Many comedians claim they practice dark humour, but few can say they are funeral directors by day like Jennifer Perrin.
Currently starring in the Queen Arts Society production The Gay Mafia at the Jericho Arts Centre in Vancouver, the Richmond Secondary grad also runs the Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium.
"I have two personalities - my funeral directing side and my comedy which gives balance to my life. I deal with death and grief everyday," said Perrin.
Perrin got into funeral services by chance in 2006. Working around the clock for a production company at the time, she was head-hunted by a company who offered her a competitive salary and stable work schedule, so she bit.
"I started as a morgue assistant, I couldn't handle working in the morgue every day. It takes a certain type of stomach," she said. An assistant manager position later became available which she successfully applied for.
Her foray into the world of comedic acting also happened a bit by chance.
Perrin said she grew up as an introvert and about five years ago decided to finally come out of her shell.
"I used to go to Vancouver TheatreSports (VTS) all the time and I just loved it. I was very shy, very reserved and I found it hard to speak in front of a group. I started taking improv classes and going to shows and eventually I was picked up by VTSL. They took a chance on me," said Perrin.
In addition to being a member of the VTS Rookie League, she is also a member of Second Storey Theatre and a recent addition to the Bobbers, a Vancouver-based queer comedy troupe. In The Gay Mafia, where a group of characters try to inherit the Don's chair by being funnier than the other characters, Perrin plays the hit woman known as "The Nun."
The Gay Mafia plays until tomorrow night and tickets are still available at www.jerichoartscentre.com ($20 adults/$10 students). You can also see Perrin in Improv Against Humanity - inspired by the popular adult party game Cards Against Humanity - at Café Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive Jan. 22. For more information visit www. thefictionals.com.
