Thursday, 14 July 2016

Guest Artist "Snapshot" - Carl Kennedy

This summer, guest artist Carl Kennedy makes his Rosebud Theatre debut in 'The Sunset Limited', playing on our BMO Studio Stage. Best known for his work in the Vancouver theatre scene, Carl earned Best Actor nominations (Jessie Richardson Awards) for his performances as Lucius Jenkins in 'Jesus Hopped the A Train' and John in 'The Whipping Man'.  An associated artist with Pacific Theatre, he recently originated the role of Pastor Dan in 'Common Grace'. Carl holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Washington and has been seen on regional stages from Halifax to Vancouver. Recently, Carl has thrown his hat into the Los Angeles arena, where he has booked multiple commercials and celebrated his TV debut on TLC.


Nathan Schmidt, Carl Kennedy
Nathan Schmidt and Carl Kennedy in Rosebud Theatre's The Sunset Limited. Photo by Morris Ertman.
You’ve lived all over, but where would you call home?
Before my acting career sprouted wings, I considered Eastern North Carolina “Home Sweet Home”. I still have friends and family in the area, and love to visit as often as possible.

How are you using your free time in Rosebud?
Free time? What’s that? LOL.
The rehearsal process was very involved. I opted not to participate in any recreational activities until I felt like we were in a good place with the production. Since the show has opened, I’ve treated myself to dinner and dessert in the city with friends.

What’s your “must-have” morning ritual?
Aside from hitting the snooze button, thanking God for another day, another opportunity. A wise person counts his/her blessings.

Is there a dream role you’re ready to tackle?
My “dream role” was always to play myself on TV (either as a night show host or my own series). “The Carl Kennedy Show”… got a nice ring to it, don’t it?

The Sunset Limited is a face-off between two opposing belief systems, in a single conversation full of dark humor, mystery and philosophy. Who would you like to sit down with for a clash of mental titans?
An old grad school classmate of mine. He is a very intelligent, very gifted individual with a particular outlook on life. He is well versed in the Word of God, and would be a formidable opponent.

What’s been a favorite on-stage moment for you as an actor?
I would say having the opportunity to tackle my current role in The Sunset Limited. It’s been by far the most challenging/rewarding. I love the opportunity to show the love of God through action, whether it be a satisfying meal or a hot cup of coffee.

Best advice you’ve been given?
My mother would say, “It’s not what you see, it’s what He said.” TRUST IN THE WORD OF GOD.

What’s something you didn’t anticipate about stepping into the skin of your character, Black, in The Sunset Limited?
The universality of it all. How the story of a convicted felon is not that much different from my own. God is the common denominator. We have all sinned and fell short of the glory. We are all recipients of grace and mercy.

Anything currently inspiring you?
The light at the end of the tunnel. Forward progress. I am witnessing my own growth as a person, a performer, and a believer in God. I used to despise the concept of a hundred pennies. I wanted the dollar bill. Now, I’m accepting the notion that they are one and the same.


Lastly, what saves you from your darkest moments? (Is there a person or something that catches you from jumping down in the tracks?)
I’m grounded in what God has done for me… what man cannot take credit for. Those instances where I’ve asked and He answered, knocked and He’s opened doors, where a way was made out of no way. The world cannot take that away from me.


Don't miss Carl's extraordinary and thought-provoking performance opposite Nathan Schmidt in Cormac McCarthy's 'The Sunset Limited', playing now through Aug 27th on our BMO Studio Stage. For tickets and information, visit rosebudtheatre.com. 

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