Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheridan Cassidy.
Hi Sheridan, 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?
I’m originally from a tiny town in South Cheshire, England. Surrounded by miles of green English countryside, I felt distinctly out of place. Only in my Youth Theatre company, up in this hobbit land called Mount Pleasant did I get a glimpse of where I might fit in. Looking back at where things started, I could never have predicted where I would be going.
I was never the most talented in my theatre group or my dance classes but I was definitely the most unique and easily the most driven. I was 14 when I first discovered I had a natural ability with something as complex as opera, which further drew me into performance art. I wasn’t particularly popular with the indie kids or on board with the latest trends flying out of Manchester but I had my own thing! Street dance was a struggle but classical jazz and contemporary styles were my forte. It seemed clear I was destined for a classical career of sorts.
I began as most performers do in the theatre, however, to my surprise I didn’t have much success in the classical side of things, The English National Opera wouldn’t have me. A Touring production of Carmen gave me all of one bar before raising a hand with a ‘Thank you!’ The jobs I actually booked were sexier, jazzier productions such as Cabaret, Chicago and Guys and Dolls. In spite of my extreme hourglass shape, I still thought of myself as ‘just a little plump’ like I was still an awkward operatic teenager. It’s funny how you perceive yourself compared to how others see you and how identity can change as a result of this. I never saw myself as this supposed jazz vixen but when the pattern of work emerged and much of my success was based on this image, I went with it. Not long after musicals came my platform as a leading Jazz artist in London, this coupled with my dabble in the world of Burlesque gave me a ‘Jessica Rabbit’ reputation. I’m not going to lie, I milked it!
I first started in film with a few short films and even some self-made productions. After working with Tim Kent at the Actors Studio, myself and a group of friends felt we had the skills to create our own stuff. We did! It wasn’t half bad! and so much fun to make. We did the same in theatre raising tons for charity. It was a brilliant time and such an advantage to understand how all aspects of film work. It was only when I booked a role as a Jazz singer that my career started to take shape. The producer loved my vibe so much, he asked the writers to add extra lines to give me ‘more of a character’. It was here that I finally felt that I’m definitely on the right track. I have never left behind my jazz music, I currently work as a session singer and still perform regularly at special events and iconic jazz venues. No matter where my career goes, I will always incorporate music somehow.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This may come as a surprise to most but my main obstacle throughout my entire career was my confidence. I couldn’t get out of my own way. I genuinely think that the fact that I am not like anyone else was what threw me. In the past, I’ve been obsessive with appearances, particularly body image. I’ve never been thin and never actually wanted to be but I saw this as a disadvantage when it came to casting.
When you audition, you often find a casting room full of clones. I was usually the exception to the rule, looking around like ‘am I in the right room?’ I saw a lot of super confident tall, skinny/athletic-looking girls with a 90’s Gweneth Paltrow style, they usually introduced themselves with their latest credit. Then there was me, pretty much the polar opposite! Plus introducing myself with an inappropriate joke was more my speed. I felt like Marilyn Manson turning up to be cast as James Bond. As much as I laughed these experiences off, it did make me feel that in spite of my love for the work and my genuine ability, maybe I am delusional in my choice to pursue it. Don’t get me wrong, I fit in wonderfully with Burlesque performers, Drag Queens and eccentric musicians in the London cabaret circuit, however, we did used to call ourselves ‘the freak pool’.
I interpreted the idea that I was not like everyone else at a casting as though I wasn’t as ‘suitable’ as they were. I embraced the music side of things and as my success as a session singer and Jazz artist grew, I negated casting for a while as I truly believed I just wasn’t what people were looking for.
It was in LA when I discovered that standing out IS what makes you a good casting and I should be pushing my unique qualities rather than leading myself to believe that I’m an unlikely pick. The people I’ve met in LA have been paramount in my education and confidence. I now feel that my individual qualities are something to play up and not suppress. I recently got cast as a ‘femme fatale’ and it totally backed up this idea. I don’t want to be put into a box as I am capable of all sorts of roles but these little things prove you should embrace what makes you different. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Actress, Session Singer and Musician working mostly in Jazz and live performance. I’ve been hailed as the Jessica Rabbit of the Jazz circuit in London and as much as I roll my eyes at this, I secretly love it! I’m currently working in film and am so looking forward to seeing where this takes me.
Over the years, I’ve proven that I’m very much a self-starter as I’ve created opportunities out of thin air, and I’ve taken people I admire with me, where I can. I love creating and offering parts to Actors at the beginning of their careers and giving chances to people who didn’t get off to the best start. If there’s one thing I love, it’s an underdog success story and I feel like I’ve created a few! I intend to do more as there are so many rough diamonds out there sitting in the wrong environment.
I’ve recently started in public speaking as I feel a pull to making a difference. I believe that in sharing our struggles and showing how we came through, we can help others who are currently trying to work things out. I’ve only done a couple of talks but I sincerely hope I get the opportunity to do a lot more. I guess it just feels pretty aligned with my purpose and isn’t that what it’s all about!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sheridancassidy.com
- Instagram: @sheridan.cassidy
Image Credits
Sally Sparrow Andy Brown Amanda Arnold
