"Follow Your Curiosity with Openness Instead of Blindly Pursuing a Passion." Chatting with Katie Mariko Murray

I cannot express the respect I have for theatre companies that have found ways to be creative during these difficult times. Zoom performances have taken off and then some. So when I was watching Signature Theatre's Production of Simply Sondheim, it was truly a breath of fresh air. A performer that stood out to me was the talented Katie Mariko Murray. Katie is an NYC-based actress who is truly just taking the first steps of what is already an amazing career, and with Broadway opening back up on September 14th, I feel it is only a matter of time until we see her name in lights. Katie has performed in New York with companies such as NAAP, Prospect Theater, ArsNova, and Araca Group, and regional with companies such as Ford's Theatre, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Weathervane Theatre, Fulton Theatre, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, McCarter Theatre, and Jean's Playhouse among others.

The sky is truly the limit for this Penn State Alum. I am so grateful to have the chance to feature Katie Mariko Murray!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer? 

I think I was just turning 13 or 14. I was kind of a shy kid and played sports all throughout my childhood. Growing up, I remember singing and performing at home in private. In 8th grade, I stumbled into the musical from the encouragement of my choir teacher and ended up playing Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. From that experience, I totally got bit by the theater bug and learned as much as I possibly could. My friend from high school had an opera teacher and encouraged me to start taking voice lessons. I wanted to have classical voice training like Audra McDonald!

Are there any teachers or mentors in your life who truly helped you become the wonderful artist you are today? 

There are so many amazing humans that come to mind. This career path is really full of hugely empathetic and encouraging people, especially fellow actors. When I moved to NYC, I met Jen Waldman who started this beautiful inclusive studio and safe space for artists and creatives. She really helped me expand as an artist and understand the multi-dimensional nature of what it means to be creative. Also, Matt Gardiner at Signature Theatre has believed in me and given me unique opportunities over and over again. He is a brilliant director and so incredibly adept at communicating with actors. 

I absolutely loved Simply Sondheim! How does it feel to have the chance to perform during these times? 

It was so special to be a part of that production. We all realized how rare it was to be collaborating and just breathing in the same room together during this time. After experiencing social isolation, it made me savor and really take in every human interaction I was able to have with other actors, technicians, and creatives. We felt comforted by ample Covid testing throughout the process and strict protocols and the level of transparency was appreciated by everyone involved. I hope for more of this as the industry looks to reopen. 

Overtures often make me cry, but hearing the 16-piece orchestra led by Jon Kalbfleisch for the first time nearly brought us to our knees. It was so moving to experience live music after not being in a theatre for 8 months. Singing with an orchestra is always one of those rare, remember-to-breathe-it-in experiences. It was so exciting to have this opportunity and simultaneously tinged with sadness knowing that a return to theater was, and still is, somewhat unknown. 

Are there any roles, shows, or moments in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart? 

I love that this career has unexpected twists and turns; no one's journey is the same. After graduating, I got a job at Tuacahn Amphitheater in Utah. It was the contract that allowed me to ultimately join the union, and I met so many lifelong friends. We did three shows in rep, and my favorite role was portraying Pocahontas in the Disney revue When You Wish. The amphitheater is in a canyon that borders Native American reserves in Utah, and there is an overwhelmingly tranquil and majestic feeling in being that close to nature. Every time I sang "Colors of the Wind", they released three bareback horses to run across the canyon. It was insane.  

What advice would you give any young aspiring artists who want a career in the performing arts?

Don't be surprised if your career is not what you expect it to look like. In school, we learned a pretty narrow idea of what "succeeding" in this career looks like, but in reality, there are endless ways of pursuing your artistry that might be different from what you initially set out to do.  Especially after experiencing the pandemic with the inability to perform live, it became so quickly evident that booking jobs is not the be-all and end-all.

Follow your curiosity with openness instead of blindly pursuing a passion. You'll thank yourself later for being kind and listening to what your gut has to say. Be kind to yourself so that you can be kind to others. 

To learn more about Katie, make sure you visit her official website at - http://www.katiemarikomurray.com