Ep. 86 Vivien Endicott-Douglas : On Theater, The Process & The Art of Complex Characters

In this episode, Vivien shares her journey through theater and performance, from starring in "Enormity, Girl and the Earthquake in Her Lungs" to navigating the challenges of directing her own work. She opens up about the importance of mentorship, the joy of collaboration, and why strong writing and complex characters are essential to meaningful storytelling.

You’ll hear Vivien’s reflections on:
The collaborative nature of theater and rehearsals
Early inspirations and the role of mentorship in acting
Directing your own work and the lessons learned
Why good writing and layered characters matter most
Practical advice for aspiring actors
How the acting industry is evolving in 2025

This conversation is perfect for actors, theater enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the creative process behind live performance.

Follow Vivien at her website: www.vivienendicottdouglas.ca
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1659389/
Instagram: [at]vivien.e.douglas

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with Canadian actors and storytellers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
00:49 The Role in 'Earthquake in Her Lungs'
05:59 The Script and Its Unique Qualities
11:53 Rehearsal Process and Collaboration
17:53 Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings
23:34 Advice and Personal Growth
29:29 Creating Your Own Work and Directing
31:11 Honoring Grandmothers: A Personal Journey
33:35 The Challenges of Directing and Acting
35:46 Learning Through Collaboration
38:15 The Joy of Directing: Working with Actors
40:25 The Editing Process: A Director's Perspective
42:24 Theater vs. Film: A Passion for Process
48:10 Favorite Projects: Theater and Film Experiences
50:32 Advice to Younger Self: Embracing Authenticity