Going Pro

SCR Casting Director Joanne DeNaut has been watching Kalie Quiñones.  And for Kalie, that’s a good thing.

She first caught Joanne’s eye (and ear) as a student in the 2010 Professional Actor Training program.  “She was particularly good in cold readings, and that’s an important talent.”  In cold readings, an actor is handed an unfamiliar script and asked to read on the spot, and this talent has has won Kalie frequent jobs reading with actors during auditions.

“She’s also a very smart actor, who is growing in every role,” Joanne added.  So far, those roles have included the ensembles of A Christmas Carol and Pride and Prejudice.

And now, the big news is her latest role—a lead in The Borrowers, the second production in the 2011-12 Theatre for Young Audiences season. “We brought in 14 actors for the role of Arrietty,” Joanne said, “and both Shelley (Director Shelley Butler) and I agreed that  Kalie nailed it.”

What does being cast in The Borrowers mean for Kalie?  First, it’s a confirmation.  “I’m grateful to Shelley for seeing my talent and ability and to Joanne for believing in me from the beginning and helping me grow as an actor.”  Second, she is now eligible to join Actors Equity, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, which means she can perform onstage anywhere in the country, including all major regional theatres and Broadway houses.  “I’m so excited about reaching that milestone,” Kalie said, “because now I can continue my career as a professional.”

Don’t miss Kalie’s first performance as a pro in The Borrowers, playing on the Argyros Stage February 10-26.