Senior theatre major steals show as the sassy Geneva Lee Browne

Theater is more than just a pastime for senior Shirelle Ruddock—it is a passion. Ruddock is performing in her sixth show, “The 1940’s Radio Hour” at Georgia College. She began her college career as a mass communication major, but soon realized her passion lied in performing.

Ruddock has been singing and acting since she was a little girl. She performed in numerous performances throughout middle school and high school at both her church and the Galloway School, where she attended from seventh grade onward. Theatre is a massive part of her life and she wholeheartedly participates in any production she can get her hands on.

“I’ve always loved theater ever since I was a little kid. Whenever I would go see a show, I fell in love with the arts even more,” Ruddock said. “It is something I really wanted to be a part of.”

Ruddock’s most recent endeavor is confidently taking on the role of the bold and brassy Geneva Lee Browne in Georgia College’s performance of the “The 1940’s Radio Hour.” The cast has been working hard on the show since early January.

“I loved all the roles when I read the show. I auditioned and got called back for Geneva, which I thought would be a great role for me. I was really excited when I was cast in this role and have been working like a dog ever since,” Ruddock said. “I love playing the role of Geneva because I have a lot of lee way to really stretch her character.”

With “The 1940’s Radio Hour” being Ruddock’s sixth performance on the Georgia College stage, she really understands the intricacies of the stage and what type of energy it takes to be part of a successful performance. According to Ruddock, one of the greatest qualities of performing is that you learn something new about yourself every time you attempt to identify with a character.

“It is too hard to pick a favorite production,” Ruddock said.  “I have loved all of them and each production that you take part in has a different personal impact that relates to whatever stage of life that you are in. The way you do the production and interpret the character is really impacted by where you are and how you feel at the time.”

“The 1940’s Radio Hour” opened this week and is a treat for Milledgeville. The musical is filled with upbeat jazz songs the provide the feeling of being in an old-fashioned radio station room.

“I’ve been on stage all my life. One of my favorite parts about 1940’s Radio Show is that it is filled with old traditional jazz standards that have withstood the test of time,” Ruddock said. “It has been really great to hear everyone’s voices. There is something so pure about the tunes; the music is written, a piano plays the songs, there are a few accompanying instruments, and the voices of the cast. It has such a huge impact without the additional elements.”

After graduation, Ruddock hopes to pursue a career in theater. Interning for a theater company would be ideal, and she would love to work in New York, London or anywhere overseas or on the East Coast.  Ruddock would love not only to be in performances, but also hopes to possibly produce them one day.

“I love singing and acting and could not imagine living my life without theater and drama being a part of it,” Ruddock said.