The Secret Circle interview: Stepfanie Kramer previews the intimidating Kate Meade

The Secret Circle — The CW’s freshman series which follows Cassie Blake, who finds out she’s a witch after her mother dies and she’s relegated to move to Chance Harbor — returns from its midseason hiatus tomorrow night with all new episodes.

Previously on The Secret Circle, the audience (and new series regular Jake) found out that Cassie has a sibling in the circle of Chance Harbor witches — but whom is it? We’re not quite sure, but the series is introducing a new guest character Kate Meade who may or may not know something about the other Blake/Blackwell/Balcoin brother or sister. Kate is Charles’ (Gale Harold) mother and a Chance Harbor Elder, like Cassie’s grandmother, one of the witches who stripped the current adults’ powers after the ever-secretive boathouse fire. Kate Meade is played by Stepfanie Kramer.

We reached out to Ms. Kramer and she was nice enough to get back in contact with us for this short interview in which she hints at Kate Meade’s ulterior motives and her intimidating persona.

NoWhiteNoise | You play Kate Meade, one of The Secret Circle Elders that you previously described as “calculating.” It’s been hinted that the Elders don’t really know much about the boathouse fire, but is it safe to assume Kate has a hidden agenda?
Stepfanie Kramer | Yes it’s safe to say that Kate definitely has a hidden agenda.

NWN | Pictures were released recently of Kate having dinner with Dawn (Natasha Henstridge) and Charles (Gale Harold) that seem intense just from the stills. What can you tell us about the scene?
SK | The circumstances have created an under current of tension, which is evident in the pictures. I guess sometimes family dinners can be a bit tense.

NWN | Gale Harold’s Charles has been quite intimidating in the series thus far; as his mother, does Kate Meade put him in his place?
SK | Well now… we have all heard the old adage… “always listen to your mother”.

NWN | How was it playing off the rest of the cast?
SK | The cast is terrific. Truly a lovely group to work with.

NWN | Unfortunately Kate Meade isn’t a recurring character (though people already want her to be!) but to your knowledge are her actions, or the information she brings, going to shape the new arc in this second half of the season?
SK | Yes there is talk of my role becoming recurring which of course would be nice. Some fans have even begun a petition in support of this idea. I think that Kate’s actions could change a few things.

NWN | If not working on The Secret Circle in the future, what else can we expect from you?
SK | I have a feature film that I’ve co written with David Chisholm, which has a fabulous producer and lead actress attached. We are looking forward to that project. In addition I am collaborating on a collection of short stories with another author, Jann Arrington Wolcott. I’m also hoping to have another cabaret evening written and on it’s feet by summer… if I can find the time!

Stepfanie Kramer will make her Secret Circle appearance as Kate Meade during tomorrow night January 5th’s episode “Darkness” at 9/8c on The CW.