Hello Beautiful People,
Katrina Rose Dideriksen has one of the most soulful, spirited, rich voices I’ve heard in quite some time. She’s got that certain something that you just can’t put your finger on, but something I’m sure that people would bottle up and sell if they could. I have had the pleasure and privilege of seeing Katrina perform at a Joe Iconis & Family Concert, something I would encourage ALL of you readers out there to attend should you ever have the opportunity.
I’m blessed and honored to be able to introduce you all to the one and only, Ms. Katrina Rose Dideriksen…
TWT: Did you always want to be an actress and a singer?
KRD: I grew up in a very musical household. My uncle is a professional bluegrass singer and one of the original members of Red Clay Ramblers, though he no longer plays with them. My parents, god parents and grandfather all performed with a group called the Durham Savoyards, doing Gilbert & Sullivan shows annually. My mother conducted the children’s choir at our church which my sisters and I all sang in, so I was surrounded by music all the time. I knew that I wanted to do something with music, but I wasn’t sure how that would come to fruition.
TWT: Of all the roles you’ve played thus far, which ones are most memorable for you?
KRD: My most memorable roles include Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, for sure. Not only was it my first professional gig, but I was cast from an open call, and received my Equity card. It’s also where I met my best friend and Link Larkin, Austin Miller. I was originally cast as the standby on the 1st National [tour], but was cast later as Tracy in the Vegas production, filled in on Broadway a couple of times, as well as the PCLO and TUTS productions– the latter of which included Austin, again, bringing it full circle. Another truly memorable role for me was Mimi Marquez in RENT. I got cast in Surflight’s production opposite Justin Guarini. I never thought that I would get to play Mimi, but it was one of the greatest challenges I have ever gone through and wore me out in the best way. I love that my two favorite roles I have played could NOT be more different!
TWT: Just for fun, what word do you love?
KRD: My favorite word is shenanigans.
TWT: Just for fun, what word do you hate?
KRD: My least favorite word is fear.
TWT: If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?
KRD: I have actually thought about becoming a certified massage therapist if I were to get out of the arts. But I think once an artist always an artist and I am always searching for new creative outlets. Most recently I have been really into photography, taking pictures mostly of dogs or rock concerts, but I’ve done a couple of weddings now, too!
TWT: If you were stranded on a desert island, what movies would you want to have with you?
KRD: My go to movies are.. Oh this is hard… Noises Off, Hook, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Min, Evil Dead (1 &2), The Muppet Christmas Carol, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
TWT: What books are permanently on your bookshelf?
KRD: Book wise, I tend to read mostly philosophical, non-fiction. I love The Four Agreements series by Don Miguel Ruiz. I really liked A New Earth by Tolle. I can read and re-read Where the Wild Things Are, The Little Prince and The Witch of Portobello.
TWT: What character from musical theatre is most like your character? Least?
KRD: I feel like someone else could pick what characters are most like me.. I relate to Elphaba from Wicked. A lot. Least like me? Oh I don’t know.. Eliza Dolittle?
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts?
KRD: For me, the arts were so important in my education. There were days when it felt like the only thing I had to look forward to was rehearsal with my school chorus or even my pottery class I took for extra credit. I believe the arts are a universal language– one that can’t be expressed in any other way that can help the least understood or shyest kid and bring out who they truly are. I think the arts remind kids that its ok to be themselves and to express that with joy and confidence.
TWT: What’s the best piece of advice you would give to high school and college students who wish to pursue a career in music and/or theater?
KRD: The only advice I can really give is– you have to know you want it. Spend some time getting to know who you are, what scares you, what’s unique about you and embrace those things and know that if you’re going to pursue music or theatre as a career there are going to be a lot of people who want to tell you who you are or tell you that you aren’t good enough. So know yourself, be confident in that and really suss out if the struggles will be worth the rewards for you personally.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
KRD: I have had the luck of having several really amazing teachers in my life– some were friends/fellow cast members who probably to this day have no idea how much they have helped me and influenced my work. Its amazing the things you can learn if you are open to them. But you probably want names, eh? Scott Hill — my middle school/high school chorus teacher. Jack O’Brien. That man is brilliant.
Thank you, Katrina!
Live, Love, Learn,