The Biz Interview: Jenny Mitchell
Jenny Mitchell’s Laughing Matters Theatre Company has been using theatre events in Vancouver as a means of fundraising for various efforts since 2005.
The newest event from Laughing Matters Theatre Company is a reading of Lanford Wilson’s Burn This on June 17th, featuring Eric McCormack, Vincent Gale, Leah Cairns and Patrick Gilmore. The proceeds will go to Prostate Cancer Canada.
We talked to Jenny Mitchell to find out more.
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Can you start by telling us a little bit about you and how Laughing Matters Theatre Company got started?
I started Laughing Matters Theatre Company in 2005, as a way to raise money to help in the aftermath of the Southeast Asian Tsunami. I had a baby and a toddler at the time, but I really felt the need to do something, so putting together a one-night event was perfect. And I just kept going!
What can you tell us about the Burn This event?
The most recent readings have all been Vancouver premieres of new works, but when Eric McCormack approached me about doing a reading, I was happy to let me him pick his own piece. He’s also assembled his cast, made up of his costars from Travelers, which is the Netflix series he’s shooting in Vancouver.
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“The community is very strong and supportive.”
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How would you describe the state of the Vancouver theatre community and where Laughing Matters fits in?
We can bemoan the lack of theatre employment opportunities in Vancouver, or we can put ourselves on stage! There is so much indie theatre happening, which is very difficult, but also so awesome! The community is very strong and supportive. Go and see all the little shows you can get to, and take a few friends! These people work so hard, with so much heart and soul.
What theatre-related authors and books would you recommend to those who are interested in learning more about theatre and live performance?
I read plays constantly. I have a bit of an obsession! That’s another way Laughing Matters works – we can get a playwright’s words heard by an audience, even if the play might never be produced in Vancouver. I can’t recommend it enough! Buy plays and read them!
What other projects is Laughing Matters planning for the future?
I am committed to continuing with the monthly readings. I also have kids’ acting classes, and we’re looking at scripts with full-scale production in mind.
Where we can find out more about you and Laughing Matters?
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @ThatJennyM, and @lmtheatreco, and you can “like” the Laughing Matters page on Facebook!
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Thanks to Jenny Mitchell for speaking with us!
You can see Burn This at The Revue Stage uon Saturday, June 17th, 2017 at 7:30PM. For tickets, please visit lmtco.bpt.me.
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