THE FOSSIL RECORD: An Interview with Actor Caleb Collier

Q: Hello there! Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Caleb Collier, and I use he/they pronouns! I am currently finishing the final semester of my BFA in Musical Theatre at UVU.

Q: Have you done any other shows with us at AOTC? If so, what show(s)?

No, unfortunately, and I'm thrilled to be doing my first!

Q: What drew you to The Fossil Record? Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I am hugely interested in new works, and I highly respect Dr. Hall as one of my educators and a great artist, so I had to jump on this opportunity when it was presented to me.

Q: Tell us a little about your character! Who are they? What was your first impression of them after reading the script?

Ryan is, at least on the surface, a pretty stereotypical cis-straight-white man, he defines himself by being an entrepreneur and husband. Honestly my first reaction about Ryan was that he wasn't as bad of a guy as everyone else makes him out to be... You'll have to decide for yourself if you think that's true.

Q: What three words would your character use to describe themselves?

Driven, Persistent, Strong.

Q: How have you approached your character and their role within this story? What insights have you gained about your character through your acting process?

I started with physicality. Ryan and I are pretty opposite people, so I had to start by carrying myself with more confidence and bravado than I normally do. The thought processes had to be built from there, "Why does he say the things he says?", "Why does he back down sometimes?", "Why does he lose his cool sometimes?" It really taught me that this character was more complex than I gave him credit for.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in taking on this role? The biggest reward?

Like I mentioned, I am not a "Ryan" and normally I would maybe not be cast in this role. But I was pulled in when we needed a last minute replacement in the cast. It has been rewarding because it has challenged me more than I would ever challenge myself, and it has reminded me that I don't have to make sense as Ryan, Ryan has to make sense as me.

Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from this show?

I hope they think about it for a couple of days. I don't care what they think, but I hope it plants questions about themselves, their lives, and their families.

Q: What's your favorite line?

"Don't quote Liza Minelli at me again."

CONTENT WARNING: “The Fossil Record” contains themes and depictions that some viewers may find distressing. Visit our ticketing page to see full disclosures.

THE FOSSIL RECORD is a limited streamed production. Performances are Feb 4th through Feb 27th (four weekends) with streaming being available Thursdays-Sundays. All performance links are accessible from 6pm - Midnight for each performance. You can find your tickets here.