Break a leg! Danielle Gruskiewicz is sharing her love for theatre and what it’s like being the director for the University’s fall play The Wizard of Wonderland.
Year: Senior
Major: Theatre
Hometown: Woodbridge, N.J.
This week’s Campus Celebrity is embracing her senior year at Seton Hall with open arms, taking on new roles and responsibilities. Apart from directing the fall play, which takes place on Oct. 3 on University Day at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Danielle is working hard at her fall internship wat the boutique theater public relations agency Glenna Freedman Public Relations.
We found out how Danielle got her passion for theatre and the arts before hitting the stage at Seton Hall.
“I had an aunt who was an equity theatre actress. She would take me to shows and talk to me about her life. I really looked up to her when I was little and wanted to be just like her, but I started to actually do theatre in high school,” said Gruskiewicz. “I was lucky enough to be involved in four Off-Off Broadway shows along with other shows in high school which really got me thinking this is what I want to do with my life.
Some of Danielle’s all-time favorite Broadway plays and musicals include Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Gypsy, Into the Woods, and Mamma Mia!
Reflecting on her love for theatre both inside and out of Seton Hall’s Theatre-in-the-Round, Danielle shares what has been the most rewarding part of being involved with Seton Hall theatre performances.
“Definitely that the program is small. I have had a lot of opportunities that I might not have had if I was in a bigger program. And of course Dean Yates,” said Gruskiewicz. “She is the best!”
Amidst the hustle and bustle of theatre performances we wondered what a typical routine prior to hitting the big stage was like. Danielle gives us a glimpse behind-the-scenes of how she prepares for a performance.
“Everyone usually gets there an hour and a half before the show starts. People’s routines are different but, I like to get to the theatre early so I can take my time getting ready and get into the right state of mind to have a great show,” said Gruskiewicz. “Sometimes the director gives notes and we run a few things or sometimes we just listen to music and get ready. It depends!”
Before even the pre-show routines begin, Danielle shares what it’s like during the pre-production period.
“It’s really crazy how much work goes into it. Students and professors start working on a show about a month and a half to two months before the performance. In that time the cast and tech crew is chosen, the lighting and set is designed and built and, the director has to stage the production, work with actors on their characters, and do a ton of other things. All of this work is completed for only four or five performances.”
Danielle shared with us some final thoughts on her time here at Seton Hall and which actress she loves.
HC (Her Campus): What has been your favorite memory of college so far?
DG (Danielle Gruskiewicz): There isn’t one specific event that I have in mind, but more of just the chill nights talking and hanging out with friends, getting Dunkin at 12am, taking laps around the Green for no reason. That’s going to be the stuff I will miss.
HC: What actors do you fangirl over?
DG: I could go on for days about the people I fangirl over, but my main homie is Meryl Streep. I know that is cliché to say because everyone loves Meryl, but I’m pretty sure my love for her is the greatest. Meryl Streep is truly my spirit animal.