The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus

Latest Episodes:

Dani Kind May 09, 2018

Show notes

Hey Firecrackers! This week I got to have an incredible discussion with none other than Dani Kind! Now you might know Dani from her role on CBC's 'Workin' Moms' or perhaps as Mercedes Gardner on 'Wynonna Earp', or maybe you just know her for being a kick-ass woman? Well, I first met Dani through the CBC, since we're both on the network we would see each other at parties and what not, but I never really got a chance to connect with her beyond the basic pleasantries. However, I remember seeing her on a bus in New York City a little while ago, she was with another department member, Tommie Amber Pirie, and we got a chance to chat a bit further. I remember thinking how bold and vivacious she was. Then, we wound up having this really weird, kind of awful, but oddly connective experience together. We had both shown up to a fitting to find something to wear to one of these fancy events. Well, the more dresses I tried on the worse I felt. Nothing seemed to fit or look good, and it was quite the emotionally toll taking experience. Well, Dani (along with Juno Rinaldi from 'Workin' Moms') showed up and as it turns out, they were in the same boat. It just made things a bit better, because we got to connect over the shared experience. Anyway, I'm really lucky to have gotten her to come on the show. I finally got the chance to get know Dani, where she came from, and her journey through life and this industry. Enjoy, Firecrackers!

Anusree Roy Apr 23, 2018

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Hey Firecrackers! Welcome back to the department, this week we have none other than the amazing Anusree Roy as our guest! Anusree is a Dora Mavor Moore award winning playwright and actress. Her stage work includes the plays 'Breathlessness', 'Sultans of the Street','Brothel #9', and 'Little Pretty and The Exceptional', amongst many more. Her television work includes the shows 'Saving Hope' and 'Remedy', the latter she was a story editor on for the first season. Now I've know Anusree for quite some time. We first met when my company, The National Theatre of the World was doing this thing called 'The Script Tease'. We'd ask a playwright to write two pages of a script and we'd read it for the first time on stage and then improvise the rest of the play. So, Anusree said yes and her direction was for the cast to be wearing a sari and speak with an Indian accent. This was a new challenge for me and I LOVED it! Oh and as a kicker, Anusree showed up with snacks, she brought us all samosas because she is just incredible. Our chat this time around is truly incredible, Anusree talks a lot about what its taken for her to become a writer and the challenges she faces as an artist. Enjoy, Firecrackers!

Possible Failure - Bonus Episode 2 Apr 16, 2018

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BONUS EPISODE!

Hey firecrackers! Every month we're asking you a new question, what we're calling the Spark Question of the month! We want to continue to inspire you and everyone in our community, so please tell us your answers so we can all share our experiences!

In March, we asked you:

IF NEITHER SUCCESS NOR FAILURE WERE AN OPTION, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU'D PURSUE?

The feedback you gave us was amazing, so much so that Naomi recorded and commented on your answers!!

CSA Live Podcast Mar 30, 2018

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Hey firecrackers! If you've been following us on social media, you might recall that a few weeks ago we hosted our very first LIVE podcast!! The event was in conjunction with The Canadian Academy of Cinema and Television, and as a part of Canadian Screen Week, we assembled a panel of firecrackers at The Bell Media House and had an incredible chat. Oh and to top it off, we did this on International Women's Day, which made it that much better! Our guests were Friday Myers (Production Designer, 'Anne'), Sarah Kolasky (Writer, Actress 'Great Great Great'), Allie MacDonald (Actress 'Cardinal'), Rakhee Morzaria (Creator, Actress 'Note To Self') and Joyce Wong (Director 'Wexford Plaza'). The chat was intimate, funny, and each of these kick-ass women really opened up about their journey's in the industry. Man, we walked out of there so inspired! Give this a listen and enjoy!

Advice To Your Younger Self - Bonus Episode! Mar 28, 2018

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BONUS EPISODE!

In February, we asked you:

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

The feedback you gave us was amazing, so much so that Naomi recorded and commented on your answers. Have a listen at this bonus episode, below!

