We recently interviewed multi-talented actress Callie Beaulieu…a busy audiobook narrator, film actress and theater actress with over 30 years of experience. Engaging, funny, and full of energy, she was a joy to interview.
Tell me how you got in to this business – what made you become an actor?
I know it sounds like a cliché but I have known since I was a child that acting was the career I wanted. I was a very dramatic little girl with an active imagination and as I was growing up, whenever I would go over the top my Grandmother would say…”ok, Margaret O’Brien” with a laugh. In elementary school I played the wicked witch in a class production of Snow White and after the performance I remember, quite clearly, other parents walking up to my mother and father and telling them I should consider acting professionally.
I started doing local community productions and it grew from there. After University, I moved to Chicago and the opportunities theatrically there were tremendous….still are.
So, you’ve been in well over 100 productions, if you consider your theater and film credits. Tell me, what was your most embarrassing moment?
Oh, Gosh! – there have been a few! Ummm, wardrobe malfunctions…so many wardrobe malfunctions! The one that comes to mind first was during a production of Tribute. I had to make a quick change in the dark and change from a dress into a bathrobe. I exited and went to do my quick change and the bathrobe was not where I had pre-set it! Someone had moved my pre-set! My adrenalin shot through the roof, I’m feeling around like a crazy person in the dark in my underwear looking for something to throw on…all the while panicking because my cue is coming…my cue is coming! By pure chance, I grabbed my co-stars smoking jacket which was lying on the floor from an earlier costume change. I threw it on and made my entrance. Well…a smoking jacket is not a bathrobe! It is incredibly short and, let’s just say I was not wearing full coverage underwear. So I am desperately trying to hide my bum and maintain some sense of modesty. I take my place languidly lying on the leather couch and breathe a momentary breath of relief. So far, so good. Well, at one point in the scene, my love interest was blocked to pull me down the couch by my legs for a cuddle. When he started to pull me, I was covered in nervous sweat from the panicked adrenalin rush, and as he pulled me, my bum made loud farting noises the entire length of the couch! Yeah, that…that was humiliating! But it’s also hilarious and real and now a great anecdote and it’s moments like that that make life so exciting.
What are you currently working on?
It’s been a busy year for me. I have narrated twenty-four audiobooks and I have had two independent films picked up at national film fests. The film, Influence, was selected for the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the film, The Iron Wall, was on official selection at The Palm Springs International ShortsFest. In both films, I play a mom to a son finding his way in the world. I could not be more excited and honored to have been involved with both of these projects.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?
Remember this is a business. Professionalism, relationships and good work are so important. Be someone who is great to work with! There can be a lot of drama around any production and it’s important not to get sucked in to it. Stay focused and disciplined and at the same time, enjoy yourself! And remember to take moments to be proud. Celebrate the accomplishments.
That’s great….so, what’s next?
I have a busy few months ahead of me. I will be narrating eight audiobooks and will be working on an independent film next month. I am hoping to get in some travel this year as well. I’m feeling a wanderlust kicking in. As far as “what’s next”, there are so many exciting things in the works, and a lot of projects to look forward to!
For further news and updates on the artist you can visit
www.calliebeaulieu.com
www.imdb.me/calliebeaulieu
instagram:@calliebeaulieu
