Meredith Julia Muirhead

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Professor DeCarlo

05 November 2020

Working Outline-Alice Ripley

I. Initial Contact

A. At age eleven, I discovered the musicals “Side Show” and “Next to Normal,” both

of which she played lead roles in, and I absolutely fell in love with the shows as

well as her characters and her voice.

B. I went on to watch videos of her performances, particularly her performances as

Diana Goodman in “Next to Normal” and Margaret White in “Carrie,” as well as

TedTalks she had given about her acting, singing, and her lifestyle in general.

II. Deeper Engagement

A. At age sixteen, I did a masterclass and showcase with her through a summer

theatre program.

B. She not only taught me acting and vocal techniques, but she also introduced me to

ways in which I could become a better person in general, both on and off the

stage.

1. For example, she taught me about nurturing the whole body and taking

care of oneself as opposed to doing what made us “look good.”

 2. She also taught me how important it is to let go of negative thoughts and

pettiness, and how that will make you seem like more of a confident

person in the audition room and in life in general.

III. How I Have Integrated Her to My Own Work

A. I have used her techniques in all of my performances following that class, and I

have continued to listen to her character study on Diana Goodman in the hopes

that one day I will also be able to play that role.

B. I recalled how she spoke about playing Margaret White in “Carrie” when I played

Carrie White in my community theatre’s production of “Carrie,” and the way she

spoke of Margaret and Carrie’s relationship influenced my own thoughts and

acting choices on Carrie and Margaret’s relationship.

IV. Where I See Myself Headed As A Result

A. Assuming Broadway ever reopens, I aim to one day be performing on Broadway,

as well in other regional professional live theatres and film as well.

B. Many of her past shows are shows I either have done or want to do, and her

reflections on her experiences with those shows have influenced how I may

perform in those shows one day.