Sunny Side Up Benefit Breakfast –Extra Servings with Erin Driscoll

Encore: When did you first start performing? Have you always loved the stage?

Erin: Professionally, I have been performing since college. But, I joined choir and did the school play as soon as my school let me. My parents have photos of me singing in front of the fireplace as a little girl, so yes, I could say that I always loved the stage.

Encore: What did you study in high school and college? Do you feel it’s important to major in theater or music if being a performer is what you want to do?

Erin: I studied voice privately while in high school and took drama and chorus. In college, I majored in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theater. I think learning all you can about the craft is important especially if you know you want to perform. However, a degree is not necessary. I have learned so much from just doing shows and working with other professionals.

Encore: Your voice is stunning. Did you ever plan to focus primarily on singing? Or did you always know you wanted to be involved in musical theater?

Erin: Awwww! Thank you! Well, I always knew I wanted to sing and theater was another place I could do it. But, as I have continued performing, I love new challenges. So, I want to get better at acting and dancing. I would love to do a play with no singing. I like to keep things interesting!

Encore: How did you first come to find out about Encore Stage & Studio? What made you come out to audition?

Erin: Great question. My mom saw an ad for auditions for West Side Story by a theater company called Act III, which is now Encore Stage and Studio. West Side Story is my favorite musical of all time so I had to go audition!

Encore: Obviously it was a good experience, if you came back to audition again. What made the experience so special?

Erin: Well, it helped that I got cast in such a great role! I have always wanted to play Maria so it was a dream come true. Then, I feel in love with the people both onstage and off! I loved being directed by Susan Keady! I am still in touch with the people today that did the show so many years ago.

Encore: Rejection is never an easy thing to experience no matter what age you are or how long you’ve been in the industry. Do you have any advice for aspiring actors who are frustrated about the process?

Erin: I am about to say all the things that people have shared with me about rejection but I warn you that it is still hard even with the advice. With that said, it is important to remember you will be rejected more times then you will hear good news. Most of the time…no almost all of the time, it has NOTHING to do with your talent! It is more about look and chemistry and what is in one persons brain as the ideal for the role. It is hard but an actor should not take it personally when they are rejected.

Encore: You have performed in front of some really big audiences. Don’t you ever get nervous? And how do you handle it?

Erin: Yes, I sometimes get nervous. Mostly I get nervous when I am not a hundred percent sure of my lines or blocking or something along those lines. I get nervous when my husband comes to see me in a show. His opinion is very important to me so I always worry when he is out there.

Encore: Favorite show you have ever done. And why?

Erin: My favorite show I have done, so far, is Urinetown at Signature Theater. The show itself is brilliant but I also think it was a magical group of people putting the together. We had so much fun. I think I could have run that show forever!

Encore: What is your favorite musical that you have never been a part of? And why?

Erin: Wow…that is hard. My favorite show that I have not been in happens to be several shows. I would LOVE to do Light in the Piazza, Legally Blonde, Wicked to name a few!

Encore: Is there an actor or actress who has really inspired you in your career? What makes them so successful?

Erin: There are many actors and actresses that inspire me with their performances but I think it was Barbara Streisand, whose voice and acting really inspired me to try to be a performer. I think not only is her voice one of kind and stellar but she is extremely intelligent and purposeful on stage and screen. Meryl Streep is another. Most because you believe anything and everything she says as any character she plays.