Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Marley.
Hi Julia, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I truly don’t remember a point in my life where I wasn’t completely obsessed and in awe of musical theatre & the arts. My parents noticed my interest in performing from a very early age – I would perform for the neighbors in our living room and dance around the house. They enrolled me in musical theatre summer camp, and from that point, my passions, dreams, and love for the arts have only expanded.
By the time I graduated middle school, I had done my first professional show and was completely head over heels in love with theatre and the arts. I attended an online hybrid school all four years of high school that provided a flexible schedule, allowing me to pursue my passion in theatre, newfound love for hip hop, and interest in on-camera acting.
While I never went to my high school prom, I did get to attend a pretty epic one – with Meryl Streep! I had the honor of performing Casey Nicholaw’s original Broadway choreography in the Netflix movie musical “The Prom,” alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. This experience was absolutely life-changing in every sense of the phrase. It was the turning point for me to start seriously pursuing TV and Film.
A few days after I wrapped on “The Prom,” the world was shut down due to the COVID pandemic. I spent most of 2020 in zoom acting classes – sometimes up to seven a day! This definitely paid off, when I booked my first acting role in my dream project: a Nickelodeon movie musical starring a longtime inspiration of mine, JoJo Siwa! I spent the first few months of 2021 in Vancouver, truly living my dream. We actually just found out that The J Team is nominated for two Emmys!
I am simply in awe of the opportunities I have been blessed with and am so excited for what’s to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As cliche as it may sound, comparison is truly the thief of joy. Especially in this day and age of social media, it is so easy to compare your full story to someone’s highlight reel. Social media is innately performative and just so far from reality. Even while knowing this, I find myself constantly comparing my journey and achievements to those I follow and look up to. It is wonderful to gain inspiration from others, but comparison is one of the most challenging bumps in my road.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actress, singer, songwriter, and dancer. I also have a YouTube channel that I’m super passionate about. Editing and producing videos is one of my favorite things to do.
I’ve been a mentor and teacher for performers with special needs for the past eight years, and it is an incredibly special part of my life. I work with the nonprofit company “Allwayz On Stage,” am on the Board of Directors, and choreograph our main stage shows.
This past year I became involved with Lollipop Theater Network, which is a wonderful organization that brings current movies and entertainment to hospitalized children nationwide. It is an honor to have the opportunity to bring joy to kids who are dealing with the unimaginable.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have so many incredible souls in my life that not only make me a better artist but inspire me to be a better human. First and foremost, my parents have been my biggest cheerleaders since day one. Their support and belief in me and my dreams is something I am endlessly grateful for. This journey has many road bumps and U-turns and navigating it with my parents by my side is truly a blessing.
I was fortunate enough to grow up with Cabrillo Music Theatre (now called 5-Star Theatricals) in my backyard. I was a part of their youth performing group – the ‘Kabrillo Kids’ which gave me the opportunity to witness and interact with professional performers up close. One of my earliest memories of falling madly in love with musical theatre was when Cabrillo put on a production of Memphis. I saw the show nine times and was completely in awe of how such a powerful story can be told through such a beautiful medium. We now refer to the moment I recognized my greatest passion as my “Memphis Moment.” Without Cabrillo Music Theatre and all of the wonderful people involved, I would not be where or who I am today.
When it comes to mentors and teachers, I am beyond grateful for the people in my corner that I know I can go to for advice and inspiration. Having people that you can relate to and who understand this career path and lifestyle is incredibly important and finding those people has been the biggest gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: juliamarley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejuliamarley/?next=%2F
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/juliamarley
Image Credits
Lauri Levenfeld
Lauri Levenfeld
Getty Images
Nickelodeon
Viacom CBS
Elesia Kreinces
