Kathryn grew up being frightened of Are You Afraid of the Dark? and even though she might be a little afraid, she braved her fears to join us and brings to life three very diverse roles for Motel 666 (Sirens, Hanger On and The Bridal Suite).
Do you consider yourself a horror fan? What is your favorite genre of horror?
You know, I don’t think I would consider myself a fan, but mostly because I scare too easily. Way too easily. I don’t know if I have a favorite genre of horror, but the things that appeal to me the most are the horrifying things that you can’t see; the thing in The Thing, not really seeing the aliens until the end of Signs, never seeing any kind of creature in Paranormal Activity. When you can’t see something and you don’t know what you’re physically fighting or running from, that’s terrifying to me. It seems to defy all logic.
What was the first time you encountered horror in entertainment? Was it a book, a movie, a play or something else?
It was Are You Afraid of the Dark? when I was little. I think my mom intentionally hid it from me because she knew it would give me nightmares, but I found myself wanting to sneak and watch them. I remember going to the channel, knowing it was on, and being ready with a blanket to hide behind. And then I got nightmares. I don’t know why I did that to myself…
Does acting in a horror piece present any unique challenges or opportunities? Have you done any horror theatre before, or is this your first time? What is your favorite part about being in a horror piece?
Oh for sure! This is my first time acting in a horror piece and I didn’t know what to really expect. The stakes are so high and often life or death, so you get to operate at a very high level of energy most of the time. Because most of the situations we find ourselves in in this show are really not similar to what we encounter in our day to day life (hopefully!), it’s been fun identifying what the fear is underlying each scene and finding a way to relate that something playable and understandable.
Favorite part of being in a horror piece at this point is probably the gore! You don’t see this much blood that often…
How have motels played a role in your life?
Since working on this play, I’ve been way more aware of them in the other plays I read and see and the TV and movies I watch. The best thing I’ve noticed about them are their limitless possibilities. People go to them for SO many different reasons; to escape, to belong, to evolve. These seemingly forgettable rooms have seen and met so much more diversity than a lot of us will in our lifetimes. There’s a strange power to that.
If you could take on any role in any horror tale what would it be and why?
I’d want to play that mystic person that knows a little about the monster/creature/murderer/spirit, etc. I’d want to be the person that had been around for a while, seen the situation before, and seemed to have an understanding about what’s happening. They always seem to be the safe ones…
What is the one thing that scares you the most?
Snakes. Good god, snakes.
Motel 666 is OPEN and runs through June 28 – get tickets here! Performances will be held at the DCASE Storefront Theatre, 66 E. Randolph Street, with shows Thursday–Saturday at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.