Interview
Catherine Williamson
Bay Area Musical Theater Performer
I have been reviewing musicals and
plays since 2003. I've heard many great singers, I've heard even more
bad singers, but only three times have I heard a voice so beautiful
and enthralling that I find myself completely blown away.
Catherine
Williamson is one of those. I first saw Catherine in December 2012
when she played the Ghost of Christmas past in Curtain Call Theatre's
production of A Christmas Carol. The second she sang her third note,
I was floored!
I quickly got a
hold of her, we became online friends, and she agreed to someday sit
down for an interview as soon as she had something to promote. It
took an entire year, but the time finally came as she will be
starring in Tri-Valley Rep's production of The Drowsy Chaperone
opening January 24th.
It was very well
worth the wait, because she's a great interview, very insightful,
animated, and full of spunk. Not only that, but very smart and
professional. She knows where she wants her life to go which is
pretty rare for most 23 year olds. I have no doubts that a Broadway
marquee will someday be flashing with her name on it. Here's the
interview...
Ms - How long have you been in musical theatre?
Cw – Oh gosh, I started in musical theater back in 2001/2002. I went to Bancroft Middle School (San Leandro), and was a very shy sixth grader. My sister was in eighth grade, I didn't have many friends so I hung out with her and her friends all the time, and that really bothered her. I wasn't cool like she was, but I've always been a singer. So by the time the musical auditions began in January, she wanted me to make my own friends and said, “Catherine, why don't you audition for the musical?” So I did, the musical was Once Upon A Mattress, and I was in the ensemble. I ended having so much fun that I went and auditioned again the following year for The Sound of Music. I was Brigitta, and I had a bunch of lines that I had to memorize which was ridiculous! That was also the year I began dancing by taking ballet at the Conservatory of Classical Ballet. And it all basically took off from there. I continued to do it in High School and began to get more and more passionate about it.
Ms - So the love of theater performing as opposed to just doing it for fun eventually caught up to you?
Cw – Ya, it was around the time I was a freshman in High School. Between ballet, choir, and also playing the trumpet, I was an overachiever in the performing arts. I did everything I could.
Ms - Sure doesn't sound like a shy person to me!
Cw – Not anymore (giggling), I feel like after the seventh & eighth grade when I started to perform more and was exposed to crowds, I became a lot less shy. I find that I prefer to perform in front of bigger crowds now. It's funny, When I was a freshman in HS, my parents asked me to pick between dance and theater, there just wasn't enough time to do both. And at that point dancing was the direction I wanted to go. But right before the audition for the musical, I injured my ankle and had to stop dancing.
Ms - How long have you been in musical theatre?
Cw – Oh gosh, I started in musical theater back in 2001/2002. I went to Bancroft Middle School (San Leandro), and was a very shy sixth grader. My sister was in eighth grade, I didn't have many friends so I hung out with her and her friends all the time, and that really bothered her. I wasn't cool like she was, but I've always been a singer. So by the time the musical auditions began in January, she wanted me to make my own friends and said, “Catherine, why don't you audition for the musical?” So I did, the musical was Once Upon A Mattress, and I was in the ensemble. I ended having so much fun that I went and auditioned again the following year for The Sound of Music. I was Brigitta, and I had a bunch of lines that I had to memorize which was ridiculous! That was also the year I began dancing by taking ballet at the Conservatory of Classical Ballet. And it all basically took off from there. I continued to do it in High School and began to get more and more passionate about it.
Ms - So the love of theater performing as opposed to just doing it for fun eventually caught up to you?
Cw – Ya, it was around the time I was a freshman in High School. Between ballet, choir, and also playing the trumpet, I was an overachiever in the performing arts. I did everything I could.
Ms - Sure doesn't sound like a shy person to me!
Cw – Not anymore (giggling), I feel like after the seventh & eighth grade when I started to perform more and was exposed to crowds, I became a lot less shy. I find that I prefer to perform in front of bigger crowds now. It's funny, When I was a freshman in HS, my parents asked me to pick between dance and theater, there just wasn't enough time to do both. And at that point dancing was the direction I wanted to go. But right before the audition for the musical, I injured my ankle and had to stop dancing.
Ms
- Fate chose for you.
Cw – right, because with the timing of it all, I did the musical. And that's when I realized this is what's happening for a reason and it's the direction I have to go.
Ms – Is musical theater where it's at for you, or are you into dramatic plays as well?
