Chelsie Preston Crayford has been described as one of the most promising actresses to watch this year.

In this Q&A she talks about working with her mother, filmmaker Gaylene Preston, and performing in Silo Theatre’s ‘black comedy with a big drunken heart’ Ruben Guthrie. 

Preston Crayford plays Zoya, a young model from Czech Republic and the fiance of Ruben (played by Oliver Driver).

“She is the first one to draw the line on his drinking. I love Zoya. She’s not to be underestimated.”

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

I wish it were that easy. Night time probably. That moment just before you fall asleep and you have a flash of something genius and just as you think “I should write that down” you’re out.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

I asked around and the best and most useable response I got was “real sweet”.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

The audience.

How does your environment affect your work?

I think one of the things I like about this job is the constant change in environment. There’s not much room for routine which suits me well because me and routine - we’re not great friends.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Just as I’ve zoned in on one the other comes and bites me in the ass.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Take yourself seriously and have friends that don’t.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

This is an easy one – I recently played my own grandmother as a young woman in “Home by Christmas”, a feature film due to come out next April. My mum was the director, so it was amazing to be able to work so closely together on a story we both knew so intimately. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

European women, Omnichords, the notion of summer, and the wealth of information that is www.ted.com
 
Describe the play Ruben Guthrie.

It’s a layered look at Australaisian drinking culture that is both funny and challenging.

Describe your role.

I play Zoya who is a 20 year old model from the Czech Republic and Ruben’s fiancé of three years. She is the first one to draw the line on his drinking. I love Zoya. She’s not to be underestimated.

What have been the challenges and rewards of this production so far?

All my costumes have come from NZ designer Cybele and one of the biggest challenges is not taking all my costumes home at the end of the night. A big reward would be taking one or two items home at the end of the season…. Cybele, if you’re reading this……..

What do you hope the audience takes away from it?

I hope they leave feeling entertained, challenged and affected.

What are your short term and long term goals as an actor?

Short term: to work. Long term: to work more. All term: to love my work.

Do you have any preference for a film/TV or theatre career in the future?

Nope. I love it all.

You are referenced as the daughter of Gaylene Preston in the Ruben Guthrie publicity.  How does this effect (help or hinder) your profile and career?

Well I don’t know really, because I don’t know anything else. I feel very lucky to have parents I can have creative relationships with.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

My gut says a singer, my heart says a care giver and my head says a lawyer.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Our little place in East Takaka, Golden Bay. We had it for about thirteen years as I was growing up and had to sell it last year. Luckily the creativity of the place has been immortalized in a beautiful Album called “The Woolshed Sessions” which you can go out and buy! NOW!

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

On the back of a motorbike going up a hill in the fog.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A Parsnip. I’m sure I could fashion one somehow.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

“Go stick your head in a bucket” – Ellie Smith.

What's great about today?

That it’s happening NOW.

What’s your big idea for 2009?

2009 – We’re all gonna shine!

• Silo Theatre presents Ruben Guthrie

Written by Brendan Cowell and directed by Shane Bosher

Ruben Guthrie is on fire. At 29, he is Creative Director at a cutting edge advertising agency, he is hot to trot in the local bar scene and lives with his Czech, supermodel girlfriend. Ruben seems invincible until one fateful awards night when he takes a spectacular leap off a hotel roof…into a baby pool. Ruben wakes up to find his arm in plaster, his girlfriend moving back to Prague and his mother driving him to an A.A. meeting.

Oliver Driver takes to the stage as the titular character, reuniting with director Shane Bosher for this production.

Joining Driver on stage are Silo Theatre regulars Peter Elliott, Dean O’Gorman and Toni Potter, who returns to the company she debuted with to play one of her most challenging roles to date – a spiky, recovering alcoholic and drug addict.

Ruben Guthrie also features Ellie Smith (End Of The Rainbow), Andrew Grainger (featuring in the upcoming Peter Jackson movie The Lovely Bones).

Ruben Guthrie is at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE® until October 17.