BWW Interviews: A Conversation with Tara Bissett: Actress, Singer, Storyteller

Tara Bissett was always interested in the arts. Born in Montreal and raised in Montreal, Ontario and the US, her parents encouraged her from an early age to involve herself in art classes and choir in school. Having traveled overseas just after high school, Bissett returned to Montreal for university and has remained ever since.

Bissett was shy as child, so although she loved the idea of theatre, she was too shy to go out for lead roles or solos and instead performed in the ensemble, keeping herself in the background. She focused primarily on the visual arts, eventually earning a degree in the Fine Arts.

After university, Bissett started singing in choirs, finding her way to community theatre groups like the Lyric Theatre Singers. Slowly, she began gaining confidence and momentum with solos and principal roles. The first principal role in a musical Bissett performed in was with Lakeshore Light Opera close to 15 years ago. Though she had never thought of herself as an actor, people began continually commenting positively on her acting skills. Moving forward, Bissett began paying more attention to her acting, in addition to her singing, which she had previously spend considerably more time on. Though her passion was with musical theatre, she realized that she was just as in love with the art of telling the story and challenged herself by performing in straight plays with groups such as Lakeshor Players.

After being heavily involved with local theatre, Bissett took a break to go back to school to obtain a Masters Degree in Applied Creativity, eventually pursuing work as a Consultant and Facilitator/Trainer. Traveling extensively, Bissett didn't have time for theatre and didn't perform for five years. During her five year hiatus, Bissett's sister passed away. Being away from theatre for so long, coupled with her sister's death ignited a spark.

Bissett re-emerged on the Montreal theatre scene with her role as The Witch in Music Theatre Montreal's production of INTO THE WOODS. That spark she felt after her sister's passing, grew into a roaring fire. Realizing the intensity of her passion to perform and be involved in theatre prompted Bissett to say to herself, "This is it,Tara. This is your life. If this is your passion, you've got one chance, so go for it." It was a huge wake up call. Her family and friends were extremely supportive of her decision to switch careers after just completing her Masters and starting another career. She made the decision to pursue performance professionally and hasn't looked back.

In the three years Bissett has been solely focusing on acting, she has perfomed in musicals, straight plays and film. For Bissett it all comes down to the story. "Is it interesting, gritty and something worth telling and does it come from someplace real" is what attracts her to a role or a piece. Her acting coaches, Jock MacDonald and Isabel Farias at Straeon Acting Studios, oprerate under the same philosopy. Bissett has also done several workshops with Gordon McCall who recently directed her in POOL (NO WATER). Other recent roles include Goldie in GEFILTE FISH CHRONICES, Heather in GIDION'S KNOT and the Countess in MERTON OF THE MOVIES.

Bissett is currently starring in WIFE BEGINS AT FORTY at the Hudson Village Theatre, directed by Glen Bowser.

Next for Bissett is her solo concert, Witches, Bitches & Glitches. A collection of musical theatre songs that are character driven is the focal point for Witches, Bitches & Glitches. Songs from INTO THE WOODS, THE WIZARD OF OZ and GYPSY represent some of the iconic witches and bitches, while gitches, representing challenges characters face, such as mental illness in NEXT TO NORMAL are also included.

Looking ahead to 2015 will see Bissett portraying Dr.Martha Livingston in AGNES OF GOD, directed by Jock MacDonald, co-starring Isabel Farias and Jane Gilchrist.

WIFE BEGINS AT FORTY runs through Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the Hudson Village Theatre. 28 Wharf Road, Hudson, QC. Tickets are available by calling (450)458-5361. For more information, visit www.villagetheatre.ca

Witches, Bitches & Glitches will be presented one night only on Sunday, November 23, 2014, 7:30PM at Sala Rossa, 4848 boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC. For more information, visit www.tarabissett.com

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