Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Delaney.
Hi Carla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started out doing theater and had the good fortune of being cast as a swing (an understudy) in the hit off-Broadway musical “Forbidden Broadway”. I remember thinking, “An understudy?? I wish I was more than just an understudy.” Well let me tell you, being cast as an understudy turned out to be one of the greatest things that could happen!
The show was fun, silly, and clever, spoofing dozens of legendary Broadway performers. Critics aptly named it “the SNL of the Great White Way”. The cast was comprised of just four people; two women and two men. During the show, each woman had to impersonate over 12 different celebrities which meant that, as their swing, I got to impersonate over 24 legendary female singers and actors…a daunting feat but a wonderful one! The experience taught me that I’m a clutch player. When there are seven seconds left on the clock and the team needs to score, you throw the ball to the clutch player. Now, I realize I’m using sports terminology in an article about theater but, just go with me here. In theater, there are typically 8 shows a week. If a show is successful and runs for a year, that’s 416 performances. A swing might get the chance to perform on stage maybe 14 times out of 416, and that’s if there’s a rogue flu that happens to hit the cast. Clutch players are defined by consistently performing well when the pressure is high and the consequences of their performance are great. Nothing says pressure like being thrust onto a stage with limited rehearsal, itchy wigs, and a costume that’s been sized for someone else. You’re expected to perform flawlessly for a massive crowd of theater goers who have fought traffic and paid through the teeth to see the original cast. So when that rogue flu hits, you better be good, baby! Real good. And I was. Still am, in fact. Sometimes it’s the unexpected experiences that can teach us the most about our strengths.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the first actors I met in LA told me, “you’ll be fine if you remember this career path is a marathon, not a sprint.” At first, I was like, “what does that mean? Is she telling me to carb-load and pay attention to hydration?” I bloat easily! But over the years, I’ve come to understand that statement more and I think it’s good advice. You have to know how to sustain yourself in all kinds of career weather. Figure out your blueprint for happy and stay close to it. Trust that blueprint, let it guide you. Oh, and buy shoes with decent arch support. I think that covers the “road advice’.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This sounds incredible to say, but in a 24/7 negative news world, I think optimism sets me apart. I’m genuinely happy to be on Earth. Crazy, right? Oh, I’m also known for my white teeth. I gave up coffee and only drink green tea so my teeth kinda shine now. Besides my teeth, I’m probably best known for creating two awarding winning shows called “Worth It” and “Voices” that I’m incredibly proud of. They are message-based shows, cheeky rather than preachy and leave you feeling good, like fresh breath. Oh dear, we’re back to the teeth! Let me pivot. I’m also known in the voice-over industry for doing celebrity voice impressions, so you’ve heard me on shows like Family Guy, New Looney Tunes, Captain Marvel. Doc McStuffins, Documentary Now! I started out on the talent side, but I’ve been steadily moving into the writing and producing space. I wrote sketch comedy for years at The Second City and at The Groundlings, so it was a natural evolution to write for television. It’s felt incredibly exciting and empowering to be on the development end.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
An important lesson? Not to over-exfoliate. Truthfully though, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to really trust myself and to know my value. I’ve learned to give myself permission to be unapologetically great. As women, we have to do this for ourselves so others see our immense value reflected out in the world, but it begins as an inside job.
Contact Info:
- Website: voicesbycarla.weebly.com
- Instagram: @voicesbycarla
- Facebook: facebook.com/carladelaneyoffical
Image Credits
Lesley Bohm
