Katy Colloton – Teachers

By starrymag | January 17, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) Right now “Teachers” is all consuming. We’re still editing the first ten episodes, finishing up writing the final episodes and preparing to shoot the last seven episodes.

 

Q) Where did the idea for “Teachers” originate?

 

A) We started out as an improv and sketch group in Chicago called The Katydids. We were releasing one-off videos online when we were approached by a director Matt Miller (who is now an Executive Producer of “Teachers”). He was the one who brought us the idea of “Teachers” because he’d heard a podcast where in the US teachers were ranked as both the top five most respected professions and top five most adulterous. We immediately said, “We want to explorethat.”

 

Q) What is new this season on “Teachers?”

 

A) This season we really went for it. The twenty-episode order gave us the freedom to challenge ourselves. We get a little more political this season with an entire episode dedicated to slut shaming. We also wrote a musical episode with the help of our brilliant composer Josh Funk. There are a lot of fun surprises this season.

 

Q) As the season progresses, how might dynamics flip or switch?

 

A) As we explore the connection between Hot Dad (Ryan Caltagirone) and Ms. Bennigan (Katie O’Brien), the dynamic between them and the dynamic in the group shifts. There is also a new relationship blossoming this season between two unexpected characters.

 

Q) Where do you and your character connect, if at all?

 

A) I often describe Ms. Chelsea Snap as vain, narcissistic and promiscuous so I hope we aren’t too much alike. Although, we both have an obsession with pop culture. I spend most of my free time watching trash TV.

 

Q) Is there room to improv at all or do you tend to stick solely to the script?

 

A) We started out doing improv in Chicago so we use it in the writers’ room. When we’re throwing out story ideas or discussing a script, it’s quite natural for us to start improvising the scene.

 

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has always come naturally to you or have you had to work at it?

 

A) I think it’s both. I don’t think you can teach timing, but just because you have good timing doesn’t mean you know exactly how to execute it. I have been a comedy nerd my whole life but it took a lot of time and training for me to find my voice.

 

Q) What makes the series such a perfect fit for TV Land?

 

A) We couldn’t have asked for a better home for “Teachers.” Not only have they been incredibility supportive of our vision, they are also developing new programming that is edgier and catered towards young women. It’s all programming I want to watch. Did you know they just gave a series order to a Heathers reboot? Yeah. I know. I can’t wait.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the show that has made it such a fan favorite?

 

A) I think our show is very relatable. On the surface it’s about six elementary school teachers, but it’s also a show about six young women trying to figure out how to function as adults. “Teachers” has a little bit of something for everyone. The Katydids all have completely different comedic voices and styles so the show can be both witty and goofy at the same time. It has physical gags but still a lot of heart. We want to say something with this platform but we also just want to make you laugh. Watching the show you get a taste of it all.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

 

A) I love it. I enjoy hearing what people respond to right away. I mean, don’t get me wrong. We still get the occasional person telling us we have beautiful feet and requesting we showcase them more in the episodes, but most of the time it’s really great.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you! I am so grateful for all of the support.