Lynn Trickey
Lynn Trickey was born and raised Seattle, WA, but moved to California to attend Pitzer College. After Graduation, she stayed in LA on a whim, and has been deliberating about leaving ever since. Los Angeles theatre credits include The Importance of Being Ernest (Little Fish Theatre), Trojan Women (The Knightsbridge Theatre), Wonder of the World (Above The Curve Theatre), and This Hope Box (Poorhouse Theatre Co.). She was also in one episode of “I didn’t know I was Pregnant.”
Lynn studied improv at The Groundlings and iO West. She has played on iO West Harold teams Third Rail and The List, and performed short form improv with Without a Box (Claremont Colleges), and Id Vicious (LA). She currently performs with Big Bennessy who hosts the weekly Big Saturday Showcase in the Loft Theatre at iO West (www.bigbennessy.com ).
Teams:
Representation Info:
(CO) JLA – 310-276-5677
Interview:
1. Where are you originally from and what was the improv scene like there?
I’m from Seattle, Washington. The improv scene there is small but good. I actually used to watch fellow iO Improviser Ethan Newberry perform at Jet City Improv (one of the two Seattle Improv Theatres) when I was in High School.
2. What made you want to start doing improv?
I auditioned for a play at the Seattle Children’s Theatre the summer before the 9th grade. When they rejected me, they asked if I wanted to do the Improv Show with all the other kids who hadn’t made it in. I begrudgingly agreed. I loved it.
3. What stumbling blocks did you have to overcome when you first started studying improv?
I used to worry a lot. Particularly when learning Harold. I would be on the side in a cold sweat trying to remember what we explored in the opening, or what the first scene was about, or trying to figure out where we should bring the characters in the second beats and I’d completely miss what was going on onstage. Then I’d want to make a move, but I’d judge it or worry it wasn’t funny enough or I’d be stepping on someone’s toes, or whatever. Of course it’s really easy for me to still worry about that stuff. But I try to trust my team and myself and let it go and have fun.
4. How long have you been doing improv?
I’ve been taking classes on and off since that first experience in high school… but I’ve been at iO for over two years now. That’s what I count.
5. What’s your favorite part about improvising?
When you get those moments when the group mind comes together and it’s miraculous and beautiful and exciting and cooler than anything anyone could have written. And when it doesn’t come together: who cares? We’re just making it up anyway. I’m also blessed – I get to play with amazing improvisers who are also my good friends. It doesn’t get much better than that.
6. What is one of your best memories on stage at iOWest?
There was a scene in a Big Bennessy show where Matt Cavedon and I were playing angry parents and our son was RC Fill. We were giving him a lecture while simultaneously hopping across the stage, chanting different phrases over and over and sort of dancing as we went. We would switch places then strike a pose in unison on the other side of the stage. It was so dumb and silly, but Matt and I committed to it and played it for real. It was crazy, but made perfect sense in the world of the scene.
Also, this one time in a show with The List, I was playing a boring old man that did the same thing every day. James Simon kept yelling at me to make a change and do something different, so I reached up and kissed him on the mouth. It totally shocked him. He was literally speechless. It was awesome.
7. What’s some advice you would give to someone that’s starting out?
Improv is an art form, so work at it, take it seriously, and rehearse with a coach! But also give yourself the room to be goofy, relax, and have fun.
8. Who is someone you really look up to in the improv world and why?
Karen Graci. I love that woman. She is so sweet; she is a fantastic actress and obviously a phenomenal improviser. She made everything make sense for me as a teacher. She reminded me to keep it simple, do one thing and heighten it, and to really act. I think sometimes improvisers forget that we are acting up there, not doing bits. Karen is always fully invested in her character. She reacts truthfully in the moment, and her moves are always inspired by truth of the moment. She is hilarious.
9. Other than your own, what is your favorite show at iOWest?
Wow, are improvisers such self-promoters that you have to specify this question? (www.bigbennessy.com ). There are so many good shows. Lately I’ve seen some really good two-person stuff up in the Loft. Now! With Annie and Levin is great, Lobster Dust (Adam Karell and Justin Johnson) and Ranger Danger and the Danger Ranger (Drew Coolidge, Luis Cortes) are really good. Of course Pretty Bird (Maggy Keegan and Tilt Tyree) is fantastic too. Oh, also Delicious Moments makes me pee my pants (only a little).
10. How do you use improv in your professional life?
By going with the flow, being in the moment, and really listening. These are skills a lot of adults don’t use in their every day lives. In acting it’s invaluable. In my other “professional life” of waiting tables – improv helps me deal with crazies.
11. If you could sum up iO in one sentence, what would that be?
A great community; makes LA feel like home.
Wednesday, June 19 @ 09:30 PM in the Main Stage - tickets are $5 (FREE for iO students)
Wednesday, June 26 @ 09:30 PM in the Main Stage - tickets are $5 (FREE for iO students)