Welcome to the first in our meet the actors series for our production of Stupid Fucking Bird.
First up. Gabriel Pierce, class of 2025.
Gabe is working towards a double major in Biomedical Engineering and Political Science. He is portraying Dr. Eugene Sorn in our production of Stupid Fucking Bird. Dr. Sorn is the brother of the starlet Emma, and the uncle of the plays protagonist Conrad.
+ What are you up to when you're not in class or rehearsals?
You can find me at Starbucks spending too much declining.
+ Tell us a little about your previous theater experience.
I played Pippin in my junior year of high school, unfortunately, it was shut down on opening night (March 12th) because of the pandemic. I was able to return to the stage for a production of Something Rotten in which I played Nigel, as well as a production of Legally Blonde in which I played various ensemble characters. I'm ecstatic to be on stage this winter and have felt that this production has helped me grow so much, much more than I first thought it would.
+ What made you want to audition for Stupid Fucking Bird?
I just said, "why the hell not?". My mentality was more so that I could say I tried, rather than regretting and wishing I did.
+ In what ways do you feel similar to your character?
I very much enjoy helping others, family or friends, through struggles and listening to what others have going on in their life.
+ In what ways are you and your character different?
I'm definitely more of an "attention seeker" than Sorn is.
+ What would you say has been the most difficult thing about portraying your character?
The physicality and movements of a 60-year-old man. I'm very much a mover and it’s very difficult to overcome that in order to portray him fully.
+ What do you hope audiences take away from your performance?
I hope audiences realize that life is so much more than just one feeling at a time or one dimension. People are far more complex than I realized until I really dove into this show.
+ Why should people see this play?
I hope people just like theater or performances, but also to support classmates who work hard on this! To actually listen and appreciate something that someone else has worked for countless hours on goes a very long way.
+ Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Here's a fun fact: I only started theater late my sophomore year of high school (which was 2019). Not even 3 years in, it's never too late to get involved!!
You can find Gabe on instagram or on snapchat at @gwp_music777