Unscripted. Unstaged. Eric Morin.
Unscripted. Unstaged. is an interview series from Laura Murray Public Relations that speaks with fascinating artists, advocates, administrators, and other individuals who keep the Canadian artistic community visible, viable, and vibrant. This week we spoke with Eric Morin, an actor currently playing the role of Gabe in the Arts Club Theatre Company‘s production of Next to Normal. Eric has been in Vancouver following a critically-acclaimed run as D’artagnan in The Citadel Theatre‘s Three Musketeers in Edmonton, will be heading to Toronto in November to perform in Ross Petty‘s pantomime production of The Wizard of Oz, and is returning to the Citadel this spring to play Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Q: Let’s say we run into each other at a party – how would you introduce yourself?
I’d introduce myself by name (the last name pronounced with a French accent) and immediately start making sincere compliments about the party’s host or coordinator. If networking is involved, I would talk about my profession and current gig- ‘I am a Canadian Performer (actor, singer), currently playing the role of Gabe in Next to Normal at the Arts Club Theatre Company.’
Q: If we checked your nightstand, what books would we find you reading right now?
M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang and Marvin’s Room by Scott McPherson.
Q: If we checked your computer, what favourite sites would be bookmarked?
There’s a lot- 8 tracks.com, broadway world, funny or die, today show, cbc.ca, ctv.ca, globaltv.com, Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, New York Times, Details, YouTube, and close friends’ websites and blogs.
Q: How did you come to do what you do – was there a defining moment you can tell us about?
Rather than one defining moment, there has been a long series. Acting is a tough career, and it asks a lot of a person; one must be self-driven, consistent, persistent, always in motion- never stagnant, and continuously learning, growing, and reaching for excellence. I’ve always felt that if you don’t strive for all of this, you’ll be dead in this career.
With that in mind, my ‘defining moments’ would be ones that fuel my passion, and increase my breadth of mind and talent, such as:
- My first professional experience: West Side Story at the Grand Theatre, London, where I got a first taste of what this career is all about.
- Getting my Equity Card and joining the Association.
- Receiving training and perspective at Ryerson University.
- Taking some time to travel Europe.
- Participanting in the Banff/Citadel Theatre Program.
- And most recently, playing D’Artagnan in The Three Musketeers and Gabe in Next to Normal.
I have been so fortunate with the roles I’ve been cast in and with the inspiring projects I have been a part of. It’s taken a while to get here and I’ll continue to everything I can to keep pursuing my dream. I am most definitely a fighter and will always be flowing in a current, never stagnant.
Q: When it comes to marketing, is there a particular campaign or a poster, advertisement, or promotion that made a significant impact or that stands out in your mind?
I think Citadel Theatre and Arts Club have great websites and increasingly strong campaigns year after year. Both Bill Millerd and Bob Baker are great talents, as well as great businessmen, possessing a clear idea of who their subscribers are and how to fill their seats. I am always captivated by their websites and find myself returning to them regularly- especially when they roll out art work for new seasons.
Q: Lastly, what inspires you?
First and foremost, my family and friends. There is also a quote (that I have as my screensaver) which I keep coming backing to:
“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.”
? Jim Jarmusch
Categories: MPMG