A Reading, MA native, Maritza is a proud member of Salem State's
graduating class of 2014 with a B.F.A. in Theatre Arts Performance. She was
recently a finalist in KCACTF Region 1 Festival where she received the VASTA
Award and Linklater Scholarship. Her recent credits include: Into the Woods
(Lyric Stage Co of Boston), Hairspray (Wheelock Family Theatre), A Little
Princess(Fiddlehead Theatre), Les Misérable (Reagle Music Theatre), School
House Rock Live! (Boston Children's Theatre).
As any actor I have my usual list
of concerns when going in for auditions. Am I right for the part? Did I pick
the right song? Do I look young/old enough for the role? Does it matter if this
character is African American? Now of course, there are shows where race is
essential to the telling of the story. But, as I got older, I started to
differentiate those stories from the roles that just so happened to be
originated by someone who was typically Caucasian. And to me that meant there
was no reason for anyone to feel like they could not do a part because the
character didn’t “traditionally” look like them.
After coming from being a
Dynamite in WFT’s recent production of Hairspray I was ecstatic to be gifted
with the iconic character of Alice from the story Alice in Wonderland. I
remember not knowing whether to cry or scream while on the phone with the
director. I was nervous because this would be my first major lead role in
professional theatre. But ultimately, I cried because I had again been
validated as who I was: an actor.
The Wheelock Family Theatre is
the perfect place for someone to try something new. Wheelock is about bringing
theatre to people of all types of multicultural background as well as
accessibility to people with disabilities. And what enhances their ability to
do that so wonderfully is by having shows filled with diverse casts. It is so
great being part of a theatre company that fosters inclusion within the
audience, to the people who work behind the scenes, and are seen on
stage.
Maritza Bostic with Leigh Barrett in rehearsal for ALICE.
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