Caroline Russell-King continues her “Postcard” series with a profile of Chris Enright, founding cast member of Calgary’s theatrical soap opera Dirty Laundry (with a nod to Bernard Pivot and James Lipton).
What is the next project for you?
After opening this year’s 20th season of Dirty Laundry, I am working on Dirty Laundry, The Next Generation — Camp Tastic where I help mentor and produce a cast of 18 teens improvising in a professional show.
How do you contribute to this?
Karen Johnson-Diamond and I are casting, co-producing and directing.
What is your greatest creative challenge?
Staying engaged and staying positive when it no longer feels new.
What turns you on creatively?
I like the surprise line in an improvisation. Collaborating and pulling ideas out of nowhere and making then concrete.
What turns you off creatively?
Cynicism and snobbery.
What’s one thing you’re really good at?
Sustaining a character in improvisation.
If you could resurrect and share a drink with a dead person who would it be?
Oh, gosh! Frida Kahlo — it would have to be her.
What is one thing you wish you’d know sooner?
That confidence is everything.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Food critic or sommelier.
What would you do with extreme wealth?
Help with clean water projects and I would travel and help artists out. It’s a hierarchy of needs!
What is one piece of advice you would give to the person who wants to do what you do?
Believe that spark inside you that knows you’re good.
Caroline Russell-King is a playwright, dramaturg, and instructor. She is a member of The Playwrights Guild of Canada, the Dramatist Guild of America and the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. You can find her work here at www.carolinerussellking.com.