Karen Bruce Mar 07, 2018

Show notes

Hey Firecrackers! First of all, I want to talk about our 'Spark of the Month' question. At the beginning of every month, during our Facebook and Instagram Live we're going to ask a question that we want all of you to answer! This month, we're asking "If neither success nor failure were an option, what is something you would pursue?" Tell us your answers on social media or by e-mailing firecrackerdepartment@gmail.com! Next up, I've been knee deep in writing lately. Both Matt and I have been working out of our place here in sunny Los Angeles and even though the office is lovely, our craft services is seriously lacking. Haha! All kidding aside, writing can be tricky, and there are definitely times when I get angry, or upset, because I'm doubtful or stuck. But you know what, I push on, and I turn to Matt for support, and when I finally get over those hurdles, the feeling of accomplishment and happiness is amazing. Firecrackers, if you ever find yourselves in these situations, keep putting your mind to it, to you will overcome these obstacles and you will succeed. Speaking of firecrackers who put their minds to it, this week we have Karen Bruce as our guest! Karen is the Director, Membership & Fan Engagement for the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and was previously the Director of Canadian Initiatives at the Toronto International Film Festival. Karen has done so much for the Canadian industry and through her work at the Academy, has been connecting talent with their fans. Karen is always so inspiring, with her energy and endless talents, I'm truly in awe of her. Give this one a listen and enjoy, Firecrackers!

Joanne Boland Feb 16, 2018

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Hey Firecrackers! I hope you're all doing well! What have you all been up too? This week I'm starting out by talking a bit about comedy. Now, I (obviously) love comedy and recently we went to see some stand up at the Hollywood Improv with our new friends Mark and Carla, and the line up was crazy! We got to see some incredible comedians, dare I say comedy legends, like Margaret Cho, Bobby Lee, Kevin Nealon, and Tom Arnold. What I really noticed was the calmness that each of these performers had on stage. For me, stand up makes me a bit sweaty, it's not an easy thing to do. Improv is definitely more my style, Tina Fey once said "when you have a joke in improv, it's a joke everyone shares on stage" but when you have a joke in stand up, its all on you. However the same goes for bombing on stage, in improv its a shared feeling of "well, that wasn't great", but with stand up, that pressure it totally on you. So, they're definitely two different beasts, and I'm totally in awe of the calm, laid back energy these folks had! Next up, my guest this week is the incredible Joanne Boland! We first met on the show 'Train 48' which was an improv based, news oriented, daily TV show. Our mornings were super early, but we had such a good time on this set and of course, became great friends. You may also know Joanne from her roles on 'Carter', 'Strange Empire', or 'Being Erica' or maybe films like 'X-Men: Apocalypse' or 'Saw IV'. Wherever it may be from, you know she's one talented gal. Have a listen firecrackers and enjoy!

Kathleen Phillips Jan 19, 2018

Show notes

Hey firecrackers! What an amazing time we're living in. Every time I hop onto social media, (which lets face it, is where I get my news), I'm seeing all of the courageous and powerful stories from these incredible women coming forward about their experiences. Their bravery is so inspiring and I just want to say it again, to all of these women, you are supported and keep speaking your truth! Keep speaking up and lets keep moving toward a better future! Next up, our guest this week is Kathleen Phillips, man this firecracker is truly a jacqueline of all trades! She's been on 'Sunnyside', 'Mr. D', and 'Filth City' amongst much, much more. I've always admired her and am thankful I get to call her a friend. Enjoy, firecrackers!

A Note From Naomi Jan 11, 2018

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Firecrackers,

It's been a big week for the Toronto theatre community. For those of you that don't know, Albert Schultz, who was the AD at one of the countries largest theatre companies, Soulpepper, was accused of sexual harassment in the theatre. Four amazingly bold, brave women; Diana Bentley, Patricia Fagan, Kristin Booth, and Hannah Miller came forward with their stories. It's been an intense, heart breaking time and I have searched with what to say about the whole thing.

I decided to leave this note for the Firecracker Department members and not to have a guest this week. Instead, I want to make YOU my guest. Get YOUR voice out there. Send me your emails, voice files, tweets with what advice you would give your younger self, If you want to leave your name and where you're from you can, but you don't have to! firecrackerdepartment@gmail.com.

I know your words will ring so loud with our community that our hearts will get stirred into action.

With love,

Naomi

Irene Sankoff Dec 20, 2017

Show notes

Hey firecrackers! Where in the world are YOU!? Are you also in a freezing cold climate like I am? 'Cause it's pretty chilly up here in Toronto and I'm doing whatever I can to stay warm until I'm back in LA! Let me know what you do to stay warm over social media! Speaking of cold climates (yes, we're using this as a transition, haha!) here's the second episode from my trip to New York City! I sat down with Irene Sankoff, who has been doing incredible things in the world of theatre for quite some time now. She was one of the originators of "My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding" which was a huge hit in Fringe and in the Mirvish theatres in Toronto. Now, the play she co-creater with her husband David, "Come From Away" is on Broadway! I've known Irene for some time now, through the Second City community and what not, but getting to sit down with her for this interview and talk all about her journey was more than a treat. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, firecrackers!