Salsation Theatre Company, NFP

What’s your history with Salsation?
I was temping in the Loop in November 2009 when I got an e-mail from a community theater audition newsletter about “Salsa-Sketch 2009.” The auditions were THAT NIGHT at Second City. I’d recently moved back to the suburbs from downstate, and hadn’t gotten a chance to explore the Chicago comedy scene yet. You have to take the opportunities when they come, and I knew this was a great one. I printed off my fake headshot (a nice picture my friend had taken of me a few years back in a bar…I’d like to thank Microsoft Paint for allowing me to blackout the Miller Lite logo in the background) and headed off to grab dinner with my sister before my audition. I was really tired, so I thought it would be a really good idea to drink 4 cups of coffee before my audition. I think it took me about a week to get back on a normal sleep schedule after that. I’d done a lot of sketch, but very little improv, so I was really nervous for the improv audition (ok, perhaps the 4 cups of coffee didn’t help). During my group’s shakedown warm-up, my shoes flew halfway across the room, and for some reason, I thought that meant they wouldn’t let me in the show. Turns out they let Polish klutzes in too, and I made it!

When the day of Salsa-Sketch finally arrived, I was incredibly impressed with the enthusiasm and focus of all the performers and crew. We all had a barrel of monkeys while creating some hilarious sketches –and all in just one day! It was my first real experience with improvisation, and I was hooked. Turns out that improv is just like writing a sketch – only really REALLY quickly. I can’t get enough now. I thought to myself, “It’s too bad I’ve only been able to share a day with these folks – they are my kind of group!” Thankfully, I was offered yet another great opportunity – being an ensemble member in Ctrl + Alt +Deport. Considering the fact that I’m not a total idiot, I took it, and I have enjoyed every minute.

I try to drink only 2 cups of coffee before rehearsals.

What got you started in comedy?
Way before I ever had an interest in pursuing sketch comedy, my high school English teacher Mrs. Lindbloom once told the class, “Why do we laugh? Because if we didn’t, we’d be crying.” I always loved performing and became a drama nerd in high school. In college, my life revolved around the Penny Dreadful Players, a low-budget student-run theater troupe. I acted with them, but more importantly, I realized how much I loved writing for the stage, and had the opportunity to have my original work showcased through the troupe (in my opinion, there is no greater thrill). It wasn’t until my senior year that I got bitten by the comedy bug though. I was going through a period of time where I felt I wasn’t being utilized or challenged enough in my troupe and sought out other projects. My friend’s sketch comedy group, Fishing with Dynamite, was having mid-semester auditions and they really needed to cast a girl in the group. I was a little hesitant at first, but I felt like I really needed to branch out. I ended up being the only auditioner cast in the group, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was able to combine my love for laughter with my love of writing. I’ve learned, like good old Mrs. Lindbloom told us years ago, that comedy has the magical quality of transforming pain and frustration into laughter. What’s not to love?

What’s your favorite sketch in “Ctrl+Alt+Deport”?
Making this decision was harder than deciding where to go to college. Considering I was only accepted to one college, that was a true statement. Charles wrote a great, endearing sketch about two weirdos on a blind date that I particularly enjoy. Nelson also wrote a fantastic sketch that comments on the use (or lack thereof) of Spanish in today’s culture. In fact, they’re all good – pleasecomeseeourshow.

What does the future hold in store for you?
Exploring everything this great city has to offer. Learning everything I can about comedy and theater, and hopefully saving up enough scratch to take a real improv class. Continuing to take those great opportunities as they come.

Also, at some point, getting real headshots taken. Seriously, that bar picture is only gonna get me so far.

If you could be meet any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Because I’m indecisive, I am going to cheat and say I would host a potluck for the following people.

1) Joss Whedon. Because I’ve been a fan (nerd?) of Buffy since the sixth grade, and I think he’s a genius of contemporary sci-fi. He’s been a huge influence in my writing. I would ask him to bring pie to the potluck.

2) Amy Poehler. Two words: comedic powerhouse. I saw her perform improv at the UCB in New York, and it was truly an inspiration. She’s welcome to bring her husband along. Glazed ham.

3) Rod Sterling. FACT: TheTwilight Zone is one of the best TV series ever produced, with some of best storytelling ever. Ugh, and THAT VOICE. He’ll bring the finest bottle of bourbon.

For the record, I would make gourmet macaroni, using 3 different artisan cheeses.

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