Cw – I did a horrible play in high school, I can't even remember what it was. (laughing) I've done a lot of acting in college. Not full productions, but I take acting classes where I have to perform scenes. I find that the music is what get's me there emotionally. If you hand me an emotional monologue and ask me to recite lines, I'm not going to feel it. But if you hand me an emotional song, I'll be able to put the full emotion behind it.
Ms – How many musicals have you been in so far? Do you even know? Do you have a favorite?
Cw
– Oh gosh, how many musicals have I even done in the last year? I
don't even know that! (laughs) You know, in the past two years, I've
done shows back to back. And it's great, because I'm totally addicted
to it. Theater is my drug! I'm always telling myself that I'm gonna
take a break, I'm gonna focus on school, I'm gonna do other things,
but opportunities just show up where I'm asked to audition for.
Ms – Oh, so they seek you out as well?
Cw – They do, yes. I still search, but some of the things I have done in the past two years have been ones that have been brought to me to audition for, and that's extremely flattering. I feel very fortunate in that respect for the experiences and things I've learned during the time as both a performer and person.
As far as favorites, my favorite musical ever is A Chorus Line. I've done it twice. The first time at the Morrison Theatre in Hayward where I played Judy Turner, and then the second at the Lesher in Walnut Creek as Maggie Winslow. If I can play Maggie forever my life would be complete! (laughs) My favorite role so far has been Cinderella which I did last year in Castro Valley. It was such an amazing challenge. There are five version of that musical, but the version that we did, I hardly left the stage. I probably left two times during the entire show for costume changes. When I got cast in the role I wanted to give myself completely to it, I mean, the character is so huge that if I have to be on stage and sing nine songs, I want the audience to enjoy each one. So I developed the character, and since I was given a lot of freedom, I dove in personally and made her a part of me. Like I already said, it was an amazing experience.
Ms – When I look at you I see Eponine (from Les Miserables)
Cw – right, because with the timing of it all, I did the musical. And that's when I realized this is what's happening for a reason and it's the direction I have to go.
Ms – Is musical theater where it's at for you, or are you into dramatic plays as well?
Cw – I did a horrible play in high school, I can't even remember what it was. (laughing) I've done a lot of acting in college. Not full productions, but I take acting classes where I have to perform scenes. I find that the music is what get's me there emotionally. If you hand me an emotional monologue and ask me to recite lines, I'm not going to feel it. But if you hand me an emotional song, I'll be able to put the full emotion behind it.
Ms – How many musicals have you been in so far? Do you even know? Do you have a favorite?
 |
| Catherine in Cinderella |
Ms – Oh, so they seek you out as well?
Cw – They do, yes. I still search, but some of the things I have done in the past two years have been ones that have been brought to me to audition for, and that's extremely flattering. I feel very fortunate in that respect for the experiences and things I've learned during the time as both a performer and person.
As far as favorites, my favorite musical ever is A Chorus Line. I've done it twice. The first time at the Morrison Theatre in Hayward where I played Judy Turner, and then the second at the Lesher in Walnut Creek as Maggie Winslow. If I can play Maggie forever my life would be complete! (laughs) My favorite role so far has been Cinderella which I did last year in Castro Valley. It was such an amazing challenge. There are five version of that musical, but the version that we did, I hardly left the stage. I probably left two times during the entire show for costume changes. When I got cast in the role I wanted to give myself completely to it, I mean, the character is so huge that if I have to be on stage and sing nine songs, I want the audience to enjoy each one. So I developed the character, and since I was given a lot of freedom, I dove in personally and made her a part of me. Like I already said, it was an amazing experience.
Ms – When I look at you I see Eponine (from Les Miserables)
Cw
– (with a big smile and excited giddy clap) Oh thank you,
someday!
Ms – What is your ideal role to play?
Ms – What is your ideal role to play?
Cw
– Eponine is definitely one of them, but my ideal role is Belle
from Beauty and the Beast. And the Broadway Musical version, not the
movie. It's been here in the area a few times and I've been called
back (on auditions), but have yet to be cast. And I think it's
probably because the character is a little older and I've always been
a little too young. But hopefully someday! (crossing fingers)
Ms – Now that you've brought up Belle, let's talk about your other life as a Princess.
Cw – Ah yes! I am a party princess. I work for the Cinderella Company which is a wonderful children's entertainment company. I absolutely love my job, it's the best job! I go to little girls birthday parties dressed as a Disney character where I story tell, do magic tricks, face painting, and I make dreams comes true (both of us crack up laughing). It's really fun and I have funniest experiences with kids saying and doing the funniest things.
