Questions about Juniper
I recently some questions about Juniper’s character from my latest play, Tomorrow’s Wish. I thought I’d post my response. But first, here’s the question/comment from up-and-coming actress, Grace Painter.
I am performing Junipers wonderful monologue for my A Level drama piece, I have already downloaded the whole play and read it through but i was wondering if there are any extra notes I may have on the character of Juniper, for example where exactly she lives in America and whether or not she has shy moments etc.
This will greatly help me in performing my monologue to the best of my ability and it would be lovely to know all the minor details in order to achieve full marks for my written work as well as practical.
Thank you very much,
Grace Painter
Well, Grace, I imagine that Juniper lives somewhere in Oregon, about 50 miles from the nearest town. I have a Great-Uncle who lives in a tiny town called Monument, Oregon. There’s no cell-phone reception. The one cafe is in someone’s trailer. His ranch — with its horses, goats, barn cats and sheep– is how I picture Juniper’s home.
Megan and Gary don’t live in a thriving metropolis. They live in a typical suburban town — maybe one that has the great outdoors nearby… A place like Klamath Falls, Oregon, perhaps.
However, I don’t mention specific locations in my play because I want students and actors to choose the setting. Some students have given Juniper a southern accent — and that’s fine by me. To me, the characters seem very American — but perhaps they could be British or Irish or who knows!
As to whether Juniper is shy — she’s sometimes around people that obviously don’t understand her. She is not very out-going around Brandi or Mrs. Dunbar, for example. She senses their rudeness and tends to shy away from them.
Although Juniper’s past is gradually revealed in “Tomorrow’s Wish”, there are still many elements about her character that remain a mystery. It’s your job as an actress to develop that character yourself — but I can give you some useful questions to steer you in the right direction.
Why does Juniper believe her mother abandoned her?
How does Juniper spend a typical day on her Grandmother’s ranch?
Has her grandmother been over-protective or appropriately cautious when it comes to raising her grand-daughter?
How does Juniper feel about her special abilities?
Why is Juniper so fond of her cousin Megan? What was their relationship like when they were younger?
Hope this is helpful! Remember, even though I am the playwright, the answers to the questions are your to imagine. 
Thanks Grace! Break a leg!
