North Central College student flocks to 'Birds of a Feather' stage opportunity
For Jake Elkins, shadowing a professional actor in an upcoming Chicago production doesn't feel much like work.
“It's been such a fun experience, and we've really been involved in a lot of different aspects of the show,” says the Aurora resident, a sophomore at North Central College. “For me, performing has become about telling stories that mean something and that can make an impact in society. And it's beautiful that we can do that.”
Elkins is one of a handful of students who get to shadow the main characters in Greenhouse Theater Center's “Birds of a Feather,” thanks to an educational partnership with the Naperville college.
The show, the theater's final production of the season, runs from Friday, April 27, through June 17 at the center's upstairs main stage.
The tale is based on a true story about Central Park Zoo's same-sex penguin couple that inspired one of the country's most banned books. The penguin characters, Roy and Silo, have partnered and adopted an egg together.
“'Birds of a Feather' is a play that at its core explores the most complex, contrary and difficult animals to predict: human beings,” says show director Jacob Harvey.
Lombard resident Carin Silkaitis, an associate theater professor and theater program coordinator at North Central College, serves as the liaison between the college and Greenhouse.
“Our partnership provides our students with a rich, rewarding opportunity to learn outside the traditional academic setting,” she says. “This experiential learning program allows our students to engage intellectually, socially, creatively and physically alongside professionals in their chosen field. It is truly an invaluable experience!”
Students are immersed in every facet of the production, even serving as assistant designers and assisting members of the production team. They have two guaranteed performances at Greenhouse, one for a high school audience and one for the public.
“It's a beautiful show,” Elkins says. “It's hilarious, very touching. (The take-away) is that it's important to be understanding of people's situations and never judge others based on what's happening, because there's so much more that happens behind the curtain. It's important to know that everyone has their story.”
Elkins grew up in a theater family; he began to take acting more seriously as a career in high school. He's currently majoring in theater and musical theater and would love to someday perform professionally in the city.
His character in the show, the birder, is fun to play, he says. Elkins shadowed his actor closely on body movement, discussing and improvising on potential gestures.
Overall, it's been a wonderful learning experience, he says, culminating with a chance to perform in a few shows. “It's nice to know we'll get our performances in and gratifying that our hard work won't go unused,” he says.
“Birds of a Feather”
When: Various times and dates from Friday, April 27, through June 17
Where: Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Tickets: $25 for adults, $18 for students. (773) 404-7336 or greenhousetheater.org/birdsofafeather