BWW Interviews: Britt Byrd, A Life in the Theater

Find your dictionary (do people still own dictionaries?) and turn to the word "versatile"...chances are (if you actually have a dictionary) you'll find a photo of Nashville actress Britt Byrd next to it. Why? Because, you see, Britt Byrd is the very definition of the word.

Dedicated to her craft, she is an endearing blend of serious actress and sweet young woman. During her time on the Nashville stage, she's played a wide range of roles for a variety of companies, including Circle Players' production of Noises Off, Towne Centre Theatre's Moon Over Buffalo and Steel Magnolias, and Blackbird Theatre Company's Twilight of the Gods. And in each of those roles, she's epitomized "versatility" with an exceptional performance every time she steps onto the stage.

Now she is in rehearsal for Blackbird's next production - Tom Stoppard's Arcadia - directed by the estimable Ted Swindley and running February 25-March 12 at David Lipscomb University's Shamblin Theatre. Part of a cast that includes some of Nashville's best-known actors, including Denice Hicks, Jeff Boyet, David Compton, Wes Driver, Amanda Card McCoy, Scott Rice and Shannon McMinn Hoppe.

Warm and witty, funny and charming, Britt Byrd somehow found time to answer our round of questions and to open herself up to be the focus of this week's "A Life in the Theater." Enjoy...

What was your first taste of theater? When I was in the sixth grade, my school was putting on a production of Annie. I had never been on a stage before and my grandmother thought it would be a good experience for me to audition. With my shock of red hair and freckle face, you can probably guess who they cast me as. The rest, as they say, is history.

What was your first real job (or responsibility) in the theater? My first professional gig was with Blackbird Theater's Twilight of The Gods last fall. I was working on Towne Centre's Moon Over Buffalo and the director, Patrick Kramer, said "You know, you should really go audition for my friends Greg [Greene] and Wes [Driver]." I remember being absolutely terrified. I read for the two female leads and after they deliberated for what felt like an eternity, they called me back in and offered me Sarah. I thought they were joking and then for about three weeks I was convinced they'd changed their minds. Having the opportunity to originate a role was an incredible learning experience and I can't thank them enough for allowing me to be a part of that show!

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in theater? Honestly, it wasn't until very recently that I decided I wanted to pursue theater on a professional level. I had been involved in just about every production I could have been in high school. However, in college, it took a back seat to my English major. I only participated in one show my entire college career and that was Guys and Dolls. And then, very much like when I was in sixth grade, my grandmother noticed a casting call for Steel Magnolias at Towne Centre Theatre. I had performed the role of Shelby in high school (opposite the lovely Amanda Card McCoy as M'Lynn!) so I was familiar enough with the material that I didn't psyche myself out of going and at least auditioning. Still, I had it in my head that there was no way I'd make the cut. I thought I had "lost my mojo". When I got the call from Melissa Williams that she wanted me as Shelby, I think that's when it clicked. That's when it really hit me that, you know, I'm not half-bad at this. But really, I think I've always had it in me to want to be onstage. Unbeknownst to him, I was co-hosting The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson from my grandmother's coffee table when I was I was five.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here? I think the Nashville theater community is the best kept secret in the country. We have such a strong, established pool of talent here. The best part of working in Nashville is how very much like a family so many of us are. I've been very fortunate to work with the likes of Cori Laemmel and Alan Lee and to have the privilege of now calling them my friends and to be able to draw inspiration from them is, to me, what makes this community worth being apart of. Everyone encourages and nurtures and inspires everyone else. I am continuously motivated by the caliber of performers here.

If you could play any role, direct any work, design any production, mount any production...what would it be and why? My fluffy answer is Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. It was the first show I ever saw and it was love at first chandelier drop. My straight answer is CB's sister in Dog Sees God. These will likely change next week.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story? Amy Adams.

What's your favorite play/musical? Currently, it's Tom Stoppard's Arcadia. Never have I ever been as challenged by a script as I am by his.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own theatrical dream...what would you say? Don't limit yourself. Don't underestimate your ability for a second. If it's in you, it's in you. Trust in it and yourself.

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