Krysten Ritter has appeared on television in such series as Gossip Girl, Veronica Mars, Gilmore Girls, and, most notably, Breaking Bad, in which she played Jane Margolis. She will soon be seen on the big screen in L!fe Happens, an indie-comedy she co-wrote with Kat Coiro, Amy Heckerling’s comedyVamps, and the indie drama, Refuge, based on the stage play of the same title. This fall, she’s starring in the upcoming ABC comedy series, Apartment 23, in which she plays a New York party girl.

As if that isn’t keeping her busy enough, she is currently appearing in Zach Braff’s play All New People at Second Stage Theatre alongside Justin Bartha, Anna Camp, and David Wilson Barnes. TheaterMania spoke with Ritter about the play and her upcoming projects.

THEATERMANIA: How did you hear about All New People?
KRYSTEN RITTER: My pilot, Apartment 23, got picked up and I missed out on a few things because my summer got cut short. So, I thought, maybe I can do a play. I emailed Second Stage thinking they might have something for me. They sent me this script, and I flew myself to New York to audition. I was one of the first people to audition. It’s a fun and dramatic role.

TM: You previously appeared at Second Stage Theatre back in 2006 in All This Intimacy. What appeals to you about this theater company?
KR: They are so nice and have open arms to people who want to be here. I didn’t go to NYU or Yale, so it’s harder to get into theater. They gave me a shot.

TM: You play an eccentric real estate agent who is trying to rent a beach house. What can you tell us about your character?
KR: My character doesn’t have money and is living in bum-fuck nowhere. She has a very traumatic past, and had to make big decisions in her life. She was raped when she was younger, and she had her rapist murdered, so she cannot go back to England. Yet, she always tries to find the positive in things and is fun, very energetic and eccentric, which is polite for a little crazy.

TM: How would you describe the relationships among the four characters in the play?
KR: I feel like it’s the ghost of the Christmas story. It’s about people who don’t have friends and meaningful experiences. By the end, the characters have new experiences. All New People – get it?

TM: How different is doing theater than film or television for you?
KR: I share a dressing room with Anna Camp and we do our own hair and makeup. It’s humbling. My character never stops talking and I have monologues that are pages long; I sit back and say that I know 90 pages of this play! In film and television, you shoot one scene, and it takes forever. With theater, you get to develop your character and dig deeper into the material. You are always finding new things night after night.

TM: In addition to all of your acting projects, you are also the lead singer and guitarist in the indie rock band, Ex Vivian. When did you realize you had an interest in music?
KR: When I was younger, I thought I would be a rock star until I realized I hated performing in front of people. I come from a musical family. I came to New York and was modeling, doing this on the side, writing music, creating a body of work. I take my guitar everywhere. It’s relaxing. I get to express myself creatively everyday, but this takes it to another level. I play when I can.

TM: Is it true you are also a fashion designer?
KR: Yes, I recently designed a dress for a charity that I work with, and I will be designing a shoe for Alice + Olivia. The goal is to design stuff that I want but can never find.

TM: Is a Broadway debut in your future?
KR: I sure hope so. That’s the goal, that’s the idea. I hope the right thing comes along, and I do a good job here, and get that call for Broadway!

All New People Breaking Bad Interview Krysten Ritter Off-Broadway Second Stage Theatre