In Part 4 of a series of interviews with the cast of The Foreigner at Sandy Spring Theatre Group, performing at The Gaithersburg Arts Barn, meet Becca Sears.
Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform before on our local stages.
Becca: Hi, my name is Becca Sears and you might have seen me in Damascus Theatre Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof last November.
Why did you want to become a member of the cast of The Foreigner?
I heard about auditions for a comedic play with an interesting cast of characters and was automatically intrigued. Comedy is one of my favorite things to do and I have not done a show with the Sandy Spring Stage before so I was interested to do that as well.
Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to this character?
I play the role of Catherine Simms. I relate to her in many ways. She’s very sarcastic and sassy and she is a force to be reckoned with. With that said, she tends to keep her emotions to herself, and can’t really talk to just anyone about them. This is something I don’t struggle with; my emotions are usually on my sleeve.
What were some of the challenges you faced while learning your role and how did Director Bruce Hirsch help you with these challenges?
A big challenge for me was finding the balance of Catherine’s character. Her disposition is dramatically different between the two acts and I needed to figure out how to make the audience understand where she’s coming from. Bruce was great in helping the entire cast in this challenge. We had discussions about character backgrounds and our “motivations,” if you will. Bruce is always open to suggestions and if it works, he keeps it. He always answers questions either directly, or he helps you discover the answer on your own which is a skill that strong directors have. They make sure you understand when you are unsure and they help to bring out the best in your performance.
What does The Foreigner have to say to today’s audiences?
The Foreigner is about humanity and relationships. It focuses on the bonds that people have and develop through mutual understanding and empathy. Even when there may be a language barrier or conflicting values, this play teaches us all to be aware of how others are feeling and what we can do to help out when others are at low points in their lives.
Which character is most like you and why and how?
I would say I’m a combination of characters in the show. I have the uncertainty of Charlie, the hospitality of Betty, the sarcasm of Catherine, and sometimes, the awe and wonder of Ellard.
What are your favorite lines that you recite and your favorite lines that other characters recite in The Foreigner?
Some of my favorite lines in the show belong to Betty Meeks.
Betty: “Charlie’s nice. He wouldn’t say nothin’ ‘bout bees!”
Betty: “Dooley, dooley?”
Betty: “Ezzard Purkypile’d come up, I know. Course, he’s missin’ both arms.” (This line makes me smile or laugh every time she says it, but I’ll keep a straight face during the performances).
Where are you appearing next on the stage after The Foreigner ends its run?
I’m not 100% percent sure. But I can guarantee you will see me onstage whether it be in plays or musicals nearby throughout the summer.
What do you want audience members to take away with them after seeing you perform in The Foreigner?
Anytime I have the opportunity to perform is a blessing. I am always thrilled to present a show that takes the audience away to another place where they don’t have to worry about anything but the present moment. The cast is wonderful and I know the audience is going to see all of the hard work and timing we have put into this show. I hope that audience members leave with smiles on their faces and I hope the show inspires them to attend more performances or join us onstage someday themselves for the experience.
The Foreigner plays from May 13-29, 2016 at Sandy Spring Theatre Group performing at The Gaithersburg Arts Barn – 311 Kent Square Road, in Gaithersburg, MD. For tickets, call the box office at 
(301) 258-6394, or purchase them online.
LINKS:
Meet The Cast of Sandy Spring Theatre Group’s ‘The Foreigner’ Part 1: Rob Milanich.
Meet the Cast of ‘Sandy Spring Theatre Group’s ‘The Foreigner’ Part 2: Paul Noga.
Meet the Cast of Sandy Spring Theatre Group’s ‘The Foreigner’ Part 3: Marc Rehr.
Meet the Cast of Sandy Spring Theatre Group’s ‘The Foreigner’: Part 4: Becca Sears.
