Cast interview: Barbara Semiatin

Our diverse cast is full of pirates, police, and maidens that love everything from dolphins (Ralph Johnson) to traveling by motor scooter.  Which brings us to today's cast interview with Barbara Semiatin!

What's your role in the show?
Governess.

Is this your first time in Pirates? If no, how many Pirates productions have you been in?
Yes.

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
I found out about VLOC while attending a performance of Ruddigore at the 2011 International Gilbert and Sullivan Society Festival in Gettysburg. There was a couple who had been involved in VLOC's Mikado the night before sitting next to me who told me that the company was about to begin rehearsals of Mlle Modiste which didn't require auditions. Couldn't pass up that opportunity!!!!! I contacted Joe Sorge [VLOC's music director], showed up at the first rehearsal, and have been performing with VLOC ever since!

What's your favorite part about being in a show (this particular one, or any show)?
As a chorus member, my favorite part is learning and running the blocking, particularly when there is a lot of dancing and/or the songs are fun. A lot of cast bonding takes place during those times and a lot of laughter. The icing on the cake is when we get to perform those wonderful scenes live at the theater. 

What's your least favorite or the hardest part of the rehearsal process for you?
My least favorite part is standing around for long stretches of time when there is little for me to do during that rehearsal. The hardest part is memorizing all of the lyrics!

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I am an accountant at the Department of Homeland Security (Domestic Nuclear Detection Office). My husband Steve is a special education teacher and we have two grown children. My son Josh is a psychologist at the Baltimore VA and my daughter Rivka is Director of Social Services at a nursing home/rehab center in Lanham, MD. My passion, besides VLOC, is riding with my husband on our motor scooters, particulalry on the beautiful back roads of Adams County, PA and Frederick County, MD. I'm also an avid knitter, especially when commuting to work on the Metro..

What's your Gilbert & Sullivan show and why? (If you don't have one, pick a favorite musical or opera)
Ruddigore has always been my favorite show (and I've been in all of them except The Grand Duke). The story, the music, the wonderful characters (love Sir Despard and Mad Margaret!) and that fabulous ghost scene in Act II have always made it the perfect show.

What is your Pirate name?
Rebecca Gold.

Thanks, Barbara!  

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