On Monday, December 4, actress Torrey DeVitto (Chicago Med, Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars), stopped by our PN Drama class for a Q&A session. Ms. DeVitto graciously contacted PN Principal, Dr. Ledlow, this fall to express her interest in working with drama students at Portage Northern.
Ms. DeVitto is no stranger to philanthropic endeavors and is excited to share her time with students here, as her fiancé is a PNHS alum.
PN Drama teacher, Cece Weeks, has been developing a plan for the Drama students and the cast of PN Drama's Winter Play, ComedySportz-High School Edition, to receive some Improv instruction in addition to industry tips & tricks.
During the Q & A with the Drama class, Ms. DeVitto was candid and shared stories, and lessons that she has learned, tips she has found useful, and was incredibly gracious with the kids when they wanted photos with her for their social media. The students were excited to ask her all kinds of questions.
- Q: How do you play character that you do not like?
- A: "You have to find something you like about them. Once you judge a character you can’t play them." Ms. DeVitto relayed that her character on "One Tree Hill" was not likeable (on the surface). In order to play that character well, she had to look for something to like. The character had experienced grief and Ms. DeVitto was able to use that grief and her sympathy to understand her and play her well.
- Q: What is your #1 struggle as actor?
- A: "Nerves." "Stage Fright". Even now Ms. DeVitto recounts that she is always shaky during auditions and on the first day of work. She limits her caffeine intake during the first week of a new job and advises to "fake it till you make it".
- Q: How is it being an actress?
- A: It is fun and cathartic. It allows you to express emotions in different ways. Being an actor is like free therapy every day. You have to build a thick skin and not take things personally. That took a long time to learn. Art is subjective. Just because something you do isn't right for someone, doesn't make it wrong. You have to love it or don’t do it because it is hard. You get a lot more "No's" than "Yes's".
Ms. DeVitto expressed that the beginning process tends to be the same, no matter who you are. The trick to being successful in the business is to have a good work ethic.
Ms. DeVitto believes that live theatre is so important. Film/TV can build bad habits because of re-takes and editing. Live theatre helps with nerves and teaches you to be constantly present.
After meeting with the Drama class, Ms. DeVitto joined the cast of ComedySportz for their entire 90 minute rehearsal. She played improv games, gave important feedback, and even acted like she was on a waterslide. It was a blast. Team member Kirby Bach said, "It was cool to see a professional actor in such a laid back setting."
We are so grateful to Ms. DeVitto for her assistance and look forward to working with her again in the future!
