Always count on people. Let those who love you help you. Don’t be scared of failure because it’s okay to make mistakes. That’s the only way you’ll learn. Always believe that you can do anything!
As a part of our series about creating a successful career in theatre, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Christine Newberry of EPIC Productions.
Christine is 19 year-old. She has being part of several ensembles: ‘The Little Mermaid”, “Aladdin”, “Hairspray”. She played Lucinda in Into the Woods. Christine is very passionate about theatre and music, she has launched two singles and is also in the process to publish her first children’s story. She is attending Wagner College pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance. Last but not least, Juliet is the most exciting role she has ever played and hopes to grab the audience from the moment she steps onto the stage.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up as the youngest of three. Because my sisters were much older and they were away for school or work, it was like growing up an only child. The arts were a way for me to connect with my family! My parents loved theatre and took me to my first musical Mamma Mia which inspired me to become a Broadway performer. I got to see Avenue Q, Annie, and Wicked on stage, too. I was so inspired by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth and dreamed that one day I would get to perform on stage. I quickly learned that acting was a way for me to express my creativity without being judged for it!
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was only a little girl when my mom and dad took me to my first Broadway show, Mamma Mia. Unfortunately, I don’t remember much. All I remember is that the songs took my breath away. The actress who played Sophie was my favorite; her voice was so powerful. I wanted to be just like her! Of course, Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia were my favorite songs because every single performer worked together to make the show look amazing. I knew that I wanted to perform on stage immediately!
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I would like to thank my parents who always love and support me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now. To this day, they always take me to classes and provide me with lessons that help me improve my acting, singing ,and dancing.
You probably have a lot of fascinating experiences. Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
This summer, I was in a musical called Into The Woods. I got to play one of Cinderella’s stepsisters, Lucinda, which is something I have never done before. I always get to play nice, sweet characters, but this one was different. Lucinda is a very mean character and it was a challenge for me because I don’t like being mean to people. Plus I got to be like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, ditsy (in the show) but super smart (in real life).
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I was auditioning for the Masquerade Cabaret, there was a technical difficulty on where I needed to start. During COVID-19, EPIC held Zoom auditions, and I was really excited because I prepared super hard. My first song went really well, but the second song…Not so much. The music started at the wrong time! I started at the wrong time! Everyone started at the wrong time! Thankfully, I still got cast, and bonus — -I got to sing with Stephanie Torns.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Romeo & Juliet! It’s amazing because this is my EPIC Mainstage debut as the lead. R&J is an amazing show about two star-crossed lovers that fell completely in love with each other, and this is my biggest role yet! On the other hand, I’ve been writing more. I had to take a pause on writing my book because of Romeo & Juliet and school work. It’s going to be full of magic and adventure, but you’re going to have to wait until it comes out!
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of rejection, lack of support, or failure?
Always count on people. Let those who love you help you. Don’t be scared of failure because it’s okay to make mistakes. That’s the only way you’ll learn. Always believe that you can do anything!
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in the live performance industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Always get a good night’s sleep. Don’t overwork yourself; it can definitely overwhelm you. Setting up a schedule can go a long way because it will help you balance your life. Don’t forget to leave room to have fun!
Thank you for all that. This is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in Broadway, Theater or Live Performances” and why?
Graduating school and/or getting the proper training
Practice vocal warmups every single day
Find a workout schedule for your needs
Find a good support system
Keep putting yourself out there despite the rejection.
These are the main things we need to be successful in every performing arts career. A good friend of mine, Conor Tague, does this all the time and look where it got him. He is now a successful man who is now starting in a musical on Broadway.
For the benefit of our readers, could you describe how the skill-sets you need in a theater performance are different than the skill-sets you need for TV or Film?
I don’t do much TV and Film work, so I’m not quite sure. All I know is that theater is a larger stage whereas camera work is more intimate.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Promoting a show on Instagram and other social media platforms is good because other people might be inspired to perform too. Every show has a message and a story to tell, and it can make other people feel good about themselves.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
In the words of Jonathan Larson, there is “No day like today.” It is relevant to me because it helps me feel better about myself when I am feeling down.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to meet Taylor Swift because she is one of my favorite singers. I love all of her songs, and she inspired me to become a singer myself. I want to be a singer/songwriter too just like Taylor Swift.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
Instagram — @newberry_christine_
Tiktok — @christine_newberry
Youtube — @christinenewberry983
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!