Ithaca Theatre: What do you like about Ithaca College Theatre?
Joanna Krupnick: Its personal, it’s real. Everyone works together and creates amazing work. Everyone is supportive, welcoming, and enthusiastic. The faculty is so supportive and helpful and willing to get close to the students which makes for a fabulous working environment and allows for some thrilling (and intense) growth.
IT: What has been your favorite Ithaca College production?
JK: I can't pick a favorite! They have all been so incredible for different reasons. I guess my most favorite experience IN a show so far was "The Seagull." But I will always remember "Seussical" since it was my first show I saw as a freshman here at IC!
IT: What do you love about living in Ithaca?
JK: The warmness of everyone, all the families that live here and their kids, the relaxed lifestyle, the closeness of the community, and the GORGEOUS seasons!
IT: What guest artist would you like to see Ithaca bring in?
JK: More of it's alumni who have made a name with their art working in theatre. Just any working professional actor, designer, writer, music director, etc. But I want to see MORE of them coming in general.
IT: What kind of special programs do you think the department should offer? (ie. tips on finding apartments, resume help, audition tips, etc.)
JK: I think the department should offer more info about the actual business side of the theatre. There should be more guest speakers, more master classes, and perhaps website tips for those creating. There is little that the students DON'T need more of, we are always trying to get more knowledge about anything and everything we can!
IT: What is your favorite spot around Ithaca?
JK: I love the dockside at the Farmers Market.
IT: Do you ever go to see performances offered around the community?
JK: Yes! I see lots of shows at the Hangar Theatre and the Kitchen Theatre.
IT: Are you a member of any clubs or sports teams or participate in any extracurricular activities?
JK: No. I have no time!
IT: How do you avoid the drama inherently prevalent in the department?
JK: There will always be drama, but you don't need to be the one to create it. Learning to let things go and having assurance it will blow over is a helpful skill for life in general. If you don't let things get to you, they won't. And if they do, which is sometimes inevitable, you learn to just pick up and carry on!
IT: What do you do to relax from the stress of classes?
JK: I love going to the practice rooms and belting my brains out or playing the piano. Also, to come home to my friends is relaxing. Laughing is relaxing.
IT: What are some of your hobbies?
JK: You mean OTHER than living and breathing Musical Theatre 24/7?! I love playing piano, cleaning and organizing (trust me, I somehow made it a hobby), reading, and scrapbooking.
IT: Is there a little known fact about the department that you'd like to clue us in on?
JK: Um, we are fabulous? And one of the best?
IT: How do you balance your theatre life with life outside of the department?
JK: You make friends with everyone you can and take time to let them know you need them in your life, as busy as you seem. I make sure to take time in a week to at least call, if not see my non-theatre friends just to listen and talk about things NOT going in on my life, but in theirs.
IT: Sing me a line from your favorite musical.
JK: I HAVE TOO MANY! But I'm currently in a production of "Hair" at the Hangar Theatre, so that is on my mind at the moment. Any lyric from that show is worth singing.
