My personality is not like a wicked witch. My body language is also not like a wicked witch. It quickly became apparent that I would need to take all the Linnea mannerisms - or "Linnea-isms", out of my system completely.

I recognized that I like to talk with my hands and keep a relatively pleasant look on my face. The witch, however, would emphasize words with her dramatically expressive face. The witch would walk strangely hunched over with her chin out, mouth downturned, and eyebrows up.

I would not get my face inches away from a burly teenage boy, twice my size and yell orders at him. The witch, however, would fully embrace this opportunity.

Singing in full witch voice and tap dancing to "The Jitterbug" was one of my favorite moments as the witch. The piece was originally Dorothy's, but the director took the opposite direction when I was cast as the witch. She said, "I can't do a show, cast Linnea, and just NOT give her a solo!"