Courtney Stennett
Side note from Kat: Courtney is in the class of 2020 of the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting program, which was the class below Peter's. With only 8 MFA actors per class, you pray that you connect to a few cohorts in the class below. Courtney, and many others, were more than we ever could have hoped for. We're thankful to have her as one of our lifelong friends.
Onstage, Courtney is just as special. She is talented, hilarious, and has that 'thing' you are drawn to on stage. She's already proven herself on the Cleveland Play House stage and with her selection to the Chautauqua Theatre Company Conservatory of 2019. Now, she's thrust into the unknown as her final CPH show is canceled and her graduate showcase delayed. She generously walks us through her emotions with vulnerability, kindness, and, remarkably, gratitude. For reasons of friendship, spirit, AND enormous talent: We're excited to follow her path. Here is our dear friend, Courtney.
What were you looking forward to that you lost because of COVID-19?
I was really looking forward to playing Emmy in A Dolls House, Part 2 at Cleveland Play House this Spring. We were scheduled to jump into rehearsals this upcoming Tuesday, March 31st. I was THRILLED to have the opportunity to play this role. I think Emmy is endlessly fascinating and I was terrified and excited to walk into that challenge. This show was cancelled two weeks ago due to Covid-19. A decision I absolutely understand and support wholeheartedly, but of course, is disappointing for all involved.
What is something (a thought, a family member, a hope, a piece of art, a meme, a song, ANYTHING) that is getting you through?
I'm spending time with family whenever possible but also trying to provide childcare to help makes ends meet. When I get waves of inspiration, they turn into long lists of things I want to use this time for. And I end up getting overwhelmed, trying to squeeze many of my life goals into these next few months. I feel like "gosh if we get out of "shelter in place" and I haven't read Shakespeare's ENTIRE cannon...then what WAS I DOING?" "If I don't manage to MASTER guitar, trumpet, tap, ballet, and baton twirling WILL I EVER WORK AGAIN???" All in all though I'm feeling incredibly grateful to have family and friends that care and want me close while we wait this out. I cannot believe the love and support our artist community has been pouring out to one another. It truly makes my heart feel fuzzy and warm and stuff.
What do you think has an opportunity to change as a result of this time to reset?
We are certainly all going to come out of this differently and navigate our paths with a different kind of creativity. Which will be fun & hard & exhausting & exhilarating. I think we are all going to move forward from this time with a greater sense of humanity and humility. Even when looking across the road at other human beings now it feels like "AH! I'm so glad you're here. I'm so glad you're out enjoying walk. I'm savoring this moment of being able to smile and wave at you." I think that's going to happen in our industry. A feeling of humble victory to walk into an audition room and see all of the artists that have come out of this with an even greater sense determination and gratitude to do this kind of work. A respect for the remarkable endurance it took for all of us to "stick with it" through this time. And a humble recognition of the gift it will be to once again perform in a space full of human hearts experiencing story together.
Quarantine Quickly: (bahahaha I love that)!
Favorite snack: red wine
Home workout routine: anything 10 minutes or less on YouTube - (don't want my pajamas to get too sweaty)
Watching Currently: - The Tempest: Donmar Warehouse on Marquee.tv
Reading: "I Will Teach You to be Rich" -personal finance book by Ramit Sethi
Out of pajamas before noon?: I change my underwear regularly