I had the chance to chat with Kate Drummond about her upcoming series on Hulu, Utopia Falls. I also couldn’t resist the chance to ask her about her time on Wynonna Earp as Agent Lucado. Thank you so much to Kate Drummond for indulging all of my questions, including the Earper ones.

Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

Sure! I’m an actress working in film, television, video games and I do a lot of voice over work. I started in the biz later in life, after 12 very fulfilling years as an elementary school teacher. I’m a huge advocate for people following their dreams, no matter what, and my TEDx talk, Chasing Dreams and Beginning Again” talks about my journey from teaching to acting. It’s had over half a million views and has connected me with fellow dream-chasers all over the world. I’m also a dog mama, cool auntie (I think?), I’m gluten-free, dairy-free and my weakness is gummy bears. 

How would you describe Utopia Falls?

Utopia Falls is a genre bending, coming of age story that follows a group of teens in a distant future colony called New Babyl. This city is really insulated and history as you and I know it, does not exist. The laws, culture and norms have been preached to everyone, from the beginning of their time and it’s all anyone knows. But then, the teens uncover an ancient forbidden archive of historical, cultural and musical relics called the Archive (voiced by Snoop Dogg! WHOOP WHOOP!) and this discovery forces them to question everything they’ve been taught. The show is about song, dance and self expression, but it’s also got so much more to it. It’s a love story, a thriller, a drama, a comedy… it explores power struggles and family dynamics… it’s got a lot going on. The soundtrack for this show is so great… everything from Kendrick Lamar, Tony K (my new personal fave) to Notorious BIG… the music and dance is a way for the teens to express themselves and push boundaries. That’s where I come in… 

Your character Authority Phydra is the head of the police force in the series, what is your character like?

Phydra is a staunch believer and enforcer of all that is New Babyl. She doesn’t accept any displays of dissension, and she will stop at nothing to ensure that everyone falls in line with the established norms, laws and dictated culture of New Babyl. Phydra is a fiesty antagonist for these teens. While other adults on the Tribunal are endeared slightly by the new energy being infused into New Babyl, with these new cultural influences, Phydra simply will not have it.  In following some of the comments on social media, fans of the show are really hating on Phyrda but I have to remind everyone, that behind every great villain, is a very deep wound… ha! Oh gosh, it’s so fun to be the antagonist.  Maybe if we get a Season 2, maybe Phydra’s deep story will be further revealed. 

What were some of your favorite on set moments?

Honestly? Every day I went to work was a favourite moment, but I especially laughed a LOT whenever the Tribunal council came together to film.  The director would call “action” and we’d be all serious, and say serious things…serious, serious, serious… and then the director would call “cut” and we’d burst into laughter because during the take, someone’s chair made a fart noise. I know, I sound like a 12 year old right now, but you know when you get the giggles and then you are just able to pull yourself together, but someone else starts to laugh and it sets you off again??? Yeah, that’s what happened many times on set for the Tribunal. My other fave moments were chilling and talking about art, and process, with Akeil and the rest of the youngins and playing basketball at lunch break with everyone. 

Could you also speak a bit about your role in Ghostwriter?

I can’t! Someone will show up at my door and slap me with a lawsuit if I talk. All I can say is that my character has not come on the show yet, but when she does, fans will see me in a role unlike any that I’ve ever played. 

You also appeared on the fan favorite show Wynonna Earp as Agent Lucado, what was it like being part of the show?

Well, it’s kind of like if someone asked you to describe what “love” is. It’s hard to describe it, right? This is how my experience on Wynonna Earp was. It was love. I learned so much and I really felt like I was part of something important. I loved my days on set, working with this incredibly talented and gracious cast and crew, I am honoured that Emily Andras trusted me with Lucado’s life and … uh… death… and I just feel so grateful to have had the experience. I’m an “Earper” for life. 

What were some of your on set highlights?

Oh, SO many! But one of the big highlights for me was doing the fight scene with Shamier Anderson, who played Dolls, in Season 2. We worked with a stunt choreographer named Steven McMichael and he was fantastic.  He worked with us for a good couple of days, but ultimately, I was going to have a stunt double do most of the fight-fighting when the day came because I’m not a stunt person, or a fighter for that matter. But, I AM an athlete, and I also like a challenge so on the day, they were about to send in my stunt double and I was like, “HEY! Can I do it myself?” They let me!!! I was so sore the following day, I could barely lift my toothbrush, but that was a day that I will never forget. It was SO much fun! Shamier was an excellent dance partner.  Another moment that stands out for me was when I had sliced the tip of my finger off during one of my off-days in Calgary. I showed to set and Joanne Jacobsen in make-up had to paint a finger tip on! Oh my gosh, the things we do to make a TV show. 

Where can our readers keep up with you online?

Twitter: @katedrummond_ Instagram: @kate_drummond Website: www.katedrummond.com

Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on Twitter, @thenerdygirlexp. You can find me on Twitter, @kleffnotes, on my blog, kleffnotes.wordpress.com, and on my kleffnotes YouTube channel.