Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Erin moved to New York and finished her degree in acting. She's now an actor and singer in both theatre and film, though the stage is her first love. She performs many of the classics (Shakespeare, Dickens, Shaw, the Greeks) as well as in musical theatre. Erin also writes, directs, does improv and sketch comedy. She loves to make people laugh, cause them to over-analyze movies and plays, and learn new things. Erin claims that if she were a dog, she would be a goldendoodle. Erin joined the Lane in the autumn of 2018. She started off with a bang at a perfect gig for her: the Audible's Harry Potter Experience at NY Comic Con produced by Civic Entertainment. Erin was living her fullest Hermione existence.
What do you love about the Lane?
The people are no question the first thing that comes to mind — everyone I'm lucky enough to work alongside is so friendly, hilarious, and talented. Such a privilege to spend each gig surrounded by delightful people. And ML takes us all around the city to such unique and exciting cultural and entertainment events, which makes me feel cool. I just feel like a cooler person. Like where's my backwards baseball cap, now.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"They Called Me 'Grandma'", based on my real-life college nickname
What is your go-to coffee order?
Matcha Latte, this hippie queen!
What is the last book you read or movie your watched?
Michelle Obama's "Becoming", and just saw all the 2018 Oscar-nominated documentary shorts! Was so elated "Period. End of Sentence." won! It's on Netflix, I believe — everyone go watch!
What song best describes you & why?
I always gravitate to "In My Life" by The Beatles. I'm not sure if it describes me per se, but it captures a worldview. It's a little nostalgic, a little comforting, very sweet and still a total jam. About all of life's experiences and the loving and most meaningful always sticking out in your mind!
What’s the most useless talent you have?
My weird eyes! I describe them as "unusually flexible" — they can cross and move independently of one another. That's literally on my resume, and has been used by directors with weird senses of humor like me, but there's no USE for it. It's just freakish.
Describe the best museum/gig/play/game you’ve ever been to.
It's so basic to say "Hamilton" but I saw the original cast and it ruined every future theatrical experience for me. That good. I also studied abroad at Shakespeare's Globe in London when I was in college and saw a truly mind-blowing performance of Julius Caesar on the Globe stage.
What’s your morning ritual like?
Usually wake up and go to the gym or take a yoga class (hippie queen, we remember), make myself breakfast (she loves a green smoothie) and get ready for the day, do some writing or practice music, read/memorize, something artistic that fuels a creative mindset. The key to my joy!
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am famously a high school speech team nerd, and I was a three-time state champion on the team. That's a pretty fun and objective accomplishment I can point to. I also performed and lived on a cruise ship that took me to over 25 countries, which is just a super novel life experience that I'm proud I got to be a part of.
Chocolate or fruity candy?
This is cruel to ask. They're both so powerful. I guess giving up chocolate would be a true soul sacrifice, so that's our winner.
Last great vacation you took?
Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada! I love the mountains, it's mind-bogglingly beautiful what Earth makes.
Favorite rainy day activity?
Sit by a fire (or wood wick candle in my fireplace-less NYC apartment obviously) and think thoughts with some 70s rock on Spotify.
If you could be an Olympic athlete, in what sport would you compete?
Pole vault! Just because how wild would it be to be an Olympic pole vaulter. So niche.
When you’re having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
Art is always the answer. Singing, strumming on my little purple guitar, or journaling or writing always give some solace. And a little sweet-tooth therapy is never a hard decision!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
"You are the only person you spend every day of your life with." I think life is so full of joy and discovery at every corner, and I'm lucky that I'm the person I get to hang out with on that journey! How fun is that. Keeping that mindset, of really creating a good relationship with myself, really makes every day fuller, and helps share and spread that love with all you lovely friends I've yet to meet. "Every stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet." Same side of the coin. Okay, that's two pieces of advice. I really am just very dog-like.
As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
A paleontologist. Then when I was eight I figured out I wanted to be an actor and the rest is history, folks! Deep down, I still love dinosaur bones.
