Meet the Ripley: Doreen Calderon!
Ripley interviewed Doreen Calderon.
She’s a dream... and a dream interpreter!
What is your favorite quote?
"We'll never survive!" "Nonsense. You're only saying that because no one ever has." - The Princess Bride
Tell us about your Slay character?
Isabel Baxter is a socially awkward, middle-aged, single woman. From a young age, she discovered that the dream world was real, and upon hitting menopause she discovered how to enter it at will. Obsessed with symbols, she never quite got the knack of having real conversations. Her personality was inspired by characters often played by Shelley Winters - bafoonish, lonely women - but Isabel has a huge heart.
How is Baxter like or not like you?
We're the same age and I'm single, but unlike Izzy, I've always been one of the "popular kids". I, too, discovered the importance of dreams at a young age, but I've never (to my knowledge) entered a different dimension. I'm also an expert dream interpreter. For realz.
What is your favorite part of working on SLAY?
I love working on a brand new - to me - format of RPG style. It scared me at first, but because I never play RPGs, so I knew I had to. Also, this show is groundbreaking. It was made specifically for on-line performances as opposed to shows that have been forced to conform to the virtual stage.
How did your improv journey begin?
I first learned improv games at the park district drama club when I was twelve, but the real journey began while attending a theatre conservatory. We studied pure Spolin my entire freshman year before we ever looked at a script. I hadn't quite made the connection, but later realized there was definitely something spiritual about it. Upon leaving conservatory, I took classes at The Second City in Chicago to "get out of my head".
What about Ripley excites you?
The innovation. I've never been in a group where every member was so keen on discovery - new shows, new formats, etc. Also, this group breaks the stereotype of "all female improv". There's no need to demonstrate that we're woman. We're creators, plain & simple.
What are you working on right now that is exciting you?
I'm "working" on an effortless life. Like improv, the more we try to make something happen, the less likely it will. Like improv, when we just slow down and listen, magic happens. I've experienced this so often, but still forget that this is how life works. So, I guess you can say that I'm working on effortless success.
What are you most looking forward to?
Good sex, good food, and a good book - any recommendations?