What’s your deal? Who are you and what’s your story?

Hey there, I’m Caitlin Diana Doyle. I am an actor and singer originally from the suburbs of Washington DC. I went to Emerson College in Boston and since graduating have had amazing experiences performing at regional theaters up and down the Eastern Seaboard. I live in New York City now and I absolutely love it. I recently picked up a hobby of writing what I call #UrbanHaiku, cheeky seventeen syllable poems about surviving modern city life. This hobby has provided me some fun opportunities like competing in a downtown Haiku Duel (I was runner-up!) and getting to see my poems published on WiFi kiosks all around NYC. I’m currently working on a book proposal and can’t wait to see where this unexpected poetry adventure takes me!

What most excites you about taking on this acting opportunity at TAM?

I can remember watching the movie version of Pirates of Penzance on videotape from as early as 4 years old. I love Gilbert and Sullivan and in high school definitely had the cast recording from the Joe Papp revival on rotation in my car’s CD player (both discs!). Ruth is such an amazing and fun character to dig into; I’ve had opinions and questions about Ruth since I was a child. I didn’t think I’d have the chance to play her this early in my career and I am absolutely thrilled by the challenge.

Why the Classic Theatre?

The classics like The Pirates of Penzance have stayed around for a reason. The stories and relationships still resonate with audiences today. I love when a revival or new production of a classic, reawakens a story for an audience who might be unfamiliar with it. As an actor in that kind of production it makes you feel that you are part of a greater story, participating in a continuum of all the minds and hearts that have created and performed this work.

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is Marni Nixon. I had the privilege of working with her in New York during the last two years of her life and learning from her one on one. She was a legendary performer and a true artist, perceptive, funny and resilient. She continued creating and evolving even to the end of her life. Marni often would say to me, “onward and upward!” That’s as good a motto as I’ve ever heard, especially for the sometimes uncertain life of an actor, and one I try to live by.

You can have dinner with any three powerful women in history. Who would you choose and why?

Edith Wharton, Lauren Bacall, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I’m fascinated and inspired by women who can skillfully combine their fierce intelligence with the power of their personal presence to lead and to change minds. I can imagine that their stories and the way they could tell them would be unparalleled.

What is your super power?

My ability to evoke a feeling or image in just a few syllables. I can write a haiku about anything, just try me!

Describe yourself in three alliterative words.

Tenacious, Talkative, Tall