Dark Friends Series
Shauna McGuiness
Today’s featured artist is another one of those people who have more than their fair share of talent.
Shauna McGuiness has a long history in theater–acting, singing, playwriting, and directing–and she is also a published author and steampunk jewelry maker.
Shauna and I started communicating when she answered my plea in the Dark Corners Facebook group for someone who might compose the melody for a medieval riddling song. I wanted a song that a female spirit could sing to terrify my main character in Wraiths of the Appalachian when he gets trapped inside the Bell Witch Cave in Episode 6. The original tune is lost, but Shauna not only created the perfect haunting melody for the tune, she also sang and recorded it for me!
I can’t wait for you to hear that episode this fall on Dark Corners. In the meantime, enjoy getting to know another of our favorite Dark Corners artists, Shauna McGuiness.
The Interview
Shauna, as I said in the introduction, you are one of those people I envy who have talents in many areas. You act, sing, write, make jewelry, and probably much more of which I’m not even aware. Which of these creative endeavors do you enjoy the most?
Oh, man. I’m sitting here trying to figure out which child I love the most! When I make jewelry I am able to hold in my hand what I envisioned. The physical process is somewhat quick so I can do some work without a huge time commitment.
That said, I think I love writing the most! Most of it is in my head, in many cases it takes years to complete, and it’s a huge commitment— but I love it anyway!
As a former high school English teacher, I was drafted into teaching drama without having had any formal background. I enjoyed it, but it often felt like an episode of The Little Rascals when someone says, “Hey, gang, let’s put on a play!”
Would I be correct in assuming you have had more background in theater education than I did?
Ha! Yes, my training was pretty extensive. However, even after thirty years in the business I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing a lot of the time. I have a BA in theater arts and acted, taught, and directed my way through my degree.
I’ve taught theater to most school grades and directed over a hundred productions. STILL, in the performing arts, you can’t predict who you’ll be working with, which can make every project a little wild! It’s one of my favorite parts.
What is your fondest memory of teaching theater arts?
I wrote and directed a production of “Pinocchio” with a cast of ninety third- through eighth-graders. I grilled those kids on staying in character NO MATTER WHAT.
Well, during the scene where Pinocchio’s in the whale’s belly, the tech director’s fog machine set off the fire
alarms. Within seconds firemen in yellow suits appeared onstage. The cast remained there, poised and in character, until the whole thing was straightened out.
That night I learned that if you have 300 people stuffed in a school gym and the fire alarm goes off, you’re not supposed to say, “Please remain seated” over the sound system.
Would you tell us a bit about your own acting background? What role did you enjoy the most? Which role did you NOT enjoy?
I’ve performed in hundreds of roles. I started acting in elementary school after seeing a production of “Annie” with my grandfather. He drove me all over creation for auditions and rehearsals. He even drove me from California to Ashland, Oregon, because I was in a group
called the “Touchstone Troupers” and we got to study with the actors and staff from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Grampy participated, too! He was cast as a pirate in a production of “Peter Pan” that I starred in. It was a magical experience. Even more so in hindsight.
I can’t think of a role that I didn’t enjoy! Even the roles that are kind of weird are fun to explore.
One that I thought I’d hate was a non-speaking role in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” I almost dropped out, but I always tell kids I work with “no small roles, only small actors,” and all the other twee things you’re supposed to say. Well, I decided to heed my own advice. I got to wield a whip and wear a snake bra, so it ended up pretty okay.
Have you had any horrible experiences onstage, either yours or with actors you have coached?
There’s only one experience I really, truly regret. I was an understudy for a traveling production, and I didn’t think I’d ever get my shot so I was completely unprepared when the time came when I had to perform. I let the cast down (thankfully they were brilliant and really good at improv). It’s been over twenty years and I still full-level cringe when I think about it.
You and I started communicating after I asked for help with a creepy song that will appear in an upcoming episode in the new season of Dark Corners.
Which came first, your interest in theater or your interest in singing?
Theater, 100%. I learned pretty quickly that it’s pretty important to embrace singing, unless you want to keep your options limited. I found out I enjoyed it — and I’m not terrible!
Another of your talents is creating “whimsical steampunk jewelry.” How did you become interested in steampunk clothing and accessories?
I’ve always been drawn to all things Victorian. I believe I lived during that era in another lifetime! I saw a group in steampunk costumes years ago (at a Renaissance fair, which is a little weird) and instantly knew they were my people. I just didn’t know what it was called.
I began incorporating elements into my costume and scenic designs (Steampunk “Alice in Wonderland” was ah-mazing!). Eventually, I learned that “steampunk” is a thing, and started creating gadgets and jewelry. I see ideas in my head for designs, constantly. Creating the jewelry is great therapy. The more pieces I sell, the cooler supplies I can buy! (DAV: You can find Shauna’s steampunk jewelry here: Tighm Flighs)
Could customers send you items they own that you might make into jewelry for them?
YES! I’ve incorporated keys that were owned by peoples’ family members into my jewelry. I’ve also used a lonely cufflink, and broken bits of antique jewelry.
What is one of your favorite pieces that you’ve made?
Every piece I make is my favorite! I just created a couple of really fancy hat pins to congratulate my favorite band for their new album release (Charming Disaster). THESE are my favorite pieces. For now.
You’ve written a Young Adult novel called Frankie in Paris which has the amazing honor of having been a number one best-selling YA book on Amazon for a week. How did your working with young people in theater aid you in writing this best seller?
When I write I “become” the characters in my work, like playing a character. Frankie is a lot like me (the book is based on a real-life trip I took with my grandmother),
but she’s sassier and whinier. I kept many theater girls I’ve worked with in mind, while writing! Also, to me, writing is like directing a show and seeing the production unfold.
Did you set out purposefully to write a YA novel, or was it just a natural way for you to write given your experience having written so many plays for young actors? Will you continue writing primarily for a YA audience, or do you plan to write content that might be considered more appropriate for older readers?
Like a lot of new writers, I was overwhelmed with all the genres. If I had to do it all over again I’d probably call the book “Women’s Fiction” or “Literary Fiction.”
I don’t really see any YA work in my future.
Although there’s a touch of the paranormal in Frankie in Paris (the protagonist has telekinetic abilities), the book would not be considered “dark.” I suspect, though, that there may be a “dark side” to Shauna McGuiness. What are some spooky things that delight you?
GREAT question! I am inspired by all things dark. I believe in the paranormal. I wish I had a ghost friend. I would make a great vampire.
I wear black 365 days a year.
Halloween is my Christmas! When I pull out the decorations they feel like old friends. Even during Covid I made theme treats for my family. We usually watch Nightmare on Elm Street.
What projects are you working on now that we might expect to see or hear more about in the near future?
Did you know I’m releasing a book in August, Necromancer’s Garden? It’s speculative fiction, a beautiful book about a girl who can raise the dead!
After that a SciFi book is coming.
And after THAT a horror novel!
That’s exciting! Where might we find more about you and your creations?
I’m all over the place, and always looking for new creative friends!
Twitter: @FrankieInParis
Instagram: @francescamcshelteringinplace
Author site: https://shaunamcguiness.wixsite.com/shauna
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