Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Spotlight On...Jennifer Simard

Name: Jennifer Simard

Hometown: Litchfield, NH

Education: The Boston Conservatory of Music and Hunter College

Select Credits: favorites include Sr. Mary Downy in Disaster!, Rona in ...Spelling Bee

Why theater?: Until a tv show like "The Wire" or "Breaking Bad" decides they absolutely can't live without me, theater is my first love and always will be.

Who do you play in Academia Nuts?: I play Chrystal McCutter.

Tell us about Academia Nuts: To me, it's a bit of Spelling Bee meets "Drop Dead Gorgeous". I love my character. She's a delicious, bigoted,  overly competitive mess.
 
What is it like being a part of Academia Nuts?:
I am happy to report I can cross several names off my bucket list of folks I've wanted to work with including the wonderful Stephanie D'Abruzzo and our fantastic director Tom Caruso.

What kind of theater speaks to you/What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like anything that addresses the dark side of humanity, whether it be in a play, musical, dramatic or comedic format. The dark gooey bits of our souls are the things I feel the most passion for. Comedy often gets the short end of the stick in that regard but a good comedic actor knows that within the pathos of a character often comes the best comedy.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: I just read they're doing a reading of Gigi which was a favorite movie of mine growing up. I would like to be Gigi's unseen mother who is constantly practicing her scales.

What’s your favorite showtune?: Changes daily but if pressed, "Being Alive"

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Bryan Cranston

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Drew Barrymore - "Enigma"

What show have you recommended to your friends?:"All The Way"

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Aerosmith's "Dream On"

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Flywheel classes

What’s up next?:
Time with family