Kelly Moore is a 3rd-year Architecture student with a minor in Theatre. He will be performing in the School of Performing Arts’ upcoming play of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.”

My interest in theater began at the age of seven when I participated in children’ s theatre at my elementary school and continued through 6th grade. I got into it again during high school when I joined a community theatre guild in my hometown. When I came to college, I found that I really missed it and decided that I wanted to get my theatre minor. I began by taking an Intro to Theatre class, and I later auditioned for “The Foreigner” on a whim. It was a hectic week for me, and I honestly had no time to do it. Despite being barely prepared for my audition, I landed a very character-y role and was reminded why I loved theatre. Getting back into theatre has made me realize how much I’ve missed being on stage and surrounding myself with fellow “theatre people.”

Rehearsals are Monday through Friday from 6-10 pm and Saturdays from 12-4 pm. So, that’s basically 24 hours in rehearsal alone. I also put in an additional 1 ½ to 2 hours each day to work on lines, get into character, and warm up. I probably put in around 40 hours a week towards the play. There is a 12-hour rehearsal coming up at the end of the week, and it is super daunting. I’m extremely busy, and I’m not sure how I do it. I just try to take one day at a time.

I’ve started working much more on my computer for my studio work to cope with all these late rehearsals. Usually, I prefer doing hand drawings to accomplish my designs, but I had to make changes to make this problematic schedule work. Following rehearsals, I can basically go home to work awhile, crawl into bed, and then do it all over again the next day. I’m more well-rounded in studio since my computer skills have improved and I’m starting to work more efficiently than I did before.

My advice when it comes to architecture is to make sure you have a strong mental fortitude because it will take a lot out of you. It takes a lot of dedication so be sure you know your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard in your first year, but develop a way of working when you come in. Develop a relentless curiosity where if you find something that interests you then go for it. Be that person that checks out all the books from the library about one thing. Be willing to take those great leaps and learn from your failures.

In “As You Like It,” I play the older duke who has been exiled by his younger brother to the Forest of Art which in this case is Upstate New York in the 1960s. The main story of the play centers around my character’s daughter and her love interest. It’s a really great inclusive play with the way we’re putting it on. It has non-binary characters, and there is no conformity to gender and sexuality roles. The title “As You Like It” already infers to be who you are, love who you are, and make sure everyone else is doing as well as they can. One of my favorite parts of the play is that our stage has a rotating inclined platform. A major theme of the play is the passage of time, so it’s like a clock that shows you the progression of time throughout the play. It’s definitely my favorite part of the show.

Come with an open mind because there are some things in there that don’t make sense. Shakespeare is difficult to understand, and there are still parts of the show that I don’t fully understand. Come with that relentless curiosity and be ready to accept whatever we put out there for you.