For four years, senior Charlotte Elsensohn has dedicated herself to the theater department, growing both as an actress and an individual. In the latest production of Macbeth, she took on the demanding role of Lady Macbeth, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
“I think that I really matured and learned a sense of responsibility,” Elsensohn said. “Theater and band really taught me that I am just one part of a whole and that I have to contribute my best work toward the common goal of a great end product.”
Elsensohn’s journey in theater was not always easy. Early on, she struggled with feelings of inadequacy, questioning her place in the department. However, over time, she developed confidence and learned to value every role she played.
“I feel like I really overcame some feelings of inadequacy in the department,” Elsensohn said. “For a long time, I wondered if it was really worth it to continue being in the department if I kept getting minor roles, and I battled with feeling like I didn’t deserve to be in the department. But within the last two years, I have learned to accept my part in the show as being important, regardless of where my name is on the playbill.”
Her casting as Lady Macbeth was a defining moment. She vividly remembers the shock and joy of seeing her name on the cast list.
“I was honestly in shock,” Elsensohn said. “I was on a call with Chance McCline, who plays Macbeth, and all I could do was sit there in stunned silence as I looked at my name. I called my parents and my grandparents and couldn’t stop laughing.”
McCline, also a senior and a longtime friend, has watched Elsensohn evolve as both a performer and a person throughout their years in theater together.
“She’s been one of the strongest performers, and she’s only continued to grow,” McCline said. “I’ve never seen a time where I haven’t been inspired by her.”
Portraying Lady Macbeth came with its challenges. For Elsensohn, the most difficult part was fully embracing the character’s descent into madness.
“The hardest part was, by far, the insanity monologue,” Elsensohn said. “I love feeling in control of the situation, which works for 90% of the show, but the insanity monologue is a scene where everything needs to be out of control. It was really hard to push myself to take it over the top.”
McCline believes Elsensohn was the perfect fit for the role, citing her commanding presence on and off the stage.
“She’s an embodiment of Lady Macbeth,” McCline said. “She has this big aura around her, where she can just light up the room. She’s very powerful, and she encapsulates the role very well.”
As the show progressed, Elsensohn developed a deep connection with her character, relating to Lady Macbeth’s sense of control and strength.
“I really relate to that feeling of control that she feels for most of the show,” Elsensohn said. “I related to the way that she is a powerful woman.”
Her presence in the theater department extends beyond her acting abilities. McCline described her as a source of encouragement and positivity for those around her.
“She knows how to make the best out of the worst situations,” McCline said. “If you’re stressed out or upset, she can uplift you, regardless of what she’s got going on herself.”
Reflecting on her time in theater, Elsensohn is grateful for the experiences and relationships she has built. She acknowledges the influence of her mentors and the lessons they have imparted.
“I am thankful for both Voss and Mr. Moore, in different senses,” Elsensohn said. “Voss taught me the discipline I needed for theater, and Moore taught me the character and the emotion needed for theater.”
As she prepares to leave the department, Elsensohn hopes to be remembered for more than just her performances.
“More than any role that I had or job that I did, I want to be remembered for being a great person to be around,” Elsensohn said. “I want to be remembered for being someone that others could rely on.”
