By: The Don
Kathryn Miller is a small-town actress who made her debut right here in Philadelphia at the famous Walnut Street Theatre. She started to act in musicals and is now transitioning into film. As a first-generation actress from a musical family that sings all the time, Kathryn is a very multi-skilled entertainer who also sings in a cover band called Frisky! She explains that working in both the acting and music world are hand in hand, with similarities that help her flourish in both fields.
Interview
What is your name?
Kathryn Miller, but everyone calls me Katy!
How long have you been in the film industry?
I’ve been acting in theatre productions since I was 13, and I moved here to Philadelphia to act professionally. Film is newer to me – I actually did my first film here in Philly in 2016. Wes Mellott of Thinking Art Entertainment took a chance on me, and he casted me as Molly in Marbletown. I fell in love with film during that production!
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Paducah, Kentucky, halfway between Possum Trot and Monkey’s Eyebrow.
What made you picked Philadelphia?
I got an Acting Apprenticeship at the Walnut Street Theatre after I graduated from college. Philly wasn’t even on my radar until then!
Oh nice! What did you do in the Apprenticeship?
The apprentice schedule is packed. You perform two to three educational outreach shows per day for schools in the Philly area, understudy main stage shows, assist with teaching theatre classes for kids, and take classes at the Walnut. They keep you busy! It was also a really great way to build connections. The Walnut family was kind enough to hire me for several main stage productions after my time as an apprentice.
Awesome! So what is your role within the entertainment industry mainly?
Yes, I am currently making a shift away from acting in musical theatre. I’m wanting to pursue more film and music opportunities.
What got you interested in acting?
One of my younger sisters started doing theatre first, and she had convinced me to try it out!
What was the first-ever musical theatre play that you acted in?
Aladdin Jr.
What was your first ever film?
Marbletown, with Thinking Art Entertainment. It’s available on Youtube.
What was it like being on your first set ever?
I remember being nervous, but the whole team that Wes had assembled was so hilarious and awesome that I felt comfortable very quickly. This was a film with some dark subject matter, so despite keeping it light and fun between shots, I still came home pretty emotionally exhausted. It was such a pleasure to work with Mike Mowen – he’s such a nice guy in real life, but he played an incredibly unlikeable character so well. He’s a phenomenal actor, and it was awesome working together.
How many theatre plays have you performed in so far?
Professionally? I know I’ve done nine shows at the Walnut, three at the Riverside Theatre in Florida, and I did A Chorus Line at Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts. Those were the union houses I’ve performed in. As far as non-equity theatre, I did a LOT of that before moving to Philly. I don’t think I could count!
What do you love more about film?
I love the relationship with the camera. In theatre, you have to make sure that what you’re doing reads to the very back row. In film, I love that you can adjust your performance based on the position of the camera. It’s a really fun challenge! And I love that the camera picks up every little thing… it loves to watch you think… I love that.
Do you have an inspiration within the film industry that you look up to?
Inspirations? I love Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Emma Stone. I also loved Emmy Rossum as Fiona in Shameless.
What do you love most about acting?
I love using my imagination! It’s fun to imagine the world of the character and the way their brain works. It’s cool to pretend to inhabit a different head space.
Do you do method acting?
I do not. I like to use more physical and sense memory exercises if I need to get to an emotional place. I love journaling as the character, and doing imagination exercises to get into the headspace of the actor. And of course, just connecting with your other actors gives a lot to your performance. I feel that using these techniques allows me to walk away from the work when we wrap, and keep my mind healthier if I have to work on emotionally intense projects.
What was your favorite role so far?
I recently got to play the role of Skylar for a Temple student film called Blood Ties – it should be coming out soon. I loved playing this role because she had a dark secret she’d been holding onto, which leads her to make some heart-wrenching decisions in the film. It touches on mental health in a way that is specific to women, and it was interesting to delve deeper into that. I’m excited to see how it turns out!
Have you worked in Los Angeles yet?
Not yet! Hopefully someday!
What adversities have you encountered on set?
Ohhh wow… I feel like you have to be ready to adapt and problem solve very quickly any time you work on indie film projects. There was one film project I did recently where we were shooting a really difficult, emotional scene in a trailer, and the owner of the trailer park came in and started yelling at everyone. They had permission from the owner of the trailer to film there, but we still had to finish the last couple of shots as quickly as we could. Talk about pressure!
I’ve had to film some scenes in extremely cold temperatures while wearing inappropriate clothing. I had to do a scene outside in 18-degree weather while wearing a skimpy club outfit. My legs were numb.
Do you have any upcoming films?
There are two Temple student films that are in post right now: Lockbox (dir. Jake Noecker) and Blood Ties (Jake Boos). I’m also in development for a web series. Oh, and there’s another short in post as well. Number One, directed by Emily Dabney.
Are you a first-generation actor in your family?
Yes, although my parents were both music majors in college. There’s a ton of musicians in my whole family, actually. I got into acting because my younger sister started acting in plays first. Eventually, I was involved in my community theatre along with both of my younger sisters and even my mom! My mom actually ended up with a job in development for that theatre.
What is your acting style?
As far as acting style, I feel like I tend to be quieter and reserved in many of my choices. I’d rather take my time and say something with a look.
What music opportunities are you currently looking into?
As for music opportunities, I’m currently working on an album with a team of songwriters. Obviously things have been pushed back with the state of the world right now, but I can’t wait to get back to work on it. It’s really exciting! I also perform with a cover band called Frisky. I do mostly lead vocals and play a little bass guitar here and there.
What led you into music?
I come from a very musical family. My parents actually met when they were music majors in college, so I grew up singing around a piano with my family. Singing has been one of those things that I end up doing every day. I just have to do it.
Did music help you in acting?
The thing about acting is that literally every single experience you have in your life is helpful. So, of course, my experience with music has helped me! My relationship with music and my performance experience helps me relate to more characters. On top of that, I do like to listen to music sometimes to get me in the right mood for a scene. It’s also fun to think about what kind of music the character would listen to and listen to that music to help you drop into the role.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Oh man, I always hate the ten years question! I’ll keep it simple. In ten years, hopefully, I’ll have a couple of albums out and I’ll have worked on several film projects that I’m passionate about. As long as I’m still doing what I love, I’ll be happy!
What advice do you have for others who want to enter the Entertainment Industry?
My advice: 1. Train a lot, and with really good and positive teachers. The industry is going to knock you down a lot, and I don’t like wasting my time with teachers who make you feel bad. If you’re in New York, check out Heidi Marshall. She has the best constructive criticism and also somehow makes you believe in your uniqueness as an actor.
2. Learn about the business side. Learn about marketing. If you’re going to college, getting a minor in business or marketing would probably a great idea.
3. Find a good, flexible survival job. It will help you stay resilient. You won’t be successful in the industry right away, and you will go through dry spells when you have been working. 4 . Live your life! Listen to people, hear their stories, hear how they talk about things, go to new places, try new things. The more experience you have, the more characters you can relate to. Also, you’ll just be a more interesting person in general.
