We continue our “10 Questions” series with our Marketing Director, Allison Perry. This intro may sound bias because to be completely transparent it's written by Kelliann Kary who happens to think Allison (AKA MC Alli P. Gunshot) is one of the best people she's ever met. Alli was with Smartmouth from the beginning when Kelliann came home from a meeting in 2016 and said "Allison! I need a logo!". Many of these requests would be screeched from the front door of their home over the course of the next 6 months as Kelliann threw her shoes into a pile under the kitchen table and started spattering off requests from the production team. It was during one of these moments Kelliann stopped and said "Why aren't you a producer already?" And so Allison Perry became the 5th person to join the company. Alli was the perfect addition to the team for many reasons, her beautiful graphics, her time management skills, her attention to detail, her willingness to help whenever and wherever needed, but in our genuine opinion the most valuable thing that Alli brings to the table is her unwavering and ever-willing attitude to support and empower the women around her. That is, afterall, what Smartmouth is all about. Please enjoy "10 Questions with Allison" and take a small glance into why we love her so very much.
Describe your personality using only fictional characters. I would say I’m a neat freak like Monica Geller, a pessimist like Miranda Hobbs, loyal AF much like Brienne of Tarth, and an excellent listener just like every golden retriever on any 90’s-early 2000’s sitcom—pick your favorite, that’s me.
Why do you choose to work with Smartmouth? I choose to work with Smartmouth because most importantly, it allows me to support one of my best friends and secondly, it gives me the opportunity to meet many talented people throughout the Twin Cities.
Being one with no real background in theatre, what is this weirdest thing theatre people do that you would never encounter with fellow graphic designers? So far, I’ve actually found we have a lot in common. We tend to be procrastinators, we don’t always take criticism well, and we work weird hours due to when the creativity hits. But if I had to pinpoint one weird thing I’ve noticed all theater people do, it would have to be the way they say thank you. Like, “Hey I brought snacks" and everyone in unison says "Thank you snacks" Hey guys, we're opening the house. "Thank you House" Hey I picked up post cards "Thank you Post Cards"... Like... I don't get it... my name is Allison, why doesn't anyone ever say "Thank you, Allison."?
If something besides water could come out of a drinking fountain what would it be and why? Definitely would have to be red wine, because it’s my go-to drink all year round.
You have seen almost every single show Smartmouth has produced. Which one was your favorite and why? My favorite Smartmouth show so far would have to be Director’s Cut: The Great British Baking Show. There were flying microwaves, slo-mo reenactments, and flour EVERYWHERE. What’s not to love?
Who are your female role models? I’ve never been one to have specific female role models that I’ve always looked up to. Instead I find myself gathering inspiration from those closest to me at any given moment.
Describe what you do with Smartmouth. I do a myriad of things with Smartmouth, but most of them reside off stage in creating our design and marketing materials. You can also find me greeting you at the box office 99.9% of the time.
You’ve made a lot of graphics for Smartmouth, which one is your favorite? My favorite graphic I’ve created for Smartmouth would have to be the Sketch 5! promotional image. Anytime we can feature multiple beautifully talented females on a poster, I’m all in. It also represents what Smartmouth is all about.
You have a 90% off coupon to any store of your choosing for an unlimited purchase. Which store and what are you buying? I’m going to my nearest BMW dealership and custom building my own X2 xDrive 28i with all the bells and whistles because I’m practical and I like nice things…. I also have a weird obsession with cars but I feel like I may be getting away from the point of the question… I’d buy a car.
What was the last thing you binge watched on Netflix? Scandal, because I’m a sucker for some crazy out-of-this-world unrealistic drama!