Ruth Lawrence’s work as an actor, writer and filmmaker has taken her to Ireland, France, the US, and across Canada. Her short films-Less Than Zero, Jelly Beans, Bark and Sweet Pickle- have screened across Canada and the US. As co-Artistic Director of White Rooster Theatre, she produced and performed in the Canadian tour of MonaRita, a comedy that earned rave reviews and was named Outstanding Ensemble of Fringe Toronto 2011 by NOW Magazine. Ruth won the 2011 Joan Orenstein Best Actress Award for Clipper Gold at the Atlantic Film Festival and the 2011 RBC Michelle Jackson Award for Emerging Filmmaker to produce her next short film, Two Square Feet, to be shot in January 2012. She is a past recipient of the NL Arts Council’s Rhonda Payne Award.
Who am I?
I’m Ruth Lawrence, an actress from St. Jacques, Fortune Bay in Newfoundland, daughter of Tom and Burnsie. Dad was a fishing captain. I grew up (number 6) in a family of 8 children in an outport of 200. After high school, I went to theatre school in Ontario. Just before my final year started, at age 24, I gave birth to my son Luke and we finished college together. He did two plays that year, while I did five! We came back to St. John’s and for the last 20 years, I’ve been working in theatre, film, TV, radio. I have never had to take a job outside the arts and though I’ve been living on the edge of being broke many times, I’ve made a living
and been pretty happy doing what I do. That’s what I always wanted.
Where am I based?
I’m based in St. John’s but through the year work takes me all over the province, the country and beyond, especially in the last 4 years. Once Luke left high school and became independent, it was much easier to travel, though my friends and family always helped me take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I also have a summer place in New Bonaventure, Trinity Bay with my sweetheart, writer Des Walsh.
What do I do?
I have worked as an actor, writer, director, producer, publicist, festival coordinator, costume designer, dramaturge, masterclass professor, workshop leader, adjudicator, artistic associate, and executive director. I just came out of six years of working in admin for a theatre company then a film festival. Both allowed me to pursue creative projects, because otherwise I wouldn’t have lasted in those jobs. So in the last three years in particular, I’ve been giving myself a real education in filmmaking. I’ve taken workshops in St. John’s, Toronto, and several online writing courses. Through the Nickel, I saw about 200-300 short films a year for 3 years and I went to other festivals. The best lessons are in watching great artists work, so I see everything I can. (I saw Margie Gillis dance this year and my heart moved.) I’m an arts consumer- film, theatre, dance, music, literature, visual arts-I try to see/read/do as much as I can. And all those things inform what I do creatively.
Currently, I’m about to shoot a 6-minute short, the third I’ve written and directed in as many years. I have another that I’ll shoot next summer. I’m writing a musical play that will be workshopped in Montreal in February. After that, I’m coordinating a festival, a school film tour, and producing a premiere play from a wonderful new writer/actor. That covers me up to June 2012. I’m also working on a feature screenplay.
What can I do for others/what services I provide?
In reality, I’m an emerging filmmaker but I’m an established actor and writer. I’ve been producing my own work as well as working with most of the professional companies here for almost 20 years. I have a film and a theatre company and most people will say that I’m very approachable, very collaborative. Some say I take on too much for my own good! I fundraise year round, not just for my own projects but also for others. I write grant applications when I should be sleeping. If I have time to help, I will. I’m also pretty good at what I do and I’m reliable.
I’ve been so fortunate to know and work with many generous people. I believe in surrounding myself with artists more talented than I am, it makes for wonderful results.
What drew me into the industry?
NIFCO. Our film co-operative. I grew up watching homegrown talent, producing shows in Newfoundland for CBC, something I was so sorry to see them abandon. There was such vibrancy in the work that was being shown in the 70’s. It may not all have been stunningly great but gee, everyone was learning, right? If they had stuck with it, we’d have a plethora of internationally known Canadian actors, writers and directors just like they do in the UK. Our industry would be more respected and accomplished. Instead, I came into the industry just as they were pruning their most promising buds. BUT I moved towards the theatre that was, at that time, flourishing and continued to work in film as much as possible. I worked in wardrobe in the early years but then got much busier as an actor. Now, the film and television community has rebounded in the independent scene so I’ve been drawn back to it with more skills, more vision, and more desire to work with these talented and passionate artists. But if those before me hadn’t persevered and continued to create, there wouldn’t be a place for me right now.
If I had a magic wand . . .
I’d make sure the people who control the nations of this world were peaceful, compassionate, creative thinkers…in perpetuity. Imagine.
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I just loved reading this profile on Ruth Lawrence, by Ruth! We haven’t met yet but I’m competely inspired by her accomplishments, and especially by her willingness to move creatively, thoroughly and generously on her journey – how wonderful that she sits with us on the WIFT-AT Board to help this wee organization grow – bless you ms Lawrence!
Ruth Lawrence is one of the most generous, imaginative, talented, energetic people I’ve ever worked with. I can’t wait to see her new film!
I met Ruth in grade six and we hung out all through our high school years. We even ended up sharing a room our first year of university before she departed for George Brown. Ruth is an extremely intelligent individual who could have done anything with her life. The fact that she chose the path that she did tells me that she is still the genuine person she was in school. She was never swayed by the material things in life but pursued what she loved. I’m sure her family is more than proud of her accomplishments, I know I am.