“I really like connecting with audiences. My favorite thing to do is make an audience laugh. There’s nothing better in the world than bringing joy to somebody.”
What led you to pursue a career in acting? I got the performing bug very early in life—I was a dancer when I was young, and I also did singing recitals. But what really struck me was during high school when I took a summer school class in Shakespeare. It was the first time I’d been introduced to Shakespeare or performed it. It clicked with me—that something from so long ago could still be relevant and meaningful even today. That was the moment that I thought, “If I can connect with Shakespeare who lived so many years ago, then whatever I end up doing, whether it’s performing or teaching, then I think I can do this for the rest of my life.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of being an actor? Two things. One: I’m constantly meeting new challenges and new people. Whenever I start a new contract, there are new things to learn, whether it’s the time period or the subject matter. I’ve also gotten to meet so many incredible artists and people throughout my career so far. And number two: I really like connecting with audiences. My favorite thing to do is make an audience laugh. There’s nothing better in the world than bringing joy to somebody.
What have you learned from your different projects? There have been so many amazing challenges and new subject matter to learn from. I’m working on a script right now that deals with film noir. I knew what film noir was, but now I’m really diving into it. I’ve learned about global warming… I’ve learned how to use puppets. I did Avenue Q at San Jose Stage Company, which helped me learn how to tell a story through puppets. Every time I dive into a project, it’s something new.
Do you have a favorite role you’ve played and why? I’d say when I played Amy in Company. She had this wonderful song where she’s scared to death of getting married and she’s talking to the audience and telling everybody at the church to go home. I’ve never had so much fun performing. It was a riot to be able to be a goofball and freak out for about 10 minutes on stage! [Laughs]
What has been the most challenging role you’ve played, and how did you grow from it? The most challenging role for me has been Cinderella in Into the Woods. At first glance, it seems pretty simple. Cinderella is a character we all know, and it’s a story we all know. But it’s a Sondheim musical. The way he’s able to put together a score is just incredible! There usually comes a point when you can settle into a show—it’s not that you can just go through the motions, but you’re not counting every beat or thinking in your brain “OK, I have a half a beat to take a breath here”—but with Into the Woods, I never got to let up. It has a very demanding composer. It was really nerve-racking!
Instagram: monique_hafen_adams
