Four days until opening night! So far this week, we've talked to our director, playwright, and stage manager. Today, we're introducing the first of the four cast members of From A to Double D! Meet the actress bringing the best friend you wish you had in middle school to life: Abby Knipp!
The essentials: Abby Knipp is a New York-based actor and improviser. She graduated from Boston University, receiving her BFA in Acting from Boston University's School of Theatre, and studied in London where she earned a certificate in Classical Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Recent credits include touring with Stages on the Sound and working with Healing TREE. When she's not auditioning, you can catch her eating her weight in delicious cheese boards and watching Fleabag.
Read on for our Q&A with Abby!
Q: Tell us about the character you play in From A to DD?
A: Brennan is full of life. She's so insecure but wants so badly to be more confident, and in some ways I think she resembles and represents a lot of the difficulty that young girls face in this big world as they grow up and try to find their voice. Brennan is also a direct reflection of how she's treated and perceived by the world; just like so many of us, her behavior is heavily influenced by what society's collective rulebook dictates, how she needs to look, dress, act, etc. It's alarming, and I think she she serves as an example of how moldable and impressionable young kids actually are.
Q: What's something you've learned during the rehearsal process so far and/or what has your favorite part of the rehearsal process been?
A: Rehearsal rooms are basically giant chemistry labs--the best part of the rehearsal process for me has been and will always be the experimental factor. I love being able to come into a room with like-minded, professional artists and create a completely new world out of almost nothing. It's such a humbling experience. With this show in particular, I've learned to treat my own ideas and choices with a sort of "low stakes" attitude. If it works, fantastic. If it doesn't, I'll throw it away and try something else. It's the process of creation, and I've really enjoyed being able to experiment freely and without judgement in every rehearsal.
Q: Who is a woman+ artist you admire and why?
A: Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She's pushed her way through this industry, hustled, and produced some really interesting work for herself and so many other artists. She's a jack of all trades: a writer, producer, director, and actor. Her work is very sharp and quick-witted and it tackles a lot of taboos with poignant humor and intellect. And I admire her individuality and quirkiness; those are rare, genuine qualities to find within people nowadays.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about living in NYC?
A: That almost everyone is chasing after a big dream or passion, and they'll hustle to make it happen.
Q: Why should people come see From A to DD?
A: I think this play speaks to the misunderstood culture surrounding adolescents and youth. We as people always assume that being a kid is super carefree, when in reality, it's often a really tough time plagued with difficult choices and experiences. From A to Double D also tackles a lot of specific issues surrounding body image and "what it means to be a woman"-- the script and its characters put current struggles in our laps and ask us how we, the audience, can help. I hope our work sparks difficult conversations, breaks down stereotypes, and prompts people to listen to one another and their individual struggles. We need more of that, now and always.
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See Abby as Brennan at the IRT Theater on January 23-February 2 when you come see From A to Double D! Got your tickets?