Go Ask Mom
Full circle: NC Theatre Conservatory student launches her professional career in next week's production of 'Annie'
Carly Grissom grew up on local stages and regularly took part in classes and camps through the NC Theatre Conservatory, the N.C. Theatre's education program for children and teens.
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By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor
Carly Grissom grew up on local stages and regularly took part in classes and camps through the NC Theatre Conservatory, the N.C. Theatre's education program for children and teens.
Today, the Broughton High School graduate is a rising college junior who is pursuing a degree in musical theater from Shenandoah Conservatory. And, this summer, she'll be among the stars in the NC Theatre's production of "Annie," which is on stage at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts from July 23 to July 28. When Grissom takes the stage next week, she will take a big step professionally, earning her equity card.
I caught up with Grissom to learn more about her experience as a child with the NC Theatre Conservatory, her role in "Annie" and her advice for young performers and their parents.
Go Ask Mom: How long have you been involved in theater?
Carly Grissom: I’ve been involved in theater for about 12 years now. I started with a camp at the NC Theatre Conservatory, that then turned into semester-long classes, and eventually participating in shows with North Carolina Theatre.
Go Ask Mom: What's your first memory of being on stage?
Carly Grissom: My first memory of being on stage would have to be in an arts camp I attended when I was about 5 or 6, I think. I was playing the part of the squirrel and I was very disappointed that I didn’t get the lead role. Even though I was not the frog, the true star of this children’s play that I never knew the name of, I made the best of my two lines and loved it.
GAM: Tell us about your experience at NC Theatre Conservatory. How did it help you prepare for what you are doing now?
CG: Without NC Theatre Conservatory, I would absolutely not be pursuing theater. My beloved teachers gave me the freedom to explore something completely new to me. I was challenged, supported, and encouraged. I learned how to be responsible and accountable for my own growth by being lucky enough to learn from accomplished professionals and Broadway actors. The Conservatory allowed me to find something I am truly passionate about and gave me the tools to be able to not only study musical theater in college, but to pursue it professionally.
GAM: Tell us about your role in Annie. You play the “Star-to-Be”, which Annie fans who only know the movie might not be familiar with, but some major stars have played the role on Broadway.
CG: Ever since I was a child, the “Star to Be” role fascinated me. The “Star to Be” has a featured moment in the number “NYC." Her moment is brief, but has become an iconic moment for musical theater. She is an aspiring actress who moves to the city with practically nothing but a dream, and she represents the spirit of what New York City is all about. The “Star to Be” is also known as a role that has launched the careers of actors like two-time Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster, and Tony Award nominees Laurie Beechman and Montego Glover.
GAM: With this show, you'll earn your equity card. What does that mean for you and your career?
CG: Earning my equity card means that I get to be a part of a union that fights for the dignity and rights of actors like me. The Actor’s Equity Association provides a wide range of benefits and protections for its members. For me, it is an honor to become a member of this union. It’s a full circle moment for me, getting to accept my card with the theater I started with, on the stage I always dreamed of being on as a child.
GAM: What would you say to all the parents out there who are carting their kids from rehearsal to rehearsal?
CG: First of all, I would tell these parents, thank you. You are raising the next generation of artists and change makers. I would also tell them thank you for supporting your child whether this is a hobby they find fun or they’ve decided they wanted to perform for the rest of their lives. Your support means the world to us.
GAM: And what would you say to those kids?
CG: Never give up! If you truly love theater, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. There are going to be times when you don’t get the part or a critique hits a little too close to home. Don’t let any of that get you down. Keep working hard and training and never lose what makes it fun.
GAM: What's next for you?
CG: Next, I’ll be headed back to the Shenandoah Conservatory for my junior year, where I’m earning my BFA in Musical Theatre. After graduation I plan to move to New York City to pursue my career full time, just like the “Star to Be”!
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