Fringe 2013 is almost here! In the next couple of weeks, we'll be posting a some interviews to help you get to know the cast and crew of A Young Lady's Guide to Vivisection.

First, we interview actress Samantha Wymes:

Q: Who are you and what is your role in the show?
A: Samantha Wymes/Elizabeth Smith. 

Q: Tell us about yourself:                                                                                                                                                    A: I am 21 years old and a brand new alumna of Queen's University. At Queen's I majored in Drama and minored in Film and Media Studies. In September, I will be attending George Brown Theatre School's conservatory acting program. I am also a vegetarian and very passionate about animal rights.

Q: Tell us about your character:                                                                                                                                             A: Elizabeth is a bright, courageous, passionate woman, who stands her ground when her beliefs are challenged and fights hard for the right to achieve her dreams. However, like all people, she is not without faults; Elizabeth can be stubborn, controlling, and aggressive – and she’s also a bit vain.

Q: In thirty words or less, what is the show about?
A: It’s about the parallel struggles of two types of progress: social and scientific. It got me thinking about the cost (be it social, environmental, moral) of what we consider progress.

Q: What is the most interesting thing you've learned in the research process?
A: That medical students sometimes resorted to grave robbing in order to get cadavers!

Q: What are you most looking forward to about going to Fringe?
I can’t wait to meet other artists and see the shows that they have created.

Q: Why did you become involved in this show?
Through this show, we have an amazing opportunity to share this fascinating - sometimes pretty unbelievable – piece of Canadian history. It lets contemporary audiences relate to people whom they will never meet, but who had a massive effect on Canada, as we live in it today.

Q: Describe the rehearsal process in 5 words:
A: Educational, inspirational, challenging, trying, rewarding.

Q: Why should people come see the show?
A: People should come see this show to learn about this intriguing bit of Canadian history, get thinking about our concept of progress today, and support emerging Canadian theatre artists!