IN THE SPOTLIGHT : JAN CARUANA

Interview by Rusa Jeremic

Jan is a Bad Dog staple who has been involved in countless shows as a performer, host, producer, and more. Some of her improv credits at the Bad Dog include About an Hour, Sass and the City, Show Stopping Number, Bad Dog Sessions, the new Thursday rotation show 9 to 5 and the upcoming, holiday, soon-to-be-classic, Christmas is a Bitch. Some non- improv credits include the films Mean Girls (where she got to meet Tina Fey!), The Time Traveller’s Wife (where her voice got overdubbed with a Sassy Chicago Lady's), and writing for YTV’s new sketch show That’s So Weird!

Fun Jan Facts!!

• Jan was an English major at University of Toronto, Erindale College where she graduated with a specialization in Theatre.
• Jan didn’t think she would be any good at improv when she first started…she didn’t think she was funny.
• Jan originated the roll of Tiny Tim in the first Bad Dog production of A Twisted Christmas Carol

How did you get into improv?
I started improvising in August, 2001. After graduating from theatre school, I was assistant directing a play. A couple of the actors encouraged me to attend an improv class. I ended up taking a 4-week intensive with Ralph Macleod (the Bad Dog's General Manager).

Why Improv?
I love creating something out of nothing. Working with a group of people. That’s when the magic happens! I just fell in love with it.

Fave Improv Moment?
In one of our About an Hour shows, Jim Annan was playing my four-year-old son. He began to fuss as my date Rob Baker held him. In a seamless and natural moment, I asked him to pass Jim to me who immediately stopped fussing and fell asleep in my arms. It was a beautiful moment because everyone was in sync...we all just knew what to do. Ask me tomorrow and it will be a different moment.

Let’s talk improv...what's your best scene location suggestion and object suggestion?
Bathroom on a Greyhound bus and a Bible.

Best advice?
My Mom used to say, Just put on some lipstick...you'll feel better. She was right! Also, my friend Sharon said We're all just one day away from wearing a banana suit, so stay humble and grounded. She was also right.

If you could improvise with anybody?
Christopher Guest, but I miss playing with Rob Baker (currently on the Second City Mainstage).

What has improv done for you?
Well...the contacts I made through improvising got me my agent and the skills I learned have been invaluable in auditioning for film and television. Every good thing that has happened to me over the past eight years in some way relates back to the work I do with the Bad Dog.

What are you up to now?
You can come see me host Theatresports every Saturday at 8pm with the wonderful cast of players. I’m teaching at the Bad Dog and really loving the work my class is doing. You can catch me in comedy shows at any number of venues many nights of the week (including Second City on Mondays with the Second City National Touring Company and some Sundays at the Gladstone with Monkey Toast)...or just come hang out with me at the Bad Dog when I work front of house for Harold Night.

Catch Jan Caruana and other great people at The Bad Dog Theatre. Spotlight off!