ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
MAY  2015

Melissa Johnston Price '76

Theatre was your major here at Longwood, how did that prepare you for a life on stage?

I was lucky enough to get a lot of stage time during my 4 years at Longwood as well as work in all aspects of staging a show from make-up to lighting to set to costumes.  At one point in my career I became the Artistic Director of a touring children’s theatre.  Since I had gotten the experience I did at Longwood I felt comfortable putting a show together and knew both the technical and acting sides.  I could talk the talk and walk the walk.

What was the first show you played in at Longwood? What was your role? What was the most memorable role you played while at Longwood?

The first main stage show was The Dybbuk in which I played a woman of the Hebrew faith in mourning.  I made my very first entrance on that stage screaming and whaling, crying to The Torah.  My fate was sealed.  From then on I was cast in very serious roles!  BUT my most memorable role was Ella/Passionelle in the musical comedy, The Apple Tree.  Mine was a Cinderella story where I played a chimney sweep who gets her wish granted and becomes a movie star with a 52 inch bust!

 

What is your favorite memory of Longwood College? Favorite tradition? 

Longwood was perfect for me.  A small enough student body with an enclosed campus which helped me to form friendships that will last me a lifetime.  I’m still in touch with a lot of people from my years there.  I loved the camaraderie and having a sense of belonging.  My favorite tradition was Oktoberfest.  I loved being a part of that big week-end long event.

You were described as "one of the region's most celebrated actors" and a “theatre entrepreneur” in Richmond Magazine - what is it like to hear that? 

It’s very flattering and humbling.  I’ve worked very hard on my craft and to be recognized for it fills me with great pride.

 

What is the most interesting role you've ever portrayed and why? 

I’ve had the opportunity to play some amazing roles.  I’ve played Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Barbara in August: Osage County, two of the most celebrated plays in American theatre.  I’ve played a woman of the Mormon faith burying her excommunicated gay son.  I’ve played the title role of Macbeth!  But my last role was one of the most exhilarating – I got to play Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine in Lion in Winter.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

 

What is your dream role? Why? 

If I’m lucky enough to get cast again, that’ll be my dream role!  ALL the roles I’ve played have been my dream roles. 

What is one piece of advice you have for Theatre students? 

Get in the way of all the  opportunities.  That’s defined as putting yourself out there, doing a good job while you’re there, getting a reputation for being a hard worker, and watch the opportunities roll in!