Tell us about your upcoming project(s). I’m currently performing the role of Amber Von Tussle in a production of Hairspray in Reno, Nevada.
You’ve been busy since you graduated; tell us about your other projects and what you’ve learned. When I finished class, I moved to New York to jump feet first in pursuing more musical theater opportunities. After a short month of auditioning in the city I was cast in the national tour of Hairspray (which is a situation I had used in preparation for an activity during class), and left almost immediately. It was such an unbelievable opportunity and growing experience being able to tour the country, and even China, getting paid to do something I love. Since the tour, I’ve spent time both in and out of the city, working and not working, but all the time learning and growing artistically and professionally. Even in periods when I wasn’t performing, I was able to work and grow with the tools ingrained in me from class.

The Training

Sanford Meisner: was a very smart man. He created a technique that could create anything inside us. Jim Jarrett taught us the purest form of that.

The #1 thing I learned in class was: To know why.

The best advice I can give current students at the Meisner Technique Studio is: Work as hard as you can, stretch your limits, and then work harder.

The #1 thing I’ve learned since graduating: is to paint my own picture of what I want my artistic career to be.

The biggest adjustment since I graduated: has been figuring out exactly what I want that artistic career to look like.

The hardest adjustment since I graduated: <-- See above.

The #1 thing I miss about being in class is: the unbelievable support and inspiration from simply sitting in a classroom. A classroom full of directors, of actors, of writers, that are truly listening, cheering, and supporting you in your growth and triumph. Can’t beat it.

The #1 thing I don’t miss about being in class is: waiting my turn to be able to get up and work/play again.

Jim said this over and over but I never realized how true it was until I got out and into the real world was: It TRULY takes 20 years to become an actor!

The Business

The Business of Your Dream class was: priceless. Soak in every word of it.

The # 1 thing I took from it was: to know your strengths and talents, and stand by them proudly.

Getting an agent: should be just as much them getting you, as you getting them.

One year from now: I will be confident in exactly what it is I want and I will be with an agent that knows and understands exactly who I am and what I’m striving for.

Five years from now: We’re currently in rewrites…

The best thing about where you are in your dream is: That I’ve only just begun.

The worst thing about where you are in your dream is: I am only as strong as my weakest link and I’m not being challenged in the way that I want and should be. Time for change.

The #1 thing I wish directors knew about working with actors: is to not begin with a preconceived picture of how things should come out, but to just trust in the talent of their actors.

You

If I could work with any actor, it would be: Ooooh, so many. How about Harrison Ford…I’ve just been watching the Indiana Jones movies I used to watch with my dad.

If I could re-cast a Hollywood movie role with myself, it would be: Helen Sharp, opposite Meryl Streep in Death Becomes Her. Yes please!

My greatest influence(s): So many things and people have colored who I am in so many ways. I am in complete awe of the unbelievable amount of love my mother has to give, I’m constantly amazed at how strong my father is, I never cease to be inspired and rejuvenated by the teachings and encouragement of Jim Jarrett, and simply chatting with my Nana reminds me that the glass is always half full.

I first knew I wanted to be an actor: …I can’t remember. I have always known that I needed to be an actor.
I’ll always be: my own biggest obstacle and toughest critic.

My mother: is my hero. She is magic.

My father: is Superman.

My #1 problem is: not knowing my exact mission as an actor. It’s a challenge to know what steps I need to take when I’m not 100% sure where I want to end up. …It’s all a journey.

I wish: for my voice to be heard loud and clear. To be seen for all that I am, and to inspire people in some way.

I wish Jim had told me: Jim has equipped me with all the tools I need to be able to take myself in the directions, artistically and professionally, that I want and need to go. If there is ever a time where I need his words and teachings, I know I can simply pick up a phone or write a short email and he’ll help to guide and teach me in whatever way he can.

I wish somebody had told me: …lots of things, probably. I’m still growing and learning every single day. I’m gonna need some help when I hit those rough spots.

Someday I’m going to: really truly surprise myself.

My favorite actor: eek…I can’t just give you one, there are quite a few great actors that pop into my head…next question.

My favorite film: The most recent favorite I’ve watched was Shutter Island, but there are too many great movies I love to just have one favorite.

My favorite book: Right now? The Help. Ever? The Giving Tree.

When I get overwhelmed: I play the ukulele.

The biggest waste: is time. What’s there to wait for? Start now.

If I were not an actor: I’d be teaching.

Courage: is crucial.

I’ll never: stop growing.

Is there anything else you’d like to say? I’d like to thank each member of my largely growing Meisner family. You continue to inspire and push me everyday. The work that is created and shared amongst everyone fuels me greatly even across the miles. It is what keeps me going and in those times when I’ve wanted to give up and find an easier career with a straight path, it is that energy that has pushed me to keep going. It’s truly an honor to be a part of this family. I couldn’t ask for a more courageous, inspiring, dedicated group of people to look to for inspiration. Thank you.

The Meisner Technique Studio would like to thank Aubrey Mae for taking time to share with us and with all of you. We wish her all the very best.