By Angelica Kalegoridis ’15 | Staff Writer

Even experienced actors will admit that they sometimes struggle to get into character. But Loris Dennis ’14 said she does not have that problem in playing her lead role, Betty Blake, in South’s spring musical, “Will Rogers Follies”, because she has so much in common with the character.

“Betty Blake is a really down to earth, sassy girl,” said Dennis. “I like to think that I am very down to earth, realistic and even sassy sometimes.”

Dennis was well prepared, articulate and nailed her audition, Director Christopher Pratt said, adding she and Emma Aboukasm ’14, who also plays the role, does a fantastic job capturing the spirit and portraying Betty Blake.

“Loris is a hard worker,” said Pratt.  “She has been since I have known her and we couldn’t be more pleased with the level that she works at.”

Originally, Dennis said she opted to accept any part handed to her. But she was surprised and happy to find out she received the role of Betty Blake.

“Because Blake and I are so similar, it makes playing her all the more exciting,” said Dennis.

This being Dennis’ first leading role, she admitted that she is a little nervous for her Thursday and Saturday performances. Regardless, Dennis is very excited for the opportunity to show people her hard work and finally reveal her talent.

“This is definitely one of my favorite roles that I’ve ever gotten,” said Dennis. “Betty is really fun to play especially because she’s got so much personality.”

This year’s cast is small, but they work really well together, Dennis said. All cast members get along seamlessly while still having a great time.

“The cast works very well together,” said Pratt. “They have welcomed newcomers to the production, including four younger children who play Will Rogers’ kids in the show.”

During rehearsal, Dennis is consistently focused and dependable in her work ethic, Pratt said. It is something that the director especially appreciates.

“To get into character, I envision what Betty looks like and the type of personality I am supposed to have,” said Dennis. “Then, I try to incorporate her everyday actions into my own.”

Others look to her as a role model in her work at rehearsals, Pratt said.

“Loris is a talented young lady,” said Pratt. “Her work ethic and talent enhance the overall production, just as other students bring individual strengths to the collective talent.”

From a peer’s perspective, Dennis is an awesome fellow cast member.

“There’s definitely a consensus among the cast that Loris always puts her best foot forward,” said Jack Kay ’15, who plays Will Rogers’ father, Clem. “She performs to her best ability every day in rehearsal.”

Dennis never slacks and is never disrespectful, Kay said. She is the perfect example of how a cast member should approach an important role and is the ideal actress to play Betty Blake because she is so talented and hardworking.

“This is her first major role in a show, and that’s a challenge, especially considering her part is huge,” said Kay. “But I always see her practicing and reading lines, and she has shown that she is up to the challenge.”

Dennis is constantly smiling, Kay said. She always radiates positivity, which is a great asset to a musical cast.

“We always need people whom we can rely on,” said Kay. “And Loris is definitely that person.”

Surprisingly, Dennis received this major role with only three years of previous acting experience, although as a child, she often participated in musical theatre programs, she said.

“At a very young age, I was interested in musical theatre,” said Dennis. “It’s always just been something I loved.”

For more information on South’s production of “Will Rogers Follies”, as well as performance times and ticketing, click here.

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