The Treasure of Lifelong Friendship: JUDY MOODY Young Actors Reunite

By Susan Wiedmeyer

Five years ago, young performers Eloise Field and Hope Stiverson met at the callback auditions for First Stage’s 2013 production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Hope explains, “Although callback auditions are competitive, I didn’t think of the other kids there as competition. My main goal was to make at least one good friend and cheer them on in the hopes that we would get cast as counterparts.”

Hope’s wish came true when both she and Eloise were double-cast as Gladys Herdman in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. The two became instant friends. Years later, the friends once again have the opportunity to share another role—Judy Moody in First Stage’s world premiere production of JUDY MOODY AND STINK: THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT.

Hope (top left) and Eloise (bottom left) as Gladys in PAGEANT. Hope (top right) and Eloise (bottom right) as Judy in JUDY MOODY. Photography by Paul Ruffolo.

They took a moment to share with us how their First Stage journey led them to friendship.

Tell us about yourselves.

HS: I’m an eighth grader at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School. I’ve participated in the Theater Academy and started acting with First Stage when I was nine years old. I’ve auditioned for productions ever since and have been in three productions—including JUDY MOODY. When I grow up, I want to be a surgeon (if I can ever get over my gag reflex), an anesthesiologist, or an orthopedic sports medicine concussion specialist doctor. In addition, I want to always be involved with theater.

EF: I go to Silver Lake Intermediate School in Oconomowoc where I’m also in eighth grade. I’ve been studying at First Stage for nine years and am currently in Young Company. JUDY MOODY is the sixth First Stage production I’ve been in. Someday, I want to become an Actor/Director/Playwright. I have also thought about becoming a politician or working with children with special needs.

You two have been friends for a while now. What do you treasure most in friendship?

Eloise and Hope

HS: What I treasure most in friendship is someone who is not fake—someone who will be there for me consistently and not judge me. I treasure the fact that Eloise is just a downright nice person. Eloise is a real friend and I can always count on her. I also like that we both share the love of theater.

EF: I value friends that are kind to everyone. Beyond that, having some friends that you can be comfortably weird and silly around is the best! Hope and I have a lot of shared theater experiences. Because playing Gladys was my first role in a show of any kind, it will always hold a special place in my heart. It is fun to reminisce with Hope about that experience.

In your opinion, how does First Stage cultivate friendships?

HS: First Stage provides the opportunity for you to meet people who have similar interests. You especially make strong connections with people when you are in a show with them. You get to see the same people almost every day for about two months. To this day, I have continued to stay close with friends I did shows with and met at First Stage over four years ago. That is true friendship!

EF: I agree! I think First Stage is the perfect place for people of similar interests to bond with each other. It provides a setting that is very open, friendly and supportive. They value creativity and they value people’s differences. They also have a lot of fun! That is the perfect environment for friendship.

What is your favorite thing about First Stage?

HS: Everyone at First Stage likes you for who you really are. You don’t have to be fake and you don’t have to impress anyone—everyone is just so accepting and nice to you. Nobody judges you at First Stage.

EF: My favorite thing about First Stage is the culture. Everyone is accepted no matter what his or her differences are. No one eats alone at lunch, and everyone supports one another.

How has the experience of being in JUDY MOODY shaped you as a person?

HS: I have really grown in self-confidence through this experience. When I was younger, I read all of the Judy Moody books—I practically worshiped her. The fact that I actually get to play the main character from my favorite childhood book is awesome! This experience has made my friendship with Eloise stronger, too. It’s pretty amazing to see how much we both have grown as actors and individuals over the years. 

EF: Having the opportunity to work with all these AMAZING people is such an awesome way to learn. Between the adult actors, designers, crew, and the other kids in the casts, I am constantly learning and growing from all of it. I am SO grateful to have this experience! Judy is a strong female character that everyone can relate to. She admires and tries to emulate smart and successful women like Elizabeth Blackwell.

 What advice would you give others your age?

HS: Never give up on your dreams! Always reach for the stars and never doubt yourself. 

EF: First Stage is an awesome place to be—whether you dream of being a professional actor one day or just want to have fun with great people while learning skills that you can use for the rest of your life!