Kimberly Prentice, a seasoned Broadway dresser and performer, brings her one-woman show Unseen to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, directed by Misti B. Wills.
This intimate and insightful performance delves into the backstage politics of Broadway and the personal journey of a dresser named Pam. Through quick changes, comedy, and audience interaction, Prentice explores themes of self-perception and worth. Unseen is inspired by Prentice’s 25 years of experience working behind the scenes on Broadway.
The show highlights the often-overlooked world of dressers and their crucial role in theatre production. Prentice’s portrayal of over 30 characters in just one hour promises a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience. Unseen runs from August 2nd to 25th (excluding the 12th and 19th) at Zoo Playground, with performances at 15:15. Tickets are available now.
You’re bringing Unseen to Zoo Playground at Edinburgh Fringe. What can you tell us about the show?
This show is a behind-the-scenes look at life backstage on Broadway. It’s just me, 3 laundry baskets, and my dresser tool belt.
Unseen is inspired by your 25 years of experience as a Broadway dresser. How did your personal experiences shape the narrative of the show?
Well, this piece is a mash-up of my dresser stories combined with my experiences as a performer. I have taken huge creative license in the telling of this story, but, in the end, it more or less parallels the journey that I have been on these past several years.
The show features you playing over 30 characters in the span of an hour. What challenges did you face in preparing for such a dynamic performance?
The challenges for this show revolve around remembering what my characters’ mannerisms are, where on stage each scene takes place, and what happens during each individual quick change while we are rehearsing.
There’s no actual set. I’ve had to create a cheat sheet that looks like a road map. It helps me get from one scene into the next and be in the right place, with the right voice, dealing with the right mimed costume pieces, all at the right time. Once on stage, though, our brilliant lighting designer has made all locations very clear with her lights. That helps immensely.
Unseen explores the backstage politics of Broadway. Can you share some insights into the realities of working behind the scenes in such a high-pressure environment?
You have to know who does what backstage. There is no cross-over amongst the departments. So, when attending the final run through of a show in the studio before it heads to the theater, it is essential to meet and get to know the stage managers. They are the ones driving the bus. They are also the care takers of everyone backstage and serve as emergency back-up.
On the 1st day of loading-in into the theater, I make it a point to meet all the stagehands who will be working on the show and learn what their job titles are. Because when things go wrong backstage, I want to know exactly who I can ask to get a particular problem solved. There is no time to be looking around for help in other departments. I also get to know the stage door people who will be my best friends when food deliveries or guests arrive backstage for my performers. They can alert me immediately, thus making me look incredibly efficient and on the ball.
And finally, the front of house staff are usually incredibly awesome human beings. So, knowing them comes in handy when your actor suddenly needs some orange juice or just needs to sneak out of the side door of the theater unnoticed. All of these relationships are crucial. And you have to keep them all separated in your head to make sure things run smoothly.
Your journey from feeling unseen to finding your voice is a central theme in the show. What message do you hope to convey to the audience through Pam’s story?
Everyone has had moments of not being seen or heard. It can be painful and depressing. But what you do next makes the difference. Do you just stay hidden to avoid conflict like the main character “Pam” does in the beginning? Or do you risk standing up and being seen for who you are? It’s scary, but it’s also more exciting and fulfilling. And often, there are supporters all around who will catch you when you fall and help you right back up. That is “Pam’s” experience. And it is mine as well. And I’m here to tell you, it’s worth it!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Unseen?
If you’ve ever wondered what happens backstage on Broadway while you are watching a show, this is for you! You are going to see all the interworkings of the machine that produces the magic on stage. Also, if you’ve ever felt unseen yourself, you will totally be able to relate to the main character of “Pam” and others in her world over and over again.
