WHEN Katrina Kittler was cast as a 12-year-old boy in the Orange Theatre Company's latest production, she always knew her flowing locks might end up on the chopping block.
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Ms Kittler portrays socially challenged and physically unfortunate William Barfee in the upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
The unorthodox casting decision required Ms Kittler to undergo a drastic transformation.
“I didn't have to do it, the director [Peter Young] asked me if I minded and he gave me the option of wearing a wig but I've always wondered what I'd look like with short hair so I went ahead and got it chopped,” Ms Kittler said yesterday.
“My reasoning was that if it looked awful, I could blame it on the show, not myself.
“When I saw what I looked like I just laughed, it's all very new.
“After a shower or when I walk by a mirror I'm still surprised there’s no hair there anymore.”
Comedian Magda Szubanski played William Barfee in the musical's Sydney production.
“The part is not meant to always be cast for females,” Ms Kittler said.
“Peter said he just thought he trusted me with the role and that I was suited to it regardless of being a female.”
Ms Kittler's new look will help her get into character in the final week of rehearsals.
“I feel more in character already," she said.
“When we've been rehearsing I wore a wig anyway to help, there was no way I could go to rehearsals wearing a skirt or dress like I normally do.
“I've been wearing my daggiest tracksuit pants to make me feel more like a boy.”
The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee opens at the Orange Civic Theatre on Friday.
