Ah, the theater. What a sophisticated form of entertainment . . . and we’re not talking about Flagship cinemas here. Leave your popcorn and icees at the concession stand and pick up a program for the summer shows taking place at Theater at Monmouth. In particular, keep an eye out for up-and-coming intern actors Anna Doyle and Evan Arbour, two young, talented, stage hopefuls who are willing to share the behind-the-scenes secrets of the stage — both the glamorous and not-so glamorous — as well as spill on what it’s like working with a few big-name drama producers (Shakespeare, anyone?).  

A little bio told me you both grew up in Winthrop . . . any chance you two knew each other before working with Theater at Monmouth?

Anna: Evan and I have known each other since I moved to Winthrop in second grade — so over 10 years now! He’s one of my best friends, and it’s been so much fun working with him!

Evan: I was so excited when she told me she was working at TAM this summer too! We both went to school together and have been friends forever. We have been in multiple middle and high school productions together, so being here with Anna makes it so much fun.

If I told you I don’t like theater, how would you convince me otherwise?

Anna: Well obviously you have never seen a show at Theater at Monmouth! Honestly, I don’t think anyone who sees a show here could say they dislike theater.

Evan: Theater is so different from any other form of art because it gives insight into different walks of life. We are taken into a different world when the lights go up. We can forget about the light bill, insurance payments and doctor appointments as someone else on stage goes through their journey: There’s really nothing like it.

Born in Lewiston, eh, Evan? How long were you there for?

Evan: I WAS born in Lewiston. I unfortunately stayed for only a couple days after I was born and returned to Winthrop with my parents and stayed there ever since.

You’re listed as an “actor intern” on the website; what exactly does that mean? Is that different that “actor”?

Evan: Being an acting intern is slightly different from an actor in the company. I am pursuing an acting degree at Ithaca College, so I am still very early in my career as an actor. I still have a lot to learn, which is the biggest difference between my role at TAM and the other actors. I am here to observe rehearsals and really get to know what it’s like to work at the professional level. This summer is really about developing my knowledge of theater, and of course Shakespeare. The producing artistic director, Dawn McAndrews, has graciously taken time out of her busy schedule to hold Shakespeare text workshops with the acting interns, for which I am so grateful. I have already learned so much and I am so excited to return to school with the tools I’ve learned.

Anna, you spent a few seasons working at the box office and concession stand. Why the sudden switch to acting?

Anna: Well, the acting internship is only for college students, so I actually wasn’t old enough until this summer. I’ve always loved acting — I was really involved with theater in high school, and still am at Colby — and I always kind of dreamed of some day acting for TAM. In high school I was just happy to help out in any way I could.

Be honest, which is more exciting: dealing with customers at the box office and concession stand or the acting?

Anna: They’re both exciting in their own way. Being able to help customers enjoy theater is satisfying no matter what job you’re doing. But obviously nothing compares to the rush you get waiting backstage before a show, or the energy between actors on stage. Acting is definitely one of the most exciting feelings I’ve ever had.

Stage fright. Do you suffer from it? How do you avoid it?

Anna: I think everyone does, to some degree. It’s not so much avoiding it as embracing it and using the energy to help your performance. When my heart is pounding and my hands are sweating before I go on stage, I just breathe and let go of myself to become the character. And honestly, as soon as I’m on the stage with the other actors, any anxiety disappears.

Evan: I have never been anxious when it comes to being in front of a crowd. Honestly, during the first rehearsal of “Henry IV” last month I was terrified. It was the first opportunity I had to perform, which was scary. It’s so easy to wonder what people will think of me, or if they will like me or not. To battle stage fright, I remind myself of what is important to my character and what they want out of the upcoming scene. After that, I step on stage and live their life with as much truth as I can.

Do the bright lights ever blind you when you’re on stage? 

Evan: I try to not look directly at the lights, because they are so bright. They aren’t necessarily blinding when acting on stage, but they sure are hot!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you while acting? 

Anna: Oh I could tell a lot of stories here. But one moment that comes to mind is from my sophomore year of high school, during a scene from “Almost, Maine.” It was my partner’s turn to speak, and he just turned to me with that blank, deer-in-the headlights look on his face. Of course I completely freaked out and screamed out a random line from about three pages later in the script — anything to stop the terrifying, dead silence. Needless to say, the scene was a bit of a train wreck from there.

Evan: The most embarrassing thing to ever happen to me on stage occurred in high school: It was during the One Act Play Competition with a play originally written by my director, David Setchell, called “String Theory.” At the very end of the play, I had to run on stage wearing just a diaper (that was actually bedazzled by my cast mates), deliver a couple lines and run off. We performed that play at the regional and state level that year, so over 1,000 people saw me in that diaper.

What production are you most looking forward to? Is there a can’t-miss show this summer?

Anna: Well obviously I’m biased: I’m playing the little prince in “The Little Prince,” so it has a very special place in my heart. Honestly though, it is a beautiful show that children and adults alike will appreciate, and everyone should come see it! I’m also really looking forward to “Henry IV, Part 1.” The entire acting company gets on stage, and there’s a lot of awesome sword fighting. They’re even letting me in one of the fights, which I’m really excited about.

But “The Glass Menagerie” is also one of my favorite plays of all time; Ambien Mitchell plays a stunning Laura, and I’m so excited to see it open this weekend.

I guess it’s really a can’t-miss season. Come see everything! It’s all incredible!

Evan: I am really looking forward to “Henry IV, Part 1.” It is a fantastic war epic, so it includes wonderful battle scenes while also fitting in hilarious moments with one of my favorite Shakespeare characters, Sir John Falstaff. Dawn has done such an incredible job making the story clear for the audience. The actors in this production are truly amazing; I am always blown away by how much they bring to the stage. No one should miss this one.

What’s it like working with Shakespeare?

Anna: It was definitely intimidating at first, but Dawn is incredible. She’s started doing weekly Shakespeare classes with the acting interns, and I’ve learned so much already. She breaks everything down and makes it so easy to understand. It’s such a privilege to be able to work with her.

Evan: I have never really worked with Shakespeare before, so I approached his work with a little bit of trepidation, but also with excitement. I knew I would be in the right place when I found out I would be working at TAM, which has been called THE Shakespeare company of Maine. My next year at school is when we really dig into Shakespeare, so I’m getting the best head start I can think of while at TAM, especially working so closely with Dawn. I am still learning a lot about his work, but I am getting more comfortable as time goes on.