Veronica G.
Photography by Isa Vivona
If you’re reading this, let yourself fake it until you make it.
In this interview, an If You’re Reading This team member sat down with Veronica to hear her perspective of what it’s like to perform. Veronica, a senior in the highly selective Music Theater Certification program, shares how theater has boosted her self confidence, helped her cope with rejection, and made her realize her unique strengths.
IYRT NU: Walk me through what made you interested in performing?
Veronica: When I was in first grade, I was super quiet and didn’t really have that many friends. I was super shy. But, when I was in first grade I saw the fifth graders perform the musical Bye Bye Birdie as I was sitting by myself. I fell in love with the performance and went home and told my mom I wanted to do theater. At first, my mom was like, “What the heck? You don’t even like talking in front of people.” But then she put me in theater classes, and they really helped me improve my confidence.
IYRT NU: Have you ever experienced stage fright?
Veronica: Believe it or not, no. I actually get more social anxiety at parties, but when I’m on stage as another character, I disassociate in a way. There have been times when I’ve messed up on stage, but then I just keep going or improv my way out of it.
IYRT NU: Do you ever use your acting techniques to calm your social anxiety?
Veronica: Now, I don’t have much social anxiety at all and I think that’s because of theater. When I was younger, acting definitely helped build up my confidence because I stuck to the motto, “Fake it till you make it.” Also, through theater, I had to deal with a lot of rejection. So now, going up to someone and asking them, “Do you want to have coffee?” or even, “Do you want to be my friend?” is very easy because I have learned to move on and ask someone else.
IYRT NU: What’s been the most stressful part of acting?
Veronica: Oh my gosh. Definitely the constant rejections and balancing the competitive nature of theater with friendships. It’s always stressful with friendships when a cast list comes out and someone you’re close to doesn’t get a part they want. You want to be there for them but also not rub your success in their face.
IYRT NU: Is there a way you separate your social life from your theater life to escape the constant competition?
Veronica: My freshman year, I didn’t get into In the Heights or the acappella group I wanted. But then I got into Greek life, and those people became my people. It helps a lot that I’m not competing with them all the time.
IYRT NU: Did physical comparison ever cross your mind while auditioning?
Veronica: There’s something called a “type.” Many casting directors look at me and immediately deem me eligible only for BIPOC roles. This categorization can both benefit me and also be limiting. It’s like, yes, I can fit the look for certain parts, but I can also do so much more. Also, body type plays a large factor in castings. In the past, I’ve played very seductive characters and, at times, it’s weird for me to think of how the audience sees me. I usually develop a constant voice in my head to keep my “type.” On the other hand, I’ve had friends who have become mentally confused because they always get casted into older roles because that’s their “type,” but they want to experience playing a character who is closer to their real age.
There’s also a comparison of vocal styles. I’m not an opera soprano, so I’m never going to play a Cosette (from Les Misérables). So, yeah, it’s hard not to get down on yourself, but also, it can give you clarity about what you know you’re good at.
IYRT NU: Thank you for sharing your story.
Veronica G., Northwestern University
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