Episode 18 | Jekyll & Hyde: Becoming Jekyll & Hyde with Ben Shepard & Alex Vrba
Written by Caitlin Sloan
In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, host Chris Fahrenthold sits down with company dancers Alex Vrba, who plays Mr. Hyde, and Ben Shepard, who plays Dr. Jekyll, in Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde.
Vrba & Shepard offer a behind-the-scenes look at developing a new full-length ballet, from discovering the distinct movement qualities that define Jekyll and Hyde to experimenting with props and costumes. They reflect on the process of working with choreographers Ja’ Malik and Richard Walters as the ballet takes shape in the studio, the freedom of inhabiting a character, and what audiences can expect from this contemporary take on a familiar story.
Key points in this episode:
Developing the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for a world premiere
How classical ballet technique and contemporary movement help tell the story
The role of props, costumes, and collaboration in the creative process
What first-time balletgoers and longtime dance fans can look forward to in Jekyll & Hyde
Advice for young dancers on embracing mistakes, accepting feedback, and making progress
See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026
Discover more: https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info
Join the conversation!
Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org
Madison Ballet Outreach: madisonballet.org/outreach
MB INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballet
MBO INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach
Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org
Credits
PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich
DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon
MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928
ALEX & BEN HEADSHOTS: Lexia Frank