Grosse Pointe Woman Makes Movie Debut in 'Answer This!'

resident Carrie Fisk actually can’t recall a time when she wasn’t involved in acting. As a 2-year-old, her parents, Kathy and Jef, were both involved with the ’s production of Into the Woods--her mom acting in it and her dad working on the technical aspect.

Since that time, her life has always included some form of theater and acting. And on Thursday, Oct. 13, at Royal Oak’s Emagine Theater, that involvement will take still another turn as Fisk will watch the independent film Answer This!, in which she plays a student at University of Michigan.

“I play Conservative Sarah,” said Fisk, who is in her fourth year at University of Michigan as she pursues her Bachelors in Fine Arts degree. “Everyone in the class has a name that describes them like Jock Ryan, Normal Mike. I am Conservative Sarah, the voice of the religious right wing.”

While this is her first movie, Fisk, who graduated from in 2008, has a lengthy resume of commercials and plays in which she has been involved. And it all started with Grosse Pointe Theatre.

“I was in the Secret Garden when I was five years old,” Fisk said. “I was part of the children’s chorus that sang into a microphone off stage. Pretty much ever since then I’ve been involved in acting.”

Answer This! is far from Into the Woods. The first feature movie for writer, director and U of M grad Chris Farah, Answer This! looks at on the lure and popularity of bar trivia contests, with the lead character obsessed with winning. It is also the first film permitted to use the U of M logo. Viewers familiar with the Michigan campus will see plenty of their haunts throughout the film.

While Fisk enjoyed her film experience, she said she is still loyal to theater and all it can provide in terms of range and experience for an actor.

“Part of me wants to jump into the movie thing and see what I can learn about it,” said Fisk, who filmed Answer This! in the summer of 2009. But I love the stage stuff; I grew up with it. Working in theater teaches you a lot about acting that can translate to film as well. I’m just thrilled that these days you can do both.

"But I have to say that it was very valuable for me to start with theater. (Actress) Christine Lahti graduated from U of M,” Fisk continued. “She came back and talked to us in a workshop and Q & A. Someone asked her which coast she would recommend first. She said to start with the east coast – New York – because the movie and TV people have realized that those who have done work on the stage have a lot of versatility and experience. It’s a different set of skills. I like both for very different reasons; but my degree will be performance for the stage.”

Another resident of the City of Grosse Pointe--Marty Bufalini, who also directs plays at --plays the role of a stuffy professor in the film.

While the Oct. 13 premier won’t be the first time Fisk has seen Answer This!--there was a special screening in Ann Arbor last fall--she is looking forward to enjoying watching it with friends and family. Those interested in learning more about the movie, can watch this short trailer.