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!

Katy Ogmundson Lowe Wins Best Actress at Theatre BC's FVZ Festival!

We were thrilled to host the Frazer Valley Zone Festival in May, bringing six great shows to the stage over the course of a week to compete for a spot at Theatre BC's Mainstage Festival in July. Emerald Pig Theatrical Society won for the second year in a row with The Attic, The Pearls, and Three Girls by J. Brewin, L. Chermiak, A.M. MacDonald, A. Palmer and M. Ross, directed by Amy Starkey. Congrats, you guys! If you missed that show, they are holding a fundraiser to cover Mainstage expenses on  Friday, June 20th and Saturday, June 21 at Meadowridge School (12224 240 St,  Maple Ridge). Get tickets HERE to support this award-winning production!

The Chilliwack Players Guild had a winner as well! Our very own Katy Ogmundson Lowe shared the title for best actress with Alaina Holland from The Langley Players. Here's our exclusive interview with her!

Katy is pictured here in our production of Laughing Stock.

1. What did you like the most about your role in Caliban House Sitter?

                When I read the Rick Mawson's script I knew I would have a chance to exercise my thespian chops because it combined modern conversation with plenty of quotes from Shakespeare's Tempest. Mawson's scripts strive for natural flow of dialogue, and I love working on pace and flow.

2. What went through your head when your name was called as one of the winners of best actress at the awards ceremony?

                It's weird, I worried that I misheard my name so moved slowly in case someone else was running up there. And guess what? There was! We tied! Alaina Holland from "Light Sensitive" also won. It was a hoot getting to share. Later that night I thought, we should have had a tiebreaker scene on the spot! Lol

3. What is your process as an actor? What do you do every night to prepare for a role?

                My preparation is to pick through the script with a fine tooth comb, searching for beats, even beats within beats, giving them a title, searching for the rhythm of the play.

                I search my character's posture and voice throughout the day and night. I spend a lot of time in my own head and observing myself and picking and choosing pieces of me to bring to the character. Gosh I hope that doesn't sound flighty, it's actually a very grounding experience.

                I prepare my body for the exercise of acting by staying as healthy as possible, avoiding stress and alcohol. I prepare my head by practicing staying in the moment and not letting my mind race ahead.

                I could go on but I will sign off, thanks so much for the questions, I do love this world and look forward to being a part of another project soon!

Congrats to Katy for a job well done! We look forward to seeing you again on stage sometime soon!

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