Q&A with the actress who plays "Babe"

maddie

Maddie Cindrich as photographed by Jacob Hardbower

Meet Maddie Cindrich. She is a junior majoring in theater and minoring in dance. She is on the executive board for RUs Improv Club and works in the Porterfield Box Office in the Department of Theatre. Not only is she playing the lead role of "Babe in Babe, the Sheep-Pig," but she has been continuously working on ticket sales and decorating the front of the house boards for the show.

“If you come by the box office to purchase a ticket, chances are I’ll be there!” said Cindrich

1. Where are you from originally?

I have lived in a few different cities, but I currently reside in Virginia Beach.

2. Why did you choose Radford University to pursue a major in theater?

I chose Radford to pursue a major in theatre because the department is so tight knit. Everyone works very closely with one another, so I feel like I can learn a lot from my peers as well as my professors. I feel very connected with everyone in the department, so it's nice to work in a safe environment with people who will always support me.

3. Have you always known you wanted to pursue acting?

I've always been interested in different aspects of art and performance, but acting has been my main passion ever since I can remember. I discovered my love for drama doing theatre camps over the summer when I was young. From then on, I never wanted to do anything else.

4. What is your favorite part of acting on stage?

Acting to me is all about playing. I love being on stage and communicating with other actors and discovering new things each time I perform. I get such a thrill from it! I love getting to tell amazing stories and leaving a lasting impression on an audience.

5. How do you prepare for a role?

To prepare for a role the right way, research is the one thing I always do first. The play will give me most of my answers, but I have to research the things I'm not familiar with. I think it's also important to think about how my character contributes to communicating the overall theme of the play. The more you read it over and over, the clearer it becomes.

6. How do you feel about playing Babe in Babe, The Sheep Pig?

I am absolutely delighted to play Babe. This character is an explosion of sweetness and honesty. It's been so enjoyable going to rehearsal every night because I feel like I can release my own child-like nature in this performance.

7. How are you preparing to play the role of a pig?

Since Babe's character is so genuine, I've focused mostly on how he gets excited about the littlest things, and how he questions everything around him. This play is all about kindness and respect, so I've given that a lot of thought as well. I've also experimented with different voices and physicalities.

8. Have you ever played a more interesting character than Babe?

I've definitely never played an animal before! This is also the first character I've played that just keeps me giggling throughout the whole show. It's contagious!

9. If you could play any part in any play you choose, what part would you like to play?

Since I'm also very much into musical theatre, one of my biggest dream roles would have to be Little Red Riding Hood in Into The Woods.

10. As of now, what are your plans for after you graduate?

After I graduate, I would like to audition anywhere I can and show the world what I've got! Eventually though, I would like to attend graduate school in pursuit of an M.F.A. in acting. I think I would really like to be an acting professor. I love sharing theatre with other people, and I never want to stop doing that.
 

Nov 13, 2014
Sabrina Anderson
540-831-6237
cvpa411@radford.edu