Karen Robinson – Schitt’s Creek

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects you have been busy working on?

A) “Frankie Drake Mysteries” for CBC, “Tiny Pretty Things” for Netflix and an adorable romantic comedy feature called Learning To Love Again. So many wigs, so little time!

Q) What can you tease is new this season on “Schitt’s Creek?”

A) Ah geez. I don’t dare. Besides, it’s SO much more fun to have lovely surprises, isn’t it?

Q) We don’t know much about Ronnie’s personal side, just her professional side. What kind of backstory were you given or created for her?

A) I think Ronnie chose to live in Schitt’s Creek. Really, with her skills, she could easily survive in a big city. And she did. But she wanted more than survival – that thing about everybody knowing your name and making a difference in your community?  I think that’s really important to her. I recently met someone who said, “I think Ronnie really cares. Because if she didn’t, she wouldn’t go to all the parties.” She needs that community and she earns their love in her own way.

Q) Going into this season was there anyone you were hoping to share more scenes with?

A) Any scene with Catherine O’Hara is a master class.

Q) We have loved seeing Ronnie as part of the Jazzagals. What can we expect from the group this season?

A) Why are you trying to get me in trouble? I’ll say this – I LOVE singing with the Jazzagals; it reminds me of being a wee choir girl back in the day.  And Aaron Jensen’s arrangements are fantastic, so expect to walk away from this season humming.

Q) What have been some of your favorite scenes to film over the years?

A) Council meetings, I think, because Chris Elliott, John Hemphill and Catherine are genius. And Ronnie always gets to cut through the circus with some real talk.

Q) The writing for the series really juxtaposes humor with these heartfelt moments that feel so organic. What is it about the series that warms your heart while tickling it too?

A) The building block for everything is love. Trying to find it, showing it, not showing it, failing at it, trying again. Being surprised by it; having it change you.  The situations are bonkers. But the nucleus is love and it always comes back to that.

Q) What we love is the family dynamics that really translate to the town. What do the towns people of Schitt’s Creek take away from The Roses as much as vice versa?

A) Being there for each other – No. Matter. What. And bringing your authentic self to the party is always best. We certainly don’t swap fashion tips, that’s for sure.

Q) What have you personally taken away from your time working on “Schitt’s Creek?”

A) That you never know when you’ll walk into an audition room and have the next six years of your life turbo charged. That the best gift of all is how much “Schitt’s Creek” means to our audience.

Q) Were there certain must-have items from Ronnie’s life that you took home as mementos?

A) Nah. I tend to leave my characters and their stuff at work.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that has made it so iconic?

A) The countless numbers of people who felt invisible before seeing themselves reflected in the show. And the people who love them feeling that love supported by the show.

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

A) Thank you.  You are the best part of the job.