Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Interview by Jen Bush

A Symphony for Portland

Tickets available at web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1108269/prm/PORTLAND

Kristen Smith is part of the illustrious cast of A Symphony for Portland opening in mid-August.  She is a performer who wants to give the audience a cerebral experience while bringing people together through her art.  “I really enjoy telling stories that force audiences to think beyond their personal point of view and make them reflect on themselves. As an artist, I want my work to unify people.”

Ms. Smith’s creative process involves visual and kinesthetic methods, utilizing past experiences to shape the character and ensuring good communication and interaction with her scene partner.  “I immediately start rewriting all of my lines in my own words. This helps me with the memorization process so much and allows me to find ways to bring my own essence to the character with the lines written on the page. When I begin to do my character work, I always start with releasing my personal perception of myself while at the same time using parts of me that I think reflect the character. So in this instance, I realize that I am very different from Starr. I was never homeschooled, I wasn’t raised by a single parent, and I’m not 18 anymore. However, I can take myself back mentally to when I was 18 and how that felt. How it felt like I was just about to embark on this great journey of life with freedom to make decisions for myself. How exciting that was! I put that energy into Starr. Other than that, I try to really focus on listening to my scene partner, receiving and reacting to what they’re saying.”

Ms. Smith was drawn to this play because it was new.  Crafting an artistic interpretation from a blank canvas and to be the first person to breathe life into her character was appealing to her.  “I have always wanted to be a part of bringing a brand-new work to the stage, so this was a no brainer for me. There’s something so special and rewarding about being in a show that has never been done before. With a new work, the possibilities are endless. You can change things and really play with the material because there’s no expectation. That’s what’s so cool about this whole process. We just got to play around and find what really worked and what didn’t.” 

 Sometimes an artist will feel an added responsibility when performing in a show with serious subject matter.  “I definitely feel that responsibility. This subject matter is so heavy and still very relevant today. Sex-trafficking steals the lives of so many children and teens today and it is so important that we remember that during this process. My hope is that A Symphony for Portland will bring some more awareness to this massive issue.”

With Covid not over, the performing arts have found a way to return.  The integrity of the art has been maintained while protocols and procedures have radically changed.  Every artist has certain feelings about the return of the arts.  “I feel that it’s important that we open this show and share this story but it more important that we are doing it in a manner that is as safe as possible for the cast, as well as the audience coming to the show. Masks up, hand sanitizer available, disinfecting all surfaces and seats, that is all so important.”

Ms. Smith has the right idea of what theater should look like regardless of Covid.  “First of all, I would like to see theatre continue to become more inclusive to all people. No matter who they are, what they look like, or how they identify. We are all people and we all are worthy being seen and heard in this industry. I would also love to see more new works being brought to the stage, like this one!”

Ms. Smith is being proactive in secure future artistic opportunities.  She is wise to be open to all performing arts endeavors.  “In this next chapter, I’m going to continue to self-submit for auditions, network, and hopefully gain representation. I want to, of course, do more theatre and eventually move into TV and film. I am so excited to be back in New York and really hit the ground running in my career.”