We had the pleasure to chat with Beth Conley a talented actress,singer and dancer. She has played different roles during her Musical Theatre career such as Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Lenore/Ensamble in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly! Just to name a few.
Lenore/Ensemble in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in Musical Theatre?
I just love being on stage. There’s something magical about the energy that you exchange with an audience while you’re up there. Theatre affects people, I love being a part of something that makes people walk away feeling or thinking something they wouldn’t have otherwise felt or thought. I just always knew that being on stage is what I wanted to do.
What are some of your role models and idols?
I have to say my main role model is my dad. He’s so dedicated and he works so hard, I’ve looked up to those qualities my entire life. I definitely get my work ethic from him.
Imogen Heap is an idol of mine. She is an amazing music artist who has accomplished so much in her life. She writes and produces all her own music. I just have such respect for someone who can create art but stay true to themselves and who they are as a person.
Talk to us about your training and education. What has been the most fulfilling part?
I received my BFA in Acting/Musical Theatre from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. They have an amazing faculty there who are truly ready to prepare actors for the real world. One of the biggest things I learned from them is that you have to find what makes you unique, and embrace that.
There are a million people in the world who are talented and who can act, sing, and dance. The things that set you apart are the parts of your personality that make you special and different. You have to find those parts of yourself and be able to bring them out in an audition room and in performance. That is what will set you apart from the crowd.
I believe the most fulfilling part of my education was when I played Tracy in Hairspray at Wright State my senior year. It was my first lead role at school which was an amazing feeling. It was wonderful to be able to show what I had learned in such a fun and amazing production.
What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your Musical Theatre career?
I believe the greatest opportunity I’ve had so far was being able to work as an Acting Apprentice with CATCO (an equity theater in Columbus, OH). I gained a lot of performance and backstage knowledge from them. I also was able to watch equity performers at work, which was amazing. You can learn a lot from watching other professionals’ processes.
In your Musical Theatre career. What roles have you played? Which was your favorite?
I think my favorite role was Janet in The Rocky Horror Show. It was a lead role, which is always fun, but it was also a role where I had to push myself. I had to go places in my acting that I hadn’t gone before, so it was a little nerve-wracking but really exciting at the same time. The cast that I worked with on that production was so amazing and supportive, it was really easy to let go in front of them and be able to do what I needed to do.
I’ve played Wendy Jo in Footloose, Silly Girl/Napkin in Beauty and the Beast, Tabaqui/Beggar Woman in The Jungle Book, Bird Girl in Seussical, and Blue Dog in Go,Dog,Go! Just to name a few.
Do you have any upcoming projects or productions?
I am planning on moving to NYC in early 2016 so hopefully I’ll be working on another project soon!
Do you have anything else to share with our readers?
Believe in the journey. Believe in yourself. Believe that what you’re doing and where you are is right for you. You can find success anywhere, you just have to believe in it. You can do your craft wherever you want and however you want, as long as you are happy and you feel like you are growing and learning. That’s what’s important.
