Unveiling the Enchanting World of Dimension 20: Exploring Burrow's End & Fantasy High Junior Year with Siobhan Thompson

Summary

Burrow's End is the twentieth season of Dimension 20, featuring a thrilling side quest with a family of stoats in the Blue Forest.

Siobhan Thompson's portrayal of Jaysohn adds a delightful and whimsical element to the season, juxtaposed with compelling obstacles.

The bonds between Jason and Lila, as well as Jet and Ruby, present captivating narratives that delve into the intricacies of childhood dynamics.

Burrow's End, the latest addition to Dimension 20, offers a captivating side quest that doubles as the twentieth season. This new season delves into the lives of a stoat family residing in the enchanting Blue Forest. When a devastating event forces them to abandon their home, their survival in the perilous woods hinges on their unity and resourcefulness. Within the unfolding narrative, the mysterious power lurking in the depths of the forest gradually unravels.

Guiding this enthralling journey is Aabria, the skilled Game Master, alongside a talented ensemble cast of long-standing Dimension 20 members such as Brennan Lee Mulligan, Siobhan Thompson, Erika Ishii, and Isabella Roland. Adding a fresh dynamic to the story, newcomers Jasper William Cartwright and Rashawn Nadine Scott also make their mark. Brace yourself for a thrilling ten-episode adventure with Burrow's End.

Our website spoke with Siobhan Thompson about Dimension 20's new season, Burrow's End. In an intriguing revelation, Thompson shared that Jaysohn was initially conceived as Peter Rabbit, offering an alternative dynamic to Neverafter and the family dynamic at the table. Moreover, Thompson delved into the world of Fantasy High: Junior Year, enticing us with the promise of an outrageously comical season while elucidating the distinctions between the Stupendous Stoats and Intrepid Heroes tables.

Siobhan Thompson On Dimension 20: Burrow's End

Our website: I love Dimension 20. It is one of my favorite shows and this season is both hilarious and terrifying. So it's a great combo.

Siobhan Thompson: I feel like the most dramatic season that we've done, but it's still funny. There's still silly, funny, goofy bits.

Especially Jaysohn.

Siobhan Thompson: True, Jaysohn can be quite silly. However, what sets us apart is that our comedy is primarily character-driven rather than relying on brief comedic moments.

Could you discuss how you go about creating characters and what aspects of Jaysohn's character you were eager to explore that you haven't had the opportunity to with previous characters?

Siobhan Thompson: I wanted to create a character with a martial background, so I came up with the concept of Neverafter. For my character pitch, I suggested both Sleeping Beauty and Peter Rabbit, with a Harengon Monk build. Ultimately, it made more sense for me to play Sleeping Beauty in the campaign, given the other characters that were chosen. However, I still had hopes of experiencing the fun of playing Neverafter. Then Aabria approached me and asked if I was interested in a season that had a Watership Down-like theme. Without hesitation, I eagerly said yes and already knew exactly what I wanted to do. I felt like I had beaten the system!

The dynamic between Izzy and me is one of my favorite aspects of the first two episodes. Did we plan it in advance or did it happen naturally?

Siobhan Thompson: Absolutely. We always begin with a session zero where we engage in play without the cameras rolling. In our session zero, we did engage in some playful banter where we naturally fell into the pattern of two extremely energetic eight-year-olds talking over each other. It was immensely enjoyable to mirror her conversations with adults by saying the same things in a slightly different manner. This playful dynamic was simply delightful and provided us with a great deal of amusement.

I adore it. The way you both instantly launched into a playful attack was absolutely perfect.

Siobhan Thompson: Yes, indeed. My eight-year-old sibling is an absolute powerhouse. I hold immense affection for him. However, it is undeniable that he possesses an abundance of untapped energy. Wrestling seems to be his perpetual fascination. It never fails to amuse me. I'm oldQ

Can you discuss the contrast between Jason and Lila's sibling relationship and Jet and Ruby's relationship?

Siobhan Thompson: Sure, it's interesting how I ended up playing two twins without intending to. Jet and Ruby, although not adults, see themselves as more grown up than they actually are. This is a significant difference compared to being 8-9 years old, which I consider to be the final years of childhood before entering the tween stage. It's a period where you still have a sense of innocence and can freely be yourself without worrying about how others perceive you. Playing this dynamic is really enjoyable.

