Hello Beautiful People,
Remy Zaken started tackling the professional circuit of theater at the age of eleven, on a national tour revival of E.L. Doctorow’s Ragtime. Many Write Teacher(s) Readers may know Remy from the original Broadway cast of Springtime Awakening, originating the role of Thea. When Remy was a junior at Columbia, she conquered her coursework while star in Buddy Crutchfield’s Freckleface Strawberry at New World Stages. Remy and I sat down at Toshi’s Living Room before the Broadway Rocks Toshi, and got to chat about life, theater, education, and what goes into being a triple threat. Ladies and Gents, meet Remy…
Photo by Rick Day
TWT: Did you always want to be a performer?
RZ: Yes but I had extremely crippling stage fright. I hated singing in front of people. I started singing before I could talk, but my parents recognized my talent for performing. They encouraged me to do Community Theater, and if I didn’t like it, after trying it once, I didn’t have to do it. Once I finally went out on the stage I was fine. The anticipation more than anything is what would make me nervous. Once I got over that, I was the one who kept begging my parents to perform. My parents and I had an agreement that I had to maintain straight As if I were to perform. And so I kept my grades up, worked on my craft, and then eight years later I was in Spring Awakening, after performing at a various Regional Theaters, doing national tours, and three Off-Broadway shows.
TWT: Just for fun, what sounds do you hate?
RZ: Pieces of cardboard squeaking against each other. People chewing with their mouths open…there’s a bunch!
TWT: Just for fun, what sounds do you love?
RZ: Birds chirping.
TWT: Just for fun, what books are permanently on your bookshelf?
RZ: The Artist’s Way, by Julie Cameron. I just started it, but it’s changed my life. I’d recommend it to every person ever. It’s pretty much the greatest book that’s ever been written.
TWT: Just for fun, what movie would you want to have with you if you were stranded on a desert island?
RZ: Mean Girls, without a doubt. I’m beyond excited that Tina Fey is bringing it to Broadway. I would literally do anything to get into that at show. Citizen Kane is a favorite…I like very old classic comedies, too!
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving the arts?
RZ: If you read The Artist’s Way, you realize that every single person has creativity and the capacity to make art. I feel like we should be encouraging that growth and giving people outlets to do that, while they’re learning math and science and social studies and other subjects. You need to develop both your right and left-brain. It’s something to do, it’s an outlet, it’s a constructive hobby for our youth. How would you know that you love these things, if you don’t have an opportunity to do so?
Photo by Joan Marcus
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
RZ: Diana Canova, she taught me voice. She’s fantastic, very, very supportive of me. Cheryl Kemeny, she gave students opportunities to do theater, she had so much heart and dedication – I always credit her, and I’d encourage anyone in the Connecticut area to study with her. When I was in Spring Awakening I had all these amazing people that were there to guide me, I consider Lea Michele like a big sister, Jonathan Groff like a big brother, Deborah Abramson who were our assistant musical director, Kimberly Grigsby – they brought out the best in me. Now I’m taking voice with Matt Farnsworth, who’s just blowing my mind. I’m also studying with Jen Waldman for acting; she’s such a warm presence, and so supportive. Being a triple threat is not a one-person job – you need teachers. There are so many people out there in NYC, but you just need to find the ones who speak to you the best. These are mine, and I adore them. My parents are also amazing people and parents and teachers who gave up part of their lives to help me pursue my dreams. I mean they crashed the red carpet at the Tony Awards to show their support! They are amazing.
Thank you, Remy!
Keep up with Remy’s latest projects and inquire about her tutoring services in ACT prep, English, writing, reading comprehension, psychology, history, and science by clicking here, or emailing contact@remyzaken.com.
Live, Love, Learn,
Megan &