Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Gath.
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Long Beach, I grew up doing musical theatre and showcases for community theaters like the Long Beach Playhouse and GO FAME youth theatre. I started when I was about 7/8 but I’ve been singing ever since I was born. Seriously, ask my mom, I practically came out singing. As a child, I was trained in classical singing and once I got into musical theatre, everything switched for me.
I began doing acting intensives and had acting mentors such as Craig Anton. In Middle School and High School, I stayed doing community theatre and theatre in school with various glimpses into the wonderful world of LA. When I was 13, I was in an episode of Nickelodeon’s Sam And Cat (which I was cut from, opps) and later on, I got to record the National Anthem for the movie Hands Of Stone with my choir. I would sing in competitions and even won a few awards from that as well. I remember having my mom bring me to a couple of cattle calls and open castings in LA but she decided that once I turned 18, I could figure it out on my own. In High School, I continued musical theatre and there I made some of my best friends (shout out to Abby) and even got to do outside productions like The Hunchback Of Notre Dame at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.
After graduating high school, I found out how to get back into acting through Central Casting where I’ve done background acting jobs for over a year now. From that, I’ve gotten featured roles, some auditions and SAG eligibility. Background wasn’t my initial plan, neither was working in film, but everything has really worked in my favor along the way. Especially since I go to college currently, my schedules have somehow lined up perfectly for the time being. I do hope to one day continue pursuing musical theatre, though live theatre doesn’t seem to have as bright of a future for the time being. Singing is my greatest joy in life and although I love being in front of a camera, I’d also love to perform on Broadway one day.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I would say that initially this isn’t what I wanted to do, like I said before I’m a musical theatre child. I’ve fallen off the path towards Broadway. But there’s something about being on set and rapid-ness of it all that I absolutely love. Of course getting jobs can be hard, going on countless auditions and open calls is hard, especially when you get a callback or multiple callbacks only to not book the gig. Constantly updating headshots and waking up before the sun for auditions isn’t thrilling either. I also have multiple jobs because acting just doesn’t cut it, it’s not stable. There’s something about not having representation that makes an actor’s life so difficult too. I think trying to go to school right now is a major challenge as well. Many will say that going to an acting class like Groundlings is the way to go, but my family wanted me to get a degree before I pursue anything and I want to make my Mom proud by going to a university. There’s a lot wrapped into it, living a distance away adds to the stress too. It’s a very rocky road and there’s so many paths to take, none are the same.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Besides being an actress and a student, I’m also a performer for parties and events. I work for multiple companies doing this, spanning from being a singer at events such as weddings to dressing up as characters for children’s birthday parties. What sets me apart from others is that although I have many jobs, no matter what it is I’ll put my heart into it. I love performing and telling a story so whether it be for an event or making magic at a child’s birthday, I will provide the most professional and believable performance every time. I try to find any crack or crevice where I can work with my creative side. I never want to get stuck in a work cycle where one day, I end up working behind a desk. Fortunately, working and living so close to LA and all these other outlets for being creative, it isn’t difficult finding some sort of performing job. I would say I’m most proud of being a role model for kids, aside from being a performer at children’s parties, I’m also a second and fifth-grade tutor. I love encouraging their creative side and making them believe that they can make their dreams come true. And I constantly learn from them too. I learn how to be a better actress and person, I learn humility and when it’s okay to brag; they are all so proud of me. My love for teaching those kiddos and getting to spread my passion definitely sets me apart from others.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
With coronavirus now, I’ve noticed how the film industry has tightened up but it will never diminish. I think after this pandemic, it will only spike and grow bigger and prosperous. I’m excited to be working my way in and in 5 – 10 years have enough accreditation’s under my belt to live comfortably and continue to teach kids. I’d love to one day star in a role such as Chanel from Scream Queens or Cher from Clueless, both such fun and iconic roles. Hollywood has made a pretty big mark on the world that I don’t think it could just disappear and so much of LA relies on the industry, they will only work to keep it up. Live theatre on the other hand is a different story. I think it will be a long time before we can be sitting in the audience before love performers, and being that performer too. I know it will somehow find it’s way. I hope to one day diverge from the film path and find my way back into musical theatre. Singing was my first passion and although New York is on the other side of the country, someday I’ll wind up there starting from the bottom and working my way up once more. Whatever I do in life, I hope to be happy and helping others. Whether I be helping those by inspiring them, giving them tips or teaching them, that’s what’ll bring me joy. It’s the aspect of changing worlds that intrigues me so much and motivates me to continue. I hope that I never stop.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliegath/?hl=en
Image Credits
Alithea Louise
