Eleanore Knox
Actress, Sydney, AUS
Professional Actor Recommendation
I hired Eleanore Knox to play the lead role of ‘Joan’ in ‘Joan of Arc’ – a stage adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play, Saint Joan.
The play was held at the Earl Arts Centre, Launceston, in April 2011. Eleanore was hired as a professional (i.e. paid) actor for all of her performances.
Playing the role of ‘Joan’ is a renowned challenge – so much so that it is traditionally given only to ‘mature’ actresses. The real historical Joan was a young woman (still a teenager) and I decided I wanted to reflect that in my production – hence taking a chance with Eleanore.
I am pleased to report that she not only met my expectations - she surpassed them. Eleanore dealt with the physical aspects of the role (being pushed to the ground, kicked, slapped, and, of course, burned alive) very well, but even more impressive was the way she handled the psychological demands. It is no picnic trying to get inside the head of a holy enigma.
I would encourage any Agent, any Producer, any Director, to give Eleanore an opportunity to ‘prove’ herself in any acting role that would suit her. I only hope that she returns, one day, to Launceston so that I might cast her again.
Regards,
Stephen Beckett
Producer/Director
Stephen Beckett Productions
Contact: sbptheatre@gmail.com
0457 205 224
ELEANORE KNOX
REFERENCE
To Whom It May Concern,
It was my pleasure to direct Eleanore Knox in Three River Theatre Inc.’s production of The Crucible in Launceston in 2009.
The show was a full ‘pro-am’ production, with 19 actors playing the 20 roles, and with 8 of the leading actors professionally trained. Eleanore played the role of Abigail, and as the leader of the young ‘accusers’ and also Proctor’s lover she brought a maturity and strength to the role that belied her years. At the time of the production she was still in matric college, and was juggling her final year subjects as well as her outside dramatic projects.
She was also struggling with a nagging illness, and despite the cold and challenging rehearsal conditions, she managed to approach the rigours of the rehearsal process professionally and efficiently. Eleanore proved to be a team player – she got along well with her co-actors and crew, and took direction easily, making sure that the overall production was the focus of the process. She clearly watched others carefully, and benefited from the experience of the very capable professional actors in the cast.
The result was a fine performance indeed, and watching her work it was clear to me that she had considerable talent that should be developed and taken to the next level. Between 2009 and now I have watched Eleanore work in other productions and have indeed seen her develop her skills as an actress. I recommend her unreservedly to you.
Should you feel it necessary, I would be happy to discuss this further with you - either by email on strego@ozemail.com.au, or by phone on (03) 6331 6728.
Stanley A. Gottschalk
25 January, 2012