By Joy Tanner
Tell us about your award-winning role in Slasher: Ripper and what inspired you about playing Salomé.
Season five was entitled Slasher: Ripper and was set in late-19th-century Toronto at a time before distinctions like Trans or Non-Binary were used. My character presents as a person who combines elements of both male and female; a very bold and dangerous existence at that time. I was inspired by their unapologetic sense of self and courage. They were also one of the most singular and complex roles I’ve ever played. Not to mention one of the most challenging in terms of journey.
The Outstanding Performance award nominees and winners are decided by a jury comprised of ACTRA Toronto members. How does it feel to be honoured by a jury of your peers?
Having served on the ACTRA Award jury twice myself, I know how much time, energy and careful consideration goes into reviewing submissions and deciding on nominations. I recall how passionate and invested those conversations were on the juries I sat on, and I’m so honoured to have been chosen from the many talented performers who were considered. Recognition from your peers is truly the most gratifying and reassuring thing you could ask for. I’m so grateful to them.
What does it mean to you to be an ACTRA member?
Becoming a member of ACTRA was an early goal of mine. To belong to an association of professionals was the mark of being on the road to success and longevity I hoped for. I’ve now been a Full member for 30 years, and ACTRA has provided the standards and protection that have allowed me to focus on my artistic work. I’ve also served as an elected ACTRA Toronto Councillor for two terms, so I know how much work goes into creating and upholding the standards that make the union work. It’s not perfect, and there is a lot of work to be done, but it is worth engaging in for all our benefit.
Do you have any advice for performers just getting started in the industry?
My advice to performers starting out is: start with yourself. Learn who you are in the world, what you naturally offer in terms of energy and opinion. Identify your point of view and common sense, which is made up from your own lived experience. Be the starting point to build on rather than trying to be someone else from the get-go. Acting is all about making adjustments to yourself to help bring another character to life. The core of your work always needs to be anchored in the role you’ve been playing the longest; and that is YOU. Champion yourself, as you are what the industry is missing. We already have a Meryl and a Denzel, we need you.
What is the most significant role you have ever had and how has it impacted your life or career?
I would say Salomé is the most significant role I’ve ever played, as I had to go to places I’ve never gone before in performance. They were so complex and challenging, and I had to transform every element of my natural settings in order to inhabit them. Technically, they required the most prep work of anything I’ve done; I had to undergo 12 hours of full body casting prior to filming commencing. As I had a true-to-life body double and prosthetics. I also went through three hours of makeup at the start of every day and an hour-and-a-half of de-processing after wrap.
Have you ever had a specific challenge with a role and how did you work to overcome it?
A common challenge I have is when I take myself out of the equation and try to become someone else. It can very quickly become a parade of tricks and affectations, which results in a performance that doesn’t ring true. When I find myself overcomplicating or getting too fancy with my choices, I find the best thing to do is ‘pull over’ and simplify. Go back to identifying what the character wants and first consider how I would pursue that. You are your North Star. Don’t be afraid to start over at any point in your process – it should always be about discovery and experimentation, otherwise it gets boring and stale very fast.
Can you share anything about any upcoming projects?
I’m very excited to be playing the role of ‘Scar’ in the new Toronto Mirvish production of Disney’s The Lion King. We start rehearsals in September and the open-ended run begins in November at The Princess Of Wales Theatre. I’m honoured to be taking on this iconic role in this beloved show, and thrilled to be playing for live audiences again. A total dream gig for me–– I’m so so grateful for the opportunity.
Joy Tanner is the Editor of Performers Magazine, and Performers on Set. She has voiced Candy Kong in Donkey Kong.
