Christa Phillips has been part of the Okanagan theatre community for years, and an actor ever since she can remember.
She was working with Summerland Singers and Players when Eric Hanston, who helped start Many Hats 10 years ago, was producing a comedy and was in need of Texas accent.
Watch: One of Many Hats: Christa Phillips
Having worked together in the past with Phillips, Hanston had her in mind for the specific role. She would continue to come to mind over the next several seasons, usually gracing the Many Hats stage for their year-end performance.
Read more: Dummiez get some self-help
After three performances, she was invited to join the co-op. As part of the marketing team for Valley First Credit Union, she was able to bring more than acting chops to the organization.
“I was deeply honoured to be asked to be part of the co-operative because the core group is a group that have been doing theatre collectively for decades, and of course for a full decade here now as Many Hats,” Phillips said.
Phillips has always been involved in one way or another when it comes to acting. Working on some independent film projects as well as taking the stage.
She got her start on character work quite early on in her life. She was told that when she was about three years old her imaginary friend was Granny from The Beverly Hillbillies.
“I would talk to people and say ‘ya’ll come back now ya hear!’ I just remember doing voices and being silly. Then later learning in life that that was a thing and it’s called acting,” Phillips laughed. “And then being really excited about it. It has always been my outlet. It has always been my hobby. I’ve always had a day job but really where my passion lies is doing that.”
Christmas Belles, where he Texas accent shone, playing one of the Futrelle sisters planning a Christmas pageant, when “hilarity ensued,” Phillips said.
It has been exciting for Phillips not only to be a part of the stage production, acting and the co-op, but to watch the theatre company grow, evolve, take on new pieces and push the boundaries of local theatre.
“I think we can do that even more as we move forward, but it’s just always great to be part of something that has an evolution. It has a ground starting point and it evolves into something that is really well-respected and well-loved. Who doesn’t want to be part of that?” Phillips said.
Dan MacIvor’s Maritime drama Marion Bridge was a production which stuck out most during Phillips time with Many Hats. Playing Sister Theresa, the in-depth exploration of family and siblings walked one of her favourite lines.
“That wonderful balance between funny and serious and between those two places we find real people. That was just an exceptional script that I will always carry with me. And it was great experience with three actresses I hope to continue to get to know,” Phillips said. “That one is a fond one for me.”
Catch Phillips in her latest with Many Hats Theatre as she takes on the role of the secretary Mrs. Winters for the often-absent psychiatrist in Self-Help by Dummiez — running April 6 to 29, Thursday through Friday at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinées at 2 p.m. all at The Cannery Stage.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, available at The Nest and Nectar.
One of Many Hats is an ongoing series profiling the many actors, producers, costume and set designers and more who make the local theatre co-op possible.