In the Spotlight: The Theatre Edition with Pippa Mackie
Here in Vancouver we have no shortage of theatre artists. As a city, we have companies large and small, independent artists, actors, writers, directors, designers, and more. Sometimes one of our own makes it to the big leagues. Sometimes the big leagues is right here in Vancouver. No matter how you define success, there are always up-and-coming people to keep an eye on.
We talked to some of Vancouver’s rising theatre stars — actors, directors, writers, and designers — to get to know what makes them tick.
Pippa Mackie
Though she’s not new to the acting scene, Pippa Mackie is breaking the rules with her recent playwriting work. The co-artistic director of Pull Festival, Mackie has used the platform to write six short plays, including SHE: The Untitled Feminist, which is now a full-length play in development with Speakeasy Theatre. Committed to emerging works, Mackie is also the co-creator of Pi Theatre’s cabaret series “Lost Words” and is the Associate Producer at Upintheair Theatre.
Describe what you do in five words.
Act, Write, Produce, Hustle, Exert
Where did you train in your craft?
I am a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada’s Acting Program. In our second year, we had to create a one-person show. That was the first time I realized I wanted to be a playwright as well as an actor. Well, that, and when I was 16, I snuck into a creative writing class trip and wrote a story about a vagina (which almost got banned). I like to push buttons.
When did you know you wanted to work in theatre?
I don’t think I ever remember not knowing. When I was six, I got my mom to make me an elf costume and I snuck onto the stage during my school’s Christmas recital (something the teacher had made very clear I was NOT allowed to do). But I snuck onto that stage and started hamming it up around a very perturbed Santa. I like how becoming an actor/writer was sparked by sneaking into something. It’s like my deep creative subconscious was pulling me towards a career I didn’t even know I wanted yet. Also, I’ve never been good at for waiting for someone to give me an opportunity—I tend to create them for myself.
What’s your favourite production you’ve been a part of?
Rumble Theatre’s production of Titus Bouffoninus written by Colleen Murphy. It was a bloody good time….like…. real bloody. I dream about doing this show again and again.
The Progressive Polygamists, a show I co-wrote/perform with Emmelia Gordon (which we still perform). I love doing this show.
What’s your dream production (or original production) you’d love to be a part of?
I love being part of new work and doing something that has never been done before. So, it’s impossible to answer this question, as it hasn’t been made yet.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Who said it?
My Mom and Dad.
What contribution do you hope to make to the Vancouver theatre community in the next 10 years?
I hope to take the next steps in my career as a playwright. My play HER is being professionally produced by Speakeasy Theatre in 2020, which I’m excited to share. I hope to continue to be part of and create work that is wild, fun, and risky.
If you weren’t working in theatre, what would you be doing?
I would probably own a business of some kind.
What question do you wish we asked?
Do you have any shows coming up we should know about? (See… hustle… hahaha)
What’s the answer?
YES! The Progressive Polygamists, written and performed by myself and Emmelia Gordon, is at the Edmonton Fringe FestivalAugust 17-26 at La Cité Auditorium.
Back by popular demand, The Progressive Polygamists is a satirical comedy starring the Fringe festivals favourite sister-wives, Mercy Eve (Pippa Mackie) and Eden Grace (Emmelia Gordon), who are determined to convince YOU that polygamy is the best way to live!