In our continuing special holiday series featuring the contributors at Vancouver Presents, we meet Vancouver Presents contributing editor, Mark Robins.
Meet Mark Robins
Mark has been writing about the performing arts for almost twenty years. He is currently a member of the jury for The Jessie’s Critics Choice Innovation Award. He has written professionally for both Xtra, and an international trade magazine.
No stranger to the stage himself, Mark has been both an actor and director. He even won an acting award once.
He also has a hat fetish.
20 Questions with Mark Robins
1. Your first job.
After my newspaper route, I worked at a local lumber/hardware store. Even after that experience I am still not a handy person.
2. The job you always wanted as a child?
A businessman, like my dad.
3. Your pet peeve.
This will come as no surprise: rude audiences. Not only talking, noisy candy, and cellphones, but also those who make a mad dash for the door before the curtain call is done. And don’t get me started on those who think the overture and entr’acte are to be considered background music for a conversation.
4. Your hero.
My partner David. He is the kindest person I know.
5. Your biggest indulgence.
Cookies. Any kind of cookie. Except when they contain raisins.
6. One thing no one knows about you.
I appeared on two television game shows. I didn’t win anything on either.
7. Three things you would want with you on a deserted island.
David, Netflix and a 100’ yacht.
8. The one word your best friend would use to describe you.
He said smart. But he also said funny. And although it is two words, he also said Cookie Monster (see #5 above). I think the third one is most realistic.
9. If you were not doing what you are doing now, what would you be doing?
Writing full-time.
10. Hero or villain?
A little bit of both.
11. Your life’s motto/mantra.
Sweep from the back.
12. Your favourite playwright?
I’ve always been fascinated by the writing of Eugene Ionesco.
13. The last book you read.
“Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch.
14. If you were a cartoon character what cartoon character would you be?
Snoopy, of course. Or maybe Tigger? I’m sure my psychiatrist would have something to say about choosing two cartoon animals.
15. What will it say on your grave marker?
Leave me alone. I’m finally getting some rest.
16. Who would you most like to have dinner with?
My mom. I still miss her.
17. Your idea of happiness.
Getting lost inside a world being created on stage.
18. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your twenty-year-old self?
Don’t give up on your dream to be a professional actor/director.
19. The one thing in your life that makes you most proud.
Having watched Vancouver Presents grow to what it is today, and being able to to use it to share my love for the performing arts.
20. To be or not to be?
Exactly.