10 Questions
Take Ten: DAWN URSULA
Catch actor Dawn Ursula in Botticelli in the Fire at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company through June 24, and check out this week’s Take Ten for the inside scoop on her prosecutorial past, her longing to be at the opening night of A Raisin in the Sun, and her dreams of being a “stupid wealthy philanthropist.”
1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?
I saw Man of La Mancha the movie in school. I remember feeling awed by it.
2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?
A High School production of Witness for the Prosecution. I was so nervous my face would shake.
3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?
I’ve never been able to answer this question. There are too many. There are some which I have strong feelings for because of the wonderful experience of being in it.
4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?
A clerical job to a lobbyist.
5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?
As one of the doo-wop girls in Little Shop. My solo number at the end. I ran out of air and had to take a catch breath in the middle of what should have been a long sustained note. Eeeeee. Still makes me cringe and it was eons ago!
6) What are you enjoying most about working on Botticelli in the Fire at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company?
Everything. Seriously. This play. This cast. Our director, playwright, designers, stage mgt. It’s an EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!
7) Other than your significant other, who’s your dream date (living or dead) and why?
My grandmother Addie Johnson. She died when I was less than 2. I love the pix of us together and the few stories I have of her.
8) What is your dream role/job?
Stupid-wealthy philanthropist.
9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?
Opening night of A Raisin in the Sun.
10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?
You know it’s for you, if you truly can’t do anything else. So go explore. Make sure. If you come back, you’ll be all the richer for the experiences you’ll bring back with you.
DAWN URSULA was last seen at Woolly in Zombie:The American by Robert O'Hara, directed by Howard Shalwitz, earning a Helen Hayes nomination. Other Woolly credits include Marie Antoinette directed by Yury Urnov, The Totalitarians directed by Robert O'Hara, We Are Proud to Present...,(Helen Hayes nomination), directed by Michael John Garcés who also directed her as Prudence in The Convert by Danai Gurira, for which she received a 2014 Helen Hayes Award. Also a company member with Everyman Theatre, she was recently seen in The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson and Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage. She earned a 2016 Helen Hayes Award for her performance in Queen's Girl in the World by Caleen Sinnette Jennings at Theater J and will reprise the role at Everyman Theatre next season. Dawn has performed locally and regionally with theatres such as Olney, Round House, Arena Stage, Hangar, True Colors, the Kennedy Center, Rep Stage, Imagination Stage, and African Continuum Theater Company and holds other awards and nominations. Television credits include HBO’s The Wire and PBS’ Prince Among Slaves. She is a founding member of Galvanize and mentored by Vera J. Katz. For more information please visit www.dawnursula.com.
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