In honor of the Lilting Banshees’ performances TONIGHT (at 8 and 10 pm), we decided to sit down with the Assistant Director of the group, senior Caroline Drew: a member of Greek life, a tour guide, a former Hit-the-Bricks co-chair and a Hydrating Humanitate co-chair. In the midst of all this (and Banshee practice), she found time to interview for Campus Celebrity, and crack us up in the process!
HC: Can you tell us about your leadership position in the group?
CD: My position in the Banshees is assistant director – or, as the other Banshees so lovingly call me “Ass. Director” or “Ass. Mom.” My duties mainly include helping our director –Robert Simms – lead the troupe. This means organizing rehearsals, deciding what sketch ideas get written on, casting the show, and so on. It’s difficult to describe a leadership position in the troupe because everyone gives so much in order to make a show happen. The biggest bulk of the work required is the writing and rehearsing and if every troupe member didn’t commit themselves to these extremely time-consuming meetings we would sink. I suppose the most important role of assistant director (who am I kidding, Ass. Mom) and Director alike would be creating an environment for the troupe that encourages attendance, fosters creativity, and shows appreciation to everyone involved.
HC: What has been the best part about being in Banshees?
CD: If I’m being honest, it’s the people (the Banshee people, not the groupie people). It’s difficult for me to choose the words to truly say just how much I am thankful for the past and present members of this troupe. When I came to Wake I don’t think I even knew what a sketch comedy troupe was. I certainly didn’t think I would join one. And never would I have guessed the relationships it would give to me.
Being in the Banshees is like being in a secret society that was too loud and goofy to keep it a secret; it’s like being adopted into Von Trapp family if all the Von Trapps were between the ages of 18 and 22 and no one sang but everyone had at least one 4/20 joke in their repertoire. Being in Banshees is like being brought into the most loving, tightest-knit group of friends who, as a bonus, make you laugh all the time. I love them very much and the only way I will be able to leave them in May is because I know they are my friends for life.
Then again, I guess my answer would have to be the mandatory khaki pants and white button downs. I’ve never looked sexier.
HC: Speaking of graduation, do you see yourself working in comedy after graduation?
CD: Yes and no. Realistically, I don’t imagine I will be hired to a comedic writing or performing position immediately after post-grad…that is, unless SNL producers come across this article and realize my irresistible wit and invaluable humor must be hired right away! If that doesn’t happen, I am looking into other fields for my day job and hope to take part in comedic improv and stand up at night.
I am completely open to whatever my future in comedy might look like. It could be that I seriously pursue a career in the field or it could be that it simply becomes a part of my life that I enjoy but do not prioritize. If you want the truth, I am thrilled at the prospect (the tiny, negative percent prospect) of possibly being a professional comedian one day. But that day, if it exists, is so far off I try not to worry about it too much.
Be sure to buy a ticket for The Banshee’s show…and catch Caroline send us into stitches one more time!