Adriene Mishler interview
Adriene Mishler will be playing the role of Polly, the guitarist for the Spider Babies. “We looked long and hard to find the right actress to play Polly,” said director Christopher Sharpe. “I think I made enemies of most of the brown-eyed actresses in Austin, but for this character I was looking for something very specific and couldn’t find it. As soon as Adriene read for the role, I knew we had found her.”
Rockhouse Pictures: When did you first start acting?
Adriene: I started acting as a child because my parents were actors who became directors and writers. I grew up in the theater, literally, it was a home away from home and the concessions closet with the candy was my favorite spot(the booth being second as it was always black lit and full of so much mystery). I was so inspired and eager to work as I entered college that I traveled to train with Anne Bogart’s SITI Company and jumped at every local theater job offer I could get. I actually started my relationship with the Austin theater community as a Cinderella sort of stage hand – sweeping the stage, making fake blood, and ironing costumes. Eventually that got my foot in the door and since then I have been extremely blessed and lucky to work with some of the most talented music, dance, theater and film artists in Austin and beyond.
RHP: Who would say inspires you most?
A: Holy hell, this is a tough question. I am most inspired by my family. I am also really inspired by my high school theater students. However, I am truly inspired by anyone who has a great sense of humor and fun and takes what they do seriously, works really hard. Those qualities paired together keep me inspired and eager to create!
RHP: How much do you identify with your character?
A: I love crackers.
Meet the third SPIDER BABY: Adriene Mishler
Adriene Mishler is Polly
We looked long and hard to find the right actress to play Polly, the third Spider Baby. As soon as Adriene Mishler read for the role, I knew we had found her.
I don’t have time to do a full write-up on her right know, but here’s some background information from a December 2007 Austin Chronicle article:
Particularly exciting and meaningful for Mishler, who was born into the Austin theatre community. Her mother, Melba Martinez, was the longtime artistic director of the Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward’s University. “My playpen was in the theatre. I made tents in the greenroom. Brought a sack lunch during the summer to summer stock. Anytime a child was needed in the chorus or anything like that, I was in there. My mom would put me in the shows just so I could be around her and so she could keep an eye on me.”
We’ll have full interviews and more photos with all the SPIDER BABY actors coming soon.
