Opening night for My Brother’s Gift is right around the corner! As we are hard at work with rehearsals we decided to take some time out to help all of you get to know our amazing cast and learn a little about this truly special show.

Next up in our interviews is Lilianna Dunlavey!

Lilianna has been doing theatre for more than a year. She has been in many shows with GCT; including Kid Frankenstein, That’s so Goochland, and No Signs of Intelligent Life. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and reading. She also takes pride in her academics. She loves to take care of her animals, including her fish.

Tell us about your characters:

My first character, Sanne, is a young girl. She becomes friends with Eva in the show. She loves to play. I play other characters make my heart hurt sometimes.

What is it like playing a real person?

I think it’s interesting knowing that you play a real character. It can also put a bit of stress on you to execute the character correctly.

What is your favorite scene? Why?

My favorite scene is the boat scene because its such a fun scene to play out.

In the past you have mostly done comedies or shows with lighter subject matter. Have you enjoyed working on such a serious show?

I do enjoy working on a serious show, but, for me, having to be sort of a mean character almost makes me upset working on it.

What was the biggest challenge for you with this role?

Probably trying to execute the character correctly.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I wanted to be involved in this show because I wanted to be in a more serious show, and I thought this one would be a good one to start out with. I also just love theatre, so being in another production is very fun.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

I think someone who is an easy crier will love this show. It’s a very emotional show.

What will the audience be thinking about as they leave this show?

They will be very sad because of the ending.

What do you love about your character?

I love how my character is a younger character so i can bring out my more childish side while performing.

What do you hate about your character?

I hate how mean my character can seem sometimes. I almost want to change the entire story sometimes.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?

“A sailor who drowns.”

Besides yourself, which actor in this production is going to blow people away?

I think Oliver is going to make people cry. He says his lines so well and makes me want to cry

What has your experience with GCT (past and present) been like?

My experience has been really good with GCT. I’ve always liked GCT because of how small the group is. You can get new people every few shows, so you can meet new people. There’s also a lot of kids here at GCT that don’t go to my school. It’s nice to meet people from different districts and homeschooled kids.

Why is GCT important to you?

GCT is important to me because it’s such a small group of people that you can really get to know everyone in the cast. You make lots of inside jokes and can easily click with people.

If someone was interested in joining the theatre as either an actor or as a crew member what advice would you give them?

I’d say to just be yourself when trying out. It can seem stressful at first to audition, but it really isn’t that hard to audition. It’s a very comfortable environment.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?

I take a deep breath. It can really help calm any nerves you have. 

Besides this one, what production that you have been a part of is your favorite?

I really liked That’s so Goochland. It was amazing to have such a large cast for that show. It was also pretty cool that two cast members of GCT wrote it. 

What sparked your love for theatre?  

My entire family had loves theatre. Me and my mother used to go to shows as a kid, and I always thought it was really cool. What really continued my spark was when I visited my relative who lived in New York. She had been on broadway, played many roles, and it really inspired me. The first show I saw on broadway was Hello Dolly. I saw all the costumes, all of the hair and makeup, and it looked so fun to be up on stage. Despite my love for theatre I had stage fright and couldn’t go up on stage and even say a few lines. However, going on stage here for GCT really faded that away. I was able to overcome my fear with GCT.

What do you do when you are not doing theatre?

Whenever I’m not doing theatre I love to hike, read, and learn. I care deeply about my academics.