Algonquin grad set to star in popular stage production

Meaghan Isaacs, GA

Jennifer Brooks, an Algonquin marketing graduate, has a lot on her plate at the moment with her acting career, and she couldn't be happier.

Brooks will be in the play Me, My Mother, and a Whistle written by Lisa Meuser, who, Brooks said, writes in an amusing and witty way, similar to Diablo Cody, the ex-stripper who won an Oscar for her Juno script.
"It's a comedy about a 22-year-old girl whose mother drives her crazy," said Brooks of the play. She plays Claire, the 22-year-old, alongside Marie Nolands, who will play the mom.

"Anyone can relate to this," said Brooks, who added that the play covers "all the stages of growing up with a mother and ends with her (Claire) realizing mothers aren't so bad."

"Claire tries to find peace through sex, advice from her pap test doctor, and religion," said Brooks, laughing.

The play has a lot of quirky humour, with scenes such as one with her mother and her friends sitting around smoking pot and talking about tampons and Claire and her friends in a canoe talking about peeing in the shower.

Brooks also just got a part in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving ad, where she will portray a teenager who has been at a party.

"I felt like I had a lot of personal experience to relate to it," said Brooks.

It was her first actual audition, and she nailed it. She and the others auditioning had five minutes to memorize a paragraph and then present it in front of four judges while being filmed.

"It's very dramatic," said Brooks. "You always think it won't happen to you ... but it's a reality of life, and if it helps bring awareness to the issue then it's worth it."

Brooks is acting in a short film as well, working again with the writer of Me, My Mother, and a Whistle.
Acting careers are never an easy path to go down. Brooks said the marketing program at Algonquin helped her to "realize it's all about networking."

"Acting is about transforming yourself," said Brooks. Although she is more naturally a comedic person, she likes to gravitate towards more dramatic roles.

Brooks is looking into arts schools, with Vancouver Arts being her dream school, and has been in contact with their co-ordinator. For someone who just started pursuing acting about a year ago, her career is showing no signs of slowing down.

Me, My Mother, and a Whistle will be at Club Saw on May 25, 27, and June 1. The cost is $10 for students, $15 for adults.