Katherine Moennig #3

Interviews

May 19, 2006

1.) What was the best part about your day today?
Katherine: taking a nice walk around the west village with my dog.

2.) I know you hate "actor" questions but can you tell us how the experience of performing in Guardians for 6 weeks has changed you? Are you anticipating/dreading the play coming to an end?
Katherine: if anything, i feel stronger from it. it was a fear of mine and i conquered it. also, i don't feel lazy. that makes me feel good, that i worked to get paid. but i'm a little sad and happy this show is coming to a close. i know i'll miss the routine. but i will be able to calm my mind, which i do look forward to.

3.) There obviously are differences in theater and tv... how do you find stage acting different from tv acting?
Katherine: stage is about imperfections. and working with them... whether it be from you or the audience. it's kind of like winning. it feels good to think i dealt with this, that and the other, but i still felt good about my work on a certain night.
with film, it's already there... everything is laid out. everyone's quiet; your clothes, makeup and hair are all good to go; and you know what to expect for the most part. film isn't less than by any means, but the immediacy is different.

4.) Broadway.com did a Q&A with Paul Rudd recently, in which he talks about the challenge of doing eight shows a week, and about how there are certain plays you can't relax in. Is that something you can relate to? Is doing eight shows a week as exhausting as it sounds? Are you able to relax and unwind between shows, or is it hard to push the play to the back of your mind?
Katherine: thankfully we only have 7 shows a week. that doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference. but yes, i do agree. for me, this show is not the kind of job i just show up for. lee [Pace - actor] and i have been living this play since we started rehearsals. it's just that kind of piece. my chance to relax is every night when it's over. i get to walk home and release as much pent-up energy as i can.

5.) I just saw you in Guardians. You did an incredible job with a very difficult role, and I enjoyed it immensely-thank you for such a wonderful performance. After the show, you couldn't leave the theater without groups of women surrounding you. You were incredibly warm and accommodating, but I couldn't help but think how uncomfortable I would begin to get with so many people wanting my attention. How is that for you, and how do you deal with it?
Katherine: first off, thank you so much. that means a lot and is always nice to hear... i take it as a very kind compliment. the fact that people make the effort and spend money buying a ticket and then show up is the nicest feeling. it's an honest form of support. so i extend a big thank you to all of you!! but i don't have a way of handling it. when i meet people after the show they are always very respectful and sweet. it's not like NKOTB at the mall or anything. but if it was a little crowded, at that point i'm just exhausted. someone could blow a whistle in my ear and i wouldn't feel it.



May 05, 2006

1.) Are you an optimist or a pessimist?
Katherine: it really depends on the day.

2.) I observed you as Shane and I went to see Guardians in NYC, and I noticed you (personally) are incredibly different from these characters as well as they are from one another - from facial expressions to tone of voice. What are your techniques for getting into character? Is it a mentality? Or do you take on that character's life while you're filming or performing?
Katherine: i really don't know. it is different for every role. i have no set technique... i'm sorry, i don't like "actor" questions. the answers are always self indulgent and filled with bullshit that everyone dozes off to.

3.) The reviews for your work in "Guardians" have largely been very positive. Were you nervous about how the play and your performance would be received among critics? And are you happy with the way it has been received?
Katherine: i was terrified. and that is putting it lightly. thankfully for the most part they have been positive. but even the ones that didn't enjoy it, or didn't like my performance, all i can say is that i haven't done theatre in 8 years, and doing this kind of play is worlds away from what i've been doing recently - in terms of technique and content.
also, i did put pressure on myself because i know what ny critics are like and i know that they aren't always kind to actors who come from film and tv. and here i am doing this political play no less, and working with jason [Moore - director] and lee [Pace - actor] who are both so talented and accomplished. i felt like i had a lot to live up to...
but at the end of the day, i just think fuck it. i worked my ass off, and if they didn't like it, then let's switch places. i'll give you the orange jumpsuit and i'll judge you up there instead.

4.) What do you think the message of Guardians is? What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
Katherine: that misplaced power can lead to evil and dark outcomes. and we are all susceptible to it no matter who we are.
but basically i hope people walk out thinking never judge a book by its cover... it's usually a picture.

5.) There's been some speculation on the net that Jenny and Shane are secretly in love? What's your take? Just a really close friendship? Or is there a little somethin'-somethin' between them?
Katherine: oh jesus!! i think they are friends. but don't ask me, cause honestly i really haven't the slightest clue at this point. and i'm the last one to know these things...



April 21, 2006

1.) In the previous Q&A session you said you'd take your ipod on a deserted island... what playlists have you created on it?
Katherine: i don't do the playlists. i just find what i want to hear.

2.) What was the most deeply moving scene for you amongst The L Word three seasons? Why? And what was the funniest?
Katherine: working with mia. i like the friendly intimacy our characters have together. so i guess that would be season 2. i think the funniest would have to be with leisha and erin. all of them. especially when dana was throwing up over the side of the boat in season 1. i think leisha and i lost it during that.

3.) How was your opening night for Guardians?
Katherine: opening night was an interesting experience. i am glad that it's over and now the play can run its course and find its life without the press being there, or the opening night hoopla. it now feels like it can grow up normally.

4.) How did you get involved in this play? Did you audition the old fashion way?
Katherine: i got a call about this amazing play. long story short... i read it, fell in love with it, and freaked out because it was a huge undertaking. i flew to nyc to read with everyone. and then i found out that it was mine. and then i freaked out even more because now it was real.

5.) Could you tell us a bit about the Guardians production? What attracted you to the play and the part?
Katherine: when i finished reading it i was so touched and i hadn't felt that way about anything i had read for a while... she's a fun, but jaded, insecure girl who has a great sense of humor and a honest uncomplicated view on life. there was nothing not to love.
the production is a very small intimate group - only 4 people including the director and stage manager - which made it a lot easier to fall into rehearsal. and everyone involved is just so beyond wonderful. it has been a very safe, nurturing environment.