Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Spotlight On...Colleen O'Connor

Name: Colleen O'Connor

Hometown: Frisco, TX

Education: Circle in the Square Theatre School

Favorite Credits: Two Noble Kinsmen (Circle in the Square); Free Delivery (Strange Men and Co.); FRESH PRODUCE'D NYC

Why theater?: I think theatre is one of the most powerful ways to tell a story and inspire conversation. It's a living, breathing art form and being on stage and telling stories is where I breath most clearly.

Tell us about Sexless in the Boroughs?: When I first moved to NYC I started a blog under the same title. The blog served as a kind of coming out for me as an old virgin and an outlet for me to sit down and make sense of my life and experiences. Back in February the idea struck me to turn it into a piece of theatre because I had finally figured out why I was an old virgin and I thought I had a relatable and important story to tell. So I contacted Kyle Metzger and asked him if he would be interested in helping me make it happen. Luckily he was and with his infinite gift of story telling he helped me craft my blog into a show that we are both very proud of.

What inspired you to create Sexless in the Boroughs?: A friend told me that he "doesn't fly Virgin Airlines because there is too much baggage." So I laughed because I mean that's funny and then I started to be overcome by fear of being an old spinster so I decided to just dive head first into the fear and try to figure out my struggles...in front of an audience, naturally.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?:
This is a tough question for me because I love all types of theatre. In this day and age it's hard for our brains to really engage in a show and not be distracted by our own thoughts but when I experience a piece of theatre that transports me into the world they've created and they allow me to live with them for the night, that's magic. As far as inspiration, well I should just tell you that the word 'inspire' in my absolute favorite word. I think inspiration comes from everyday things and I think the more open we are to being inspired by family, friends, lovers AND strangers, then it will be easier to love each other and understand each other. Does that make sense? Humans inspire me is what I am saying basically. All humans fascinate me.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I am open and always excited to work with anyone with passion but I gotta be honest...if I could work with Mark Rylance...I would probably combust with utter joy.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Absolutely Twelfth Night and Richard III because I think everyone should have experience and privilege of seeing Mark Rylance on stage. He will change your life. Truly.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Well I wrote a play about my life and I am playing myself...so since I am already on the 'ME ME ME' train...can I do it? If not let's give Dame Judy Dench a call. She could be my grandma but I think she would give a good showing...and I think it would be pretty funny to tell people that Dame Judy Dench is playing me. And let's call the movie "Having Sex in the Boroughs."

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?:
Ice cream. No question.

If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Wishing I was.

What’s up next?: Having sex. Ha. I'm just kidding...or am I?

For more on Sexless in the Boroughs, visit http://www.terranovacollective.org/sexless-in-the-boroughs.html For more on The Glass Eye, visit http://glasseyenyc.wordpress.com