Meet Erin McCarson, they are the playwright of our next production of It’s the Most _____ Time of the Year: Oil on Canvas written by Erin McCarson and directed by Jessica Johnson.
In this production, it's Thanksgiving Eve, and Jean and Doug couldn't be more excited about the holiday season. The halls are decked, the trees are up, and the kids, Rosemary and Bing, will be arriving any minute. Son-in-law Mike and new grandbaby Suzie round out the family gathering, and loving tolerance and charity abounds. But Jean has arranged a surprise for them all that makes them question her sanity, and as Thanksgiving Day dawns, the family must decide: How far will they go to make Jean's ultimate Christmas wish come true?
We reached out to Erin to tell us a bit about themselves and about what their experience has been like working on this production!
1. What is your favorite or least favorite holiday season tradition and why?
My favorite tradition is getting together with my family on Christmas Eve for food, presents, and time together.
2. Do you relate to your character or to any character in the show? How similar / different are you?
Yes! They are all me! I am all them!
3. What's your favorite line in the show? Why?
All of them. Because they are all brilliant. Duh.
4. How would you spend your ideal Thanksgiving / Christmas / Hanukkah / Kwanza / other holiday season holiday?
All my family and friends together, with our favorite foods and comfiest pajamas, watching movies, playing games, and loving on each other. And there's a beach.
5. How did you get into theatre?
I did my first church play, We Like Sheep, when I was 4 and haven't stopped since. I studied theater at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, New York University, and have taken many specialized classes and workshops throughout the years. After university, I acted professionally in New York City for over a decade, appearing on stage, screen, and television. I moved to WNC in 2016 and continue to find joy, purpose, and inspiration making theater and collaborating with incredible artists.
Biography
Erin McCarson is an actor, director, and writer living in WNC. Special thanks: To my Husband and Toddler for endless support and kisses. To my Mama, Daddy, and Brother for a lifetime of traditions and memories. To Dwight Chiles and Bekah Brunstetter for friendship and inspiration. To Katie Jones and Jess Johnson for telling me I am a writer and holding my sweaty hand the whole journey. To the Cast, Crew, Production Team, and The Magnetic Theatre, you are the best in the business and it's an honor to work with you. And YOU, friend! Thank you for supporting theatre. I wish you a safe and happy holiday! Deuses Mooses!
It’s the Most _____ Time of the Year: Oil on Canvas is showing December 3-18, 2021. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=129115