In Part Seven of a series of interviews with the cast of The Foreigner at the Sandy Spring Theatre Group, performing at The Gaithersburg Arts Barn, meet Becky Batt.
Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform before on our local stages.
Becky: Hi! I’m Becky Batt. I have enjoyed performing in local theatres for about the past 10 years. This past January I was in Rockville Little Theatre’s production of Lend Me a Tenor dressed to look like the Chrysler building.
Why did you want to become a member of the cast of The Foreigner?
I saw this play several years ago and I loved the play.
Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to this character?
I play Betty Meeks who is a tough, kind older woman who has worked hard her whole life. She is fairly naive and has never been able to travel. I relate to her because she is feisty and is excited about meeting people who come from different countries.
What were some of the challenges you faced while learning your role and how did Director Bruce Hirsch help you with these challenges?
I had difficulty making the accent sound real. Bruce helped me to concentrate on the emotions and then work on the accent. Now, I find myself using Betty’s accent all the time which is a little embarrassing.
What does The Foreigner have to say to today’s audiences?
I think this is funny play that does have messages about the joy of getting to know people who are different from you and about how people can live up to the expectations others have of them.
Which character is most like you and why and how?
I hope that I am most like Betty because I have become quite fond of her.
What are your favorite lines that you recite and your favorite lines that other characters recite in The Foreigner?
I love saying the name “Ezzard Purkeypile” and have a hard time not laughing when I say it. I enjoy listening to the story that is related during this play but I can’t say any more about that.
Where are you appearing next on the stage after The Foreigner ends its run?
After this play, I plan to take a break from acting and watch more plays. There are so many amazing opportunities to see live theatre in this area.
What do you want audiences members to take away with them after seeing you perform in The Foreigner?
I hope that the audience enjoys the play and has fun.
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.
Meet The Cast of Sandy Spring Theatre Group’s ‘The Foreigner’: Part 5: Dave Scheele.
Meet The Cast of Sandy Spring Theater Group’s ‘The Foreigner’: Part 6: John Van Eck.
