Theater season begins with Children’s Theater production of ‘Sleepy Hollow’

Kara Pierson, who may be recognized from her portrayal of Columbia from last year’s “Rocky Horror Show,” is excited that the first play of this year is something “spooky” around Halloween.

Pierson, 19, is playing Katrina in the MHCC Children’s Theater production of “Sleepy Hollow” and describes her character as a “super sweet and really manipulative woman.”

She didn’t start participating in theater until she enrolled at MHCC, — unless you count her after-school program acting class when she was 7.

“I enjoy performing. I also sing. It’s more than just acting for me,” she said. “I knew this (theater) was my calling. It is my life, it’s a hobby.”

Acting for a young audience is a lot different than acting for an adult audience, Pierson said. “You have to be like a Disney character – really over the top,” she said.

“The kids are easier to please but you do get antsy kids sometimes. Those are the ones to worry about. It’s your job to keep their focus on the stage,” Pierson added.

She said she finds good qualities about both audiences.

“I still get recognized (from Rocky Horror),” she said about the adult audience, “but with kids, they see you without makeup and are like ‘whoa.’ I remember being a little kid like that. You feel like you’re meeting someone famous.”

She said that with kids it’s like being the inspiration and with adults you play the memory.

Pierson hopes the kids get scared because she says the headless horseman costume is “awesome.”

Two of the upcoming shows are already sold out, according to Pierson.

For tickets and reservations for “Sleepy Hollow,” contact the Mt. Hood Theater Box office. School group dates are on selected weekdays from Nov. 7 through 18, with a general public performance Nov. 19. Tickets are $2 each. Shows for children will be held at 10 a.m., with general public shows at 2.p.m.