More on our director, Kristen Kraklow…
We sat down to have a chat with Canary Yellow’s director, Kristen Kraklow on the play and everything theatre.
What is your theatre background?
I studied theatre for 4 years at Wisconsin Lutheran College and dabbled in everything. I started out acting but then enjoyed the mechanics of lighting design. Moved to stage managing and then took a seat in the director’s chair for my senior project. After graduation, I filled a few technical positions at Waukesha Civic, Old World Wisconsin, and Sunset Playhouse, where I am currently employed as their Volunteer Coordinator. The last show I directed was Twelfth Night for OBP last year, which was very well received! While I didn’t grow up in the theatre, I was always drawn to acting out stories (as my stuffed animals can attest to) and watching people come alive onstage.
In your mind, what is “Canary Yellow” about?
It’s about living your life with your art, not through your art. Maggie is an artist who is afraid to live because her created world is more appealing than reality. Canary Yellow struggles with defining love, unfounded hope and the fact that sometimes you are your worst obstacle. Anyone who’s ever been frustrated with themselves or someone else will relate to this play.
What’s it like working on a new play?
I’m excited to be this play’s debut director but also terrified! No one has done this before and future production will look back on this one. It’s great for character analysis though. I don’t have to wonder what the playwright was thinking, I can just ask her!
Have you ever had a celebrity crush like Maggie?
Like Maggie, I never really was one of those girls who pined after celebrities. I admire a lot of actors and of course find many of them attractive. The only one I fantasized about, though, was Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys. He could sing, had a great smile, and he wasn’t ashamed of his faith. Just wore it on his sleeve and was grateful for the life he’d been given. That’s kind of been my take as well. I’m so thankful for all the people in my life and the opportunities I’ve been given.
