Crystal A. Dickinson

Q & A with Crystal A Dickinson starred as 'Abigail' in Lucy Thurber's Bottom of the World which played from 3 Sep - 3 Oct 2010 at Off-B'way's Atlantic Stage 2.

Birthday?
July 29th.

Place of birth?
Belleville, NJ.

You now live in?
Brooklyn, NY.

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
I got my MFA from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

As an actor, do you have a preference for stage, tv or film?
I like being a working actor and getting paid for it, I have no other preferences in regards to this question.

Your first stage performance was?
In 1st grade or so, I was cast as a bunny reporter in our school's Easter Play.

Career highlight to date?
That's tough. Clybourne Park and Broke-ology go neck and neck because they both had great scripts and playwrights, phenomenal directors, amazingly kind, talented fellow artists, and top notch theater companies!

What roles would you most like to play?
Richard III. I think it would be so fun to be such a bad man.

Whats the best advice you have ever received?
My dad always told me "Your a Dickinson, Dickinsons don't quit!"

What is the most annoying part about your job?
Having one day off and missing holidays.

Briefly tell us how you become involved with Bottom of the World?
My husband, Brandon Dirden was already cast as Ely in the show and then through a series of events Lucy and Catriona saw me do some improvisational work and they asked me to audition. You know what happened next!

Briefly tell us about the character you play in Bottom of the World?
Abigail is grieving over the tragic loss of her younger sister Kate, who was a budding young novelist, as a result, she clings desperately to her sister's last novel for comfort, isolating herself from the real world. This play is about Abigail's journey back to the living tangible world in which she lives. But in a larger scope it's about trying to put your life back together after you have experienced traumatic loss of any kind.

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I was studying to become an elementary school teacher before I got into theater.

Who are your favorite actors/actresses?
Robert Duvall, Judi Dench, Taraji P. Henson.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
I would love to meet Tim Gunn and I would ask him to be my friend because he appears to be so smart and kind! I think he knows how to tell the truth with kindness and care. I would ask him to teach me how he does that, then I would ask him to analyze my closet.

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favorite authors?
The last book I read was Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou. I don't have a favorite author necessarily, I just like reading good books, mostly fiction and self help. I do love Langston Hughs' poetry though.

Favorite TV programs?
Project Runway, Iron Chef, Weeds & Treme.

Favorite holiday destinations?
Wherever my family is.

Do you have any hobbies?
Is shopping a hobby?

Do you have any superstitions?
I used to have superstitions but my faith cured me of those fears.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you? My Bible, a solar charged radio, and my husband.

What are your future plans?
I would love to do more TV, so if you know somebody tell them to give me a call!