Playing siblings is always a joy because there is already a well-established backstory between them. These two children experienced the loss of their father during a significant time in their lives, a memory that lingers, yet they have also lived a considerable amount of time without him. This unique circumstance affects their dynamic, as they constantly vie for attention due to their young age, but also deeply care for each other, understanding the pain they have both endured. The sibling relationship is incredibly complex and profound.

Siobhan Thompson: Playing at this table was incredibly enjoyable, particularly because we could effortlessly convey messages without explicitly communicating. It was a delightful experience to exchange small gifts with each other and quickly adapt to the spontaneous storyline. I absolutely adored it; it was a truly fantastic time.

Now, could you please share your thoughts on the contrasting DM styles of Aabria and Brennan? I'm curious since you frequently play with Brennan as your game master.

Siobhan Thompson finds it difficult to pinpoint exactly how Brennan and her character differ in their approach, as both performances are so immersive that she becomes fully absorbed in the role. She enjoys the unique energy of playing at someone else's table and does not have the analytical ability to dissect their differences. Siobhan only has positive feedback for both Brennan and the character he portrays, expressing that they are excellent and wonderful. She is particularly interested in discussing her experience playing alongside Brennan, especially considering his role as her mother in this season.

Siobhan Thompson: Yeah, I've had the opportunity to play with Brennan a few times as a player, and it's always been quite fascinating. One thing that I found amusing about him is that he tends to optimize his player characters in a way that is mind-boggling. However, this season, he deliberately chose not to do that and instead created a character with less-than-ideal stats for her class.

And well, she's putting in a lot of effort, but she's also incredibly exhausted. She's genuinely doing her best, but who knows. I really enjoy playing with Brennan. I feel incredibly fortunate in this role because everyone is just so talented that I never have to worry about anyone. I'm never irritated by anyone else at the table. Having had a lot of experience in comedy and improv comedy, I often felt like we were struggling with communication and not doing a good job.

It seems like we're exchanging gifts, but neither of us are acknowledging or appreciating them. What are we even accomplishing? Thankfully, whenever I'm at the Dimension 20 table, I never have to worry about this. Everyone there is a remarkably generous improviser. Brennan, in particular, portrayed a lovely, tender, and melancholic mother – it was incredibly endearing to watch. Meanwhile, you all consistently put his character in tumultuous situations, like when you jumped into a bear.

Siobhan Thompson is determined to conquer the immense rock before her. It is an irresistible urge that she cannot resist. The correlation between highly anxious parents and their exceptionally courageous children seems like a divine blessing from the devil himself. The allure of such a challenge is simply undeniable.

Jaysohn really steps up in both episodes, leading his family away from danger and immediately jumping into danger to save his grandmother. It's fascinating to explore the bravery and heroism in this character, especially considering he's just an eight-year-old. I find that this specific type of eight-year-old is incredibly fearless, unaware of their mortality and not concerned with analyzing the consequences of their actions. They simply act to help others, believing in their own capabilities. It's both adorable and endearing. Additionally, eight-year-olds have a strong sense of justice, seeing things in black and white, which adds to the enjoyment of portraying this character and I hope it resonates with viewers.

When I was eight years old, I vividly recall my fascination with gruesome fairy tales. However, I preferred the versions with a heroic ending instead of the gory ones. In my ideal version, the wicked individuals would be confined in a barrel filled with nails and sent rolling down a hill as a consequence for their misdeeds. As an adult, I have come to realize that life isn't always so black and white. There are often complexities and reasons behind people's actions, even if they are doing harm to others. Perhaps they were once victims themselves and deserve understanding and compassion. But as an eight-year-old, I didn't bother with such nuances. My perspective was simple: punish the wicked without remorse. I confess, it was an exhilarating fantasy to entertain. Additionally, I believe we often underestimate the abilities of eight-year-olds. They possess incredible reflexes, agility, and a knack for physical activities. It's possible that if given the chance, they could astonish us even more than they currently do in our society.

I agree with you. Yesterday, I experienced a haunted house and while my friend's nine-year-old was unaffected, I was absolutely terrified. The set design of the haunted house was truly exceptional, especially the shadow puppet animation featuring a bear. How has that been?

Siobhan Thompson: It's absolutely incredible how well they conceal it. We had no prior knowledge that a full-on puppet animation was about to unfold. It began with a serene blue ambiance and then suddenly transformed into a complete movie playing right behind us. The element of surprise is perfectly executed. The meticulousness behind their work is truly impressive. We have no clue what awaits us inside that dome, as everything is carefully guarded. Every season, they manage to surpass themselves, leaving me in awe. And let me tell you, this bear is hands down the most repulsive thing I've ever encountered. It was disgustingly realistic, and I couldn't resist touching it.

