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

Amanda Cannon Interview by Jen Bush

To Feed the Roses is a new play by Amy Losi that will premiere at esteemed American Theatre of Actors.  The play will run from September 13^th-September 24^th.  In To Feed the Roses, an older couple reunite in what could be a humorous love story — if only the secrets of their past didn’t get in the way!  Amanda Cannon stars in the production.  The first time we had a chat with Amanda Cannon was last fall when she was appearing in What Do We Do About Walter also at the ATA.  It was a pleasure to catch up with her once again as we approach another fall season to discuss her role in To Feed the Roses.

Ms. Cannon has much to celebrate.  Not only was she cast in a wonderful production playing at a lauded theatrical institution, but she will be celebrating a decade living and working as an artist in New York City.  “I’m an actor and writer who grew up in a small town in Arkansas. We didn’t have theatre at my high school, but I fell in love with acting when my Speech class put up a play, and my character was a ditzy cheerleader named Sally Valley. From there, I got my BA in Theatre from Southern Arkansas University and moved to New York after graduating. During the run of the show, I’ll celebrate my ten-year anniversary of living in New York!”

Ms. Cannon’s creative process contains several working elements though the execution changes based on the character she’s playing.  “For me, creating a character is a little different every time, but I have a general outline. For the first few rehearsals, I try not to think too much (I’m an overthinker and my brain is constantly running)–to just go over the script and say the lines and let whatever happens happen as I learn who the character is. Backstory is really important to me, and usually a lot of it will come to me as we go along. For characters that I have a harder time nailing down, I have to create a more elaborate backstory to justify for myself what I’m doing and why. Movement and mannerisms are also very important to me–I like to create the physicality of a character. And if I’m really stuck and feel like I’m not understanding who my character is, I go back to the basics: what’s my objective, what am I doing to get it, what’s standing in my way, etc….”

The American Theatre of Actors continues to be a happy and productive place where artists thrive.  Ms. Cannon is a repeat customer with a glowing review.  “I’ve had a super fun time working at the ATA. This is my fifth show there in a year and a half, and it’s become a sort of theater home for me. I’ve met some wonderful people there, and I’m grateful for each of the experiences I’ve had.”

Ms. Cannon is not sure what’s next.  I have a feeling we’ll be seeing her again at The American Theatre of Actors in the future.  “We’ll find out! I have my fingers crossed for a couple of things, but nothing definite right this second.”

To Feed the Roses

September 13^th-24^th

American Theatre of Actors

314 W. 54th St. New York City