It’s work, but it’s fun too

Gina Costigan.

By Peter McDermott

Actress Gina Costigan admits that she approached her move to America in recent times with some trepidation. But the Dubliner, who has acted on screen with globally-known stars like Ciarán Hinds and Cate Blanchett, took to the New York scene with ease.

Costigan will next be on stage from Sept. 1-25 in Honor Molloy’s “Crackskull Row” at the Workshop Theater, as part of the 9th Annual 1st Irish Theatre Festival.

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“Gina's a marvel," said playwright Molloy. "Her work is so pure and focused, seemingly effortless. The depth of feeling she conveys is phenomenal."

Tell me something about your background and how you got into acting?

Mum [Maria McDermottroe] is an actress and Dad [John Costigan] ran the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin so I come from an acting and theatre background. However, they certainly didn't push me into it. In truth, they probably would have been delighted for me to do anything else! I've been incredibly lucky, though. They have stood behind me in anything that I've done.

I was working as an actress in Ireland and doing a show in the UK when a U.S. acting school saw me and offered me a scholarship to come and train with them. It was near impossible to turn down such an offer. I was nervous about the move, but I’m, thankfully, one of the ones that fell in love with New York in a major way quite instantly.

What do you consider a career highlight?

It's hard to narrow down. Getting to play opposite the big-wig likes of Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway of course plays a part, as does creating your own work. That can be incredibly satisfying when you see that come together. But I've found a lot of the work that I have gotten since moving to New York to be the ultimate highlight really. There was something very daunting about moving here to act and I've been incredibly lucky in the caliber of work that I have gotten and the people I have gotten to work with.

I'm filming on an exciting SAG feature at the minute and I am just about to start rehearsals for the Cell Theatre's premiere production of “Crackskull Row.” Acting is never easy and no doubt there are periods of unemployment around the corner but I sometimes stop and have a moment where I am en route to a rehearsal or set and feel very fortunate. That's the highlight.

Is there a show or production or film that you particularly enjoyed doing?

My first equity gig was for the New Jersey Repertory Company on the world premiere of “The Seedbed.” Clichéd as it sounds but there was something magical about the company. We'd the joy of having the writer Bryan Delaney with us for most of the rehearsal and run and we were altogether in this little seaside town for months. I became very close to those people. We had the craic and it was just a really special time.

What have you learned from working with older, more experienced actors?

To make the working experience a fun one. I particularly learnt this from my mum. Being on set can be quite full on, long and pressurized at times and watching my mum navigate that habitat is something to behold. She's the epitome of professionalism yet fun and a feeling of: we're all in this together. Anytime I've met anyone in wardrobe, cast, sound etc. who has worked with her and they figure we are related, they without fail tell me how much fun it was and how she created such a great atmosphere. I used to take myself pretty seriously at the start, mainly out of nerves I think and now I realize how important it is to create a good feeling. We're here to do the work but let's make it a good time also for everyone.

Do you prefer performing in front of a live audience?

I've often gone through periods where I would be mainly booking theater or film and recently I have been lucky to be going through one of those stages where I am working in both at the same time and it's interesting getting to compare them so closely.

There is something hugely exhilarating about the immediate response of an audience that is powerful and cannot be replicated. It's also great seeing the end result of film, all the work from editors, actors, lights, continuity, directors, composers, the lot! Both have incredible merits, however if am honest I often selfishly enjoy performing in front of a live audience. Although it is generally considered the lesser paid medium you usually get to be on the gig longer and spend more time with your co-workers.

How have you found the New York and American scene in comparison to Ireland's?

For me it has been a big pond, small pond scenario. Although there are more actors, there's simply more work over here and that alone forces the door to be left open to some degree for people to get in. I was recently in Ireland, however, to play a part in an upcoming Irish feature film called “Halal Daddy” and it was lovely being home for the work, even though I managed to spend as much as I earned catching up with people whilst there.

What do you think is good advice for actors?

Don't be ashamed of the out-of-work nature that usually comes with the work. That crippled me for years but finally I realized the nature of the gig is that it doesn't last forever. Getting more work is pretty inevitable.

It's about figuring out how you manage what to do in between jobs – be it your own gigs, relaxation, auditions, or simply doing something else. It's not about what you do; it's what works for you.

The Cell Theatre’s premiere production of “Crackskull Row,” written by Honor Molloy and directed by Kira Simring, will be performed at the Workshop Theater, 312 West 36th St., from Sept. 1-25. For tickets and schedule visit www.1stIrish.org.

 

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