15 Minutes With Ashlie Corcoran

Ashlie Corcoran is the Director/Artistic Producer of Theatre Smash’s 10th anniversary production: Award-winning social comedy Das Ding (The Thing), on stage from April 12 to May 1. This wholly original gem of German theatre is a timely and humorous interpretation of human connection in our hyper-connected globalized world. We chatted with Ashlie this week.

SDTC: What spaces in Toronto do you find inspiring?

AC: The Toronto Reference Library, the Beaches, the Four Seasons Centre, the tiny little cottages in the back alleys of Cabbagetown.

What aisle do you spend the most time in at the grocery store?

Probably the fruit and veggies, though I am celiac – so have been known to frequent the gluten free aisle.

What would you do with one million bucks?

I would make some significant donations to arts organizations I love, share the wealth with friends and family, pay off my mortgage in Gananoque, ON, and go on a vacation.

The receipts in your wallet would indicate what?

That I should be better organized with my receipts – and if I was, tax time every year would be happier.

Ashlie Corcoran, Lisa Karen Cox & Kristopher Bowman (Photo by Nathan Kelly).

What was your high school yearbook pet peeve?

I didn’t have a pet peeve listed, but I did “win” weirdest wardrobe.

What would you be if you weren’t an artistic producer/director?

I would love to make documentary films or be a radio producer – so it all comes back to telling stories.

What makes you happy?

Being in an infinity laugh cycle with a friend.

What makes you cringe?

Obliviousness.

What, in your opinion, is overrated?

I don’t know if it is overrated per se, but since coffee hurts my stomach, I don’t get to participate in coffee dates.

Person you’d most like to meet?

Currently – Lin-Manuel Miranda. I am obsessed.

What is the best thing you did all week?

Well, it is tech week, so it’s a pretty busy and full-on time. But, it’s also my favourite time. It’s when all elements of a play come together. It’s pretty exciting to be surrounded by so many experts!

Describe your perfect Saturday.

Probably a sleep in, a dog walk, a lovely lunch with friends, a good book to read, maybe an afternoon bike ride, cooking a delicious dinner with a loved one, and then a dance party. This ideal day has never happened – but maybe one day!

Describe the funniest thing you’ve ever witnessed:

Ever? That’s a hard question. I currently find the YouTube video of the squirrel eating out of a plastic horse head pretty charming, though!

What word or phrase should we all use more?

I really love the word ‘iniquity.’ There isn’t a lot of cause to use it though, which is probably a good thing.