Interview with a Road Company Member

Learning about a building with as much personality as The Grand is best done with assistance from someone who has experienced it firsthand. Juli Smith, 20 year old resident of Williamstown and member of The Road Company, has appeared in multiple shows at the theater and has a unique perspective to offer about the old building and what happens next.

"It's a shame to see it collapse the way it did," Smith began. "Fortunately, The Company was aware that there was some minor damage and had actually begun performing their current show elsewhere. I don't think anyone realized the extent of the damage, though."

Smith began performing with the Road Company in her early teen years, and most recently appeared in "A Chorus Line" in 2009.

"The majority of The Grand is exactly the way it was when it first opened. The ticket booth and candy stand up front, the red velvet seats, and the intimate nature of the viewing. It gives an atmosphere you don't get anywhere else, and The Road Company put it to good use."

"The Road Company does a lot of good things people don't know about. The summer is spent with a sort of acting camp for kids. Proceeds from the shows go to fundraisers, which often go to The Road Company of The Grand but are sometimes used for other causes. A portion of the money from "Rent" went to an AIDS benefit."

While the collapse has been tragic, Smith has tried to remain hopeful. She feels that the rebuilding process may present some opportunities for improvement.

"The building wasn't originally designed with live shows in mind. There is little room backstage to move scenery, and the dressing rooms downstairs resemble closets. While they will most likely try to maintain the former appearance, which they should, they might still look to make these minor changes that would greatly aid performances. All in all, I just hope that they can restore it to the point where people can enjoy shows their again."