Gia Bathory has been a part of the theatrical life for a very long time. Now that she is living in Idaho, she has some grand plans to bring some amazing and unique talent to the limelight. She took time out of her busy schedule to answer some of my questions.

How did you get into theater?

Honestly, the first thing I did where there might be something I enjoy, was in first grade. The play we were doing was called “The Mixing Stick.” I enjoyed the aspect of being someone else. I liked the creative thought process of becoming a character and figuring out lines and stage direction. I started directing other kids in their roles. It was freshman year in high school and I took drama, and I had an amazing drama teacher. She would let me get away with a lot of stuff. The drama teacher said I should audition for “Macbeth.” I auditioned and tried out for Lady Macbeth. I loved it. I really liked how she was considered an insane woman who has gone through trauma and I really liked becoming her.

What do you like most being on stage or behind the scenes?

It is two sides of the same coin. I have always been involved in productions and being on stage. I am a Capricorn and a control freak and I have to know what is going on all the time. Being so concerned with stage direction, costumes, knowing the script, and knowing what is going on, helps me get through the terror. My little trick I learned from Judy Garland was yelling profanities at the curtain. It’s a way to get through the fear of walking out onto the stage.

What was your favorite character to play?

Satine from “Moulin Rouge.” She has such a broad range of emotion. She has to be happy and bubbly and she has to be beautiful all the time. She has to ensure she is desirable at all times. Yet behind her façade she is dealing with death, tragedy and heartache. Usually lead females are either cold or coquettish, Satine uses both sides to become such a rich character.

Who is your idol?

I love Sian Phillips. She was the wife of Peter O’Toole who was working at the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts. She is absolutely amazing! She went through so much being married to Peter O’Toole. He would dress up in her Chanel gowns and he would get drunk and dance around in the pub in her gowns. I have so much respect for her putting up with all of it.

Your next production is the “Weimar Cabaret. What made you come up with the concept?

I was doing art history and fashion research. My friend who is a student at Yale and she turned me on to a whole documentary about fashion and the arts of the Weimar Republic. I knew about the culture and how the Nazis came in and destroyed it. It was interesting to watch. One day, I was sitting down with my friend Dante and I decided I wanted to create the whole world of the Weimar Cabaret. Just like that I had a date for production and we started creating the whole show.

What do your recommend for people who want to start acting on stage?

I want them to find me on Facebook and ask questions. We are creating a MDI over here for artists who are looking to start doing more theater. Things like headshots and stage etiquette are just a few of the things we want to help with.

The “Weimar Cabaret” opens June 13 at the First National Bar. It begins at 9 p.m. and will have performances by Gia Bathory, Jenniffer Massucci, Vacant Gate, Johnny DeMarco, ISU Belly Dancing Club, That Other Doctor and special guest violinist Kenny Nelson. Because of the venue, only people 21years old and older are allowed in. Drinks are buy one get one free if you come in 1920s or fetish costuming.

Emily Thornton is currently working on her Masters in Communication at ISU. She enjoys writing, racing after her son and playing games with her husband.