Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Renee Gillott.
Hi Chloe Renee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! I am Chloe Renee Gillott. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am currently based in Los Angeles, California. I am a graduate from AMDA College of the Performing Arts, where I received my BFA in Musical Theatre-Performing Arts. I have been performing from a young age. I was introduced to theatre by my mother, who thought it would help me with my learning disability. She thought that doing theatre would help my reading skills and also give me confidence when reading out loud. I had always had a love for the arts. I am very thankful that my small town had many different programs and community theaters that I could join and my school supported the arts. These opportunities really helped shape the artist and performer I am today. I am so very grateful to have theatre in my life because it showed me a place where I belonged. Growing up having a learning disability was challenging, but being able to see other artists who are very successful and who have the same disability, dyslexia, gave me hope. Two of my biggest role models that have talked about overcoming dyslexia are the incredible director, Steven Spielberg and actor, Henry Winkler. I have watched countless YouTube interviews of both talking about growing up with dyslexia and how they both have overcome it. During my junior year of high school, I knew I wanted to go to a performing arts college. Luckily I grew up with a talented sister, Melanie Gillott, who I look up to in so many ways. When selecting my career path, my sister was already on her path to becoming an artist and was attending AMDA at the time. Hearing and seeing all the cool things she was doing, I knew that was the college I wanted to attend too and it turned out to be the most amazing experience. My sister and I even got to take a class together at the same time, which was a really neat experience. Going from a small town to living in one of the biggest cities is surreal. I still pinch myself from time to time that I live in Los Angeles and I am getting to do what I love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming an artist has not always been a smooth ride. I have had my fair share of ups and downs. At an early age, I had to face many challenges in school. At the time I didn’t know that I had a learning disability – later I’d be diagnosed with dyslexia. Finding out that I had a learning disability was something I just had to push through and not let it get the best of me. I started to develop thick skin when I was in second grade. When my teacher told my parents that she would be shocked if I would graduate high school, let alone complete college. This really had an effect on me, since I was only six at the time. Well, I am proud to say I did both. I graduated high school with a 4.1 GPA and completed college a year early. Also I made the honor roll with a 4.0 GPA. I won’t lie, there was a point in my life where I didn’t know if I could go to college. While I had moments of doubt, I knew that I could not succumb to fear of the unknown. Even though I faced these struggles, I don’t think without them I would be the person I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actress, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. I am the voice of the cartoon character, Ly, for the e-learning website: LearnWonderly.com. During the COVID- 19 pandemic, I co-wrote with my sister, Melanie Gillott, the children’s book: “What’s a Quarantine?” to help children have a better understanding of what was happening and provide a sense of hope during a dark and uncertain time. In recent months, I have been spending time in the theatre. I finished up an amazing run of the musical Parade, with DerynDale Productions at the Electric Lodge Theatre. In Parade, I had the pleasure of being a factory girl swing, understudy of Mary Phagan, and part of the ensemble. Currently, I am in Annie, at Fremont Centre Theatre where I am the Star to Be, Connie (Boylen Sister), Cecille, and Ensemble. When I am not auditioning or on stage, I love to be in class. In May, I received my certification on two hand swords (broadsword) with the SAFD (Society of American Fight Directors). Currently, I have my certification with recommendation with the SAFD in Sword & Shield, Rapier & Dagger, and Knife. Something that I am most proud of is my first pop single titled, “Be Anything.” My musical journey has led me to write this song which is available on all musical platforms. I wrote this song as a beacon of hope to anyone going through a challenging situation and a way to encourage others to go for their dreams. I also created a music video for it. It is currently on my YouTube channel @Chloe Renee Gillott. This music video was something that I had the pleasure of making with my friends and I am very thankful for all their amazing talent and helped to make my vision come to life. I also just released a Christmas song with my sister, Melanie Gillott. The song is called “Just One Wish.” Getting to create a song with my sister has been a goal of ours. “Just One Wish” is currently on all streaming platforms.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to keep doing what I love to do. Currently I am in “Annie” at Fremont Centre Theatre, where I will be playing Star to Be, a Boleyn Sister, and other various roles. My sister and I also just released a Christmas song called “Just One Wish.” Collaborating on this project has been a very special experience and hopefully we will write more music together in the future. With a new year around the corner, I am looking forward to what next year will unfold, whether that is releasing some new music, being in another musical, or spending time on set. I am just looking forward to continuing to move forward on this amazing journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chloereneegillott.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloereneegillott/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chloereneegillott/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-renee-gillott-76bb6a272
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi5929idl9i5OJLEtFlvc1Q
Image Credits
Jeff Ellington Photography
Dane Arthur Headshots
Leo Foti
