"It's Never Too Early or Late to Create." - Chatting With the One & Only Bridget Carly Marsh!
It is my complete honor to introduce you to Bridget Carly Marsh! Bridget most recently was seen in the regional premiere of The Unpredictable Times at Rise Above Performing Arts where she understudied the role of Nicole (a part that she went on for). She has also performed in Rise Above's productions of Carrie: The Musical (Chris) and The Addams Family (Wednesday). Before that, Bridget performed in the International and National Tours of Annie where she played July and understudied the roles of Annie and Molly. She is currently a student at Booker High School and is a part of their elite VPA Theatre Program. Ms. Marsh has also performed regionally with The Manatee Performing Arts Center.
This talented young lady is far beyond her age as a talent and a person. I truly cannot wait to work with Bridget again and for years to come. Wherever her journey takes her, I can say emphatically that she will truly shine on and off the stage. I am so honored to have the chance to feature this talented young lady!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I would say I was 11, but I think you always know. I was working in a professional environment, and seeing everyone work together, creatively and productively, was a huge motivator for me. I love the feeling of performing, and the rush you get before and after a performance; it's like nothing else. It's irreplaceable and something I want to feel for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite play and/or musical?
I definitely can't choose one. I'm a huge fan of the musicals set in France, with a short-haired brunette ingenue, like Amelie, An American in Paris, and Gigi. But I also love the new-age alternative musicals like Next To Normal, Spring Awakening, and Jagged Little Pill. Those genres speak to all sides of me, and the music and characters are so wonderfully written.
After 20+ years, Scott Keys has decided to hang it up as head of the Theatre Department at Booker High School. What has Mr. Keys meant to you when it comes to your development as a performer?
Mr. Keys always encouraged his students to create. My loves for poetry, writing, dancing, choreographing, all things creative, were ignited by Mr. Keys. He is an amazing teacher and director, and being a part of any of his shows was a treasure. I was lucky enough to play Winnie Foster in Tuck Everlasting at Booker under his direction, and I will keep that show close to my heart forever. He motivated and really believed in me, not only in that production, but throughout school. I see performing from such a different point of view now. His time at Booker will be far from forgotten, and I'm so excited to see what he does next.
Are there any roles, shows, or moments in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart?
The experience that sticks out to me the most is Annie. I got to see all parts of the world while doing what I loved, all at the age of 11. I can't lie, I took some of it for granted. Performing in a new town or country every day isn't something that everyone gets to experience. It was easy to complain about the early mornings and the late nights. Looking back, I didn't understand how fortunate I was. I learned so much about this industry, I made amazing connections, and that show set up a lot of stepping stones for me as a person and performer.
What advice would you give any young aspiring artist?
It's never too early or late to create. No matter your age or background, your stories and ideas can inspire and motivate. It's so easy to be restricted into that "singer/actor/dancer" mindset, meaning performers perform, and creators create. I encourage people to shift those boundaries, and do what makes their heart full.
If you would like to learn more about this extremely talented young lady, make sure you visit her official website at http://www.bridgetcarlymarsh.com