When I watched the season three premiere of Good Witch on Hallmark Channel last year, I noticed an actress with whom I had been previously unfamiliar. Upon further research, I discovered the name of the up and coming actress who played Rose, Caitlin McConkey-Pirie. Time got away from both of us, but recently she and I had the opportunity to discuss briefly the many facets of her acting career as well as a couple of entertaining things on the side.
RH: Why did you decide to become an actress? What kind of training have you had?
First Play
CMP: I got bit by the acting bug at a young age, like six or seven. My mom signed me up to do musical theatre, which in retrospect is funny because I had a terrible singing voice. But even still, I got hooked. From there, it just never felt like I had much of a choice. I was called to do it from a young age and always followed that calling.
I’ve studied with some incredible teachers in Toronto. I didn’t do a traditional theatre school training so I felt the need to soak up as much as I could, wherever I could. Some favourites have been doing the Meisner technique with John Riven, voice with Rae Ellen Bodie and on-camera with Lewis Baumander. I’m so grateful for every teacher I’ve ever had. They have all been instrumental in my growth both as a person and an actor.
What was your first professional job in the business and what are your memories of that job?
I think the first time I ever got paid for a job was for this indie thriller called Komatose. I didn’t get paid much, but I just remember feeling like, “Wow, someone is paying me to act!” It was really empowering. I remember that was the first year I filed my taxes as an actor, and it just felt like the beginning, like anything was possible. I think I booked my first commercial shortly after that, and then Noah.
Noah and Maneater are listed as two of your well-known works. Please tell us about your role on each and what you enjoyed about each role.
Noah
Noah was such a surprise. From the first audition, I knew it was a special project. I play Amy, a girl who is breaking up with her boyfriend over Skype. The film mostly takes place over Skype and Facebook, which was totally new when we shot it in 2013. I loved collaborating with Walter {Woodman} and Patrick {Cederberg}, the filmmakers. They are such amazing artists who just let their imaginations lead the way. It was so cool to see the film so well received at the Canadian Screen Awards and at TIFF {Toronto International Film Festival}.
Maneater
On Maneater, again, it was a small cast and crew. My friend Risa Stone, who is an amazing writer, actor and producer, put together the project. And she gave me my dream role of playing a French girl! Also, Shannon Kook, who was the star, is a wonderful actor and we had a lot of fun together on set.
Hallmark audiences first saw you on Good Witch. How did you get involved with the show? Please remind us of your character.
I got the audition for Rose, the character I played on Good Witch, through my agent. I love magic and romantic comedies – I grew up watching Practical Magic and every Meg Ryan movie ever made, so I was really excited to audition for the show. My character Rose is a woman who goes into Bell, Book & Candle when she’s having a tough day – Cassie shows her a magical candle that will help her think through a problem she’s having.
What was your experience like on the set of Good Witch? Any chance your character could come back?
Good Witch girls
I had so much fun on set! Michael Kennedy, the episode’s director, was so lovely, as was Catherine Bell and everyone else in the cast and crew. I remember laughing a lot with Becky {Rebecca Dalton} and Alanna {Bale} between takes – it seemed like a wonderful place to work. I haven’t heard anything about Rose coming back, but anything is possible!
Any other current/upcoming works you can mention?
I had the great fortune of playing a small part in episode six of this new season of The Handmaid’s Tale. I can’t say anything about my role until it airs, but that was also an amazing set to be on. I am in awe of the whole creative team there and to be in a scene with Joseph Fiennes was a dream come true. I feel really blessed. I’m also developing a web series to act in with my friend, the actress and writer Hilary McCormack.
As an actress who still is trying to.establish herself in the industry, what is your advice to other aspiring actors?
My advice to other aspiring actors is to be dedicated to the craft, to always be growing and learning, and at the same time, to live your life. I’ve gone through periods of being totally obsessed with the business, but most of my success has come when I was a little more relaxed and having fun. I booked Good Witch right after I had gotten married and been on my honeymoon in California. I think everything we do as humans – meditate, exercise, being of service and in the community, I think that all makes us better actors by being better humans. So focus on your whole self and success will follow.
What is your current…
Favorite Movie – Lady Bird
Favorite Book – Little Fires Everywhere
Favorite Musician – Haim
Favorite Food– Cheeseburger with fries
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Honeymoon
Even though Caitlin’s career is still in its early stages, there is no doubt that she is a pragmatic young lady with the precise attitude one needs to survive in this all too often ruthless industry. It requires a kind of unwavering patience and unshakeable motivation that very few appear to have, especially in this day and age. In an instant society where it is practically expected that opportunities will fall in one’s lap without much work on anyone’s part, young people gleefully enter this business with stars in their eyes and dollar bill signs in their souls. Within a relatively short time, these starstruck ingenues exit the industry tout de suite without even giving the profession a chance. Thankfully, Caitlin has chosen to be resolute and steadfast in her continual pursuit of her dreams while still enjoying her everyday, ordinary days. And as she charts her course with perseverance and ingenuity in all areas of her life, unimaginable possibilities are coming her way. There is no doubt that Caitlin has the right idea, and I think the next stage of her career may be commencing fairly soon. Moreover, I am convinced that Caitlin is equipped to embrace each and every chance that is bound to come her way.
So if you have not had the occasion to watch Caitlin in last year’s Good Witch season premiere, I invite you to get caught up as soon as possible. Additionally, I would invite you to check out her links below and follow her where applicable. While she has been living somewhat beneath the radar, I have a suspicion that in the weeks and months to come, as she firmly awaits her star’s steady ascent, she will see the fruition of her determination and endurance as the dreams in her heart become a reality. I for one will be ecstatic to be able to support her as this happens. And I hope all of my readers will join me in this worthwhile endeavor!
FOLLOW CAITLIN
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1 Comment
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great interview
