Art at Home – 20 Questions with Rebecca Ostroff

As we head into the summer, our #ArtAtHome series will help you get to know our 2020 Beyond the Bard playwrights as each of them answers 20 questions and shows us what their current workspace looks like. First up is Rebecca Ostroff!

What are you currently reading?
Like Brothers by Mark and Jay Duplass.

What inspires you to write?
Books, podcasts, long walks. Conversations with other people. Lying on the floor and staring at the ceiling. Reminding myself that stories and words have truly changed my life, especially during the weirdest of times.

Smarties or M & M’s?
M & M’s!

What’s your favourite sentence of all time?
“Anyone who claims to be an authority on anything is not to be trusted”. I can’t remember who said that, but I love it so much.

If you could have your work performed anywhere, where would it be?
On a beach?!

What’s the last delicious thing you ate?
Coconut ice cream.

Do you have any pets?
No.

Who is your favourite tv/film character?
Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. I mean, she’s a legend.

If you weren’t a playwright, what would you be?
During my undergrad I thought I was going to be a therapist. But I don’t think I’d be very good at it.

What’s a positive aspect of self-isolation for you?
Re-discovering my love of dance, even if I’m only doing it in my kitchen.

What’s a difficult aspect of self-isolation for you?
Not being able to try things out with other artists in real time (i.e. without the Zoom lag). I miss improvising.

What’s your favourite cafe to work in?
If I told you, I’d have to kill you…

Dogs or cats?
Would you think I’m a sociopath if I said neither? If so: dogs!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Tell yourself the whole truth, but do it with a sense of humour.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have never read Harry Potter. But sometimes I pretend I have if I’m around die hard fans. So basically, I lie a lot.

How do you take your coffee/tea?
French pressed, with oat milk and cinnamon.

What was your first job?
Camp counsellor.

What fad or trend do you hope comes back?
Bangs!

What are some small things or acts that make your day better?
Fresh air, sunshine, dark chocolate. Phone calls with friends and family. Re-reading my favourite plays and re-watching my favourite TV shows. 

Who is your favourite Shakespearean character?
Titus Andronicus. I don’t know… I just love him.