When I was approached by the Oregon Media Central blog for a piece about Wage Slaves, it was suggested that an actor’s perspective would be nice to add. Lara Kobrin, who plays Stacy and co-produced with me, threw her hat into the ring with some great answers.

However, since I’m apparently incapable of giving short responses, the blog ran a bit long and Lara’s part had to be cut. But I liked what she wrote and decided to include it here, in honor of Stacy’s episode premiering this week.

What do you like, dislike or think is interesting about your character?
I have a definite love-hate relationship with Stacy. I love her because she’s strong and smart (Chris rarely writes weak female characters). I hate her because her strength and intelligence are overshadowed by her deep-seeded need for acceptance, which manifests itself in her continual saga of “bad choice making” and a lack of impulse-control. Stacy isn’t a bad person. She’s an unfulfilled person seeking immediate gratification from things outside of herself when she should really be working from the outside in.

Do you see yourself at all in them?
I see a lot of Stacy in me, especially the me that existed 10 years ago, or so. I’ve grown-up a lot! But I’ve definitely made my share of bad choices along the way. I understand about trying to find someone to validate your existence– putting all your energy into other people, so you never really have to think about how much you don’t really like yourself.

What do you particularly like about this project?
I don’t just like this project; I LOVE this project. I love the cast, the crew. I love that we created this on a micro-sized budget, with minimal resources. In fact, the whole thing was a labor of love. But mostly, I LOVE that Chris Bolton has created a project that truly speaks in his voice. I have worked with Chris on multiple projects and read many samples of his writing. All have been good, but WAGE SLAVES is Chris getting to say what he’s always wanted in the way he wants to say it. It’s inspiring.

What other projects have you worked on?
Not to be all 2009 or anything, but check out my web site for all kinds of information about me, including past and future projects: www.lara-kobrin.com.

Is there anything else we can see you in or that you’d like to promote?
Currently in rehearsal for A Country Doctor by Len Jenkin @ defunkt theatre here in Portland. Opens August 28 and runs through October 3.