School of Rock The Musical is coming to The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis from January 16-28th. For information on tickets to see the popular musical, visit The Fabulous Fox website. I was able to interview one of the cast members of the show, the talented Theodora Silverman, who plays Katie. Check out the interview below!
Show synopsis: SCHOOL OF ROCK is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “AN INSPIRING JOLT OF ENERGY, JOY AND MAD SKILLZ!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “FISTS OF ALL AGES SHALL BE PUMPING!”
THEODORA SILVERMAN (Katie). “Theo” is thrilled to be playing her dream role of Katie in the
National Tour of School of Rock! Recent credits: Once National Tour, ABC’s “What Would You Do?”
Thanks & love to Mom, Dad, Hazie, Lisa, Barry, Tara Rubin Casting, Ellyn, Jeff, Dan & Piper!
Can you tell me about the audition process for School of Rock?
My first call for the SOR audition was 2 years ago. I was 8 1/2 years old, on tour with ONCE the Musical and didn’t know how to play bass and ukulele. My cast mates taught me Teacher’s Pet on bass for the audition and I rehearsed the sides with Liam Fennecken who is now on the SOR tour with me!!! I was too small for the part but had a great first audition. The casting team was amazing and encouraged me to keep working on bass and come in again next call. I auditioned for the roles of Sophie and Swing (Broadway) and made it to the final round both times. My dream was to be Katie and I am now living my dream on tour!!!!!!!
How did you find out you received the role as Katie?
My family goes to Mykonos, Greece every summer. When we landed in Athens airport about to board our plane to Mykonos, my Dad received a call and grabbed my Mom. My Mom was crying – I thought they were both acting very strange. I asked what was wrong and they said “nothing’. Once we checked into the hotel my parents called me to come outside and my acting/voice teacher Ellyn Marsh was on Facetime.
Ellyn said: “Theo, I am so sad that I will not be able to work with you this year – because you will be on tour as Katie with School of Rock”. I was in shock and then screamed with tears of happiness!!!!!“
How difficult is it to fit in school work when touring?
We have a set school schedule with our tutors and the workload of my 5th Grade homeschool program is A LOT. Sometimes, I have to do schoolwork on my free time to stay on track. There are days I am very tired (especially Math days) but I know that our studies need to be an equal focus to our performances. It’s great to be in school with my cast mates and our tutors plan very cool field trips in each new city.
What is a normal day routine for you?
Here’s a “normal” one show day:
10AM- wake up + breakfast
SCHOOL (we have lunch/snack breaks on longer school days)
3 or 4PM – hang out with cast friends, we love to make slime and do “lives”, shower, hair and voice prep, stretches
5PM -Dinner ( we usually go out with cast mates and families somewhere fun)
Go to theatre 70 minutes before show for warm-up, hair, notes, costumes etc.
PICK -UP by parents and then back to hotel either by car, foot or scooter. Once we are back in hotel we all hang out until we go to sleep, usually by midnight.
On 2 Show days (Matinee and Evening) it is normally just wake up, breakfast, shower etc. and go to theatre where we have a dinner break in between.
What is your favorite scene in the show?
Parent’s Night!
Will kids your age enjoy the show? If so, why?
Kids of all ages will love School of Rock! The energy is awesome and the message of you can be anything, be true to who you are and believe in yourself, follow your dreams, no matter what anyone tells you is very inspiring and important.
Have you ever been to St. Louis? Do you have any fun plans when you arrive here?
I have been to Kansas City on the ONCE tour but never St. Louis. I am excited to see the Gateway Arch and perform at Fox Theatre.
Do you have any advice for young kids learning to play an instrument?
Practice, practice, practice. Use a metronome to make sure your tempo is steady.
Listen to musicians you admire and if you can find a great teacher who will be a mentor and/or join a band. I was in a band for 2 years which is where I was able to learn how to play with a group and live. There is so much information on all instruments and how to play on line now, especially youtube. Learn how to read music and just love it all!!!!! If you are passionate about an instrument you WILL be fabulous at playing it.
See School of Rock The Musical at The Fabulous Fox Theatre Jan 16-28!
