BWW Interviews: Cathy Sanborn Street, A Life in the Theatre

Cathy Sanborn Street has clearly made a name for herself in the Nashville theatre community. As the artistic director for the Street Theatre Company, she's brought some important premieres to the local stage and she's developed a loyal and talented cadre of actors, designers and technical wizards who clamor for the opportunity to work for her.

In fact, if you were in attendance at last summer's Vegas Night, the company's annual fundraising gala, you would have seen just how much support is found in the community, in general, and in the theatre community, in particular. Frankly, I was more than a little impressed by the level of enthusiasm and the sense of involvement displayed by her supporters.

While she obviously spends a lot of time working on the administrative requirements of running a theatre company in Nashville, she also finds time to display her many talents onstage. Most recently, she starred in the company's critically acclaimed (which means I really liked it) production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. And somehow, in the aftermath of that show and amid all the hubbub of the holiday season, Cathy found time to sit down and respond to our questions. This week, then, she is in the spotlight for "A Life in the Theatre." Enjoy!

What was your first taste of theatre?

I was always singing and playing music as a kid. My family was all very musical so we were always acting out plays and such in my living room. But my first theatre experience was getting the lead in the school play "Belle of the West" in seventh grade. I was hooked.

What was your first real job or responsibility in the theatre?

I think it was actually as a technical intern. While performing in high school, I volunteered at a local repertory theatre which led to my first internship at a summer stock company. By the time I learned about the company, they had already cast shows for the summer, so I was hired as a technical intern. Mind you, I don't think I had ever swung a hammer at that point. But what a great experience! I found that I took so much pride in seeing the sets completed knowing I had put in those screws and painted those flats! And the production company was so great. They learned I was an actor first, and put me into the ensemble of the final show! It was a great lesson that getting your foot in the door is the important thing. Not only will the company get to know you, but you may find that you enjoy something you never thought you would! I still love building sets to this day!

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in theatre?

I basically always knew. Really, as soon as I was in high school I started working and volunteering in any capacity with a number of local companies and then went to college to study it.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville ? What are the best parts of working here?

The talent pool of artists in Nashville is excellent. I think that is one of the most exciting parts about performing and producing art in Nashville.

If you could play any role, direct any work, design any production, mount any production...what would it be and why?

I feel like I have been lucky enough to perform and produce most of the shows I am passionate about. And I couldn't really pick one piece that stands out among the rest that I would want to do because so many shows call to me for different reasons, both musicals and non-musicals.

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

If you are going by looks, I guess I would say Joanna Gleason (from what I have been told).

What's your favorite play/musical?

Again, impossible to say. I can't begin to answer because then I will think, "Oh, I left out that one, and that one...!" So I am going to pass

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the theatre, who would you choose and why?

Uta Hagen - I love her acting method; Elia Kazan-an innovator in the theatre/directing world; Meryl Streep-does she count? I just find her to be one of the most versatile actors ever, and I would love to see what she does to transform herself for each character she plays.

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?

I would say, "be humble." Do anything and everything you can in the theatre so that you become a well-rounded artist. It will give you an appreciation for everything it takes to put on a show and will make you more valuable. Study and learn. Always remember there is an infinite amount of things to learn and no one, not even Patti LuPone, ever knows everything there is to know or has achieved performance perfection. Always, always, always strive to improve yourself and enjoy the learning process.

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