Grae: Knowing I wanted to go into acting, I auditioned at SETC and found an interest in Marshall. Marshall would allow me to have an interest in both acting and costuming. Why did I choose Marshall? Honestly? The people were nice. That sounds ridiculous, I know, but when I came to visit, the atmosphere wasn’t tense, people were kind and encouraging. I had been to a few other college visits and the students made it very much “me against them”. But when I came and visited Marshall, the other students made you feel welcome. It already felt like a second family. Also when looking at a school to attend, I can’t stress this enough: go visit the school you are looking at and see their work! The year I was looking at Marshall, they were doing a show in their season that I wasn’t necessarily a fan of…. So naturally, I went to see it. The actors, the set, the lighting, and the costumes at Marshall completely changed my view on that show. Marshall had the ability to turn a show that I hated, into a show that I absolutely loved.
Ginny: What is your dream role/production to be a part of?
Grae: Emily in Our Town, Gary Coleman in Avenue Q or anything in Jim Leonard Jr. plays.
Ginny: If you could have any career, what would you choose?
Grae: Other than an actor… Cake Tester or a DJ.
Ginny: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of theatre?
Grae: Boxing, Pinterest, & playing Ukulele
Ginny: Where did you find a ukulele in Kentucky?!
Grae: I purchased a ukulele online! I wanted to learn SO badly I just Googled where to buy a cheap, decent uke and started to teach myself!
Ginny: And finally, where do you see yourself in ten years?
Grae: Oh wow, ten years? Hmm… Hopefully opening my own Children’s Theatre. Or on tour with a Children’s Theatre show. Just something involving Theatre for Young Audiences! Children are our future. There's no denying that. Theatre allows you to practice listening and understanding skills. You learn to engage with people who are different than yourself. Theatre teaches you to practice compassion. Children need to learn this. This world will be run by them in a few years and we need more willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate. And what better way to learn these valuable skills than through theatre?
With such a variety of interests and the desire to make the world a better place through a career in Theatre for Young Audiences, we’re excited to see what Grae will accomplish in the future. If you enjoyed Grae’s interview, add her as a contact in the Community!