Hannah Dickmyer ’16 (TFMS) plays the fun-loving (and sword-fighting) Mercutio in the Newtowne Players’ production of “Romeo and Juliet” outdoors at Historic St. Mary’s City, beginning Friday, August 10 and running through Saturday, August 18.
Dickmyer says her studies in theater at St. Mary’s College of Maryland gave her the background in movement, theater history, and acting methods that she brings to the role. “I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today as an actress without the experiences I had at SMCM. I learned so much and it has been fun bringing that to the stage for this production.”
Performing Shakespeare is, for Dickmyer, “fun and engaging for the actors and the audience alike.” Her biggest challenge in this particular role has been learning to stage fight with a steel rapier. “It takes decent strength and coordination to make it look cool,” she says.
Dickmyer says the outdoor performance site at Historic St. Mary’s City suits the production perfectly. “Because we are partnered with [the museum], we have beautiful 17th-century costumes.” In fact, Dickmyer’s costume is one she made while a student, during an internship at HSMC where she researched 17th-century clothing.
What’s next for Dickmyer, post-production? She begins a new job as a museum educator in Baltimore immediately after final curtain on “Romeo and Juliet.”
For tickets, go to https://www.newtowneplayers.org/shakespeare-tickets.html
