On the Smartmouth Comedy Production team, we’re not all loud and proud comedy writers. We have a dynamic group of females with different backgrounds, experiences, and specialties. We believe our different skill sets make us a stronger team. That being said, we’ve posted blogs from Kelliann (Artistic Director), Jenna (Managing Director), and Isabel (Social Media Director) but you haven’t been able to experience what makes our Production Manager, Annelise Eckelaert, so fricken awesome. Please enjoy “10 Questions with Annelise” :)
You’ve been stage managing for almost a decade. What is your best war story? I once worked on a show where I had to run lights, sound, and one of those wooden rain makers for a show with middle school students. Thankfully we only used it for one scene, but I had to make it rain for 5 minutes onstage one handed so that I could follow the script & operate the board too.
Why do you choose to work with Smartmouth? Smartmouth is doing work that nobody (that I know of) is doing right now. They are generating comedy monthly that is often written by women and for women. I have consistently felt there are not enough female roles in the theatre community (while we are busting at the seams with talented actresses and improvisers!) and generating new work with Smartmouth is the most proud I have ever been about the work that I do.
Describe your personality using only cereal box titles. Top 3 with explanations why (for example, I would say I’m like frosted flakes cause I’m GREEEAAT.) Lucky Charms (Giggles like a child because her fiance’ is Irish), Sprinkle Spangles (It’s fun to say!), and Life (Because I’m crushing it!)
If something besides water could come out of a drinking fountain what would it be and why? 🍷 But like, it would be a different kind of wine whenever I find a new fountain. Practically speaking, sparkling water would be better and less of a logistical nightmare. I’m a die-hard fan of LaCroix.
You have both gluten AND dairy allergies, if you are going to splurge on gluten and dairy which two items are most worth taking a pill for? Pizza and Ice cream
Who are your female role models? My cat, Wednesday. She is reminds me daily to be thankful for the people in my life, make sure my needs are taken care of, take a break (or two) in my day to recharge, and that it’s okay if I only want to cuddle sometimes because I need space.
Describe what you do with Smartmouth. As the Production Manager I put in an organizational hand to keep Kelliann sane, keep track of decisions the producers have made, steer and support everything during the chaos of “It’s That Time of the Month” and pretend like I know what I’m doing.
Fond Smartmouth memories? Going to see my first director’s cut and watching Velma get it on in a library with her first “textual experience” - Scooby Doo has never been better.
You have a 90% off coupon to any store of your choosing for an unlimited purchase. Which store and what are you buying? Amazon, I literally have about 20 lists filled with things that I want I keep updated year-round. I’d be buying books, cat toys, decorative geodes, board games, and (as soon as they are available in my service area) alcoholic beverages.
What do you want to be known for? I would like to be known for being a stalwart and loyal friend, a dedicated and practical worker, and an imaginative dreamer… so being a cool human I guess.