Andrew Quilpa

(Actor, "Waddle" and "Fox")

What's your background?

I have been acting in the DMV area for about a year now, but was definitely a drama nerd since grade school. I trained at the University of Virginia, and have been fortunate to perform at such venues like The American Century Theater, Capital Fringe Festival, Anacostia Playhouse, Flashpoint, Young Playwright's Theater, and Uniontown Bar!

Have you been a part of Capital Fringe or any other Fringe before?

I played the role of Frank in "Districtland," (along with Ruthie and Hope!) which was part of the 2014 Summer Capital Fringe.

Did you know the story of the 442nd Regimental Unit?

I am very much aware of the Japanese Internment. I am admittedly more familiar with the 442nd Infantry Regiment's action in the European theatre, their distinction as the most decorated unit in American history -this in spite of the fact that their families were interned, their motto, "Go For Broke!" and their participation in the discovery and liberation of the Dachau death camp.

What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?

It is important to remember that the internment did not happen that long ago. I hope audiences are motivated to learn more about the history of the internment and the infringement of civil liberties and realize that it happened only a few decades ago in our own backyard. I want youth to learn that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and that it's important to get to know a person for who they are before judging them.

What do you think is the place of the theatre arts in telling our history?

More than any other medium, theatre brings an audience right into the moment of a story as if it is actually happening before them. The past, put to page, is breathed into life by the artists.

If you could be an animal, what would it be and why?

Ever since I saw The Lion King in elementary school, I wanted to be a spotted hyena. I thought their laughter (which I later found actually is part of a pretty sophisticated form of hyena communication) was hilariously infectious, and loved that they could eat almost anything. I also like that they hang out in pack to take down larger prey. Now THAT'S teamwork!

INTERVIEWS

See more interviews from our team:

Tyler Herman (Movement Coach)

Andrew Quilpa (Actor, "Waddle" and "The Fox")

J. Robert Raines (Sound Designer)

Rebecca Speas (Actor, "Mother")

Will Pommerening (Production Stage Manager)

Matthew Strote (Actor, "Father")

Stephanie Tomiko (Actor, "Ducky)

Rachel Hynes (Actor, "Mother")

Ruthie Rado (Actor, "Flap")

Bryan Azucena (Actor, "Yori")