Featured Artist: Rachel McPhee

This is a series of posts featuring our artists who are making things happen in and around our great borough of Queens.  Please check back weekly for new posts.

Title/Occupation
Actor, Executive Director of On the Square Productions

Which Queens neighborhood do you live in and for how long?
I have lived in Astoria for almost 5 years. Currently, I live by the Neptune Diner near the Astoria Blvd N/Q stop. I have been there for 2 years, which is dangerous. Because that diner is great. And its open 24 hours…

How did you get involved in theater?
My dad was the Managing Artistic Director at the Racine Theatre Guild in Racine, Wisconsin and my mom was an English teacher who moonlighted in costume design. I remember being at rehearsals with my dad from the time I could toddle around. Call it cheap child care. While Cat Amongst the Pigeons might not be appropriate for a 3 year old, I loved every moment of being there. I literally did not see another option of what to do with my life and was in my first play when I was 5. I’m still hooked!

Tell us a little more about your theater company?
On the Square has been around since 2008. Since then, we have produced 6 mainstage productions in festivals, outdoors and at The Flea and 59e59 as well as countless Write Angle readings and special events. Our mission statement has developed alot over the years. We focus on new plays, emerging writers and doing whatever we can to aid the playwright in their creation process. More can be found at www.onthesquareproductions.com

What do you love most about Queens?
I love the unfancy, unpretentious-ness of it all. I don’t have to dress up or wear a Williamsburg Halloween costume to go to Key Foods.

Do you have any “only in Queens” moments you’d like to share?
I live near the end of the N/Q line, so I typically get a seat on the subway. I see it as a  bad omen or know it will be a “crazy day” if I don’t get a seat in the morning…