Over the fall season, 39 cast, crew and costume members have been working on “The Crucible,” the Upper School (US) fall play. Directed by US Theater Director Ross MacDonald, “The Crucible” will take center stage Nov. 13-15. The Vanguard sat down with three actors taking on major roles in the play — Hailey Jiang (Elizabeth Proctor), Matthias Paulson (John Proctor) and Alexandra Nassikas (Abigail Williams) (all ’26) — to hear about their experiences so far. —Gabe Cooper ’26
Was there a rehearsal moment that changed how you saw your character or the play?
Hailey: Yesterday, because we did the last scene, and that’s where Elizabeth Proctor’s character growth really shows because she starts as petty and cold to John Proctor. In the last scene, she admits her faults and says, “I can’t judge you, John. You have to make the decision yourself.”
Alexandra: I saw the whole play differently after I was cast as Abby, and I had to think about her perspective because as we were reading the script, I was like, “Wow, she’s such a terrible person.” I feel so bad for Elizabeth because she’s catching strays because of Abigail’s actions. I had to think about how Abigail wasn’t right but had a reason behind her actions. I stopped seeing her as so evil.
Matthias: I saw a play previously called “John Proctor is the Villain,” so that skewed my vision of him. After we read through a scene in the play, I realized that he wasn’t a bad person and that he had redeeming qualities and was trying to do what’s best despite his previous mistakes.
What’s one inside joke or tradition the cast has that the audience would never guess?
Matthias: Shake off and the game zip zap zop. And thank you circles: We have to get in a circle and tell the cast and crew, “thank you.”
Hailey: Before each show, we do a couple of things, like Pass the Pulse, where everyone’s in a circle and you squeeze the person next to you’s hand, and a saying: “Enunciate, articulate, exaggerate, ah,” to get warmed up. Seniors also give motivational speeches before the last show, and juniors give seniors a speech after the last show.
What moment in the play challenged you the most as actors?
Matthias: I have a scene with Alexandra where I say I’m going to reveal all of her evil plans in court. That’s probably the most difficult because I have to act, at first, like I’m still slightly in love with her, according to Mr. MacDonald. At the end of it, I hate her, and now, I’m entirely trying to destroy her life. Going from that in one scene is pretty difficult.
Alexandra: I’d say the same scene. In other scenes, there’s more energy. I’m either accusing people of witchcraft or seeing visions, and this scene isn’t as fun for me.
Hailey: My first scene, which is at home with John Proctor. It might be the first time they talk after he cheats on her. There’s a lot of nuance: She loves him but is betrayed and a little cold. It’s not just straight-up angry.
