I am totally excited to be in this production [Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's BOOM] at SLAC!  The last time there was a show with a fish was one Robin [Wilks-Dunn] directed called PEARL, and it was part of THE WATER PROJECT.  I wasn’t even born yet! I am the baby of the cast but everyone totally treats me with respect.  I think they have Robin direct the fish plays because she’s vegetarian so us fish actors can relax about ending up on a dinner plate after the run of the show.

We have a lot of fun in rehearsals!  The actors [Emily Burnworth, David Fetzer, and Holly Fowers] are so funny to watch!  There are times when I am LOL in my tank.  I don’t think the audience will really notice – probably just a few more bubbles than usual.

I don’t really have any classical training in acting but have watched a lot of movies to get training and inspiration – A FISH NAMED WANDA, LITTLE MERMAID, FINDING NEMO and for the drama and suspense, JAWS, of course.  There is a moment in the play where I do a great JAWS imitation – it’s pretty subtle though so it’s easy to miss.  I think I’ve mostly modeled my character after Dorey in FINDING NEMO.

Robin has tried to give me specific movements to do but to honest I sometimes forget what she’s told me and so I just do what comes naturally.  She seems to understand and doesn’t get too stressed out so that’s good.

I don’t think I get a costume though I thought it would be funny if I was dressed up like a little cat or something and then break out of it.  They said something about it “not furthering the storyline.”  Well, I still think it would be funny.

I’m not quite sure what all will be in my tank – I tried to talk to Keven, the executive producer and set designer.  I thought he did such a great job with the set in ANGELS IN AMERICA, I wanted him to recreate that in my tank.  When I mentioned it to him, he said he’d think about it but that teeny, tiny waterproof suitcases were hard to find.  So I’ll probably end up with a fake plant, a castle and maybe a clam shell.

I do know I get my own light!  I am so excited about that and to be in the spotlight!

I try to stay in character the whole time but it is hard to concentrate since I don’t have any lines.  I have made up an inner monologue and even some inner dialogue to help me with the arc of the play.  I’m hoping that someone will send these lines to Peter the playwright – I REALLY think he should add these to his script.  Some of these lines are (I know out of context it may seem strange but will make sense when you see the play – be careful though –SPOILER ALERT!)   There could be a couple of lines that give away too much.  Okay, here goes -  “Who’s that?” “Please don’t tap on the glass” “Really!” “Really?” “OMG”  “Ewww!” “You’re getting a little worked up!”  “What was THAT?”  “Please don’t leave me alone with her!” “Ha Ha” “HELLOOOO?” What do you think you’re doing?” “John, John – what are you doing?”  “HEY” “This is awesome!”

People have asked if I get lonely when no one is around.  I don’t really – I love it when people are there but I also enjoy the solitude – I guess you could say I’m comfortable in my own skin.

To help get into character I listen to music:   Bobby Darin’s BEYOND THE SEA, Robert Plant’s version of SEA OF LOVE,  Looking Glass’ BRANDY, Beach Boys SURFIN’ SAFARI and for dramatic roles I LOVE Gordon Lightfoot’s THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD – always brings me to tears!.

When the play is done I think I get to go home with one of the cast.  I don’t really care which one – I really like them all a lot.  They are all very nice and funny and that is one of the things that make this so much fun.  There is nothing better than being in a room watching people (and fish) create this little world – all from words on a page!

So I hope this gave you a little insight into me and my character!  I hope you’ll enjoy the show!