two different jobs; one ushering at an on-campus theatre, and one working at a princess party company. I have rehearsals scattered amidst the craziness.
What do you do to de-stress or when you have free time? (hobbies, things you like to do)
I try to meditate when I get too stressed. I also love to cook and always love to experiment with recipes. Additionally, I try to leave a little time for a rom-com movie marathon with my four roommates/best friends.
Your favorite book & why?
The Book Thief! Makes me cry every time.
Is this your first production with Phantom Projects?
Yes! Phantom Projects provides such an accessible and unique approach to arts education. I love and appreciate the space for students to experience play and grow from the theatre.
Why do you think arts education is important?
The arts teach tolerance! I think it's so important for children to experience a safe place to experiment with their creativity and develop artistic skills which give expression to their spirit. It's the most human thing about us and arts education helps young people connect with others and the world around them.
Check out Gabi & the cast of Afflicted: Daughters of Salem November 15th at THE LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS!
**Remember ONE DAY ONLY!!