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Empathy in Every Role

Zaniyah Chestnut on the Heart of STRIKE!

The ������ Department of Theatre & Film is preparing to open its spring production, STRIKE! A Musical and Dramatic Revue, this March at the Lee H. Salisbury Lab Theatre. Among the ensemble of over 30 performers is Zaniyah Chestnut, a rising actress who brings multiple characters to life in the show, including Florrie and Sally.

This marks Chestnut’s third musical, having previously performed as “Lucinda” in Into the Woods and as “Woman 2” at the Palace Theatre. For her, STRIKE! has been a meaningful and deeply personal experience. “Being a part of STRIKE! has been such a beautiful experience for me. I can’t wait to share it with Fairbanks.”

Playing multiple roles in a single production can be challenging, but Chestnut embraces the opportunity to explore different facets of herself through her characters. “In STRIKE! I play multiple women who are close to or around my age. With learning these characters, I’ve found a way to see myself in all of them—Florrie’s optimism, Sally’s boldness, etc. I’ve realized that women share commonalities that transcend time periods.”

One particular scene stands out as especially meaningful to her. “I feel very strongly about the first scene that Sid and Florrie share together,” she explains. “It’s an introduction to their relationship dynamic but also to the strength of young resilient love in hard times.”

While some actors might find switching between roles difficult, Chestnut finds joy in the process. “I’ve found the process incredibly fun and not hard at all. I love playing characters I relate to like the ones in the show because it’s less acting and more being myself.”

If given the chance, she would love to have a conversation with one of the historical figures tied to her characters. “If I had the opportunity to sit down with Sally Bowles, I’d definitely ask her what she thought of today’s world—mostly to see if we’d share the same opinions.”

Beyond character work, STRIKE! has also given Chestnut the opportunity to expand her artistic abilities in unexpected ways. “I’ve learned a lot about my vocal range,” she says.

Chestnut describes STRIKE! in one word: “Inspiring.”

That inspiration is something she hopes audiences will take with them after watching STRIKE! “I hope that people will walk away from STRIKE! feeling inspired and empowered, the same as I feel performing it. It’s really easy now to get caught up in the way that things look rather than how they make you feel. If I can leave people with a mere feeling of empathy or anything else really, I’ll be satisfied.”

Experience the power and passion of STRIKE! when it opens March 21, with performances running through March 30 at the Lee H. Salisbury Lab Theatre. —don’t miss the chance to see this moving and thought-provoking production.

The ������ Department of Theatre & Film offers students a hands-on, immersive education in both theatre and film, providing opportunities to participate in productions every semester. Whether stepping into the spotlight, performing on camera, directing, designing, or working behind the scenes, students gain real-world experience in all aspects of the creative process. With a focus on collaboration and artistic growth, the department equips students with the skills needed for careers in the performing arts, film industry, and beyond. From mainstage productions to independent student films, ������ Theatre & Film cultivates a dynamic environment where students can hone their craft and bring meaningful stories to life.