 st. louis . metroeast . theatre |
st. louis . metroeast . theatre |
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What to do when you've established yourself comfortably in New York City and your husband gets accepted to law school in St. Louis? You pack up and move! While some New Yorkers might consider it a tragedy, Kansas native and actress Kate Sinclair is not only making the most of it, but enjoying every moment. Kate, who emodies the rare find of a triple-threat, has performed in Chicago, on tour and on television. 3RC wanted to find out what impressions a versatile professional like Kate has about arriving on the St. Louis scene.
3RC: First impressions — what strikes you most about St. Louis?
KS: My first impressions of Saint Louis have been very favorable. It seems to me a city that is about to hit a huge growth spurt and may be experiencing some growing pains in the midst of that. The most exciting aspect of that is the huge potential for young entrepreneurs who are dedicated to bringing new ideas and new ways of doing things. I'm excited to be here.
3RC: How many people have asked you where you went to high school?
KS: I was warned about "the Saint Louis question" before I even got here! It seems such a silly way to profile people... I am an ex- New Yorker who grew up in Kansas — so to me that question has no relevance. To answer the question: Blue Valley Northwest — home of the huskies... doesn't mean much around here.
3RC: How have you approached getting a lay of the land on the theatre scene in St. Louis?
KS:I am just starting to get a lay of the land. I tried to get find information on auditions and resources online, but as of now there is no real home base for the theatre scene on the internet. I think 3rd Row Center is a brilliant solution. [3RC: Thanks — we'll take that!]
From talking to people and asking a lot of questions, I am finding that there is a core group of people at the heart of the theatre scene in St. Louis and it's a pretty great group. The actors are friendly and delightfully normal — very inclusive and eager to help someone new. I am working with some of the agents over at Talent Plus and find them to be wonderful and completely grounded.
I think the Kevin Kline Awards team is fantastic. I have been very impressed by their dedication to promoting and celebrating the arts in St. Louis. Hopefully, their momentum will be a big force in bringing local and national attention to the theatre scene in town.
3RC: Does it seem to be a different approach to theatre as a career than in New York?
KS: Yes. It seems much more livable.
In New York, it's hard to separate yourself from your career as people literally live, work, and play in the same places. For example, my favorite sushi restaurant is across the street from the Hirschfeld theatre. My agent's office is four floors up from the Equity offices. The commercial auditions are right next to the farmer's market in Union Square. It's convenient, but there is no physical separation in the different aspects of your life. Most of my friends have moved to Brooklyn or New Jersey to give themselves a little breathing space. In St. Louis, it seems that you can enjoy working in theatre without it consuming the whole of your life.
3RC: From Kansas to Chicago to New York and now St. Louis — how do you stay grounded? How do you make yourself at home?
KS: I lived in Chicago after school and then on to New York and a series of temporary sublets. I spent a couple years on the road with the National Tours of South Pacific and The Full Monty and learned to make myself at home wherever I am. I think it was on a card that my mom sent me at camp when I was little, "bloom where you are planted." I try to do that in each place... and I nest — big time.
I am a pretty grounded person by nature, but my husband would like me to write that it is his remarkable influence that keeps me sane. He's probably right.
3RC: Have you discovered a favorite restaurant here?
KS: Not yet. I'm taking all recommendations.
3RC: Have you set goals for yourself to achieve while you are in St. Louis?
KS: Yes. In addition to acting, I am also an event planner and freelance writer. I have always known that I would build my own business and the time seems right to get started. I am in the planning stages of launching my own company... I'll keep you posted.
And I'm taking up tennis.
3RC: Tell us your "BEST OF" list for St. Louis so far.
KS:
- Blend: eclectic décor for home. It seems that it's still a secret in St. Louis.
- Brody's: a goldmine of gorgeous things everywhere I turn.
- Whole Foods: I am there every day. Not kidding.
- Cardio Strip/Pole Dancing Classes: seriously the best work out since I did A Chorus Line. I'm shocked by how much I love this class and how effective it is. And it's in Clayton of all places.
- City Coffee and Creperie: so delicious. I can't get over it...
