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FACES OF TWIN CITIES THEATRE: Singer-Actor Theresa Drexler

by Twin Cities Arts Reader -

Singer-actor Theresa Drexler (she/her).

How do you describe the theatre work that you do?

I primarily work as an actor/singer/character performer in the Twin Cities, collaborating with a variety of professional and community theaters. However, I’ve also assisted theatre companies with social media marketing, and have recently begun to dabble in directing.

Contemplating an (onstage) proposal.

Where and how did you train for what you do today?

The majority of my training has come from Bethel University’s former theatre program, where I received my B.A. in Theatre Arts. During my time at Bethel, I received instruction and guidance from Brent Adams, Leigh Anne Adams, and Meg Zauner, all of whom are seasoned professionals within the artistic community. So much of who I have become as an artist is thanks to them.

What are 3 words that describe you as an artist?

Passionate, methodical, and detail-oriented.

What’s the last performance that you were in/worked on/wrote/etc?

The last production I was involved with was the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company’s production of The Sorceror (directed by Gary Briggle with music direction by Dr. Randal Buikema)! It was my second show with the company, and I was a member of the Chorus. Shortly after, I was involved in a reading of Selina Fillinger’s POTUS (directed by Alison Ruth) with the Jungle Theater!

Theresa Drexler (second from left) in the Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company’s 2022 production of The Pirates of Penzance.

How did you become involved in theatre?

I became involved in theatre largely because of my mother. As a huge musical theatre fan herself, she would play Broadway cast recordings around the house and take me to see the spring musicals at our local high school from a very young age.

In 6th grade, I performed in my first musical (as Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Jr.), and the theatre bug has stuck with me ever since! I continue to do theatre because I love storytelling and all the emotions that come with it. I love being immersed in a new world for a couple hours, whether I am performing or watching a story unfold from the house.

What does theatre mean to you?

Theatre is powerful and transformative. It’s one of the few art forms where you become truly immersed in another person’s story, whether they are a real person or fictional character. Additionally, theatre can be practically anything; there is a story out there for everyone!

Tell us about a favorite experience in the performing arts. Why was it meaningful?

One of my favorite experiences in the performing arts was back in my freshman year of high school. I was cast as Rebecca Gibbs in our fall production of Our Town. As I recalled earlier, my mom took me to see shows at the high school from a very young age. As a small child, it was always my dream to perform on the “big high school stage.” Getting cast as Rebecca and getting to stand on the ladder at the end of Act 1 felt like a dream come true, which is also part of why Our Town is so special to me!

Tell us about someone who had a profound impact on you as the artist that you are today.

One of the many people who have had a profound impact on my journey as an artist would be my college professor and director, Leigh Anne Adams. While I loved all the productions I was a part of during college, her shows have a special place in my heart. Leigh Anne helped expand my range as an actor. Prior to her shows, I had been cast in a lot of comedic roles. In the two shows I worked on with her (as Helena in All’s Well that Ends Well and Rose Arnott in Enchanted April), I was cast in roles that were more serious and had a greater weight to their arcs.

The actor’s life: sometimes, your character has passionate thoughts about breakfast.

What is an upcoming performance that excites you, with which you are NOT involved?

I am so excited for Lyric Arts’ upcoming production of The SpongeBob Musical this summer! I personally believe this show is very underrated. While I’m glad to have seen The SpongeBob Musical popping up as school and community theatre productions, this is the first time a professional company is producing it in the region! I’m excited to see the fun take that I know Lyric Arts will put on it.

What’s up next for you, creatively?

This July, I will be performing in Fridley Community Theatre’s production of The Addams Family! I am a member of the ensemble as well as a Dance Captain. I also have an exciting project lined up for the fall that I can’t talk about yet, but I’m super pumped!

Anything else you’d like to say?

I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who’s been supporting the arts during these trying times. They are needed now more than ever!

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