An Interview with Darcy Ferrier

Darcy Ferrier on playing Charlie

in On Golden Pond

Darcy, you play the role of Charlie in On Golden Pond.  Tell us about your character.

 Charlie is the postman who delivers the mail on Golden Pond.  He has spent his entire life living there.  I would describe him as a simple individual; he is a happy go lucky guy.  He’s 44 and has been enamored with Chelsea since they  were kids.

The other characters in the play are very deep, very complex, with lots going on under the surface, but Charlie is uncomplicated.  With Charlie, what you see is what you get.  He provides a lot of comic relief in the play.

How many Guild shows have you been in?  And what do you like about being part of community theatre?

 I have been in 13 shows with the Guild, I think.  I love theatre.  It’s so much fun to escape into another character.  There’s this world that’s been created by the playwright…the director refines it…and then the actors breathe life into the parts.  Every production is unique.  It’s fun and exciting to get to create a world for the audience to experience. 

 

Darcy in Leading Ladies.

Tell us about your acting background…

 Well, I started acting in high school, but took a long break, so I didn’t get back into it until my forties.  My first role with the Guild was in Office Hours, also directed by Clint Hames.  My absolute favourite role so far has to be Freddy in Noises Off.  Even the rehearsals were hilariously funny! 

Most people dread having to perform or speak  in front of others.  As an experienced actor, do you ever get stage fright? 

 Yup, just before I go on stage, I feel nervous and a certain amount of apprehension.  I think it must be the adrenalin kicking in.  I think acting is similar to doing extreme sports:  it’s this weird combination of fear and exhiliration. 

What do you like about being a member of The Chilliwack Players Guild?

 It’s so comfortable!  It’s easy to get to know people, and there is a really high level of professionalism.  Everyone is doing his or her best.  The expectations are high and people live up to them. 

You’ve been directed by Clint before.  Tell us about him as a director.

 This is the fourth time I have been directed by Clint.  He is a great director, very meticulous, and so good to work with.  He is very open to allowing the actors to create their own versions of the characters.  And Becky, our stage manager, is very attentive to the needs of the actors.  This creates tremendous confidence for the actors.  We are lucky to be supported by really great and talented people. 

 

Darcy in rehearsals for On Golden Pond alongside cast member Joan.

Why should folks come to see On Golden Pond?

 Because it’s a lovely story!  It’s one of those scripts that makes you think about your own life and your own relationships.  It’s touching and very beautiful.  I know audiences will love it. 

An Interview with Jeff Hanson

Jeff Hanson on playing Bill Ray

in On Golden Pond

Jeff, is this your first Guild production?

Yes, it is.  I play the role of Bill Ray, Chelsea’s boyfriend.  Bill has a son from a previous marriage named, Billy.  In the play, Chelsea, Bill and Billy come to Golden Pond so that  Ethel and Norman can meet Bill and Billy Ray.

Have you acted before?

 Yes… I was involved in theatre in high school.  I originally thought of going into radio broadcasting, a so I went to university to study communication arts and theatre.  During my time at university, I worked on productions.  I also taught drama in high school in Alberta.  I have always wanted to get back into theatre;  here I am, 21 years later, returning to the stage!

 

Jeff's headshot for On Golden Pond

You have a bit of a theatrical family, don’t you?

 Yes, my daughters, Hailey and Malone, are involved with the Chilliwack School of Performing Arts, as is my son, Billy.    I worked backstage in several of the SCOPA productions.  My wife and kids were the ones who encouraged me to audition for On Golden Pond. 

Did you know the play?

 Yes, I love the  play and know it quite well.  I love the story and how the playwright explores the relationships between the characters.   I am also a fan of the movie.  The play really speaks to me! 

Were you surprised when you got the part of Bill Ray, Chelsea’s love interest in the play?

 Totally!  I went to the audition, just for the experience, not expecting to get a part.  There were lots of people there, and it was kind of nerve-wracking.  I read with Graham Archer and I thought to myself that he would make a great Norman.  I never imagined I’d get cast.  

How did you feel when you got the part?

 I thought to myself, now what do I do?!  I mean, how did I learn lines way back then?  I felt a little rusty!  But all the Guild folks made me feel so welcome.  I love going to rehearsals, and I have been learning so much watching Joan and Graham.  I have the perfect role to get myself back into theatre.   It’s not too big, but it’s an important role for the story. 

How would you describe your character, Bill?

 Bill is a city guy, a dentist, who is in love with Chelsea.  In the play, Bill is being introduced to the family for the first time, so there is a lot on the line for him.  He wants to make a good impression.  Chelsea has warned  him that her father is a crotchety old bugger, so he’s a bit nervous to meet Norman.  Bill has a son, Billy Ray, who he trying to straighten out.  So, Bill has a lot on his mind.

 

Jeff in rehearsals for On Golden Pond.

You said that the script really speaks to you.  How so?

 I think because it’s so well written.  The story is timeless, endearing; it touches your heart, and it’s relatable.  So many families struggle with dysfunction, but they love each other, and they try to make the relationships work.  The story is still relevant, and the cast is wonderful, so talented.  It’s dramatic, yes, but there is so much humour in the story.

 And you will be performing on the Chilliwack Cultural Centre stage…

 I have worked backstage, and I’ve been to many productions at the Cultural Centre, and I think it’s an absolute jewel..  We are so lucky to have such a beautiful space in Chilliwack. 

What do you like about acting?

 I think it’s good for the soul to make believe, to pretend.  It’s so rewarding to tell a story.  That’s what acting is:  you make a commitment to tell a story so that the audience can see the playwright’s vision come to life. 

