Adriene Mishler interview

Adriene Mishler will be playing the role of Polly, the guitarist for the Spider Babies. “We looked long and hard to find the right actress to play Polly,” said director Christopher Sharpe. “I think I made enemies of most of the brown-eyed actresses in Austin, but for this character I was looking for something very specific and couldn’t find it. As soon as Adriene read for the role, I knew we had found her.”

Rockhouse Pictures: When did you first start acting?

Adriene: I started acting as a child because my parents were actors who became directors and writers. I grew up in the theater, literally, it was a home away from home and the concessions closet with the candy was my favorite spot(the booth being second as it was always black lit and full of so much mystery). I was so inspired and eager to work as I entered college that I traveled to train with Anne Bogart’s SITI Company and jumped at every local theater job offer I could get. I actually started my relationship with the Austin theater community as a Cinderella sort of stage hand – sweeping the stage, making fake blood, and ironing costumes. Eventually that got my foot in the door and since then I have been extremely blessed and lucky to work with some of the most talented music, dance, theater and film artists in Austin and beyond.

RHP: Who would say inspires you most?

A: Holy hell, this is a tough question. I am most inspired by my family. I am also really inspired by my high school theater students. However, I am truly inspired by anyone who has a great sense of humor and fun and takes what they do seriously, works really hard. Those qualities paired together keep me inspired and eager to create!

RHP: How much do you identify with your character?

A: I love crackers.

RHP: Favorite liquor?

A: Whiskey river take my mind…mark it Makers, dude.

RHP: If you survived the apocalypse, what are five things you’d want to have at all times, not including food, water, guns?

A: Sunglasses. Paper/Pencil. The pocket Rumi. A chapstick of minty delight. Does my dog Blue count as a ‘thing’? I would like to have him with me.

RHP: So you’re being chased by demons; weapon of choice?

A: An official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle.

RHP: Who’s your favorite action hero?

A: This is a close tie between Harold Loyd and Buster Keaton.

RHP: If you had a theme song, what would it be?

A: “Make Me Yours” by Phyllis Dillon, the queen of Jamaican soul!

RHP: Once again, post-apocalypse and you can plunder anywhere you want. Which three stores do you hit and why?

A: Cost-Co. Seriously, have you been into one? All you would ever need to sustain is in this store. Home Depot; to build and plant. Uncommon Objects, Atx. Um, well, because, I simply love this darn shop and would take any chance or offer to plunder it.

Interview by: Liz McCormick