Can you provide a summary of the email that Aabria sent to you all?

Siobhan Thompson: Yeah, well, it was actually a heads-up. This happened before we began playing because I believe a few of the battle maps had already been mentioned, and it was something Aabria was particularly interested in. So when she invited us to join, she made sure to inform us that it would involve gruesome and graphic content.

It was gnarly. I don't know how you guys did that. I had to pause and walk away for a second.

Siobhan Thompson: Oh yeah, I bet.

That was insane. And then we have Fantasy High: Junior Year coming back, which I'm very excited for.

Siobhan Thompson: I feel the same way. I can't wait for you all to watch it. The filming experience was truly enjoyable. This season is filled with lightheartedness and humor, creating a delightful and silly atmosphere throughout.

Siobhan Thompson: Yeah, we had a blast working on it. We took our time to ensure that the story and ideas were just right. It was a truly enjoyable experience. The game introduced some exciting new mechanics, and the battles were incredibly clever and enjoyable to participate in. They were especially memorable. I don't want to give away any specific details because our Dimension 20 fans are incredibly observant. Overall, I believe it's fantastic. The production process was a lot of fun, and that's what I can attest to.

I have no doubt that it will be excellent. Fantasy High has always been outstanding. It was one of the early shows I discovered when I first got into Dimension 20, and it immediately hooked me.

Siobhan Thompson reflects on the early days of recording the first season, unsure of its success. Walking out of the old College Humor building late at night, they couldn't help but wonder if they were onto something special. With years of experience behind them, they began to sense that this could be one of their standout seasons. Moving on, the interviewer acknowledges that the show has now reached its 20th season and asks for their thoughts on this milestone.

Siobhan Thompson finds it astonishing that Brennan is not given enough rest despite being the hardest working man in show business. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of it and considers herself fortunate. As an actor, Siobhan no longer has to go through the annoyance of auditions because she mainly focuses on writing and fulfilling her acting needs on Dimension 20. This freedom allows her to portray diverse characters, ranging from an heiress to an eight-year-old boy. She appreciates the fact that she is allowed to do whatever she wants, even touch the bear.

I find it really cool how mental health is explored through Adaine, while on the opposite end, Jaysohn's antics of "Watch me jump off a rock" only to get beaten up by his sister is absolutely perfect.

Siobhan Thompson: Fun is something I always strive for. Even in more serious stories like Burrow's End, I believe as long as we're enjoying ourselves at the table. Fun doesn't always have to mean... there are definitely serious moments in Burrow's End, but playing those serious moments is still enjoyable. As long as we're having fun, I think it's entertaining to watch. That's always my goal - to ensure it's going to be fun. Whether it's for six, ten, or twenty episodes, it's all about having a good time.

Having ADHD can actually be advantageous in a peculiar way. One of these advantages is the ability to easily experience boredom, which is something I personally grapple with. This means that as long as I am not finding myself bored, it is highly likely that I am not boring those around me. It's an unusual yet useful litmus test.

Siobhan Thompson finds that adding another element of flavor to her storytelling is like a useful tool, almost like a divining rod. And it's yielding positive results.

Siobhan Thompson: Thank you so much. I truly appreciate all the support. And I sincerely hope that this amazing journey continues for years to come. This project surpasses all my other work by leaps and bounds. It brings me immense joy and is far more enjoyable than anything else I have done. Transitioning from the meticulous process of crafting a story in a writers room, which takes anywhere from two weeks to two months, to the exhilarating experience of creating an equal or even greater amount of story in just two hours at Dimension 20 is truly mind-boggling. It's a bizarre and thrilling contrast.

Can you discuss playing with a familiar team like the Intrepid Heroes versus the Stupendous Stoats? It's a group of people you've played with before, but there are some new additions to the team.

Siobhan Thompson: Yeah, it was a refreshing change. It felt like we were back in our theater days. I mentioned this in a previous interview, but it truly felt like we were putting on a play in a way that previous seasons haven't. We had to work quickly due to someone testing positive for COVID, so we shot the entire thing in just 10 days. As a result, we all went above and beyond with our hair, makeup, and wardrobe, more so than we usually do during Intrepid Heroes seasons.

It felt more like a school play, and it was the highlight of my year. The performances were delightful, and everyone was so reliable that they could be trusted to catch you. Unlike in Intrepid Heroes seasons, where we tend to tease each other both on and off camera. We can be quite cruel to one another.

