Getting to Know: Robin McNamara

Getting To Know Tuesday October 30, 2018, 10:00am - by Magnet Theater

Welcome to Magnet's "Getting To Know" series! We're using our blog to highlight our fabulous performers and writers and we can't wait for you to meet them. Want to see them all? Click here.

Robin McNamara in a dress sitting on some stairsWhat’s your name?

Robin McNamara.

Which team or show are you on?

Perfect Storm and Little Dipper.

Where are you from?

Boston MASS (in the city).

How did you get into improv/sketch comedy?

Like any self-respecting, love struck teenage girl I joined my high school's improv team to get the attention of my crush. Unfortunately it didn't work out and he is now married - but look who's still doing improv! I got much more serious about improv in college, performing on a short form troupe for all four years. We had whistles and cool shirts. I then dipped my toes in the waters of Improv Boston, then decided to make my way to the big city, and landed at Magnet!

How long have you been performing/writing?

As an imaginative only-child, I started out very early in life mimicking the events and people of the day to help understand the world and express myself. I ran a very active community theater in my parents' living room, including original full-length musical productions that all my friends were obliged to participate in. I then began doing theater after school and at summer camp and in high school theater was definitely my sport. I took a stab at playwriting in college as a theater major and still have big dreams of writing a one-woman show set in an abandoned inn. That’s all I have so far…

Who in all the world would be your ideal scene or writing partner?

Kristen Wiig or Wayne Brady (because I want him make up a song about me).

Who would you most like to impersonate or write for?

Emma Stone to see if I could fool anyone or my go to character: confused middle aged man who runs a local business.

What makes you laugh the hardest?

When there’s an awkward social moment or mistake and you make eye contact with someone and realize you’re on the same page and can no longer suppress your laughter. Also many things kids say.

Describe the soundtrack to your life!

Lots of musical theater, Carole King, and story podcasts.

What's something you'd ask when meeting someone for the first time?

What they want to be when they grow up.

Where can we find you on a Saturday night?

Attempting to paint the town red.

If you had to completely change your name, what would you change it to and why? 
I'd keep my first name and change my last name to Abank so I could say, "Hi I'm Robin Abank," which I still believe is my most clever joke.
(Ed. - Elaine would like to note that Robin did not, in fact, completely change her name, as the question describes.)