Katy Colloton – Teachers

By starrymag | March 5, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I’m currently working on a few pitches to take out, but I’ve also been enjoying some much-needed down time. I’ve probably been enjoying the down time too much.

Q) Please tell us what is new the second half of this season of “Teachers?”

 

A) This season each character is forced into a new role – fiancé, mother, person with an STD. It’s fun to put characters we know so well in new situations and watch the chaos unfold. We see Ms. Snap attempt monogamy and take her new boyfriend on a romantic date at a pole dancing class while Ms. Watson (Kate Lambert) starts donating plasma for school supplies.

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about your portrayal?

 

A) Ms. Snap is my girl. I love playing this character so much. She’s wild, bitchy but still vulnerable. It’s always fun to think of new ways she can unintentionally offend everyone.

 

Q) The “Johnny Rivioli” episode was this season was a fan favorite! What were some of your favorite Season 3 moments from filming?

 

A) The one and only Cloris Leachman is a guest star in our series finale. It was a dream meeting her and having her on set. I was in facial prosthetics for the whole episode because my character gets some “bad botox.” While filming a scene with Cloris she sat off camera and repeatedly mouthed “you look ugly” to me while I was trying to say my lines. It was impossible not to laugh.

 

Q) Were there any wardrobe or classroom pieces you took home with you as a memory from your time on “Teachers?”

 

A) I took home a lot of Ms. Snap’s clothes. I now have an animal print ensemble for every occasion!

 

Q) What made TV Land a special space for the series?

 

A) We couldn’t have found a better home for Teachers. TV Land was always supportive of our individual voice. They never tried to change the show and they gave us lots of freedom. The notes we received only elevated the writing and that is rare. “Teachers” would not be the show it is today without TV Land or Brad Gardner.

 

Q) What have you personally taken away from working on the show?

 

A) This show has been a surreal experience. I don’t think words can accurately express everything I’ve learned the past five years. Season One was a master class in TV. We got to dive in head first writing, producing and acting in our own show. It taught me to trust my instincts and to always remember the best thing you have to offer is your individual voice. I learned how to be a leader and that collaboration done right only elevates the material. Mainly, I had a blast working with people I loved doing the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life.