Especially poor Murph, who enjoys being roasted. He dishes it out as well. There were more witty remarks in the Intrepid Heroes seasons. Perhaps it's because we were portraying a family, so the atmosphere was supportive. Everyone made sure to check in with each other, which was really heartwarming.

Siobhan Thompson: Every aspect of this season was enjoyable, but I found the dynamic between Jaysohn and his grandma to be particularly delightful. It took me by surprise, as I hadn't given it much thought before. I grew up with only one grandmother, who never showed any favoritism or made it known if she had any favorites. She always expressed her love for all her grandchildren equally. So, it was incredibly fun to portray a grandmother who saw winning my character's affection as a competition, and made it very evident.

Erika, playing the role of the grandmother, delivers a stunning combination of comedy and fright that is simply outstanding.

Siobhan Thompson: They absolutely nailed it. While she can be incredibly generous and grant your every wish if she favors you, you should be extremely cautious not to anger her even in the slightest. Because if you do, the consequences can be severe. You'll find yourself in deep trouble, experiencing the wrath of an extremely upset grandma.

Siobhan Thompson was incredibly impressed with Rashawn and Jasper's performance in the dome. Both of them brought a great deal of depth to their characters and showcased their incredible intuition as actors. Their extensive training in theater added a valuable level of expertise to the team, which was predominantly made up of improvisational actors. Having their knowledge and experience at the table was a refreshing and beneficial addition.

I'm not sure if there's a specific moment when that happened, but it was evident in both of their performances. They both fearlessly embraced their roles and delivered brave performances. I vividly remember instances where they said things that I would never have the courage to say. It really made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, and as an actor myself, I can't help but admire their talent. These actors truly are amazing. This season is fantastic. I've already watched both episodes twice.

Siobhan Thompson: Oh, fantastic! And it only keeps getting better. Honestly, Aabria's storytelling for this season is absolutely virtuosic. Her talent is just remarkable. I can't wait to have the opportunity to be seated at one of her tables again, fingers crossed, God willing. The story she has woven is truly a work of art. I'm incredibly excited, and from what I've gathered through discreet observation, people have made some impressive guesses, but ultimately, no one has any idea what is about to unfold. You are completely clueless about what's in store.

Jaysohn's remark, "All of my friends are dead," in episode 2 and how he swiftly moved on from it, was undoubtedly the highlight of the season for me.

Siobhan Thompson also acknowledged the presence of darkness in this particular scene. As an actor, it was incredibly enjoyable to explore that aspect of the character. Additionally, Jaysohn's childlike perspective, where he wholeheartedly embraces his current situation as the norm, added another layer of fascination. It was a delightful challenge to embody both of these contrasting truths simultaneously.

I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Jaysohn this season as they've become my favorite character.

Siobhan Thompson: It was such a blast portraying a mischievous character. I particularly enjoy being a part of the Intrepid Heroes, although there are quite a few chaotic players at the table, which often puts me in the role of the voice of reason. We all have our moments of chaos, but I find myself and Murph trying to keep everyone grounded and calm. It's been enjoyable. When going into these side quests, I always ask myself, how can I embody a goblin?

Thank you for sparing your time to chat with me. As I mentioned earlier, you guys are absolutely amazing at this. I cannot contain my excitement for more Burrow's End and Fantasy High: Junior Year. Every aspect of it makes me thrilled!

Siobhan Thompson: Hey, as long as you all continue to watch, we'll keep producing content. Brennan is currently trapped in a dungeon, unable to reunite with his friends.

I'm unsure about Brennan's way of functioning.

Siobhan Thompson: None of us have any insight into it. None of us have any insight into it. I am concerned about him, but he appears to be content. Therefore, I don't know. Personally, I believe I am lazier and less willing to exert such effort, but it's commendable that he does.

Yeah, I agree. Just let him continue until he can’t.

Siobhan Thompson: Let him cook. Let the boy cook.

About Dimension 20: Burrow's End

In the Blue Forest, a family of stoats consisting of matriarch Ava, adult sisters Tula and Viola, Viola's husband Thorn Vale, and Tula's children Jaysohn and Lila, face various threats to their once tranquil life in Burrow's End. Don't forget to read our interview with Aabria Iyengar about Dimension 20's Burrow's End, and stay tuned for a new interview next week!

The first two episodes of Dimension 20's Burrow's End are available now on Dropout with new episodes debuting every Wednesday.

Source: Our website Plus