Onstage with Brittney Bertier

ONSTAGE

Hello everyone. Today, we have Brittney Bertier talking about her journey so far as an actress, dancing, playing the ukelele (and singing along) and more. She’s involved with theatre and she has acted in movies too.

It’s really cool that she’s been pursuing her dream relentlessly from acting in plays as a kid to getting a degree in the fine arts- exploring ballet, the Stanislavski method of acting, Shakespeare and all- with a modern flair. I contacted Brittney because she’s professionally doing what she loves to do- and I wanted to hear her thoughts on it.

Let’s hear what she has to say!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Brittney Bertier and I am an actress and singer/songwriter gal!

Onstage with Britteny Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

What sparked your interest in acting in general? How long have you been practicing?

I was very into the school plays as a kid – that’s where I got my first taste of being on stage. In fourth grade I played a funny version of Betsy Ross who sang about sewing the flag to the tune of Diana Ross’ Stop In The Name of Love. The adults got a real kick out of it, and I was hooked!

There was a brief stint in high school where I focused more on sports and boys than anything else, but when I turned 17 I really started to zero in on acting and have been focused ever since.

Onstage with Britteny Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

So exciting that you’ve acted in movies! You’ve acted in different genres- how has your work experience been so far?

My favorite genre to work in is comedy! I think that is where I feel the most like myself and I really enjoy playing with improv on set. But drama has its own appeal for sure, and I enjoy it all. I’m dying to play the bad seed though – one of these days!

Onstage with Britteny Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

 

Dancing / singing/ playing the ukulele / acting. More about that?

I have my BFA in Music Theatre from The Hartt School, so dancing and singing are a big part of my identity as an artist. After college I wanted to learn the guitar, but I booked a National Tour and couldn’t take one with me, so I purchased a ukulele on a whim before leaving Manhattan. I found it so user friendly, and the sound soothed me through homesickness and frustrations on the road. I fell in love, and before long I found myself writing songs on it. I was fortunate to perform original tunes at a few venues in New York City including Birdland and 54 Below, and now I am working with a producer on an EP!


Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com
Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

What motivates you and inspires you the most?

I find motivation everywhere, but there is always one constant: strong storytelling. It doesn’t matter if it is a film, play, song, dance – if the story is being told with abandon and sincerity and it moves me, it motivates me. Feeling that spark reminds me why I pursue the life of an artist. Art enhances life – it has the power to change, and I want to be a part of that.

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

What’s your favourite movie and actor/actress you look up to?

I adore Tom Hanks, I feel like he is a true chameleon and master of all genres. He is so believable every time I see him on screen. He has an instant likability and charm that I appreciate, but it is backed by incredible talent. He also seems to be well adjusted and maintain a relatively normal lifestyle in light of his success, which I find admirable!

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

Hm. This is a hard one! I never know what life is going to throw at me, but if I had to predict the future I guess I see myself back in New York City in a few years, working on stage or perhaps lucky enough to have a recurring role on a show!

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Theatre/ the silver screen. Which one (or both) would you choose and why?

If I was forced to choose between the two, it would be theatre, though in actuality I pursue both equally. Theatre is at the heart of my training and experience. There is no medium for story telling as pure and and challenging. It is the ultimate in my opinion. : )

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

What are some qualities you think are needed to be act naturally and seamlessly blend in with the character?

Listening is crucial for any character you play. Listening puts the focus on the other person in the scene, allowing you to respond truthfully. Nothing kills an acting moment like being stuck in your head – believe me, I would know!

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Favourite vacation spot and outfit staple?

Cape Cod! My family and I go every summer and I never tire of that beautiful bit of New England. My outfit staple is my black boots. I pair ’em with dresses, skinny jeans, cut off shorts – they are definitely my go to.

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

My favourite genre would definitely have to be comedy. What’s your favourite?

Comedy for sure!

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Too much makeup/ too less? What’s your style like on an everyday basis?

Personally I would rather too little makeup than too much. I don’t know what’s going on with this trend of contouring the cheekbones and putting lip liner outside of the lips to make them appear larger. Why is everyone trying to look like a martian? Find your best asset, accentuate that, and smile. : )

On the daily I do a light blush on the cheeks, mascara, and fill in my brows. I am obsessed with the Fresh Sugar Lip Tint in berry – it goes on smooth and light and has SPF!

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

How did you decide to just go for it and start acting? 

In high school I told my guidance counselor I wanted to be an actor and he said “What else do you want to do?” I couldn’t think of anything. When it came down to it, acting was the only thing I truly wanted to pursue. If there had been any other contender, I would have chosen it knowing that the life of a performing artist is very trying. But for me it was clear, and there was no other choice. : )

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com

Can you describe a typical day in your life?

Every day begins with eggs, toast, and tea. (I’m very into breakfast) Then I attend to emails and submissions, and journal for three pages just to empty my brain and make creative space for the day. The afternoon usually consists of running to various auditions or photo shoots – online catalogue modeling is my side job. If I have time between studying for the next audition or writing music or updating my social media, I try to find a way to incorporate exercise – usually laps in the pool or some yoga at home – but to be honest alot of times I am wiped by then and I just call my Grandma and eat some meatballs. It’s hard to do everything! I try to make a point of carving out a couple of days a week to visit my family or spend time with friends. I am finding as I am getting older that I can’t keep emptying my energy by working all the time, I need to recharge myself with love and new experiences.

Onstage with Brittney Bertier- actress/singer/dancer interview via opinion9.com
Any advice for aspiring actors out there?

My advice for aspiring actors: read The Artist’s Way. Get out of your head. Buy yourself froyo if you nail the audition…buy yourself froyo if you don’t. Keep your expectations in sight – high enough to reach, but not so high that you are overwhelmed. Over time, you’ll grow taller, and the bar will rise step by step as well. It takes time. Be in it for the long haul. Appreciate that some of the most fulfilling work you do may be in a small play or a charity concert or even a web series and that’s ok. It isn’t about gaining credits other people find impressive – it’s about growing and creating, and there is a place for us all.

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Thanks for sharing Brittney! -Aaria

Find Brittney on her website | twitter | instagram | imdb

 

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