Tied in a Bow July 2016 | Page 173

How did you get started in your singing career?

My acting career started officially with the ABC television show "Nashville" in 2012.However for the last several years my daughter Mary-Grace gets the credit for my training. At five she sang in her school talent show. The elementary school was affiliated with Middle Tennessee State University. "Campus School" was a teaching facility that sent university students over to do their required student teaching. After Mary-Grace performed several times at school teachers recognized her talent/ abilities so her music teacher informed us of auditions that the university was holding. Mary-Grace auditioned for "The Sound of Music" for the role of Louisa. It required singing memorizing lines and choreography. She got the part and was later asked to audition for "Ragtime" She auditioned for the part of a Jewish immigrant's daughter and she also got that part! The casting director for these shows and local Theater shows would see me waiting for Mary-Grace's rehearsal to be done and ask me, "Hey Mom we need you to play the role of.... And you can just fill in the blank. So I've had many hours of rehearsal thanks to Mary-Grace! She also attended vocal lessons that I also say in on.

Did you receive any special training or go to any schools?

Special training at the start came in the form of working as a background actress. The most recent "The Big Short" for film and shows like NCIS LA and New Orleans, Scandal, and a mini-series called Astronaut Wives Club have given me insight in front of the camera as well as behind the camera. Current training includes acting classes with the Fringe in LA and also with Talent INC. I'm an avid reader specializing in entertainment stories about both sides of the camera. I stay caught up with industry reports and journals such as Hollywood Reporter.

Did you have the support of your family and friends in this endeavor or did you go it alone?

My family has always supported my goals. I have a B.S. in Marketing and a minor in Management. I have great friends and family who support me and some have even written with me. I have a couple of screenplays I'm working on.

Can you describe the creative approach you take when writing?

My inspiration for writing comes from a combination of real life experience and a love of comedy and shows with meaning or a lesson. Being a Mother of two girls we always had a lot of Disney. I think we own every VHS released by Disney all animation from 1992-2007! These shows have influenced my writing in that I love shows with Comedy family friendly with a positive message. These are what I want to act in and if I'm writing that's the type of show I want to be affiliated with. I like a show that has something for all ages with a happy ending.

What is your favorite movie or television show and why?

5.) My favorite movie is "It's A Wonderful Life" I love it because it's a story of life. the love of family and friends and never give up because the rewards are great if we don't give up! I love the larger than life characters in the film! "James Stewart" is the star but every other character from Mr. Potter played by Lionel Barrymore to

Annie the house keeper played by Lillian Randolph is so epic! Let's not forget Violet played by Jeanine Ann Roose she loves the boys! The beautiful Donna Reed who played adult Mary and flirty adult Violet played by Gloria Grahame. This movie makes me laugh, cry, has many life lessons with a Happy Ending. These are the type movies I want to act in and these are the type of shows I want to write/ produce.

What has been the high point of your career so far and how did you feel about it?

My career highlight would be working on big box office releases with people I grew up watching. That is just amazing to me! Also just being eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild as of last week is amazing for me as well!

Describe your philosophy behind your acting and what drives your passion?

I want to act in quality entertainment and be a spokesperson for an up and coming business. I want to work as an actress on quality shows with a message that include comedy. Laughter cures a lot of problems. I want to be in a show that has empowering uplifting stories or love stories and comedy!

Do you have any other passion you pursue, like community efforts?

I'm a dog lover and have always had a passion for animals. I have a dog and a cat and support my local Rescue Shelter called Paws.

Any big surprises coming up in your future our readers would like to know about?

Yes, I'm going to be involved in a new and up and coming rescue project for dogs. It connects dogs with new homes. It keeps them alive. Dog Co Pilot. Also, I want to thank Tied in a Bow for this interview and my friend John Mathis for this opportunity!

173