Ms – And if any of my readers were interested in hiring you?
Cw
–You go to the Cinderella website. All the information for party
bookings is there and then either email or call them. You can request
me directly or choose from a variety of others depending on the
characters you're looking for. There are some characters I don't
play.
Ms – Cool! Ok, so something exciting happened to you recently. You went to New York City. What was the trip for?
Ms – Now that you've brought up Belle, let's talk about your other life as a Princess.
Cw – Ah yes! I am a party princess. I work for the Cinderella Company which is a wonderful children's entertainment company. I absolutely love my job, it's the best job! I go to little girls birthday parties dressed as a Disney character where I story tell, do magic tricks, face painting, and I make dreams comes true (both of us crack up laughing). It's really fun and I have funniest experiences with kids saying and doing the funniest things.
Ms – And if any of my readers were interested in hiring you?
 |
| In princess/fairy mode |
Ms – Cool! Ok, so something exciting happened to you recently. You went to New York City. What was the trip for?
Cw
– Oh, it was such an amazing trip! A little back story. Last
February I went to The Kennedy Center American College Theater
Festival in Sacramento. I was nominated for the Irene Ryan
Scholarship Award for my performance in I Love You, You're Perfect,
Now Change which I did the year before. It's an amazing festival full
of workshops where you can talk to people in the business, be in
shows, compete, all kinds of things. One of the workshops I took was
called the Broadway Dance Workshop. It was kinda like a dance boot
camp, but really fun. At the end of it, the professor announced that
the next morning he was holding open auditions for the Open Jar
Institute (New
York City's most Broadway-integrated actor training program)
for anyone
who was interested. At that moment I didn't even know what Open Jar
was, but I knew it was in New York City so I figured I'd just go for
the experience. The next morning I got there early. I didn't have a
resume, headshot, or music ready, but I was there. We danced first
which was great because I am more comfortable in a dance audition
anyways, then for the singing part I sang acapella, but I don't even
remember what I sang now. I felt that I did really well, and I did my
best. They announced the winner at the awards ceremony that night,
but I wasn't there. I had to work a party and had to drive back home
early. The next morning I had about 8 voice mails and 10 texts on my
phone. I freaked out, I thought someone had died, but it was just
everyone congratulating and telling me that I had won the
scholarship.
The scholarship was for 5 days of all day New York City Broadway audition technique with people who are currently working on Broadway. We learned what its like to audition, what it's like to live in the big city, pretty much all the ins and outs a young performer needs to know. On top of that we got to see four Broadway shows. And I had never been to New York, so I was in complete awe the entire time I was there. You hear about New Yorkers being mean and with attitudes, but they were all so nice. And everyone at the institute was professional and courteous. I fell in love with the city, I can't wait to go back!
The scholarship was for 5 days of all day New York City Broadway audition technique with people who are currently working on Broadway. We learned what its like to audition, what it's like to live in the big city, pretty much all the ins and outs a young performer needs to know. On top of that we got to see four Broadway shows. And I had never been to New York, so I was in complete awe the entire time I was there. You hear about New Yorkers being mean and with attitudes, but they were all so nice. And everyone at the institute was professional and courteous. I fell in love with the city, I can't wait to go back!
Ms
– You're starring in The Drowsy Chaperone later this month at the
Bankhead Theater in Livermore. Tell me more about that.
Cw – I play Janet Van De Graaf, and it is a beast of a role. Full of dancing, singing, and to be honest, it's kicking my butt! (laughs with eyes wide open). It's about a man who lives in New York, it takes place in his apartment. He's got the blues and decides to take out and play a record of his favorite musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and it basically comes to life right there in his living room. We come out of his refrigerator and all of the characters are introduced. The basic storyline is that my character, Janet Van De Graaf, is leaving her life on stage to marry a man she hardly knows, and everyone in the show is trying to make it not happen. It's hilarious, such a great comedy, the music is so fun. I do two numbers that I can't describe in any other way, but epic. I show off with kicks and splits, cartwheels, hula hoops, and all kinds of things while singing constant high notes, and I think I change my costume seven times in that number! It's completely mind blowing!
