This article was originally published Feb. 29, 2024 in the McCook Gazette.
Rachel Witt, a 2015 graduate of McCook High School, is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to the local theater company SWNCTA (Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association). She passionately expressed her desire to preserve it for future generations, ”I want my son to grow up in a world where it (SWNCTA) exists.”
Acknowledging the challenges of sustaining a theater company for over 40 years, Witt emphasizes the collective effort required to keep SWNCTA thriving. With no paid employees, SWNCTA is run by volunteers dedicating their time and talents to keep it going.
After high school, Witt ventured to Los Angeles for college, where she honed her craft and obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting. Despite initial skepticism from friends about returning to McCook, Witt has found herself deeply immersed in the local acting community, surpassing even some of her peers from LA in terms of involvement.
Acting has always been a passion for Witt, dating back to her early days with the Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association (SWNCTA). From her debut as a Vantrap child in "The Sound of Music" to portraying the lead role of Natalie in "All Shook Up", eventually co-directing "Little Women", and now as a board member, Witt has showcased her versatility and dedication to the craft.
In addition to her acting pursuits, You may know Witt as a radio personality with Coyote Country. Balancing her passion for performance with professional responsibilities, her recent move to a local daycare position allows her to integrate work and motherhood, showcasing her commitment to both.
Witt is preparing for her upcoming role as Percy, an ex-con with a secret in "The Spitfire Grill". The comedic drama will run for three days only at the Fox Theater on March 8, 9, and 10th. A familiar face within the local theater scene, Witt brings a wealth of acting experience and a deep connection to her character, drawing upon personal struggles and triumphs to breathe life into the role.
Witt expresses her gratitude for her husband and sister, whose support has been invaluable in balancing her commitments to the theater and her family. As she continues to immerse herself in her role at SWENCTA, Rachel Witt exemplifies a profound dedication to preserving the arts and community spirit that define the organization. Witt is committed to continuing their hard work and ensuring its longevity.
Drawing parallels between herself and the character she plays, Percy, Witt delves deep into the emotional complexities of the role. She emphasizes the importance of finding common ground with her characters, tapping into personal experiences to authentically portray their journeys on stage. Through her portrayal of Percy, Witt navigates themes of trauma, resilience, and the universal desire for acceptance and love.
"I just want to be accepted and loved," Witt shared, reflecting on her struggles with vulnerability and self-preservation. To embody Percy's emotional turmoil, Witt channels personal tragedies, allowing herself to reach a raw emotional state during a particularly tough scene, also emphasizing the need to find a way back to reality.
As Witt prepares to grace the stage as Percy in "The Spitfire Grill" audiences can expect a powerful and heartfelt performance that transcends mere acting, capturing the essence of human resilience and the pursuit of redemption. Through her artistry and dedication, Rachel Witt continues to shine as a beacon of talent within the vibrant theater community of McCook.
The Spitfire Grill will be showing at the historic Fox Theater in McCook, March 8th and 9th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday March 10, 2024 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance online and at McCook Lettering or 30 minuets prior to the show at the box office.
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