The UGA cast of “Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike” prepares for their upcoming performances, which begin Feb. 16. Before they can perform the show, the cast must endure rigorous rehearsals. In these rehearsals you will find an abundance of love between cast members, characters on stage and the work they are doing.
Dedicated Love
M.F.A. graduate students Katie Butcher and Larry Cox Jr. review their lines before rehearsal, Feb. 9 2017, in Athens, Georgia. Having the lines memorized ensures a productive and smooth run of the show. Their dedication to rehearsal shows professionalism and love of their profession.
Cast Love
Senior theatre major, Rebecca Ispas and freshman finance major, JD Hyers share a hug and a smile before rehearsal begins, Feb. 9 2017 in Athens, Georgia. Cast bonding occurs in the early moments before rehearsal and within the short breaks between. Love between cast members creates better chemistry and trust, leading to stronger performances.M.F.A. graduate students, Anna Pierri and Katie Butcher, and sophomore theatre major, Lauren King, share a joke in the moments before running the show, Feb. 9, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. This initial gathering in the beginning of rehearsal is another cast bonding moment which ensures harmony among the actors.
Romantic Love
M.F.A. graduate student, Anna Pieri, and freshman finance major, JD Hyers, share a kiss as “Masha” and “Spike”, Feb. 9 2017. Despite the age gap between the two characters, a romantic love blossoms.
Self Love
Larry Cox Jr. as “Vanya” and Anna Pieri as “Masha” share a comical moment in the first act of the play, Feb. 9, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. Masha, an arrogant movie star, lovingly recounts films she has starred in. Vanya, who is unimpressed, entertains her antics.
Passionate Love
M.F.A graduate student, Anna Pieri, and freshman finance major, JD Hyers share a sexually charged moment during the run of the show, Feb. 9, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. The passion between Masha and Spike creates constant tension on stage.
Tough Love
“Vanya”, played by Larry Cox Jr., listens as “Cassandra”, played by Lauren King, delivers an ominous warning, Feb. 9, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. Cassandra’s no-nonsense attitude is the tough love that the other characters need. Her warnings carry a hard, but well-intentioned message.
Obsessive Love
Rebecca Ispas, playing “Nina”, stands starstruck after she meets her celebrity idol “Masha”, played by Anna Pieri (not pictured), Feb. 9, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. Nina’s celebrity obsession motivates her to impress Masha in any way that she can.
Unrequited Love
Larry Cox Jr., as “Vanya”, ignores “Sonya”, played by Katie Butcher, as she stares at him longingly, Feb 9, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. Sonya, the adopted sister of Vanya, attempts to love Vanya as more than a sister. Vanya is resistant, refusing to acknowledge her declarations.
Familial Love
Rebecca Ispas as “Nina” and Larry Cox Jr. as “Vanya” share a touching moment as their characters bond over a love of literature, Feb. 9, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. The two characters, though not biologically related, form a familial bond after long conversations with each other.
