Quick Chat: Elleon Dobias

From fiddle to hand drums and outlaws to housekeepers- Elleon Dobias plays them all! Read on to learn about Elleon's APT summer! You can see Elleon on stage this season in As You Like It, The Matchmaker and The Two "Gentlemen" of Verona.

APT: Elleon, we are thrilled to have you here this season. How has your APT summer been so far?
Elleon: Working at APT has been wonderful! Getting to spend so much time outside has been a real treat, and I am finding a lot of inspiration in the ideas my fellow actors bring into rehearsals.

APT: That's amazing. These woods have proven to be a great place for that kind of thing. Since you have such a diverse range of talents, could you tell us about your career leading up to APT?
Elleon: Much of my career has been spent playing instruments within a theatrical setting, which has given me a unique perspective on musical storytelling. I love discovering how music can enhance the text and expand each character's expression and perspective.

APT: Speaking of characters, what roles are you currently playing? Is there anything particular about them that you enjoy?
Elleon: I am playing Kate (Miss Van Huysen's Housekeeper) in "Matchmaker," Amethyst of Arden in "As You Like It" and Twangling Jack/Outlaw in "Two Gentlemen of Verona." What I love the most about all three of these plays is getting to take part in such brilliant ensemble work. Each member of APT's company brings something special to these shows, and I am my most joyful and creative self when we're all collaborating.

APT: Being that you play such different roles (and instruments) throughout these plays, how do you get ready to perform? What do you do after a show to unwind?
Elleon: Pre-show looks a bit different for me depending on the show, but I always warm up my voice and body (walking up the hill helps with this, haha!) If I'm playing music in the show, I like to check in with each instrument beforehand and play something just for myself. I've had periods of work where I forget to enjoy music outside of shows, so I try to be intentional about maintaining my passion for music outside of performances, too. As far as post-show goes: salty snacks. Sweet snacks. Oooo and then maybe one more snack. Haha!

APT: It is quite remarkable what you are able to do on stage. Have you made a favorite APT memory thus far in all you've done?
Elleon: Making music with Tim Gittings and Nate Burger has been the Highlight of my season. Okay, maybe tied with sitting by Karen Woditsch in the dressing room. She gives me at least three good giggles and two big belly laughs a day.

APT: Sounds like family! As always, lets end with a fun one. What is your non-negotiable in your picnic basket?
Elleon: I've been weirdly obsessed with dates lately. They're my go-to backstage treat, and definitely a non-negotiable in my picnic basket. Dip them in a little peanut butter, maybe? Pair one with some chocolate? Perfection.

Yum! Thanks Elleon!

Photo by Dan Norman