Tyler Firlit is a junior at MCHS. He is involved with all productions of theater as well as acting in this year’s marching band show. He began acting in fifth grade, when he attended Minooka Intermediate School. He also just got cast in the fall play “Clue” as Mr. Green. This interview with Nook News has been edited for clarity and length.
Q: What originally inspired you or pushed you to start doing theater?
A: In fourth grade, we had done a play in the classroom. I absolutely loved it.
Q: How do you feel about the fall play choice? And why do you feel that way?
A: I’m very excited. It’s going to be so fun. We have an awesome group of actors to make this a perfect cast. I actually saw it at Reed-Custer and thought it was very funny.
Q: What is your favorite thing about theater?
A: I love acting so much. There are also so many silly memories that I’ve made. For example, my friend was being really annoying with the soap dispensers, but it accidentally got stuck. The soap kept coming out. It made the loudest sound ever.
Q: What’s the hardest part about theater? Why is it the hardest?
A: Definitely dancing. I’m not very good at dancing, to be honest.
Q: Have you always been in the cast? Or have you done crew as well?
A: I have never done crew before, but I would like to at some point.
Q: What was your favorite role you ever played?
A: Lefou from Beauty and the Beast. It’s an enjoyable role. Also, you don’t have to worry about being an amazing singer.
Q: Tell me about your marching band role. What do you do? How do you feel about it?
A: I’m so excited. I play Orpheus in our show of “Hadestown.” It’s cool to be able to tell a story without even talking. I get to play guitar, too.
Q: How did you get the role?
A: The former director had been teaching my guitar class. He basically pre-casted me. I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, so it would stay a surprise. He sort of set me up to be Orpheus.
Q: Do you actually play guitar?
A: Yes, I took a guitar class.
Q: Are you going to play in the show?
A: We have been talking about maybe putting a mic on the guitar. I have been practicing a lot. I like to be authentic.
Q: Is being authentic important to you? Why?
A: I’m very much a perfectionist and definitely an overachiever. I always give my all, even at unimportant and small tasks.
Q: Are you going to pursue theater after high school?
A: I want to major in English and minor in theater. Also, get a teaching degree.
Q: Why do you want to major in English?
A: I love writing and reading a lot. I like analyzing texts for symbolism and such.
Q: What’s your favorite type of writing?
A: Anything imagery.
Q: Last but not least, what’s your dream role from any production? Why is it your dream role?
A: Doctor Jekyll. It’s from my favorite production. He’s a mad scientist. The cool thing about him is that he has split personalities. It’s almost as if you are playing two characters and developing multiple personalities, which is really cool. It’s like a 2 in 1.
