Starting her acting career as Lil Wilbur in “Charlotte’s Web,” Megan Collins has moved through many roles, such as Piglet in “Winnie the Pooh,” Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Amy March in “Little Women,” and many more. Now a senior, she played the lead role of Alice in Benilde-St. Margaret’s production of “You Can’t Take it With You,” which premiered Oct. 29.
Collins has participated in 23 shows, several concerts, and a few cabarets. “I have done shows at the Children’s Theater and Stages, and other places. [“You Can’t Take it With You”] is actually one of the first times I’ve been back at BSM,” said Collins.
Her interest in theater piqued when Collins, as a young girl, launched her career by singing Disney Princess songs around the house and participating in acting classes. “I took an acting class as a kid and just fell in love with it. I told my mom, ‘Mom, I’m going to be an actress!’” said Collins.
The most memorable role Collins has portrayed was in “Columbinus,” a play about the shootings that took place at Columbine. “I had the chance to play some deep roles in ‘Columbinus.’ I played the teacher who called 911 in the library, among other roles. That was definitely the hardest, and most rewarding role I have played so far,” said Collins.
The bonding activities in the beginning are Collins’ favorite part of getting ready for a play. “I loved the character building and things like couples’ day rehearsal. It was so funny watching everyone pretend like they were married or dating someone they are not in a relationship with in real life! The best thing about this rehearsal process is all of the improv we have gotten to try,” said Collins.
Collins’ particularly enjoyed the party scene within this year’s production of “You Can’t Take it With You.” “There is a scene at the end of Act One in which everything goes horribly wrong for my character. It’s the funniest scene to watch, everyone in it is so brilliant,” said Collins.
Although not nervous for this year’s show, Collins has experienced some traumatic experiences onstage. “I have fainted onstage, I have had a major fall in every show I have been in, I sprained an ankle once, I have definitely hit some clunky notes in musicals and such, I gashed my toe open this summer in a show too! It’s all part of the package with live theatre, I guess. To be honest that is what keeps it interesting,” said Collins.
As for the future, Collins hopes to continue in the theater. “I’m definitely looking into it, and [I’m interested in] colleges that I can participate in some sort of program like acting or teaching or something crazy like directing. But I definitely want to keep it in my future,” said Collins.
