Dominique Provost-Chalkley – Wynonna Earp

By starrymag | May 20, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) “Wynonna Earp” is getting more attention thanks to social media.

 

A) I think it is incredible! We’re at a stage where social media has such a huge impact on getting the word out and I’m just so grateful for the support the fans have been giving us. I wasn’t expecting it, to be honest. It’s really flattering and so lovely to see the fans are responding so well to the show.

 

Q) With marriage they say “till death do us part.” But what happens when the groom is a skull?

 

A) Right? Tell me about it. [laughs] You tell me. I’m nervous for poor Waverly!

 

Q) It was such a surprise twist because so many people are rooting for WayHaught.

 

A) I think that was one of my favorite lines of the show. It was a really fun scene to film. What Emily [Andras] does so well is interject little bits of comedy into the script at quite serious moments, and that classic Waverly line was just comedy gold.

 

Q) Then you have the Blacksmith played by Rachael Ancheril.

 

A) She was wonderful! I loved working with her.

 

Q) Were you surprised by the script or series when you first found out about the series?

 

A) When I read the breakdown for “Wynonna Earp,” I didn’t really know what to expect because it is a mix of many different genres. What I was instantly drawn to was the incredible characters that Emily created, especially the female roles. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, a modern western with a mix of sci-fi elements seemed wonderfully mad but then when I met Emily in the flesh for the first time I really saw her magic. She inspired me so much with how she talked about the project and she made everything really clear. She’s written these fantastic female characters that are so complex and are all so special in their own way. To play one of them is an honor. It’s just so nice to be a part of a TV show that is unapologetically feminist.

 

Q) There are so many great layers to every character, not just the women. You feel yourself either falling in love or cheering them on.

 

A) Exactly it’s great! When I say feminist, of course, I mean equal. It’s so lovely and refreshing to see on TV. These incredibly rich characters, both male and female, that we support and get behind.

 

Q) The men on the show shine as well.

 

A) Doc (Tim Rozon) and Dolls (Shamier Anderson) are so different, but complex in their own way. As the series progresses, we discover things about them that are extremely exciting and very, very colorful…shall we say.

 

Q) At the moment, we aren’t sure if Dolls is a cat or a lizard or what exactly he may be!

 

A) It’s just the beginning and we’ll have to wait and see what’s going on with that!

 

Q) What is a trait of Waverly’s that you admire the most?

 

A) I admire many things about Waverly! I guess my favorite element to her is her passion and determination. She’s a go-getter. There is a lot to be admired in that. Her work ethic is so strong. She doesn’t sit back and let things come to her, she’s proactive and extremely focused. I think it’s easy for young women to sort of dumb themselves down to fit in – I would say a lot of young people fall into that trap. What I love about Waverly is she embraces her intelligence and utilizes it to empower her.

 

Q) Well, she did just break up with Champ.

A) Well, yes, Waverly is discovering what she wants and she is at an age where she is having to face a lot of challenges and lots of questions are popping up. When this incredible confident, beautiful cop comes into her life it does throw her. There are a lot of traits in Nicole that she admires and probably she would like to embody them herself. So, regardless of the outcome, Nicole has a huge impact on Waverly’s growth as a person.

 

Q) What have been some of your favorite behind the scenes moments?

 

A) There have been so many that it is hard to pinpoint just one. I had such a lot of fun on set. They managed to create this incredible environment to play. Emily at the core of it, creates this wonderful supportive safe place and that is so important. We have a lot of fun and we laugh a great deal. I think one day that stands out would be where Mel and I ran around in our pajamas with the shadow assassin. It was fairly early on and I remember thinking, “This is too good to be true! How am I getting paid for this?”

 

Q) The tweet parties you guys have on Friday are incredible. What goes on during them?

 

A) It’s just really nice to be able to share it with Mel [Scrofano] and Emily and everyone else because we all get along so well and that’s so rare. We’re all so supportive of one another. It’s really great to be able to enjoy the journey together and also interact with fans. I feel very, very lucky, for sure. It’s exactly what you read, that’s what it is like. It’s all of the brushing of all of the teeth! [laughs] I’m very grateful to have made such wonderful friends – people who I think will be in my life for a long time. So, it’s our pleasure to get involved in the tweet parties. It’s honestly the highlight of my week. It’s very special to see how many people come together at the same time sharing an experience. I’m very grateful for that because you get an instant reaction. I can’t say it enough how much we appreciate the fan support!

 

Q) We got to hear your lovely singing voice as well. Was it written in specifically for you?

 

A) I can’t believe how much response there was to my singing! It was crazy! I honestly think it was just written as Waverly trying to break this riddle. It didn’t really matter if I could sing or not, but the reaction was lovely. Honestly, I don’t particularly think of myself as having a great singing voice, but it’s very flattering and maybe we should get Waverly to sing some more?

 

Q) Waverly has such a strong relationship with Wynonna. Talk about their relationship.

 

A) Wynonna and Waverly’s friendship is really special and I think what makes it so unique is that they are so supportive of one other. It’s all down to Emily for making this the forefront of the show – two women who are ultimately trying to get to the same goal, but bringing something slightly different to the table. What is so lovely is that throughout the series they find their place with each other and empower one another. I love all the Waverly/Wynonna scenes. I hope if we get another season there will be even more of them because I think it is really the heart of the show.

 

Q) What can you tease is in store for the remainder of the season?

 

A) There will be even more challenges that they face. I’m sure many people can relate to what we are seeing with Wynonna and Waverly. I’m glad to be representing that.

 

Q) There is quite a draw and magnetism to Waverly and Haught, but haven’t spent much time together on screen. How do you feel about this strong relationship that is already so shipped by fans?

 

A) It’s fantastic because it means that the viewers are getting behind these two characters and their journey in whatever form that may take. I’m really grateful that the fans have got behind it and crated a ship name already. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the fan response from here on considering we’ve only seen Waverly and Nicole (Katherine Barrell) together for a very short time. It will be exciting to see what people have to say about what is to come.

 

Q) The show has a great platform on Syfy. What makes the show such a great fit?

 

A) Good question! I think that Syfy is the perfect fit for “Wynonna Earp” with it being a genre channel it allows us to play in a world with no limits. So, no matter where Emily wants to take the storyline it is accepted and embraced. What’s so beautiful about Wynonna Earp is it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it also has so many depths and layers. I think that Syfy allows us to play with that.

 

Q) What have you taken away from your time working on “Wynonna Earp?”

 

A) Thank you to all of the fans who are supporting us. I hope they know how much it means to us and how important it is for the show. More than anything, I would so love to be able to go back for a second season, explore these characters even further and tell more of this beautiful story. So, I will say that if we do go back for a second season, I have had a couple of brief conversations with Emily about some ideas and it sounds epic!