Lighthouse favourite Melanie Janzen is back at this season in Norm Foster’s Doris and Ivy in the Home, on stage in Port Dover from May 22 to June 8 and in Port Colborne from June 12 to 23. She made your roar with laughter in last season’s Where You Are and she’s been in a number of Lighthouse productions over the years. We chatted with Melanie about what challenges exist when working in the theatre, what drew her to the character of Doris, and what’s the best piece of acting advice she’s ever received.
Lighthouse Festival (LF): What is the most challenging aspect of working in theatre?
Melanie Janzen (MJ): One of the most challenging aspects of working in the theatre is the sporadic, fleeting nature of acting contracts. I love the work, and am always eager to secure the next gig.
(LF): What drew you to this character in Doris and Ivy?
(MJ): Doris is very much ‘what you see is what you get’. I like her brashness and her confidence. There’s no beating around the bush with Doris…I could stand to be a little more like her.
(LF): What’s the best piece of acting advice you’ve ever received?
(MJ): ’Pick up your cues!’ ‘Act on the line!’ ‘A pause must be earned!’ All of these are helpful reminders not to leave ‘dead air’ on stage.
(LF): What role has had the greatest impact on you personally?
(MJ): The real-life role of being a mother to my daughter. It’s by far the most challenging and fulfilling role I’ve had to date.
(LF): What inspired you to pursue a career in theatre?
(MJ): I’ve always adored being on stage and I relish the chance to tell a story theatrically – there’s a wonderful feeling of connection with an audience that satisfies like no other.