Meet Vancouver theatre artist, Stephen Drover.
Meet Stephen Drover
About 23 years ago, Stephen got really drunk. He was an Anthropology major at Memorial University of Newfoundland and his best friend got him wasted and convinced him to join the Theatre department. So the serious decision to pursue a life-long path began with three prophetic words: “Sure. Fuck it.”
That selfish and rather irresponsible start to a career has, thankfully, worked out okay. Stephen finished a BFA in Acting (and has not acted since), worked for two years as Associate Director with Theatre Newfoundland Labrador, and then came to BC in 2000 to chase down an MFA from UBC. He decided to stick around. Since then he messed around with Shakespeare for a while, founded and dissolved a small theatre company (Pound of Flesh Theatre), married an awesome gal, had an awesome kid and now works at a kick-ass theatre company (Rumble Theatre). He also directed a bunch of shows.
When he’s not theatre-ing, he likes to take photographs, watch the Red Sox, ride his motorcycle, spend time with his family, and write bios about himself in the third person.
Once every blue moon he gets to have a drink with his best friend and say “Thank you”. (And “Fuck it”.)
20 Questions with Stephen Drover
1. Your first job.
Ever? I think it was stocking shelves at the Spaniard’s Bay Shopper’s Drug Mart.
2. The job you always wanted as a child.
An engineer – like my dad.
3. Your pet peeve.
Drivers not using their signal lights. Makes me crazy.
4. Your hero.
My wife, Sasa. She’s makes me want to be a better person.
5. Your biggest indulgence.
Watching a movie (or a baseball game) from beginning to end in one sitting.
6. One thing no one knows about you.
I spend a not insignificant amount of my time scared shitless that someone will notice that I really don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.
7. Three things you would want with you on a deserted island.
A boat and two oars.
8. The one word your best friend would use to describe you.
I asked him this and he said “alright”. He’s an arsehole.
9. If you were not pursuing a career in theatre, what would you be doing right now?
Probably teaching (probably teaching theatre. Is that cheating on the question?)
10. Hero or villain?
Both.
11. Your life’s motto/mantra.
We’ll see.
12. The song that gets the most play on your iTunes playlist.
“Don’t Wanna Fight” by Alabama Shakes.
13. The one role you are destined to play, and why.
The janitor in “Dry Land” (playing in Tremors). You’ll have to come see it.
14. If you were a cartoon character what cartoon character would you be and why?
Wile E. Coyote. Because it’s all in the pursuit. And that dude can take a lickin’!
15. What will it say on your grave marker?
“He swore a lot”
16. Who would you most like to have dinner with?
My mom.
17. Your idea of happiness.
A long motorcycle ride ending at a cottage, a beer, and the ocean.
18. The one thing in your life that makes you most proud.
My son, Jack.
19. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 20-year old self?
Don’t sweat it. You’re doing fine. Also: buy some real estate.
20. To be or not to be?
Yes.