Jon Stojan
Actor Kirsten Comerford has a talent for turning everyday oddities into theatrical productions. Kirsten was raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and was surrounded by stories from her incredible storyteller, Poppy. These tales, which include vivid memories of St. John’s during the war and Newfoundland history, are among Kirsten’s most treasured experiences and shaped her love of storytelling.
Ballet was the first medium through which Kirsten’s expressive personality and rich imagination were able to express themselves; theater and movies followed. She participated in the first rehearsal of the popular Broadway musical Come From Away, which is based in Newfoundland and pays a touching tribute to her hometown. She still values this experience above all others in the field.
Although Kirsten didn’t have a single “aha” moment that led her to acting, a crucial event at the age of 13 did start her on the right road. While serving as a stand-in on a film set in St. John’s, she became engrossed in the leading actress’s technique and found herself frantically typing on an antique typewriter. Kirsten wrote about her revelation that day: she wanted to act in the exact same manner. After realizing this, she developed a movie addiction and began to watch whatever she could get her hands on, frequently breaking into her older sister’s collection of movies.
Making her way through the film industry hasn’t been easy. Kirsten says having a thick skin is necessary because of the ongoing rejection. She states, “It’s critical to keep yourself apart from your art. Being an actor means sharing oneself; it’s really intimate. It is weak.” Her commitment has been put to the test by moving away from her close-knit family to the busy metropolis, balancing jobs at restaurants, and the strain of keeping up a social media presence. Kirsten, however, has an unwavering desire. She simply never stops, as her mother rightly puts it: she’s like a dog with a bone.
Working with strongwoman director Roxanne Boisvert was one of the most life-changing moments of her career. Kirsten played a central role in their first production together, which helped her overcome her impostor syndrome and gain confidence. Kirsten flourished in Roxanne’s setting because of her collaborative style and appreciation for her cast and staff. Since then, their collaboration has grown, producing three engrossing movies and forthcoming projects.
Despite her ups and downs, Kirsten has had several noteworthy professional highlights. At a comedic film festival, she created, produced, and acted in a short film that took home the audience choice prize. She’s been working hard on her own projects that reflect her interests. Her decision to expand her acting career has given her more opportunities for expression and cemented her reputation as a rising artist.
In an ideal world, Kirsten would oversee her endeavors and take on thrilling and challenging acting jobs. As a self-described fantasy nerd, she longs to play in fantastical settings or, even better, to act in the fantasy screenplay her brother co-wrote. Her ultimate objective is to tell powerful stories that engage listeners and subvert the status quo.