Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Norris.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started dancing when I was five years old, so that’s where my story really begins. Dancing came really easy for me as a kid and was such a fun and creative activity for me to explore, so it quickly became my childhood sport. One of my aunts used to say that I’d be the first in our family to be dancing on Broadway, where my PaPaw would argue and tell her I’d be a regular on “Dancing with the Stars.” I’ve lived in three states so far in my life, but no matter where we moved to, one of the first things my parents did was sign me up for dance classes at a new studio. One of the most life changing experiences happened when I was 12 years old and joined a new studio after my family moved to Colorado. Not only did this place offer some amazing dance classes, but they also offered a Musical Theatre class where students could learn basic acting techniques, vocal skills, theatre-related dancing, and at the end of the year perform a junior musical. With the idea of Broadway in my head, it was one of the first classes I signed up for, and when it came time to audition for the show I was cast as the lead. Little did I know, that that role and musical would spark a fire so huge in my soul that I almost wouldn’t know what to do with it. That’s when my love for theatre began.
Throughout my high school career, I performed in many shows and was given opportunities to student-direct a few as well; each show giving me new tools to help build the future I wanted. I also wanted to learn more vocal technique, so I started taking voice lessons and joined choir, where I became a section leader in the top-level choir, was accepted into multiple state-wide honor choirs, and was a dance captain for our show choir. When it came down to choosing a college and a major, I decided that despite many odds against me, I just wanted to be on stage. I love acting for the amazing characters I have the honor of playing, but more importantly for having the opportunity to share a story, a lesson, a moment with a room full of strangers. For two hours we are connected and are one community. I know that if just one person can walk out of the theater with something they didn’t have or didn’t know when they walked in, I have succeeded. People still question why I chose to go to school for theatre. My personal favorite, “So, what’s your backup plan?” My response remains that I don’t have a backup plan. I have a calling to contribute to the world of art and I don’t intend on wasting it. As of today, I am about to go into my senior year at SHSU as a Theatre Major and Dance Minor.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Performing comes with inevitable rejection. It’s sometimes a difficult challenge to handle, but it can also lead to so many other opportunities that present themselves afterward. It’s just a part of the process. I know that this career path will get rocky as it’s not always stable in terms of job offers and finances, and it’s not traditional in the sense that you can always have a consistent job until it’s time to retire. But despite the fear of the unknown that I face daily, the process and the results are well worth it.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an actress, a dancer, and a singer. I love all three art forms and am continually learning and improving so that I can be a true “Triple Threat” in the performance world. As a performer, I am most proud of my diversity in what I can do (whether that be playing diverse types of roles in different shows, creating some entertaining character voices, choreographing dances, etc.) and my willingness to try new things (like learning how to construct and paint certain set pieces, alter costumes, design a mock ground-plan, etc.). Recently, I was introduced to Devised Theatre and how it can be used for social protest and change. I’ve done several public performances with different groups of fellow students on campus, one of which dealt with the heavy topic of gun violence across the world. During a talk-back session after our performance, we had an audience member tell us that we needed to take that piece to the Capitol in Austin, which was some really amazing feedback. There’s a balance in performance with being your authentic self but also having the tools and capability to adjust and modify what you’re doing in order to send the message you or your director want, and I’d like to say that I find that balance well.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is a relative term, in my opinion, so my criteria for it varies quite a bit. In many cases, I define success as to whether or not I have learned something new, have improved one of my skills, or have mastered a new technique. In other cases, my success is as simple as if I’m happy with a process or outcome, if I have given an audience member something new to think about, or if I’m still passionate about my craft. I love to make lists of short term and long term goals, and even if those things don’t happen, I know that by focusing on them I am one step closer to achieving something else. Ultimately, I believe that as long as I am continuously striving and working to improve, and still love what I’m doing, I will be successful. Be yourself, know your worth, stay humble, and never stop working to turn your dreams into your reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelanorris.com/
- Email: rachel.norris16@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photographer: Clara Griepp
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