Marc-André Robichaud
Marc-André Robichaud was born in Moncton. An actor, he graduated from the Université de Moncton with a bachelor's degree in dramatic arts. Since 2013, he has appeared in Pays de la Sagouine as Pierre à Pitre, dit Pierrot. He was also part of the Théâtre L’Escaouette and Théâtre de Quartier co-production Le lac aux deux falaises by Gabriel Robichaud, as well as the Théâtre L’Escaouette and Théâtre À tour de rôle co-production Ornithorynques by Johanne Parent. He also appeared twice at Théâtre populaire d'Acadie in Rick Merrill's Alden envers et contre tous, translated by Mélanie Léger, and Matthieu Girard's Les Beignes. In the years that followed, he earned a bachelor's degree in education, taught full-time at Dieppe's Mathieu-Martin school, and landed several supporting roles in the TV series À la valdrague, Mont-Rouge, Conséquences and Les Newbies.
What drew you to theater?
At school, I had the chance to get involved in improvisation and drama committees. I felt valued in that environment. It was also my way of doing good for others. After high school, I was going to study education. I saw Radio-Canada's Les grandes entrevues with actor Fabrice Luchini, so I applied to change my program to drama.
How did your training and experience help you to create and innovate in your artistic practice?
University courses gave me certain tools that still help me in my approach today. Whether it is for creative techniques, memorization, analysis, or anything else, I am better prepared when I am working.
What stimulates you most about your practice?
The feeling of doing good for others.
How has living and working in New Brunswick helped and/or inspired you on your journey?
Enjoying Acadian culture has always been part of my identity. You could say that my path is inspired, without a doubt, by the linguistic duality present in our province.
What drives your creativity?
Observation. It is often through listening that a dialogue is possible between my imagination and reality.
How does the process of interpreting a work unfold?
Usually, I try to receive the text in advance so that I am better prepared for the first reading. On the first reading, I familiarize myself with the words of the text and my understanding of the plot. Then I connect the dots to better grasp the essence of the story. I do a final read-through of my lines to get a better grasp of the character's words. As soon as rehearsals begin, my instinct guides me. Sometimes it is right, sometimes it needs to be redirected elsewhere.
What is the difference between theater and television in terms of your approach?
I try to keep the same attitude, whatever the theatrical or television project. I give 100% in everything I do, and I try to adapt to the camera, which is often less exaggerated than in theater.
What is your long-term vision and what do you hope to achieve?
To be happy in whatever I do for the long term and, if possible, I would like to write a play.
What type of character do you prefer to play?
I feel most at home playing a naïve or distracted character.
What have you learned about yourself and the New Brunswick artistic community through your work?
I have learned that stage fright does not go away with the years, and that the artistic community vibrates here and elsewhere in all its spheres, maturing our culture.
In your opinion, what is the impact of artists' work in communities and in the province as a whole?
To enable people to come together, to recognize themselves, to have a sense of belonging and to reflect on our reality.
Describe what you are most proud of in your career.
I am proud of the encounters I have had. When I think of my colleagues in teaching and in the artistic world, I remember many good times and excellent exchanges with each of them.
What advice would you give to people who want to get into theater?
Do what you love but love what you do.
You can see Marc-André in his role as Pierrot at Pays de la Sagouine:
Banner image : Pays de la Sagouine, Jocelyne Vautour