Are you hoping to act in future Guild productions?

 Well, let’s see how this one goes!

An Interview with Clint Hames

Director of On Golden Pond

November 20th - 29th at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

© Jenna Hauck, The Chilliwack Progress 
Clint, sitting in the Chilliwack Arts Centre theatre seats.

 Clint, you have directed many shows for the Guild.  What is it about On Golden Pond that captured your imagination?

I have always loved the script.  I saw it years ago on stage, and loved it. It’s very well written…great dialogue…very well-crafted…and the story is becoming more real to me at this stage in my life having watched people I really care about go through the changes and stages that happen in the play.  The play is about change and aging…those themes really resonate with me, and I think it’s important to talk about these things.

I am drawn to plays that are well written because they are so  easy to direct!  It’s hard to make a bad play good, even with good actors.  But a play like On Golden Pond, which is so beautifully written, is very hard to mess up. 

What do you look for when you are casting a play?

When I cast any show, I am on the lookout for the person during the audition who can make the person they are acting with better.  At times, when you ask two people to read together, there is an unevenness.  I look for actors who have the ability to elevate the people around them…it’s about interacting and creating energy.  Acting is all about what you give, not what you take. I look for actors who give energy to others. 

 

Here's Clint working with some actors at UFV!

What happens during a typical rehearsal of On Golden Pond?

Well, before rehearsals even start, I prepare by reading and re-reading the script until I have it almost memorized.  Then I start creating pictures in my mind…a series of pictures…almost like a storyboard…of the key moments in the play that tell the story of the play.  Plays have moments when the action rises and ebbs…I try to picture those moments and then, during rehearsals, I try to move the actors from picture to picture. The feedback that I get is that the plays I direct have lovely tableaus in them…

How much do the actors contribute?

Tons!  The actors create the characters, bring the characters to life.  I don’t tell an actor how to do something; instead I will ask questions like, “How do you think your character would be feeling right now, and how could you portray that feeling?”  I direct by asking a lot of questions and then encourage the actors to make the strongest, the most dramatic choices. It’s important that each actor knows what his or her character is doing and why. 

  

What’s a metaphor that would describe the process of directing a show?

It’s like a painting…I imagine directing is like creating a watercolour painting.  First you create the background, and  then add on the next layers... shapes and colours…a tree here…a colour there.  You start with the broad strokes and then eventually you are adding all the little details.  I like to work from the large to the small, adding more and more layers of complexity.  The final phase is to work on the tempo of the play.  One way I do that is to run and re-run the play until the actors feel really confident. 

Which do you prefer,  acting or directing?

I would much rather direct!  I get so much more satisfaction from directing.  Some people love the applause, being on stage.  I would much rather do my bit and then watch what we’ve created together from the audience.  

How many shows have your directed? 

30 or 40, I think. 

And you are a long time Guild member?

I have been in the Guild since 1971. 

Clint in our 1977 Production of Arsenic and Old Lace

Why has the Guild endured and been successful?

Because there is a group of people who are really committed to keeping it going.  I am in the Guild because it provides a creative outlet, for sure, but there is a social aspect to the group, an educational aspect.  The people who are member of the Guild understand it’s bigger than just being in a play…it’s about creating community. 

Why should people come and see On Golden Pond?

Well...it’s a very funny play…extremely entertaining.  They will enjoy the lovely, poignant moments that will bring tears to their eyes…it’s very touching.  I think we can all see ourselves in this play, in these characters.  Norman is the central character and all the action revolves around Norman.  There are many magical moments of transformation in the play, and all of them have something to do with the character of Norman. 

What’s the theme of the play?

Transformation....aging and the impact of aging, I think.  The  play is about how the process of growing up and changing never stop.  Ethel and Norman have to come to terms with the fact that Norman is aging.  Their daughter, Chelsea, has to come to terms with the fact that if she is going to reconcile with her father, then she needs to do it so or it might never happen.  All the characters are running out of time, in one way or another.

One last question:  What does the director do after the show goes up?

Well, I watch every show.  Some directors so their thing and then off they go, but I always feel an intense connection to the show.  I just enjoy the show.  After opening night, I become an interested observer. 

British Pub Nights

The original plan was post a mid-run promotion for British Pub Nights... Do a general interest piece to drum up more ticket sales for our second week...

But we're happy to report that sales are so good that you might not get a chance to see the show if you haven't got your tickets already!

If you want to get in on this British comedy gem, your only shot it to buy tickets for this Wednesday's performance. Seating is limited, but you might get lucky if you act soon!! Call 604-391-SHOW for tickets today!

British Pub Nights is a delightful evening of song, humour and nostalgia. The diverse cast capture the audience from the very first song, and they hold our attention until the closing note. 

The Rotary Hall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre is set up for snacking, and beverages are permitted in the theatre during the show. 

Stick around after the show for a singalong! And if you miss this year's British Pub Night, don't fret! We'll be back with another on for sure!

Getting Closer to Sherlock...

Calm down, we didn't get Benedict Cumberbatch to be in one of our shows, but Postmortem does feature Sherlock Holmes, played by our very own dashing Darcy Ferrier!
We visited rehearsals tonight to get a little closer to the suspenseful thriller, and though we may be forbidden to reveal any details about the plot, we can safely say that Postmortem will be filled with twists, turns, drama and some very fine acting!
Stay tuned! Next week we'll take you behind the scenes as we bravely face tech week in the CCC!
Tickets to Postmortem can be bought by calling 604.391.SHOW.
Postmortem runs April 18th-27th at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (9201 Corbould Street).
www.playersguild.ca