Tell us a bit about your play, 32 Short Plays About Fredericton? What inspired it and what’s it about?

My play 32 Short Plays About Fredericton was inspired by all of the stories that we tell about Fredericton, specifically the lore that may or may not be true. Having lived here since 2007, I have heard many and I’m still not 100% on what’s true, but I liked the idea that they all stemmed from things happening around one person, so that’s basically what the play’s about. Paired with some existential crises.

What’s your elevator pitch for curious audience members to come see the play, or our twin-bill Acting Out as a whole?

If you like 30 minutes of a chaotic fever dream, comedy, and some semi-accurate history, come on out to see 32 Short Plays About Fredericton. Learn the real reason behind the bylaw pertaining to allowing reptiles and snakes in public spaces, and whether you are real or a vessel through which stories are told. This play’s got everything: Frogs, snakes, ducks, a Gondolier, a spaceship, hot turkey sandwiches, Steven Spielberg, a Mexican Drug Cartel, and much, much more somehow. You’ll laugh and you’ll learn.

You are actually in the play yourself, playing the Narrator. What’s it like being in the play as this character who is semi-detached from the action, but still very much a part of it?

I am! It’s kind of surreal, since I did not write myself into it, and it refers to the playwright by name at one point. It’s been fun! Actually being in the play has given the piece more depth for me. I always wanted to write a play with a narrator and it feels good to BE that also. Plus, I haven’t been in a play in 25 years so this has been a really fun experience for me.

How has it changed what’s been your usual experience of the rehearsal process, where for past shows you were just the playwright in the room? Do you find acting in your show has given you new insight into the script as writer? What’s your collaboration process been like with director Naomi McGowan and the rest of the company?

It’s hugely changed my usual experience with rehearsals. In previous years after meeting with the festival’s dramaturg, I would usually attend one rehearsal and really kind of let the director take the wheel. I feel like Naomi as well as the rest of the cast (and crew) have been instrumental in making this piece shine as bright as it is shining right now. It’s been great to see what in the script is not actually working and can be axed, which is not something I would have gotten to do if I wasn’t in it.

Do you have a favorite tale about Fredericton among the ones in your play? Have you learned about some others since writing the play? Can we expect a sequel?

I’m a huge fan of the Coleman frog, which is kind of how this started. I love everything about it and all of the information that exists about it in the Fredericton Museum. I feel like he’s our very own cryptid. I have some ideas for a sequel, and would even like to explore the lore of different cities to see if I can tie stuff together elsewhere, or an NB one. We have a lot of tales here!