An Interview with Actors Jillian Gizzi and James Putnam

Orlando Shakes chatted with Jillian Gizzi and James Putnam, the two leads of this summer’s Children Series production, to discuss their journey as actors towards creating this world premiere production of The Little Mermaid.

Orlando Shakes: How did you get into theater and acting? I remember hearing in the Coco Chronicles that some of you didn’t start until high school. When did it move from being a hobby to a professional ambition?

Jillian Gizzi: I’ve always been into performing, specifically singing and dancing when I was younger. I didn’t really get into the acting side of things until late high school/college! But I think combining the three really helped me out. And it turned into a profession pretty shortly after high school starting with working at the theme parks.

James Putnam: My great Grandmother drove me to my first audition for The Wizard of Oz when I was 14. From the first rehearsal, I was hooked and haven’t stopped since. Ever since I started, its all I’ve wanted to do.

Orlando Shakes: Did you study theater in college?

Jillian: I studied Musical Theatre at Pace University.

Production photo by Megan Pridemore features Jillian Gizzi and James Putnam.

James: Yes, I studied at Florida School of the Arts, as well as, Marshall University, in acting.

Orlando Shakes: How has your role as a prince differed in this show compared to your other role as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast?

James: This prince is much nicer. The Beast was cursed and and would have fits, but this prince is just a sailor that loves the sea.

Orlando Shakes: By taking this role, how has it been interacting with the children both on and off stage?

James: The kids have been wonderful. Hands down my favorite part of the show. I love the children’s willingness to believe and participate with us.

Orlando Shakes: How has your role as a princess differed in this show compared to your other role in Sleeping Beauty?

Jillian: Every show is a new experience and a different story. It’s been a lot of fun telling Allura’s story as the little mermaid.

Orlando Shakes: By taking this role, how has it been interacting with the children both on and off stage?

Jillian: Getting to interact with the audience both on and offstage is one of the most rewarding things as an actor. I love hearing their different opinions and favorite parts right after the show.

Production photo by Megan Pridemore features Jillian Gizzi and James Putnam.

Orlando Shakes: What has been the most surprising or rewarding aspect from working on this show for you? 

Jillian: It’s always pleasantly surprising to see how different audiences react to different parts of the show. Sometimes, they very quietly take the story in and sometimes, they clap along with the music and scream in horror at the villain’s entrance. It’s fun to go on the ride with them.

James: I feel that the set has always set the bar on what this show had to be. The first day of rehearsal we saw a beautiful 3-D printed rendering, that with the combination of the costumes really created the world around us, which made acting in the show all the easier.

Orlando Shakes: What are the similarities and differences between working on a children’s series show compared to the adult performances?

Jillian: Honestly, the only big differences are the audience reactions and length of the shows. And the content, of course. Otherwise it’s very similar with the rehearsal process, tech week, run time, and prep time.

James: With all the shows there is a sense of play, but these summer children’s series shows always hold a place in my heart. The director, Patrick Braillard, brings a lot of fun to the whole experience and encourages us to have fun with our characters.

Orlando Shakes: How has working as a former acting intern prepared you as an actor at Orlando Shakes?

James: When I am acting at Orlando Shakes, I feel at home. I’ve been very lucky to work here for the past three seasons and the whole production team and staff are like a second family to me.

Orlando Shakes: How did you prepare as an actor to be working and acting with puppets?

Jillian: I don’t operate a puppet in this show, but I do get to interact with them. The two actors puppeteering are very good at bringing life and energy to their puppets, so I am easily able to see them as the real characters.

James: I actually don’t have much interaction with the puppets. The one moment I have is with Bubb, the whale. You get to see Prince Dylan pet a whale for the first time, and I think for him its a pretty big deal.

Orlando Shakes: What was the most challenging aspect of this show for you?

Production photo by Megan Pridemore features Jillian Gizzi and James Putnam.

Jillian: The most challenging aspect is when I lose my voice! It’s surprisingly hard to be spoken to and not be able to respond! It’s very fun to try to physicalize my emotions and it’s made for a lot of fun on stage.

James: I think the biggest challenge is waiting for the kids to see what we have created. We have 2 weeks of rehearsal and create all these jokes and bits, and we have no idea how the kids will react. They really create the atmosphere for the show.

Orlando Shakes: Did the script develop at all during the rehearsal process?

Jillian: Not too much, but there were little bits on pieces that Patrick, the director, added for us. A couple pauses or interjections or physical bits. But the script itself didn’t change too much. Just certain moments from the first day of rehearsal up until opening.

James: Absolutely, Brandon Roberts creates a beautiful retelling of this fairy tale. He and the director, have worked together for years and years, they collaborate really well together. Patrick loves to add his dad humor and those are some of the funniest moments in the show. Those are thrown in for the parents.

Orlando Shakes: What do you think people can learn from this unique version of The Little Mermaid?

Jillian: I think our production of The Little Mermaid tells audiences it’s always important to follow your dreams and trust your instincts. It’s also okay to be goofy and be yourself.

James: I think people can learn that being different is okay. And that you don’t need to change for anyone.

Orlando Shakes: How does it feel to be working on a world premiere?

Jillian: It’s amazing to premiere this show and work with this talented cast in helping this story come to life.

James: It feels great to be able to lay the tracks for this Prince. I’ve been able to make Dylan as quirky as I could.

Orlando Shakes: What advice would you give to those who want to pursue acting as a career?

Jillian: First of all, audition for everything! Continue to take classes in practicing your craft and audition for as many things as you can. It’s also very important to support your fellow actors and community. And always bring your fun personality into the room.

James: My best advice is do what you love. If you love acting, just do it. People will see the joy that it brings you and be infected by it.

Come see The Little Mermaid before the show closes July 29th at Orlando Shakes.

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER
Lana Kaczmarek is the Marketing Intern at Orlando Shakes. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors Degree at Stetson University as a Communication and Media Studies major with a double-minor in Journalism and Creative Writing. She enjoys spending time with her family and her dog while she listens to various musical soundtracks on a loop.