It was challenging to play the role of Grumio in Pepperdine’s gender-bending “Taming of the Shrew.” Grumio is a major source of humor for the audience. I really enjoyed creating the character. The play was directed by Scott Alan Smith. “The Taming of the Shrew” often faces a backlash today because of its sexist message. Many theaters have presented this play in various ways: gender-swapping, men playing all characters, completely female cast.

George Preston played Kate, the shrew, and Christine Galyean played opposite of him as Petruchio.

“It has truly been a time of open mindedness,” Preston said. “Specifically, [this is a time] of me uncovering stereotypes of both genders and dissecting the root to find a deeper truth, rather than me ignoring the obvious stereotypes.”