Ms – I'm out of breath just hearing about it! (both laugh)
Cw – Ya! Then my other song in act two is called The Brides Lament, and it's hilarious. It's a ballad, and it's funny because the lyrics are terrible, but that's the point. And the whole struggle that she has is something I feel most women have had to deal with. Not only in the arts, but in life. Does she choose a career, or does she choose love? Which direction should she pick? You know, she's pulled in two directions. She's a big star in the follies and everyone wants her to stay, but she wants to get married, and it's all a huge inner struggle. But it's all put in such a light, funny, ridiculous way, that you get the point, but are laughing all through it. Aside from that, the cast is fantastic, they were so welcoming to this new girl. It's being put on by the Tri-Valley Rep, a company I had never worked with before. I had seen their shows in the past and the Bankhead is such a beautiful theater, I'm so excited to perform there.
Ms – Well, I'm looking forward to watching it. It sounds like its going to be like you said, epic! Unfortunately we have to wrap this up, but I have one more question. What advice would you give to young performers looking for a career in the performing arts?
Cw – The first is something that goes back to what I learned at Open Jar. And that's knowing that you as a performer are always enough. Even when you go to auditions and get told no. It never has to do with who you are as a person, you can't take it personal. The director has a specific person in mind from the beginning, and unless you fit into his idea, he's not going to pick you. There are so many people who beat themselves up from getting told no, but they have to learn to just let it go and focus on the next audition. Always stay true to yourself as a person and never let the spotlight go to your head. People want to work with humble and fun people. Don't get consumed in the spotlight, especially if you're playing lead. Do it for the love of the theater, for your passion in performing. Not because you think you'll make a lot of money or become a star. If you do it for the love, you're always going to be happy.
Ms – Well thank you so much Catherine. This has been a super fun and informative interview. I'm looking forward to see what the future has in store for you, but I know it will be amazing! My best to you in all you accomplish!
Cw – Thank you, I had fun!
Cw – I play Janet Van De Graaf, and it is a beast of a role. Full of dancing, singing, and to be honest, it's kicking my butt! (laughs with eyes wide open). It's about a man who lives in New York, it takes place in his apartment. He's got the blues and decides to take out and play a record of his favorite musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and it basically comes to life right there in his living room. We come out of his refrigerator and all of the characters are introduced. The basic storyline is that my character, Janet Van De Graaf, is leaving her life on stage to marry a man she hardly knows, and everyone in the show is trying to make it not happen. It's hilarious, such a great comedy, the music is so fun. I do two numbers that I can't describe in any other way, but epic. I show off with kicks and splits, cartwheels, hula hoops, and all kinds of things while singing constant high notes, and I think I change my costume seven times in that number! It's completely mind blowing!
 |
| The Drowsy Chaperone |
Ms – I'm out of breath just hearing about it! (both laugh)
Cw – Ya! Then my other song in act two is called The Brides Lament, and it's hilarious. It's a ballad, and it's funny because the lyrics are terrible, but that's the point. And the whole struggle that she has is something I feel most women have had to deal with. Not only in the arts, but in life. Does she choose a career, or does she choose love? Which direction should she pick? You know, she's pulled in two directions. She's a big star in the follies and everyone wants her to stay, but she wants to get married, and it's all a huge inner struggle. But it's all put in such a light, funny, ridiculous way, that you get the point, but are laughing all through it. Aside from that, the cast is fantastic, they were so welcoming to this new girl. It's being put on by the Tri-Valley Rep, a company I had never worked with before. I had seen their shows in the past and the Bankhead is such a beautiful theater, I'm so excited to perform there.
Ms – Well, I'm looking forward to watching it. It sounds like its going to be like you said, epic! Unfortunately we have to wrap this up, but I have one more question. What advice would you give to young performers looking for a career in the performing arts?
Cw – The first is something that goes back to what I learned at Open Jar. And that's knowing that you as a performer are always enough. Even when you go to auditions and get told no. It never has to do with who you are as a person, you can't take it personal. The director has a specific person in mind from the beginning, and unless you fit into his idea, he's not going to pick you. There are so many people who beat themselves up from getting told no, but they have to learn to just let it go and focus on the next audition. Always stay true to yourself as a person and never let the spotlight go to your head. People want to work with humble and fun people. Don't get consumed in the spotlight, especially if you're playing lead. Do it for the love of the theater, for your passion in performing. Not because you think you'll make a lot of money or become a star. If you do it for the love, you're always going to be happy.
Ms – Well thank you so much Catherine. This has been a super fun and informative interview. I'm looking forward to see what the future has in store for you, but I know it will be amazing! My best to you in all you accomplish!
Cw – Thank you, I had fun!
