As my July Challenge draws to an end I have managed to catch up with Andrea Coleman to talk about her show going to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Where did the inspiration or ideas come from for your show/production?
I made a major life change last year because of Jon Bon Jovi, as one does. Ruminating on that decision in the wee hours of a sleepless night, I remembered when I was 14 that I did something out of character because of some John Hughes movies. Then almost immediately my mind pinged to another wild and unconventional choice that I made in graduate school because of John Mayer. I thought, ‘Hmm, they’re all named John… and white…’, then I was off to the races!
What do you plan on doing to relax and get some “time out” during the Fringe?
I have this possibly unrealistic goal to do yoga 5 times a week. I found a couple studios that have a monthly pass – I even found a hot yoga place (which is my favorite way to practice yoga right now). So fingers crossed I’ll get to do that to relax before my show. I also enjoy an infrared sauna. Clearly, I love the heat. If I can sit alone inside a hot sauna once a week, and do some hot yoga regularly, I’ll be in heaven.
How do you deal with stage nerves before each performance, if you have them?
I absolutely get stage nerves! In the past, I’d usually just suffer through them and endure. I don’t know that I’ve figured out a “cure” per se. But it often helps me to connect with people before the show, instead of going off in a private space. Talking to other people almost tricks my nerves into thinking I’m not about to PERFORM, but that going on stage is just a continuation of the chitchat I’ve been having and that works pretty well actually.
What obstacles have you faced preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe this year?
Emotionally preparing to be vulnerable on stage in a room full of strangers was a big obstacle. Workshopping this piece, I discovered early on that sometimes I would cry when performing the show and I’ll be honest, I hated that. I did not want to be crying on stage, I felt too exposed. It almost felt like my body was being taken over. Plus, the show is meant to be funny. But I eventually realized that my job as a performer is to be vulnerable and not judge what comes out. So if some tears fall, that’s part of the experience.
Another obstacle was how intimidated I felt by the sheer volume of people and shows at Edinburgh and like, how do I get people to come to mine and how do I deal with the humiliation of people not coming? It helped a lot to make friends here when I visited last year as an audience member. Luckily, a number of those performers are returning, so I’ve got quite a few lovely allies to connect with. Another big help for this was my 17 years as an attorney. Being a lawyer is actually pretty humiliating a lot of the time, believe it or not. People are always yelling at us: judges, clients, bailiffs. Plus, so many unexpected things happen in court, so I was often just bluffing off the fly; sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Being a lawyer, I became quite familiar with public humiliation – still don’t like it, but I know her. The biggest help with this obstacle was that my partner threatened me, lol. I told him after we visited Fringe last year that no way, I was too scared to perform here. He said, “You quit your job as a lawyer to be a performer and now you’re afraid to perform?!” He goes, “You’re either doing Edinburgh or you have to get a job as a lawyer!” I was shocked, like OMG, I can’t believe he’s saying this to me! Haha, but it worked and I needed to hear it. This is my dream, no matter how scary or nightmarish it sometimes looks. So I’m here, practically as a hostage, but I’m here lol.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Performing at the Ampersand International Arts Festival in Virginia earlier this year, I had the best time! The highlight was the entire weekend. I performed my solo show, 3 White Guys Named John, and my family got to see it, which was terrifying but also exhilarating. Then I performed with some of my friends who I did improv with in college. We did a trivia game show, Like Minds, in front of an audience. I laughed a lot and felt so free on stage. Of course, before the festival, I was dreading the weekend, because I was afraid for my friends and family to see the solo show, and I was worried, because I don’t ever play trivia games. And wouldn’t you know it – everything went wrong! My dad’s cell phone kept going off during my show and I didn’t know any of the answers to the trivia questions, but it was all wonderful! Even with my dad’s cell phone repeatedly going off, I was able to focus and drop in emotionally for the performance, people laughed, they cried. For the game show, it was actually more fun for the audience when I got the answers wrong and messed up. I felt pure joy being up there with my friends. The whole weekend felt magical.
Favourite and worse thing about performing?
The worst thing about performing are the nervessssss. Ugh, I hate them. Sometimes my hands shake and my armpits start burning, my teeth will sometimes even chatter. And don’t get me started on the digestive rumblings. My favorite thing is how it feels to stand on stage and be held by the energy of the audience, and that feeling of giving myself over to the emotion whether it’s laughter or tears. It’s terrifying and exhilarating.
In one sentence, why should someone come to see your show?
You should come see my show because it’s a funny nostalgic walk down memory lane of the best movies and music from your adolescence and afterwards, you’ll feel heart-warmed and inspired.
Name one other show that you plan on seeing at the Fringe?
Haus of Dylan. It’s Dylan Adler’s solo show and I know it’s going to be fantastic. Dylan and I were on the same UCB sketch comedy Maude team in NYC, and I’m so happy and relieved that he’s coming to Fringe at the same time as me. It’s a comfort that I’ll have a friend here. Plus, he’s a classically trained pianist, he’s a composer and a gymnast, his show is high energy and so fun. I also cannot wait to see Amy Veltman’s show PSA: Pelvic Service Announcement. She’s a veteran of the NY comedy scene and she’s whip smart. We came up together in stand-up and she’s such a pro. Her show will not just be entertaining, I think it will provide a unique perspective on women’s health.
Show Title, time and Venue.
3 White Guys Named John, 2PM, Zoo Playground 1, Venue 186, August 1 – 24 (not 12).
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/3-white-guys-named-john
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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