WESTMINSTER, CA - With a resume including roles in iconic titles such as The Wedding Singer, A Christmas Carol, and Bullets Over Broadway, Holly Griffin couldn't contain herself when talking about how excited she is to be joining the Rose Center Theater's production of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, doubling as Queen Victoria and a member of the ensemble.
Excerpts from our chat:
What attracted you to being an actor/performer? I started singing at a young age. When my parents introduced me to old movie musicals, I was hooked! I wanted to be like the women I saw on the screen, so I started performing!
What accomplishment as an actor are you most proud of? Learning how to walk away from an audition/performance with positive vibes. It is so easy to give in to that little voice over your shoulder reminding you of your mistakes. It took a while, but I finally learned how to tell that voice to shut up! It’s important to celebrate the positives no matter how small.
How do you prepare for an audition? Any audition advice you can give to other actors? I contact my vocal coach IMMEDIATELY. We discuss song choice as well as acting choices. My advice is stay calm, auditions can be thrown off quickly once you get in your head.
What do you find to be the most frustrating part of being a performer? Auditions and the casting process.
How do you handle rejection? Treat yourself! I’ll have that extra piece of candy or drink I’ve been craving.
Anything motivate you to keep performing? Making others happy. It’s super rewarding when you hear that you have made a difference in someone’s day. We forget that this is an escape for some people. If I can create the same feeling for someone that I experience when I see theater, I’ve done my job.
Do you have a dream role or show? Everyone hates this answer...CATS! The music, the costumes...I’ve been obsessed for years!
What is your process like in preparing for a role? It really depends on the role. I’ll try to pull from my own life experiences to get me in the mood of the character. If it’s a period piece I’ll do some research on the time period it is set in. Nothing too out of the ordinary.
Do you think that training for a performer is important? Soooooo important! I don’t know where I would be without my vocal coach. I also recommend that every actor take dance at least once a week to be comfortable in your body so that you are prepared to pick up a dance combination quickly.
What is the most fun role you’ve ever played? Judy in A Chorus Line. Best experience overall! The cast was amazing, the show was amazing, it was like a dream.
What is the hardest role you’ve ever played? Any show with tap dancing involved! I’m not the best tap dancer so I always have to work extra hard when I am put in a tap number, my brain just doesn’t work that way.
Do you have a favorite actor? Stephanie J Block and Shirley Jones. No words are needed to describe those two for me
What is a fun fact about you that people wouldn’t be aware of? Oh gosh, I’m older than I look? Haha it pays to look young!
Any advice to other actors or aspiring performers? Don’t let anyone dim your sparkle. It’s a tough industry and you don’t need the haters chirping in your ears. Know your worth, and be proud of it!
