This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Katerina Papacostas: Welcome to The Roundtable! I'm Katerina Papacostas, and I'm thrilled to be here to talk about my journey in Broadway, especially my experience in Chess.

[0:30] Katerina Papacostas: It's been such an incredible opportunity to be part of this powerhouse company. Playing Florence Vassy, even as an understudy, is a dream come true.

[1:00] Katerina Papacostas: The score of Chess is so vocally demanding and emotionally layered. It really challenges you as a performer, and I love that about it.

[1:03] Katerina Papacostas: Being trusted with a role of this magnitude speaks volumes about the preparation and presence I bring to the stage.

[1:06] Katerina Papacostas: Whether I'm commanding the stage in the ensemble or stepping into the spotlight, I always strive to bring heart and precision to my performances.

[1:09] Katerina Papacostas: It's such a thrill to perform in one of Broadway's biggest revivals. The energy from the audience is just electric!

[1:12] Katerina Papacostas: I think a lot about balancing readiness with opportunity. You have to be prepared for when that moment comes.

[1:15] Katerina Papacostas: Life backstage at Chess is a whirlwind, but it's also filled with camaraderie and support from my fellow cast members.

[1:18] Katerina Papacostas: The passion it takes to thrive in this industry is immense. It's not just about talent; it's about perseverance and dedication.

[1:21] Katerina Papacostas: I'm excited to share more about my journey and what it means to cover such a complex and beloved role.

[1:23] Katerina Papacostas: Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can't wait to dive deeper into our conversation!

[11:16] Katerina Papacostas: Thank you so much for having me, Robert. I'm really excited to be here and talk about my journey and everything that's been happening with Chess.

[11:46] Robert Bannon: Absolutely! So, let's dive right in. You’re currently in Chess, which is such an iconic show. Can you tell us a little about your role and what it’s like to be part of this powerhouse company?

[12:16] Katerina Papacostas: Being part of Chess has been a dream come true. I’m in the ensemble, but I also have the incredible opportunity to understudy Florence Vassy, which is such a complex and beloved role. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s also thrilling to be trusted with such a significant character.

[12:36] Robert Bannon: That’s amazing! Florence is such a pivotal role in the show. How do you prepare for stepping into that character, especially given the vocal demands of the score?

[13:06] Katerina Papacostas: Preparation is key. I spend a lot of time studying the music and the character’s journey. I want to make sure that when the moment comes, I can step in confidently and bring my own interpretation while honoring what’s already been established.

[13:26] Robert Bannon: That’s a great approach. What has been the most surprising part of your experience so far in this production?

[13:46] Katerina Papacostas: I think the most surprising part has been the sense of community among the cast. Everyone is so supportive, and it really feels like we’re all in this together. It’s a tough industry, but having that camaraderie makes a huge difference.

[14:06] Robert Bannon: I love hearing that! It’s so important to have that support system. Can you share a bit about what life is like backstage at Chess?

[14:26] Katerina Papacostas: Backstage is a whirlwind of energy! There’s always something happening, whether it’s quick costume changes or vocal warm-ups. We all have our routines, but there’s also a lot of laughter and fun moments that help keep the atmosphere light.

[14:46] Robert Bannon: That sounds like a blast! Now, you mentioned the challenges of the industry. What advice would you give to aspiring performers who are trying to navigate their own journeys?

[15:06] Katerina Papacostas: I would say to stay true to yourself and keep pushing forward, even when it gets tough. Perseverance is so important. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and put yourself out there. You never know what opportunities might come your way.

[15:26] Robert Bannon: Wise words! It’s all about being ready for those opportunities. What’s next for you after Chess? Do you have any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

[15:46] Katerina Papacostas: I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next! I’m always auditioning and hoping to take on new roles that challenge me. I love exploring different characters and stories, so I’m excited to see where my journey takes me.

[16:06] Robert Bannon: That’s fantastic! I can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us today, Katerina. It’s been a pleasure having you on the show.

[16:26] Katerina Papacostas: Thank you, Robert! I really appreciate the opportunity to talk about my experiences.