On The Road: Kate Bailey
This week's edition of On The Road is super exciting because it features my very first cast member from Something Rotten, Kate Bailey! This beautiful actor graduated with a BFA from Brigham Young University and is currently high-kicking her way across the country. You might recognize her from regional performances in Oliver! and Grease at the Paper Mill Playhouse. While she was in Washington D.C., I set her up a photoshoot with the talented local photographer Karl Magnuson, and obviously, I'm obsessed with the pictures of her backstage. I hope you enjoy Kate’s interview and getting to take a peek into the Renaissance!
How long have you been a performer?
I have been performing for as long as I can remember! Professionally though, I started in college.
What was your "big break"?
I would have to say “Something Rotten!”. I was lucky enough to get my equity card working regionally at Paper Mill Playhouse, but this is my first show straight from Broadway.
Is this your first national tour and who do you play in the show?
This is my first national tour! I am the female swing/ understudy Portia.
What makes your job different than the rest of the ensemble's and how many tracks do you have to know as a swing?
Being a swing is different than being in the ensemble because you have to know ALL of the ensemble tracks; so your show could be completely different two nights in a row. The amount of tracks a swing covers can vary depending on the show, but for Something Rotten I cover 6 ensemble tracks and 1 principal track.
What is your favorite show you've ever worked on?
Honestly... THIS ONE! I saw Something Rotten on Broadway at their first preview and I was hooked ever since. I feel very lucky to have the chance to do it! It is so so fun to perform and the costumes/hair are so fun to wear!
What are some items you absolutely can't live without backstage?
As a swing I spend a lot of time backstage... so I always have a few projects/ crafts going on; coloring books, magazines, paint by numbers to name a few. The male swings and I like to play UNO or Euchre when we are not tracking/ reviewing or in the show! Another one of my essentials would have to be my planner! And a Diet Coke :)
What is the most interesting day at work you've ever had?
It was our closing show in Des Moines, IA. I was on for Portia, and it was one of the male swings last show before he was leaving the tour. With maybe 20 minutes left, one of the male ensemble got sick, and he had to swing on mid show at his FINAL show for the last 20 minutes! We thought our stage manager was kidding when he came running into the dressing room! It was so special that he got to take a bow on his last day and the cast was so excited!
What is your favorite thing about your job?
It is hard to pick one favorite thing... but I would have to say getting to travel the country and see places I have never seen, as well as the wonderful people I have met and get to now call my friends and family.
What is the most challenging part of being an actor on tour?
LAUNDRY! I don’t know why because I am used to not having a washer/ dryer in my apartment in NYC, but having to figure out doing laundry on the road has been my biggest challenge.
What is your favorite fun fact about Something Rotten?
I love telling people that this is the FIRST broadway musical that our wonderful and hilarious writers, Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, have written. People are always very surprised by that.
With cast mate Lucy Anders.
What is your favorite part about telling this story every night?
My favorite part about telling this story is that, the majority of the time, people have absolutely no idea what is about to happen except that it has to do with Shakespeare. So they are discovering every little joke and nuance with us every single night, which is very very fun to be a part of. Especially the number “It’s A Musical”. Performing that number will probably be one of the most magical and memorable moments I will have in a show for a long time.
What advice would you give to a young person who wants to move to NYC and pursue a career in the arts?
I would tell them to surround themselves with people that inspire them. In all areas, even non-business related, like in your fitness classes, at church, in whatever you do... try and be inspired every where you look. That will help to keep your personal momentum going in this fast moving career, and life.
FUN FACTS:
What was the first Broadway show you ever saw?
A Chorus Line Revival Cast in 2006
What is your favorite Broadway show you've ever seen?
The Bridges of Madison County... although I JUST saw Once on This Island revival and it may be my new favorite!
What is your favorite restaurant or bar that you've found on tour?
I have three. Sqirl and Honey-Hi; both in LA. I also loved Mission Chinese in San Francisco.
What is your favorite city you've visited on tour so far?
It’s a tie between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
What is your favorite costume in Something Rotten?
I love my fancy dress and wig that I wear for the second half of Act One. It is blue with copper accents and I have fishtail braids and I just love it. It is probably my favorite costume that I have ever worn.
