BLANE PRESSLER comes to OAT directly from The Palace Theatre in New Hampshire where he appeared in Hairspray, 42nd Street, and Rumors.
Pictured left: Blane Pressler as Tranio in The Taming of the Shrew
Pictured below: as Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Pictured below: as Aston in The Caretaker
1. So, Blane, you get around: you come to OAT from New Hampshire, and you’ve performed in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and in national and regional tours. What’s it like “living on the road”?
Hotels get a little tiring! - But I'm happy to see the sights of America and meet people from all over! I have had the opportunity to visit some of the most amazing cities, like New Orleans, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta among others. I have gotten to see these cities that have so much of America's history, so along with getting to do what I love I've gotten to be a tourist and see the country!
2. Where are you from and how did you decide to spend the summer at OAT?
I am originally from Fort Wayne, IN. Born and raised, as well as where I went to college and recieved a BA in theatre. I'm a midwest boy! I really wanted to work for OAT because the season is so diverse. I jumped at the opportunity to be doing a beautiful american drama like The Crucible, a contemporary musical where I get to play a weird kid, and such a fantatsic comedy like Lend Me a Tenor- Max has been a dream role of mine so Im excited to play the role!
3. How did you get in to the theatre?
When I was a child I decided I wanted to be a movie star. So at age 6 I told everyone I was going to be famous. When I was 14 I decided that doing my shcool play would be a great way to start my road to fame. I fell in love with it then and I decided to pursue it in college. I have since given up on the hopes of fame as long as I can do what I love.
4. What’s one of your fondest theatrical memories as a performer?
Being on tour I got to perform on stages that great stars had performed on. I loved knowing I was hitting the same floor boards as Ian Mckellen, Olympia Dukakis, Whoppi Goldberg, Carol Channing and Debbie Reynolds. It ment a lot to me to know that.
5. What are you most looking forward to experiencing in Rolla?
I love meeting new people and experiencing new things. I have been blessed in the experiences I have had thus far, and I'm looking forward to the NEW people and adventures ahead in Rolla!
www.blanepressler.com
