by Lorie Lewis Ham
This week we have another fun Q&A with a local actor. This time the actor is Willow Rogers, who this past summer I saw play Maureen in Selma Arts Center’s production of Rent, and more recently I saw her in COS’ production of Dracula. Two very different shows, and she was wonderful in both. Willow is from Visalia, born and raised.
Willow as Maureen in Selma Arts Center’s recent production of “Rent”
KRL: Schools attended?
Willow: I went to COS and transferred to CSU Fullerton and was in their Acting BFA program (dropped out though…), and then went to COS to study ASL interpreting.
KRL: Current day job?
Willow: I’m currently an American Sign Language interpreter at College of the Sequoias and I used to teach musical theatre and drama at Dancer’s Edge back in the day.
KRL: When did you first get involved in acting and singing and why?
Young Willow on stage
Willow: I was born into a theatrical family. My parents met at an audition for Godspell at the Icehouse, so it’s in my blood! But I knew I wanted to sing and act when I saw Ruthie Henshall as Fantine in the Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert. I was eight or nine and it truly shaped my entire being.
KRL: What was your first part?
Willow: If we’re talking first ever role in a class play, it was Hazelbelle Hanks in No Turkey for Perky in the 1st grade! But if we’re talking outside of school, it was Babes in Toyland at The Enchanted Playhouse. I played Polly and Lucy Locket when I was in 5th grade. It was the best time! I had 2 lines, and I still remember them.
KRL: What are some of the shows you have been in, and the parts you have played and with what companies?
Willow: I did a few TCOE shows as well as my high school’s theatre productions as a teenager and then, after I moved back to Visalia, I did several shows at COS (including Dracula back in 2008 as Mina (and more recently as a female version of Van Helsing), The Crucible as Elizabeth, The King and I as Anna, Tartuffe as Damis, Much Ado About Nothing as Dogberry). I’ve done a couple of shows with Encore in Tulare (Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Miss Honey in Matilda) and, most recently The Selma Arts Center (Miss Honey … again … and Maureen in Rent). That’s some!
KRL: What do you like best about singing? And do you only sing in musicals, or otherwise as well?
Willow: I just love how singing feels. I love when I’m singing with someone else and our harmonies are strong. I love making music with others, but I don’t sing enough outside of theatre! It honestly makes me really nervous!
KRL: Do you have a favorite type of show?
Willow: I truly love all kinds. I love a musical, a play, an intelligent piece, a fluffy vacation-for-the-mind piece, etc.
KRL: What do you like best about acting?
Willow: EVERYTHING. Especially connecting with other actors in a scene. Knowing that there are other grown-ups in the world who just want to fully invest in very structured pretend makes it all the more special.
KRL: What is the hardest thing about acting?
Willow: My own anxiety and expectations.
KRL: Future goals and dreams?
Willow: To continue doing projects I love and to try and make each performance as authentic as I can. (And to always find the joy in it.)
KRL: Heroes?
Willow: Carol Burnett, Julie Andrews, Laura Benanti, Marlee Matlin, Toni Colette, and my sister.
KRL: What do you feel has helped you the most in growing as an actor and singer?
Willow: Life and getting to work with great teachers, great directors, and great actors.
KRL: What advice would you have for someone wanting to get into acting?
Willow: Don’t forget who you are or why it is you love to act.
KRL: Any funny and/or inspirational stories to share?
Willow: Many! Improvising spelling lessons during a performance; going up on my lines while I’m straddling my friend; a prop gun with a mind of its own; actor telepathy coming in clutch; prop food; wardrobe malfunctions … theatre is never boring!
KRL: What is your dream role?
Willow: I have so many… Fantine in Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, The Witch in Into the Woods, Amy in Company, Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, Lady Macbeth…. the list goes on!
KRL: Is it hard balancing a job and acting and work?
Willow: I’m very lucky that my job has flexible hours. Sometimes late nights can make for rough early mornings, but thank goodness for coffee.
KRL: Hobbies?
Willow: I love to spend time with my amazing girlfriend, Jess. Any time with her is time perfectly spent, whether it’s with friends and family, or a lazy day with just us. I love painting, baking, snuggling my cat, Petra. I’m actually quite a homebody.
KRL: You mentioned that you are also involved as an American Sign Language Interpreter at College of the Sequoias. Can you share more about that?
Willow: I adore my job, and my students are all so great. Interpreting was how I initially started at The Selma Arts Center before I actually started auditioning. I love to interpret the productions at COS and would maybe like to interpret professional theatre or touring companies. I’m not sure!
KRL: I also noticed you are on TikTok—what sort of things do you post on there?
Willow: Nonsense, mostly! Lots of impressions, accents, movie quotes, and being madly in love.
KRL: What show are you involved in next?
Willow: I’m going to be taking a bit of a break, I think! I’ll be interpreting for the upcoming COS season, but that’s it for now … may start auditioning for stuff in Fresno if I’m brave enough!
KRL: Anything else you would like to add?
Willow: I’m so grateful for all the performing opportunities the valley has to offer. It’s truly something special.
Editor’s note: All photos provided by Willow.
Check out theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.
Amazing!! She is an incredible actress and i love watching her perform in theater and as an interpreter.
Willow is one of a kind. One of my most beloved friends and an exceptional collaborator! We are lucky to have her in the Central Valley theatre community!