ARLINGTON, Va. (Aug. 20, 2015) -- Members of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) are preparing themselves for the Army's largest community outreach event, Spirit of America.
Preparedness is not unique to the Army's premier ceremonial unit. Every unit is readying for something, such as deployments and field training.
Yet an Old Guard mission like this one can be a culture shock for Soldiers coming from other units, according to Sgt. Kyle Poole, an Old Guard actor in Spirit of America.
"It's like running into a brick wall," said Poole. "It's a lot different from going to the field. Here it's kind of the same scale but a completely different aspect."
Spirit of America is a two-hour patriotic live show that brings viewers through American History.
Rehearsals will go on for about six weeks in anticipation of the show's opening weekend at the D.C. Armory, Sept. 10 to 12.
"We are rehearsing the day of the show, between shows," said Sgt. Chinyere Wells-Byrd, who is assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, and a three-year veteran of the show. "It's a lot of rehearsing."
This is Poole's second time as a performer in Spirit of America, and he said he enjoys the rehearsal process.
"This is kind of like the same tempo in the beginning," said Poole. "You have got to make sure everything is perfect."
Performers audition for roles. In Poole's case, this is the first experience with live theater.
"I've only done stage productions while in The Old Guard," said Poole. "It's a lot different pace than normal ceremonies that go on in The Old Guard."
Every scene in Spirit of America encompasses scenery changes, lighting cues and audio modifications.
Much like a field exercise, Spirit of America has a crawl, walk and run phase, said Poole. From reading the script to full-blown dress rehearsals, the performers are building toward the "run" phase: a live performance.
The Old Guard regularly takes part in a military spectacle called "Twilight Tattoo" over the summer months, but that doesn't really compare to the rehearsals for Spirit of America, said Poole.
"Spirit of America is like Twilight Tattoo on steroids," said Poole. "There are a lot more integral parts."
Sgt. Sean Hackshaw, a member of The Old Guard who plays a Union and a World War II Soldier, is participating in the production of Spirit of America for the second time.
Rehearsals for Spirit of America are a chance for Hackshaw to revisit a passion for the stage.
"In high school I did the drama club," said Hackshaw. "This actually rekindles some of my acting talents from high school."
Hackshaw describes himself as a method actor and relishes the opportunity to fine-tune his performance.
"I really like to get into the role and live the role in that particular scene," said Hackshaw.
Hackshaw looks at the copious amount of rehearsal as a tool to help develop both Soldiers and leaders.
It means a lot to be able to represent the Army in Spirit of America, Hackshaw said.
"I'm going to give it 125 percent," said Hackshaw. "Put all I can into it."
For more information on "Spirit of America" and to order tickets, visit www.spiritofamerica.mdw.army.mil or call 1-866-239-9425.
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