This is part 5 in a series of interviews with the cast of 1st Stage’s One Man, Two Guvnors.‘ Meet Katy Carkuff.
Alex: How did you get involved in theatre? When did you know that you want to be an actor?
Katy:Â I started doing community theater in the summers when I was in high school. In college, I took classes in the theater department and did student shows, then eventually shows with Theater Emory (the professional company attached to my university that hires students alongside professionals in the Atlanta area). Somewhere in the middle of my senior year, when graduation was looming and I had no idea what to do next, I realized I wanted to give professional acting a go, see if it had legs.
Tell me about One Man, Two Guvnors. How are the rehearsals are going? What do you love most about the show?
This show is an absolute riot! We’re on track as far as putting the show together, and every rehearsal is a great time. I’m loving the ensemble nature of the show. Everyone really has a sweet role. Oh, and at this stage of rehearsals, I’m particularly enjoying figuring out the precision of the comedy–the tempo and pitch of my speech, the timing of a glance or a gesture…when it’s right, it’s sooo right!
Is this your first time at 1st Stage? If so what’s the experience like? If you’ve worked with us before, tell us what makes 1st Stage unique. What brought you back?
I did an extension of a Fringe show a few years back at 1st Stage, but we were just using the building–the show wasn’t actually produced by 1st Stage. So yes, this is my first time. My favorite thing so far is that we get to rehearse on stage as the set is going up around us, rather than in a cramped rehearsal room with tape on the floor to represent the set dimensions. That’s a nice perk!
What kind of theatre inspires you as an artist?
I want theater that stirs my soul and wrenches my insides! I want to be lifted high and then dropped over and over again, whether in joy or despair.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work as an actor thus far?
The people I’ve come to know who (seemingly) effortlessly make bold, wild, special choices; who use both their heads and their hearts at 100%; both on stage and in life.
What is the one thing you are most excited about for the show?
Playing two characters…well, playing one character who presents two unique identities. It’s challenging to effectively switch back and forth on a dime. Once I’ve got it really cooking I will be excited, but until then I’m trepidatious!
One Man, Two Guvnors plays from November 21-December 28, 2014 at 1st Stage- 1524 Spring Hill Road, in Tysons, VA. For tickets, call the box office at (703) 854-1856, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 1: Doug Wilder by Alex Levy.
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 2: Megan Graves by Alex Levy.
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 3: Noah Schaefer by Alex Levy.
Meet the Cast of 1st Stage’s ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Part 4: John Dellaporta by Alex Levy.
