Studio
Profile of an Actress
3/14/2009 at 8:21 PM by Amy Allen
Deanna Gibson, a member of Massify, is a working actress in New York City. She holds an MFA in Acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory in Sarasota, Florida and is a member of both the Actor's Equity Association and the Screen Actor's Guild. We caught up with her to get a better idea of what it's like to be an actress today.
Can we have just a little bit of background on you?
Deanna: I'm originally from the upstate area of South Carolina (Pumpkintown, South Carolina). My grandfather was an actor (he worked onstage with Horton Foote) so I like to think it's genetic. It's now my religion, my sprituality (Eleonora Duse talks about this as well; I think most actors can agree with this overwhelming need to act). I also grew up painfully shy, so acting was my principle way to express myself and has become my salvation. In my down time, I enjoy painting, running, practicing yoga, and playing guitar.
When did you realize that acting was a path you wanted to pursue full
time?
Deanna: I recently was rereading my journals, and noticed that as early as 8 years old I said I wanted to grow up to be an actor. I'd constantly be trying to force my neighborhood friends to be a part of some lame play I wrote; or recreate Streep's performance in "Sophie's Choice" in my bathroom mirror (hey, what can I say? I had sophisticated taste). I knew from very, very early on.
Also, what kind of training do you have and did it affect your decision to pursue acting?
Deanna: I was looking for a way to act in high school, but because we did not have a theatre department, I
enrolled in Speech and Debate. A friend was in the class, and after an oral presentation in English class, someone suggested I take the class. On the weekends, I would compete with other schools around the
state in dramatic monologue competitions (and duo competitions, aka scenes). I placed a lot, was on he All State Team, became a Captain of the Forensics League. Yes, a total nerd. This helped polish my skills,
and confirm that I did have a gift I needed to pursue. This actually has helped with auditions -- in perfecting the monologue. I didn't bat an eye (much like Sarah Palin didn't bat an eye when John McCain asked
her to be the veep....just kidding! Kind of) when it came to deciding a major. My parents were thrilled, really. I almost feel now -- that I'd let them down if I decided to become a lawyer.
After undergrad, I got into the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, which houses its grad acting program in Sarasota, where the Asolo Repertory is. At the time, it was ranked 8th in MFA Acting Programs. I went to London
to study Shakespeare, studied Meisner (which helps with film work, getting rid of all the bulls**t), and did a lot of classics. I got my Equity card, and after graduation, the artistic director hired me for a full season with leading roles: That was my first Equity gig!
Which do you prefer; stage or screen? What is your experience in each?
Deanna: I prefer both! They are so different from each other. And because I have loads of experience onstage, I'm even more wanting to perfect my film technique. I'd like to be able to transition from one
to the other. On stage, I have done at least 26 plays since 2002. Many leading roles. In film, I've done a handful of student films and one indie. But at least that indie went to the Berlin Film Festival!
To you, what is the hardest part about acting?
Deanna: Trying to get an agent. Trying to get someone who hasn't seen you really act to believe
in you. Selling yourself. Because I'm shy, I don't think I quite get that yet. Working on it, though.
How many auditions would you say you go on, on a given week?
Deanna: 3
Do you have tricks that you use to help you while you are on auditions?
Deanna: Get rid of tension, try not to look too hard at the other actors!!!! Because they can psyche you out. And then you are tempted to do the same. And that's just mean. :)
Can you give us a little bit of info about your creative process? Just a little bit about how you get
into a character, bring her to life, etc.
Deanna: Ok. I journal (first impressions). I jot down superobjectives, objectives, tactics, etc...and then I forget it int he rehearsal and just "embody it". Stay in the moment, and let the character live inside me fully. Sometimes this manifests itself in unexpected choices, (to both me and the audience) -- which is the best! Because then you aren't thinking. You are having fun.
What do you think the ideal working relationship is between the actor and the director?
Deanna: One of RESPECT. Trust.
The actor and other actors?
Deanna: The same. And also, biting your tongue. Knowing your place. Leaving the direction to the director.
What sort of roles are you drawn to, and what would you say your ideal role would be like?
Deanna: Drawn to oddballs and comedy. But also, drawn to things I don't usually play., So, right now that would..be....normal people :). My ideal role is one that is super super challenging. One that scares me. One I think I can't play.
Your 'Deanna sings of brunch' video is really funny and great. What was the inspiration and story behind that?
Deanna: Thanks! Ha. My brother and his girlfriend were staying over at my place, and my boyfriend (who is a writer/actor/musician) was trying to awaken them from sleep and just made up that song. He and I decided
to make this video. He is in the back playing the accordion, and I am singing his lyrics, and just talking about Astoria. That part wasn't scripted. I like making up stuff.
Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?
Deanna: I'm in Vero Beach, Florida rehearsing a show right now. It's fun.
Deanna's Credits: NYC credits include Angel/Buddy (Fringe Festival & critic's pick in Backstage); Off-Off Broadway with Wooden O Productions, Mirror Repertory, Love/Street Theatre, TaxDeductible Theatre, The Milk Can Theatre Company, LoveStreet Theatre, Matthew Corozine Repertory; and solo performances at the Manhattan Monologue Slam. She has acted regionally with The Riverside Theatre (“Sister James“ in Doubt,
“Emily” in Third, and “Edith“ in Blithe Spirit); The Florida Repertory (“Billie Dawn” in Born Yesterday and “Sandrine/Marvalyn/Marci/Hope” in Almost, Maine); The Asolo Repertory (Favorite roles include “Sarah Schorr“ in Trying, “Lady Caroline” in Enchanted April, “Lady Windermere” in Lady Windermere’s Fan, and “Kate” in The Taming of The Shrew); The Flat Rock Playhouse; and The Bay Street Theatre (“Alma” in The Gates of Gold). In film, she has been seen at The Berlin Film Festival (in Magnitude), The Sarasota Film Festival (in Post Human), and The Columbia University International Film Festival (in Schtum), among others.
Deanna Gibson Actor
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