BLOG Wren Birdsong, a bardic graduate student with perhaps more enthusiasm than practical sense.
Why is she following the party?
Wren’s been waiting for years to be assigned an epic so she can FINALLY finish her bardic degree and get out into the world. For whatever reason—a fluke, a coincidence, serendipity, destiny, someone else’s pure hateful spite—she is assigned to this party. As an “embedded reporter,” Wren will follow the party, undetected, record their (mis)adventures for posterity and historical accuracy, and eventually write an epic song that will make the adventurers real heroes and make Wren a real bard.
So Wren’s a bard. Do we get to hear her sing?
Not this time around… unless you count the rising melodic panic in her voice when things aren’t going so well. Don’t judge.
Do we ever get to hear her sing?
Next season, I believe there will be some tunes.
I know! I love them! I can’t wait to put them on again! With my red boots! Exclamation points! !!!
Do you think Wren will be able to keep herself hidden from the party?
This, following the pants question? 
Here’s the thing: Wren is dedicated to her craft. She’s not gonna go breaking the rules for any old reason, and even if she’s a little crazed for social contact (wouldn’t you be after a year camping solo?), she’s not stupid. That said: There IS the matter of the pants. Maybe they’re all colorblind? That would be helpful.
How did you get involved with the project? Or rather, what’s your connection to DG?
I went to college with several of the DG folks. Apart from a super short appearance in DG’s “Campaign Ad,” I’ve never been involved in any of their previous projects, although I am quite happy to count several of them as good friends. (Who doesn’t love a bunch of uber-talented, sweetheart geeks who nearly make you pee your pants laughing?) But, when it came to auditioning for the JourneyQuest project, I went about it the same way actors get any kind of a part: Before I’d even heard about the new DG project, I saw the audition notice on a call-board, made an appointment, and got my monologue and music ready for an audition.
“Before I’d even heard about the new DG project, I saw the audition notice on a call-board, made an appointment, and got my monologue and music ready for an audition.”
…Pardon me while I step onto my little soapbox here, for just a sec… Auditioning for friends should never be any different than auditioning for strangers. You prepare, you do your best and act professionally, you understand the competition and never expect a hand-out (where would be the fun in that, anyway?). If you get the call, you feel pretty damn good that you were a good fit, and you get ready to have fun. Oh, fine. AND and I’m married to Matt Shimkus, Rogar the Barbarian from the original Gamers… but he only threatened to crush the casting director once. Hardly counts.
What was the most memorable part of the production? (Apart from your pants.)
First: Sexy orc make-up. Seriously, have you seen those big hunks of green men? Mmm-HM. Second: See the answer to #10.
What are you looking forward to in Season Two?
Getting the chance to play with more and different characters… the bard life being a hidden existence, I spent time on set with a pretty limited set of characters. I’m excited to try Wren out on new people, see how they react to her, and who she becomes.
What are you working on now?
Life is in flux! I am normally a technical/marketing writer by day, and an actor by night and weekend. I also sing with a Tacoma-based cover band called Igneous Rocks (get it? eh? eh?). www.igrocks.com. Buuut all of that is on hold for the moment, because this October (quite possibly around the time you will be reading this interview!) my husband and I are expecting our first baby. Wheee! Wish us luck.
Oh, and here’s #2 from Question 8: What else was memorable about filming? Trying to keep morning sickness at bay during filming. A HUGE thank you to all the production crew who kept me supplied with food, water, food, rest-time, warm clothes, and more food. And thanks to the costumer for putting an adjustable waistline on the awesome pants.
I cant wait for the second season, and more Wren the bard.
Oh, so the baby must have been born by now, right? Will we ever see him/her in behind the scenes footage?
Not this season.