Interview: 'It's a Wonderful Life' actor, Nathan (George Bailey)
This past week was play week, so I decided to have a talk with my fellow editor, Nathan Mileski. Nathan and I both are members of The Learning Theatre, and he has the amazing role of George Bailey. His insights into the play and process were certainly worthwhile.
Emma: So Nathan! Thanks for talking with me. I am looking forward to this upcoming play a lot. You're in it as George Bailey. Can you tell us a little about your character?
Nathan: Thank you for inviting me, Emma! I can't wait for it, either. Well for starters, George Bailey is a very relatable character. People love him the moment they meet him. George is such a good, selfless guy and cares for those around him.
E: That's true. George sounds kind of like you, I think. What do you think has been the greatest challenge for you in this role?
N: That's kind of you. We do talk and act pretty similarly. George Bailey is goals for me. I would have to say that the greatest challenge for me is remembering all the lines. He's got a lot! 480-something lines, actually. Another challenge I have experienced is maintaining George Bailey's persona. Once I started memorizing lines, I accidentally focused on that more than characterization. It's hard to balance the two, you know?
E: Oh for sure! That's a lot to keep in mind at once. Well, that all sounds stressful but intriguing. What have been some good moments for you over this process?
N: Oh it's been a blast! The fun and the amazing adventure have outweighed the craziness. I have loved delving into my character. The first couple weeks of practicing the play, I was George Bailey. I have never felt that close to a character before. He is definitely my favorite character I've ever played. I don't' know if this counts as a moment, but I love the amazing cast I get to work with. All of them are so amazing and talented. They are encouraging, supporting, and good friends.
E: What would you say to those who might be interested in acting but aren't sure about starting out, either for fear of embarrassment, or doubt, or some other reason?
N: That's a good question. Well, I can say that I struggled with that too when I first joined. It's a new and kind of scary territory. All of us struggle with the things you listed, but I can say that the acting is definitely worth it. It is actually very interesting how much you learn about yourself while you pretend to be someone else. Acting somehow matures you and opens you up to being yourself. I can't really explain it. Fear, embarrassment, doubt, and anything else that comes with joining theatre are common, but if you are interested in acting, don't hesitate. There's no harm in trying. We all mess up- I've messed up on the stage many times- but that;s part of the maturing process. You pick yourself up and learn from your mistakes. The more you do that, the more you can beat back the negativity. It's a process which is fun and can make life long friends. The feeling of being onstage with friends, knowing you are giving your best, is wonderful. It's bigger than any fear that you can have. You just have to take that first step in joining, keeping in mind that this is an amazing, fun
learning process.
E: That's so true! I have seen a lot of people change, open up and mature through theatre, and it's pretty cool to watch. So, it's unusual for Mrs. Crist to choose such a large play for the fall, yet I know it means a lot to both her and everyone in the cast.
What do you think the power of this play is?
N: Definitely! Yes, this is a huge and impactful play that shows that everyone matters. It's A Wonderful Life t
ells the story of George, living his life, doing the best he can, and when his entire life crumbles around him, he wishes he'd never been born. He gets to see how his life would have been if he hadn't existed, and he comes to realize that his life touched so many others. I think that's the power of the play: everyone is important to someone. Even if you don't feel like you matter, you have still impeached someone...you are important to your brother, your mother, your father, your sister, friends, even a passerby who sees and appreciates what you're doing. It's an important and touching message.
E: Thanks for your time and insights, Nathan. See you at the show!
All photo credits to Isabel Gour.
