"Getting to Know You" with Adrienne Morrow

WESTMINSTER, CA - Hailing from Cypress, California actress, singer, dancer, and current seventh grader Adrienne Morrow absolutely loves performing. Having started at the young age of nine, in her first ever musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Adrienne has gone on to perform in a number of musical productions at the Rose Center Theater where she had roles in A Christmas Carol and My Fair Lady. Most recently, Adrienne made her debut with McCoy Rigby Entertainment as Lavender, in their production of Matilda the Musical at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Read more from our interview:

What attracted you to wanting to be an actor?

I like singing, dancing, and acting. Being a musical theatre performer lets me do all those things with the excitement of being on stage with an audience.

Is there anything you find discouraging about being a performer?

It’s frustrating to be good and right for a role, but still not get it. There are lots of talented performers and casting is often about fit and mix and director’s vision, so it’s hard to accept that it’s ultimately out of my control, but it's also understandable.

How do you handle that kind of outcome, when things don't go your way?

I don’t get too down about it and I do spend some time thinking about what I could do better next time. I work hard on my training going forward and prepare for the next audition.

What motivates you as a performer?

I enjoy it, so getting to do a performance is motivation and so is working to get to the next role. I like working with talented and kind people, and musical theatre has many. I also feed off the energy of a good audience.

Do you have a dream role?

Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice! I like the songs and her personality. I think I can present her difficult situation and emotions while still keeping it fun. I think I would bring diversity to the role.

At such a young age, has there been a show you've been in, or role you've played that you're most proud of?

I recently performed as Lavender in Matilda the Musical for McCoy Rigby Entertainment at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. It was a professional production of one of my favorite musicals!

Wow! How did you prepare for that audition?

Practice! I studied my sides and practiced with my mom and dad. For the music, I like to listen to the Broadway tracks on YouTube to get an idea about delivery, and then practice my vocals so I know them well.

Do you have any audition tips for other young performers?

Be prepared and be confident. You also have to be ready to get feedback in the audition room and change your delivery based on what they say.

What was your process like in preparing for a role like Lavender?

I like to understand the character by reading the script, watching past production videos, and asking my directors for insight.

How do you train as a performer? Do you take any classes?

I think training is very important. There are some things people are naturally good at, but to strengthen and sharpen skills to be audience-worthy almost always requires guidance, training, and mentoring. I am a trained musician, playing the piano, drums, and guitar, which helps me with my understanding of the show music and harmonies. I do vocal training and dance training. I don’t do acting training, but I like to absorb lessons and tips from older and more experienced cast members.

What is the most fun role you’ve ever played?

Lavender in Matilda. I liked Lavender’s outgoing and mischievous personality, there was lots of singing and dancing and great choreography. I got to work with nine other kids my age who became some of my best friends! We still get together to have fun!

Has there been a role you've been cast as that you found difficult?

Winnie the Pooh in Winnie the Pooh. It was the lead role, so there were a lot of lines and scenes to learn. I liked the challenge, but it was still a lot of work!

Do you have a favorite actor? Someone you aspire to be or look up to?

I don’t have a favorite, but a couple I really like are: Idina Menzel and Sutton Foster. They are so talented and accomplished. It seems like they can take on any role.

Is there a fun fact about you that people wouldn’t be aware of?

I like to type. I’ve been able to touch type since the fourth grade. I type about 95 words per minute!

Do you have any advice to other young actors or aspiring performers?

Keep auditioning, keep practicing, keep learning, and keep a positive attitude. You may not get the role you want every time, but you can build towards being better and staying positive always helps.