Cast Spotlight: Tabitha Neilson

Good mornin'!

This week we're talking to Tabitha Neilson! You may have seen her sneaking across the stage like a ninja in "Everybody Loves Opal" or trying to control her crazy sisters in "Crimes of the Heart." Now, you can see her as Jill in "A Nice Family Gathering!"

Tell us a bit about yourself!
 I was born and raised in Knoxville, I went to Fountain City Elementary, Gresham Middle, Central High and then University of TN in Knoxville!  I currently work as an office assistant for AIG Insurance (a little of everything, answer phones, help customers, help agents, etc.).  I LOVE ANIMALS!!  I am more of a cat person (my last cat was almost 19 when she died and then 3 months later I rescued my dog Pupper which I have had for 3 1/2 years now.  I love to shop, watch TV and movies, my favorite show is THE WALKING DEAD which premieres next week!  And hike when I can...

What's a fun fact about yourself?

Quentin Tarrantino dropped out of my high school and now he's a multi-millionaire producer/director.... I graduated from Central High and I am not rich.  Oh well, I still say to stay in school even though dropping out paid off for him! And, I have been to Oxford, England with International Cathedral Music Festival when I was in chorus with UT.

How did you get involved with the Powell Playhouse?

My friend Elizabeth Eaker was in a play "The Night Is My Enemy" and she said I should try out sometime.  I have always loved the idea of acting and being in theater or films, so I thought why not?!  So I auditioned for "Everybody Loves Opal" not really expecting anything, and didn't get a part but I didn't care, I had fun auditioning!  And I got to be Prop Assistant to Rebecca Broom and it was a blast!  Then I auditioned for the next play "Crimes of the Heart" and still didn't expect anything... but I got one of the sister leads!!  It was a little daunting for me at first since I had NEVER been in a play or have a lead role in a large production like this.  But I studied hard, got a LOT OF SUPPORT from my crew and castmates!!  And it was a GREAT experience!

Can you give a brief timeline of your involvement in theatre?

 Feb 2014 - Crew Member in "Everybody Loves Opal", May 2014 - I was "Lenny" in "Crimes of the Heart", Nov 2014 - will be "Jill" in "A Nice Family Gathering"... all with PPH!

What is your favorite role you've played and why?

I guess Lenny, my only one so far!  I see a lot of myself in her and vice versa.  She doesn't get the attention everyone else does... but has a good spirit in her when she shows it.

What is your favorite show you've been in and why?

See above answer.  But also I will add "Gathering" because I know it will be soo much fun!!!

What is your best (or worst) on stage mishap?

 Last show of "Crimes" when Meg (my sister played by Scarlet Silva) asked me what about the man from Memphis... My boyfriend is from Memphis and he was sitting in the audience.  I had to turn my back to the audience so I could laugh!!!  I couldn't help it, it was just too funny and I had to have a moment.  I played it off like I was angrily rummaging through items on the table.  But I think the audience laughed too!

Do you have any funny audition stories?

 Probably for "Everybody Loves Opal" I had so much fun laughing a crazy laugh like Opal!  It was fun!

What is your dream role and why?

 Any character on The Walking Dead.. LOVE THIS SHOW and would love to be a part of it!!  Great acting, great writing, great special effects.  Or I would like to play a time period movie in 30s or 40s for an old Hollywood story... Possibly portray Vivien Leigh and her life I love her acting... But Scarlet would do a better job!! (Scarlet's character is her namesake).

Cats or dogs?

Cats, they are sooo much easier to take care of, but I do love my dog! :)

Paper of plastic?

Plastic so I can re-use as garbage bags, doggie dropping bags, or a quick tote bag.

If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

Probably Landslide by Stevie Nicks.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

 Water, a knife, and a speedboat (I tend to not stay on a deserted island for long)

That was Tabitha Neilson, everyone! Be sure to come and see her in "A Nice Family Gathering!" 

P.S. If you have a question you're itching to ask the actors, whether they have already been interviewed or not, comment on any post and I'll ask the actors and include your question on a future post :-)

Photo Credit: Gabriel Clemons Design