What do you do?
I'm a comedy writer and actor who often falls into the role of producer/director. Every so often I perform music under the alias Sammy Conscious.
When did you get into it?
I co-wrote a script for the Dickson College Drama Prize, and based on that decided I was good enough at it. Last year Remy Coll and I founded Freshly Ground Theatre to produce my plays.
Who or what influences you as an artist?
The audience. With live theatre it's unavoidable. Particularly with comedy, the feedback is instant and clear cut - laughter or silence. And when you're charging them to get in... Human beings and the way they behave are also the best source of humour.
What's your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
Hearing a large group of people laughing at jokes that I remember laughing at when I wrote them is the pay off of the huge amounts of work and the whole reason I do any of it. The fact that the audience gets bigger with every production is what makes me most proud. And we scooped the prize pool at the one act play festival last year.
What are your plans for the future?
The next theatre project will be a touring one. To use the same material for longer will mean I have to write less. Then television, then hopefully fame. That's as far ahead as I've thought.
What makes you laugh?
It's the most serious situations that most need to be diffused with humour. So the more serious something is the more I feel the need to laugh at it. This can come across as callous, and arguably is. But you don't need to make fun of a clown, cos clowns are already funny (they're often not, but the point remains).
What pisses you off?
Small things that I blow out of proportion. Thankfully this helps with the comedy writing. "Sharp eye, wild mind" as somebody once said. Certain neuroses and social hang ups are a significant advantage.
What's your opinion of the local scene?
It needs more confidence in itself! Canberra's "scene" is outstanding comparative to its size, even while leaking so profusely. Artists evacuate this place at an alarming rate.
What are your upcoming performances?
Freshly Ground Theatre's Not Axel Harrison, Nov 26 - Dec 5, at the Street Theatre. A guy has to impersonate a hit man after he kills the real hit man in self defence... with Tom Watson as Axel Harrison.
Contact Info
www.freshlygroundtheatre.com
Samfloyd@freshlygroundtheatre.com
0432 106 915
