PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Just recently the AMAZING and highly anticipated trailer for season two of the hit teen horror series, The Birch, dropped and everyone is loving it! The Birch is produced by Crypt TV with Jack Davis, Kate Krantz, and Darren Brandl as Executive Producers, and Jeremy Elliott and Daniel Persitz serving as Co-Executive Producers. I recently got to chat with Xaria Dotson about how she got involved with this series, what her character is like, details about season 2, and more!
PopHorror – Hi Xaria, it’s great to chat with you. How is 2021 treating you so far?
Xaria Dotson – I’ve been doing very well recently, thank you! I’m taking in the new year one day at a time. So far it’s been wonderful to see how excited fans are for this upcoming season.
PopHorror – Yes!! At what age did you know you wanted to be an actress and why?
Xaria Dotson – Ever since I could walk and talk. I was always a bit of a melodramatic kid when playing pretend and making up stories. My parents would bring me to the sets of whatever local production they were working on at the time, so filmmaking became integrated into my life from an early age. My Dad was an actor in Portland and I’d sit in during his classes. He taught me everything I know. Eventually, I became involved in my school theatre during my early teens and I fell in love with it. Wardrobe, character creation, and community— that’s what set my passions in stone!
PopHorror – That’s awesome! How did the role of Evie come about for you in Crypt TV’s supernatural horror series The Birch?
Xaria Dotson – When I received the audition, I watched the original short and absolutely adored the idea of dark fantasy-horror. Evie seemed like such an intriguing character and I connected with her immediately. I gave it everything I had. The next thing I knew I was racing down to LA for a callback for the first time ever and eventually I was chatting away with Kate Krantz about a movie I had seen recently— It wasn’t until about half an hour into our conversation that she actually revealed that I was going to be Evie. I blanked. Completely. I can honestly say it was the most shocked I’d ever been in my life! I’ve loved this project from the very beginning and it’s been a privilege to work with this creative team.
PopHorror – Can you tell us about your character?
Xaria Dotson – Evie Grayson has been through the ringer. In season one, we saw her emulated by the Birch and eventually imprisoned by her possessive love. She’s experienced unimaginable losses and has suffered great consequences for her actions. Now she’s determined to fight against this evil and save anyone she can from the same fate. She’s desperate, but she’s choosing to be strong. She’s a young, creative soul who is simply searching for hope in a world that has grown rather dark around her. It’s quite admirable to see how she stands up against this seemingly all-powerful creature of the forest— that is what I appreciate so much about her arc and her story.
PopHorror – Could you relate to her at all?
Xaria Dotson – Some of her emotional trials and struggles were comparable to my own as a teenager. I’ve never battled any supernatural tree monsters of course, but I know what it’s like to experience loss and betrayal. We all have our own real-life monsters to face— whatever those may be, which is why I believe so many others may be able to relate to Evie’s hurt as well. It’s unifying in a way.
PopHorror – So True. Your character learns a lot about herself in season one and continues to grow in season 2. How did meeting Rory help develop and challenge your character even more so?
Xaria Dotson – Evie knows that the Birch’s “love” comes at a great cost. In an attempt to put a stop to everything, and hopefully find some redemption, she seeks Rory out to convince her that this “mother” is not what she seems. These two have parallel experiences, which makes for an interesting dynamic. However, this interaction may not play out exactly how either one of them expects…
PopHorror – What is your favorite thing about Season 2?
Xaria Dotson – This season, we have a wonderful ensemble cast of characters who will be seen fighting alongside (and maybe even against) Evie. There are new, thrilling variables at work along the way, it will definitely keep you guessing. I look forward to seeing our audience’s reactions!
PopHorror – So exciting! Do you think this season is going to be better than the first?
Xaria Dotson – I love our first season and I can assure you that season two takes everything to a whole new level. Prepare yourselves for a ton of twists and turns!
PopHorror – Heck yeah! Do you enjoy the horror genre and if so what is your favorite horror movie?
Xaria Dotson – I am in fact rather squeamish honestly. Blood and guts were my number one fear when I was little, even now I close my eyes during “scary” movies. Pretty ridiculous coming from someone who plays “Creepy Eve,” right? I’m a total nerd for psychological thrillers or unsolved murder documentaries though. But sign me up for any campy Halloween movie, I’m totally down to watch a Gremlin or vampire explode.
I’m also enamored with the artistic skill that goes into creature creation and classic practical effects. There’s something that feels so nostalgic about being surrounded by those tangible elements, it is a complete call back to all the movies I grew up with and it is probably one of my all-time favorite things about this genre.
PopHorror – Yes. It’s truly amazing! Any upcoming projects?
Xaria Dotson – Let’s just say I’m excited to see what’s in store for the future!
PopHorror – Thank you again for chatting with me and I hope everyone enjoys Season 2 just as much as we do. They’re in for a ride!
Tune-in: Season two of The Birch will drop weekly on Fridays starting March 26, 2021, at 3 pm PT only on Facebook Watch. The season finale for the ten-episode series is on May 28, 2021. All episodes will be available globally on The Birch and Crypt Monsters Facebook pages.
