Harper Thorne’s Devon Richtmeyer Back in the Studio!
On 2/16, Devon Richtmeyer returned to WAPJ community radio station to record her performance of the Harper Thorne story “Curse of Sallowe Manor”.
We asked Devon about the experience
What was it like for you to be back in the WAPJ station in the studio recording? I absolutely loved being able to get back into the studio to record! Lately, my internet connection at home has been terrible and having to deal with constant glitches coming from my end was taking away some of the joy I get from recording Barnaby Druthers! It was freeing, in a way, to be back in the studio. I was able to just immerse myself in Harper's character without constantly having that worry in the back of my head about whether or not the audio quality was okay. I was able to just BE Harper Thorne, and that was so refreshing.
How do you compare voice acting to acting on stage? any benefits/difficulties on either? I suppose there are ways in which voice and stage acting are similar, and a whole world of ways in which they are different. With regards to similarities, I think the level of expression I use is the same, no matter the medium. Audience or not, I still perform - I believe the listener can tell how much of a performance you're putting in simply through your voice. Whether stage or radio, I always read through the script before performance time in order to delve into the nuances I want to add to particular lines and moments.
I also feel that the camaraderie you find here in Northwest Connecticut's community theatres is just as prevalent in our radio group. There's that same level of support and friendship that makes the experience that much more fulfilling.
I think the main difference, for me, is with regards to the flexibility of the radio medium. Onstage if you botch a line, you move past it as best you can - smooth it over as much as possible - because the show must go on! In this respect the beauty of recording is in the fact that, if you stumble, you simply say, "sorry, let me try that again!" You can trip over the same line 5 times (believe me, I have!) and the listener will be none the wiser in the end. It takes a little bit of pressure off of you as a performer.
What were your expectations/thoughts when you first joined Junction and how have those expectations changed, met or been not met? When I first joined Nutmeg Junction, I was so honored to have been invited to join, but also immensely nervous! I'd heard of Nutmeg Junction from many of my theatre friends and constantly felt myself thinking, "I hope they ask me to join one day!" My first day of recording, I was in a room full of people - most of whom I didn't know - just hoping I didn't screw it all up my first day on the team. (I had to do a British accent for the first time in public, in front of all these strangers! What if it was horrendous?!) As is the way with the arts community of NWCT, they welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of the team straight away.
Where do you see Harper Thorne going in the new season? Harper has many secrets still yet to be uncovered, and I'm looking forward to seeing what unfolds. I think we get these little glimpses into just how phenomenal a woman Harper Thorne is, but we only see what is revealed when little chinks in her armor are revealed. I hope we will continue to uncover bits and pieces of who the woman behind the accent really is.
I love being a part of Nutmeg Junction, especially Barnaby Druthers, and cannot wait to see what adventure is next!
