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Rising Star Interview: Cashae Monya
Tell us about your latest project.
I am currently playing “Audrey” in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at New Village Arts in Carlsbad, CA.
What was the place of your birth including reference to its influence on your character today?
I was born and raised in San Diego. I love the sun; I don’t ever care to be on Broadway because I hate snow. I am a California girl through and through.
How did your rearing as a child affect the artist you have become today? (parents, siblings, other relatives)
I was raised by my grandmother; she is my soulmate. She has always encouraged my sense of individuality and independence. I have siblings, but it was just me and my grandmother in our home. Not having siblings nearby and being raised by a hard-working single grandmother made me a very imaginative and creative child. I spent a lot of time by myself playing, listening to music, dancing and being in my own world.
What are the specific circumstances surrounding your basic education including preschool, elementary school, secondary school, college, graduate school? What are the major features of the schooling which have prominently affected you today?
I went to a performing arts high school, Coronado School of the Arts, and that’s where I received the majority of my Arts training. I then went on to study Child and Family Development at San Diego State University.
During your basic education, did you cherish a particular teacher? If so, why?
I had many wonderful teachers! My teachers at Bell Jr. High School were particularly influential including the following: Mr. Winn, who would tutor me during lunch when I fell behind in Mathematics; Mr. Essex, the English teacher who made me fall in love with books; and my Drama teacher Mr. Maher, who still comes to see all my shows.
Were there any artistic event(s) from your youth which inspired you to pursue the Arts?
I started doing theatre in high school, so that entire period of my life was the foundation of my artistic inspiration.
What were the particulars of your Arts training adventures that you have pursued in order to achieve excellence? (theatre, music, dance)
The majority of my training took place during my high school years. I completed Junior and Senior year at Coronado School of the Arts and performed regularly at San Diego Junior Theatre. I also did summer intensives at the La Jolla Playhouse and the Lyric Opera. I chose not to pursue a degree in the theatre because I was booking acting gigs regularly in college. I wasn’t about to go into debt for an acting degree when I could be paid to gain the experience. I also took voice lessons regularly (five years) with Cris O’Bryon.
Do you have any mentors in the Arts who deserve a special shout out as being outsized influences in your artistic achievement?
Absolutely! Pam Wagner has been an outstanding mentor. She funded the theatre program at Bell Junior High School. I’ve known her since I was 14 and she has continued to support my career.
On a personal level, other than original family who shaped your character, do you wish to single out any individual(s) who have shaped your character in wonderful ways? (loves, friendships)
My husband Matthew. He’s the perfect partner and we make an incredible team.
On your road to financial stability, without reference to Arts remuneration, was/were there any job(s) that have been particularly rewarding along the way?
Nope. I am a horrible employee when it comes to regular jobs. I was a preschool teacher for two and a half years and that experience made me realize performing was truly where my whole hearts was. Luckily, my husband makes good money, so I can afford to pursue an acting career full-time.
What was your very first role on any stage? (show title, role)
I believe my first role was in an elementary school play about Martin Luther King’s life. I played a jail guard.
What was/were your most rewarding amateur role(s) during your schooling? (show title, role)
My first musical performance was as the “Fairy Godmother” in CINDERELLA.
What was your first role outside of the school “umbrella”? (community) (show title, role, venue)
ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS, “T-Anne”, Sixth at Penn
What was your first professional performance? (show title, role, venue)
ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS, “T-Anne”, Sixth at Penn
List any “go to” songs and monologues that you have used during auditions in the past?
George C Wolfe’s THE COLORED MUSEUM
Julia Jordan’s SMOKING LESSON
Is there a particular theatre of which you will be eternally grateful for your development as an Artist?
Moxie Theatre and the La Jolla Playhouse
What was/were your past performance(s) which now you regard as most artistically satisfying to you? (show title, role, venue)
There are a few but I just closed, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH and I’m still not over how incredible that production was and its impact on the community as well.
Do you have any role(s) that your heart yearns to play in the future?
I want to play a person eating a Dorito in a Super Bowl commercial!
More than anything else, what recommends your character?
Living life happily.
Where are you headed as an artist in the future? (aspirations, goals)
I have an agent in LA and I have been pursuing more commercial/film opportunities. Hoping to book a Super Bowl commercial and make millions of dollars, so my husband and I can retire and travel!
Fun Stuff:
Sing in the shower or bathtub?
Constantly singing. Everywhere.
Example(s) of (a) skill that you possess which is/are far removed from performance arena?
I’m really good at remembering names.
Food and drink regular preferences?
French Fries
Example(s) of guilty food or drink embarrassment(s)?
Keebler’s Strawberry Wafers
How do you keep yourself entertained when boredom knocks at your door?
Social Media
Would you do nudity on stage?
Been there, done that. It was very liberating!
Which person(s) in the news make(s) you grind your teeth?
Donald Trump and the people who support him.
Do you have a regular sleep regimen?
floss/brush
Performer(s) past or present that you revere?
Lucille Ball, Whitney Houston, Beyonce
What is/are your asset(s) which allow you to claw your way out of the occasional quagmire of a depressive mental state? (if any)
Yoga, Talking to my husband, Dancing, Reading. I’m a naturally upbeat person and I’m resilient.
Do you have a social “cause” for which you are passionate?
LGBTQ, Championing people of color
Middle Name(s)?
Monya
Color which captures your essential nature?
Yellow
Temper (tantrum or variation otherwise)?
I rarely lose my temper, but road rage is a thing. Also, when I’m hungry.
Most ridiculous costume(s) you have ever worn onstage?
The dress I wear during “Suddenly Seymour” in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is fairly ridiculous.
Is there a personal vice which you have no problem revealing to others?
I talk before I think. And I’m loud.
Flattering or unflattering nickname(s)?
“Cash”, “Lil”
From your perspective, the trials and tribulations of the performing life?
Being broke, never having availability on the weekends, not being able to plan trips or attend weddings because you’re in a show, losing your sense of self because you spend so much time being other people
Do you have any recommendations for other performers about how to stay healthy during the run of a show? Or, if temporarily “under the weather”, how to deal with vocal issues and/or physical vitality concerns?)
daily exercise, staying hydrated, oil of oregano, allergy pills, vitamins, humidifier
Date Interview Submitted: May 29, 2019
Bill Reese
Admin tabletostage.com
