Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Polisson.
Hi Natalie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up just outside of Crown Point, Indiana—a small town in the northwest corner of the state—and honestly, I think I fell in love with music before I could even talk. I was obsessed with this little “echo mic” as a toddler, always singing around the house, and I idolized my sister, who played violin. So of course, when I turned eight, I begged for my own violin and started learning to play.
A year later, I saw there were auditions happening for the high school play, and even though I was just a kid, I had to be a part of it. My sister—this was VERY Jessica—lied on my audition form and said I played piano. I had no idea what I was doing, but I somehow got cast and then scrambled to learn a little piano for the role! That experience changed something in me. Being on stage, working with other actors, and getting to just be someone else for a while—my little soul was hooked.
From then on, I was involved in everything: musicals, theater, dance team, show choir, orchestra—you name it. My sophomore year of high school, I played Maria in West Side Story, and that role really shifted the trajectory of my life. Sondheim’s music is just… next level, and being able to step into Maria’s shoes and bring her story to life? I’d never felt so connected to something.
I ended up going to Indiana University on a partial music scholarship and originally chose to study business for the arts—“because it was the smart thing to do”. But one of the requirements was acting classes, and I absolutely fell in love. The process of exploring a character, storytelling, breaking down a scene, getting into the psychology of it all—it felt like home. Eventually, I realized I was lying to myself, so I transferred to the University of South Dakota and joined their musical theatre program.
That’s where I took an on-camera class with one of my professors, Pris Hagen, and it really sparked my interest in film. We ended up doing a showcase in New York through Actor’s Connection, and I got great feedback from film/tv casting directors, which definitely planted a seed.
After college, I spent years doing professional regional theatre and picked up some film projects along the way. Then one day, after finishing a contract in Alaska (which was a total dream), I packed up everything, grabbed my pup Honor, and drove to California. I’d never even been, but something in me just knew it was time.
I’ve been in LA for about eight and a half years now, and I’m still learning, still growing—not just in my craft, but as a person. It’s been a wild, beautiful journey so far, and the best part is: I’m just getting started.
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?
It’s been a road full of bumps—with some truly lovely views along the way.
I honestly believe that being an artist is one of the most emotionally challenging paths a person can choose. And as an actor, it’s not just your talent being evaluated—it’s your looks, your body, your energy. Everything is under a microscope. I’ve learned that a lot of the time, it’s not about your ability—it’s simply that you aren’t what they’re looking for. And that’s okay. Because when you are, I truly believe those roles will find you. What’s meant for you is for you.
There was a time when rejection wounded me deeply. I’d spiral, wondering what was wrong with me. But this journey—both in life and in this industry—has taught me how to accept and embrace who I am. Of course, there are still hard days. I’m human. But there’s a strength in showing up anyway.
Moving to Los Angeles was a huge learning curve. Suddenly, everything was very real—especially the financial realities of living and working here. “Adulting,” as they say! The love of the art has to live alongside the responsibilities of real life, and it’s a delicate balance. Some days I book a job or get an exciting callback, and other days I’m working through auditions, side jobs, and trying to keep the tank full. I’m continually learning how to navigate that balancing act.
Before I started making any income in this field, a lot of people questioned me. Some gently suggested it might be time to quit, move home, “be realistic.” And I know my parents were scared for me—because they love me. But I’m proud of myself for drowning out the noise, staying the course, and carving out a path that’s mine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m primarily an actor, but I also sing, dance, occasionally pick up my violin, and have dabbled in puppetry. These days I work a lot in the indie film and commercial space, with the goal of diving more into episodic work in the future. I’ve found myself bouncing between drama/thrillers and family-friendly films, which I love for the contrast. In commercials, I tend to book comedic roles, which is always a fun challenge. Love exploring so many different parts of the industry—it keeps me creatively fulfilled.
I’ve worked on some recent projects I’m proud of for different reasons. I voiced a few characters in Glisten and the Merry Mission, a national release produced by Build-A-Bear Entertainment, alongside an incredible cast including Freddie Prinze Jr. and Dionne Warwick. Voice acting for animation has been a dream of mine, so this was a huge moment for me. I also starred in the Lifetime medical thriller My Child Has My Doctor’s Face, directed by Joshua Butler (The Vampire Diaries), where I played a woman who discovers her doctor inseminated her without her consent and joins forces with other victims. It was my first time as #1 on the call sheet for a feature, a story inspired by real-life horrors, and I was honored to work with Joshua. So much to be grateful for here.
The sci-fi short Bisected I starred in was selected for the Sitges Film Festival—such a massive win. Danny Pineros, one of my favorite directors in LA, wrote and directed this one and I will work with this man every chance I get. Coming soon is the animated/live-action family feature The Marlin Cowboy with McFadden Family Films, starring E.G. Daily, which is currently in post-production. I can’t give away too much about this one, but it is heartwarming and so unique. In March, I attended a screening of Red Plague, a post-apocalyptic film directed by Gio Orsino, where I got to incorporate a hint of my musical skills into one of my favorite film genres. I’ll be heading back to Baltimore soon to finish filming Days of Sodom, a gritty fan film with Wet Paint Pictures.
There are many other exciting projects I’ve worked on recently, and the fact that I can say that reminds me how incredibly grateful I am for this journey.
As for what sets me apart? I think it’s a mix of relatability and my own brand of quirky. I bring myself to every role but ground the work through the lens of the character. People have told me I carry a kind of quiet strength—that’s something that’s stuck with me. I love digging into the details—how a character moves, how they think, all the little things that help bring them to life. I can totally nerd out with a scene and LOVE trying all the different ways I can create life into it. Honestly, I just try to show up fully for every project, big or small, and tell the most honest story I can.
Any big plans?
Right now, I’m continuing to train and grow in my craft. I’m currently taking class with Brian Norris at The Norris Studio, and I’m loving it! The goal is always to keep evolving and work on projects I’m truly passionate about.
As for big life changes… I’m marrying the love of my life in August! It’s been such a fun (and busy!) season of wedding planning, while also falling back in love with fitness and making it a real priority. I’ve been working with Mikey Weiss from The Mind Matter Lifestyle, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth, transformation, and discipline. All of it has been fueling my creative work in new ways—I feel more grounded, open, and more connected to the roles I step into. The more I live life the more I can fuel into my work. Honestly, I have so much to be grateful for right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nataliepolisson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliepolisson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.polisson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nataliepolisson
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6003075/
Image Credits
Headshot – Harvey Greenberg
KADAMA – Sam Chatterjee, cinematographer
THE MARLIN COWBOY – Johnny Widner, cinematographer
SWALLOWTAIL AND DRAGONFLY Premiere – Charles Lin, Taylor McWhorter, photographers
