What do you love about your life right now?
I love that I am entering a new chapter of my life. I am coming out of my twenties and into my thirties this past year, and I am hoping to use my experiences up until now to my advantage. I want to continue acting and building stronger more flawed female characters. As women, we are all flawed and strong in so many ways, and I want to celebrate those qualities that all of us as women have inside of us and showcase that those flaws and strengths that make us all beautiful.How long have you been acting?
Almost ten years.
Was there anybody that inspired you to act?
So many. One of the women that inspired me growing up was Lucille Ball. I loved watching I Love Lucy growing up. Lucy was such a dynamic and full female character that never took no as an answer.
What are the joys of acting?
For me, the biggest joy of acting has been knowing that for a small amount of time I can make someone forget their troubles and worries of their lives. When I was a child and even now going to the movies and watching TV made me forget all of the things in my life that I could not control even if it was just for a few seconds at a time. I also found comfort in the characters I was watching in those shows, movies, and performances because they helped me realize that not only was I not alone, but that there are people out in the world like me.
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| Jennifer with Adam Cook and Laurie and Shaw in Inspector Hound. |
Any challenges?
Yes, my weight has always been a challenge for me. Earlier in my twenties and early in my acting life I actually had an acting coach tell me the only roles I would ever play would be poor white trash because of my weight and my southern accent. I have time and time again proven that person wrong and myself. It has never been easy but, I fight for every role I have ever gotten, and I have been able to succeed and continue to push and surprise myself with every role I get.
You were recently in the play Steel Magnolias as Truvy, what did you enjoy about portraying her on stage?
I love that she is the type of woman I have always wanted to be. She is beautiful inside and out. She loves everyone she comes in contact with and she is larger than life character. She is a smart and savvy businesswoman and gives of herself freely.
What was your favorite scene in the play?
My favorite scene is the opening scene of the show. This is the scene when I feel like Truvy shines. She meets Annelle and bonds with her immediately. We get to see the dynamic between Truvy and every other person in the play and we get to see her fun loving personality shine through.
Do you see yourself in each character that you play, and if so, how?
Always, I do not have one specific acting method that I subscribe to and follow, so I always feel that every character I play is me because I initially approach all of my characters with the question of “what would I do if this were my life?’ And I build and grow from there.
Tell me three fun facts about you.
I love to cook. I am obsessed with makeup, and I am a doggy mom.
What are you currently working on now? Any plays?
I am currently working on getting my YouTube channel off the ground. I am hoping to have it up and running on a consistent basis within the next couple of months. I want to blend my love of makeup and theatre together for others to enjoy as much as I do.
I’m currently portraying Masha in The Notebook of Trigorin at Dalton Little Theatre.
Tell me a little bit about the role you’re playing as Masha and what you like about portraying her on stage.
I love playing Masha because I feel she is real. Masha is very intelligent, but she is a slave to her own emotions and short-sidedness.
What are the dates of the play?
September 7- 9 and September 13-15 at Dalton Little Theatre.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My boyfriend, close friends, and the acting community I have been so fortunate to become a part of.
Where do see yourself in five years?
I see myself happy. That is not to say I am unhappy now. I just think far too often we focus on the wrong aspects of life or the things we have yet to accomplish to fulfill us and forget to find happiness in everyday life. It also does not hurt to mention that in five years I hope to be acting and maybe even getting paid to do so.
In one word, describe yourself.
Passionate
Lastly, I share motivational and inspirational quotes with my readers, do you have one you can share?
“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever” by Walt Disney.
Jennifer will be on stage at Dalton Little Theatre in The Notebook of Trigorin starting this weekend on Friday, September 7-Sunday, September 9 then Thursday, September – Saturday, September 15. For tickets, click here
Please follow her on IG Jennbryant07