When most people hear the name Dracula, they would most likely think of an evil, vengeful, blood-sucking monster. Those people would be right. Actors Theatre of Louisville is currently doing a production of Dracula based off of the novel of the same name. The play follows the story of Abraham Van Helsing, Lucy, Jonathon Harker, and Dr. John Seward’s leap of faith in their attempt to defeat a 500-year-old vampire known as Dracula.

The show runs from now until October 31, with shows Thursday through Sunday. With blood, gunshots, and vampires hiding in every corner, this show is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

For more information on show dates and times, visit actorstheatre.org/shows/fifth-third-banks-dracula/

The cast of Dracula recently responded to a series of questions to inform us of what the play has to offer. They also shared their personal experiences with theater and how it has been a major part of their lives.’

How are you similar to your character? How are you different?

Well, for starters, we’re both Irish, though I’m much further removed from the homeland. But more importantly, I think, she’s the story’s skeptic. She’s like all of us shaking our heads saying, “There’s no such thing as vampires, ehm duh.” That’s what I love most about her. She’s like all of us. 

The time period is what truly sets us apart from myself. We’re of similar spirits, but the decorum creates a character that is much more reserved than I am. Because of the socioeconomics of the time, the gender politics, the hierarchies of power, she always chooses what she says with care. (Though this is at odds with her confident and defiant spirit.) With all things considered, she inspires me to stand up for what’s right and have confidence in myself, my skills, and my own intelligence.  

-Silvia Bond (Mrs. Sullivan)

What piece of advice would you give to young and aspiring actors? 

Acquire as many fun, specific, and different skills as possible. Always be ready to work on your craft as an actor, yes, but devote just as much time to learning another language, writing that song, practicing that harmonica, or nailing that cartwheel. Special Skills are what I wish I had more of. What sets you apart from the crowd? What makes you, you? You never know what new theatre will need, so follow what you love to do. 

-Silvia Bond (Mrs. Sullivan)

What is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?

The most challenging aspect for me so far has been to find a balance between my life and my job.  I put the pressure on myself right out of college to focus ALL of my time on forwarding my career as an actor–this included working 3 part-time jobs in order to make ends meet and afford to perform in shows where I wasn’t getting paid all that much.  But at the end of the day, if I wasn’t taking care of myself as a human being–and allowing myself time to spend with friends/family, or time doing activities for myself–I would begin to forget why I wanted to become an actor in the first place.  It’s all about finding balance.

-Kayla Peters (Mina)

Which scene is the most challenging to perform? Which one is the most fun?

The most challenging scene for me is the Transylvania scene where the brides are attacking Harker.  The physical and vocal demands of that sequence leave me out of breath every time–and learning how to work with the larger wig and keep it out of my face has been another adventure in itself.  And when it comes to the most fun scene–I definitely enjoy all of them in some way, but I really enjoy the opening sequence/Prologue.

-Kayla Peters (Mina)

 How long have you been involved in the performing arts?

Ever since I can remember. I haven’t been “performing” for too long, as far as acting goes, but when I was very little I would sing at church. My parents have been preachers my entire life. When I was four, I started singing on stage and helping lead worship. This is where I first developed my sense of artistic authenticity and developed a sense of responsibility to take care of the audience.

 -Jonathan Olivares (Mr. Briggs)

How are you similar to your character? How are you different?

Fundamentally, humans are all the same. We just want to be happy. My character, Briggs, is just doing his job and trying to escape the horrors of his life with the woman he loves. I can relate to wanting to overcome the oppression of daily life. Where we differ, besides the fact that I’m not Cockney and I don’t work in a sanitarium, is how we go about finding happiness. I tend to be a pacifist by nature and can’t imagine hurting anyone in order to “do my job.”

-Jonathan Olivares (Mr. Briggs)

What impression do you hope to leave on the audience as you take your company bow?

The impression I hope our cast leaves with the audience is that they’ve been told a clear and compelling story. Though our show has many technical thrills and chills, we hope that the audience is taken along on the journey with us as actors and storytellers!

-Grant Goodman (Van Helsing)

What piece of advice would you give to young aspiring actors? 

Follow your bliss! If you love acting and storytelling, seek out training and follow your dreams! The life of an artist requires many sacrifices but, as Shakespeare says, “we are such stuff as dreams are made on.”

-Grant Goodman (Van Helsing)

What impression do you hope to leave on the audience as you take your company bow?

First and foremost, I hope the audience has enjoyed themselves and the show. Secondly, I think this production of Dracula asks a lot of questions about victimization and fighting back; Lucy has a lot more agency, especially at the end, than I believe she’s had in previous iterations. I hope the audience recognizes that journey for her as a survivor.

-Kurt Uy (Dr. Seward)

What is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?

Being a professional actor involves a lot of ups and downs – it’s unlike many other professions in that there’s no telling when or if you will work again. I think the uncertainty is the most challenging aspect to manage.

-Kurt Uy (Dr. Sewerd)

(Responses may have been edited for clarity and/or length.)