Hit the Wall: An Actor’s Perspective
Hit The Wall USC’s Production
by Donal Buckley ‘26
Every semester, the USC School of Dramatic Arts puts on a variety of performances. During the first two weeks of November, they ran a production of Hit the Wall, which I was lucky enough to attend. The play follows multiple perspectives during the night of the Stonewall Uprising in the summer of 1969. Anthony Guerrise, a sophomore who played Newbie during the second week of performances, sat down with me to talk about his experience.
Anthony hasn’t stopped acting since 5th grade and loves it for its ability to push him to new limits. “I’ve always been interested in acting because it was a way for me to tell stories that I have a passion for,” he said. So, telling the story of the Stonewall Uprising through theater was perfect for him.
SDA’s process for auditions, Anthony noted, was unique. “My school does general auditions with the directors of all the shows, and I received a callback from Hit the Wall, which I was super excited about.” Each semester, SDA puts on around nine shows, and they range from student-written productions to mainstream plays and musicals.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Anthony was ecstatic to have the opportunity to perform in a show about an important event in queer history. “It would be groundbreaking for me to portray a queer character,” he said, “because queer actors don’t get that opportunity often.” As a result of participating in the play, he said that he felt more connected to his community.
Hit The Wall: USC Production
Performing in Hit the Wall was also a learning experience for Anthony. Not only was he able to connect with more queer people on campus, but his eyes were opened to other parts of the community as a whole. “I learned a lot about LGBTQ+ history during the process of the show, and it really opened my eyes to the struggles queer people have had to face for generations.”
Preparing for the show, though, was no easy task. “Rehearsals started during the second week of classes,” Anthony noted, “and every weeknight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., including weekend rehearsals later on in the process.” The cast has been working on the show for the entire semester, and it’s not easy for student actors like Anthony to balance schoolwork on top of this. “Many people don’t realize that acting is a huge time commitment.”
Rehearsing for the play meant that Anthony was pushed out of his comfort zone, notably into singing and dancing — two things Anthony didn’t feel like he was comfortable with in the beginning. “Hit the Wall pushed me to new limits as a performer because I had no prior dance training — only limited experience,” he said. “But working with a choreographer to learn to dance in the body of a queer character was freeing for me.” He even noted that, as a result of this experience, he was able to look at himself more positively.
“I love my experience at SDA,” Anthony said, “and I’m lucky to be able to work with such esteemed faculty that are industry professionals.” For his very first show at SDA, this was such an exciting and valuable experience. “I’m super excited to continue my education and audition for more plays.”
There are some exciting shows lined up for the spring semester, including The Importance of Being Earnest, Much Ado About Nothing, The Trials, Rent, and They Never Called it Chavez Ravine! An LA Ghost Story Revival. After attending Hit the Wall this semester and Urinetown last spring, I’d highly recommend anyone who’s interested to go and support their fellow students. The talent showcased at these performances is truly stunning.
For information on upcoming performances and purchasing tickets, SDA’s official website is the best place to look!
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