Inspiration, Obstacles, and Theatre: A Chit Chat with Shannon Mullen

Shannon Mullen is an actress, dancer, and singer who has been with The Price Group since 2015. Some of her recent credits include A Bronx Tale on Broadway, Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde, and Hairspray.  Check out TPG's interview with Shannon to see what she has to say about falling in love with theatre, her pre-show ritual, and learning to trust herself as a performer. 

· When did you decide you wanted to be an actress?

 I don’t think it’s ever something you “decide.” I think that it chooses you. I don’t see myself able to do anything else that would bring me as much satisfaction, no matter the sacrifices it takes to accomplish it.

· What has been your favorite show to do? Why?

Sherrie in Rock of Ages will always be near and dear to my heart. I performed it in every state except for Hawaii, I traveled to the other side of the world to do it. The role fulfills the best of both worlds for a female because it required me to be sweet and naïve and then also sexy and strong. The vocal demands are heavy, yet worth it and the music never ever got old… even 675 performances later. You truly can’t go wrong with that.

· How did your first performance go? Were you nervous?

 I feel that there are always nerves at the start of something new. That’s what makes it exciting and thrilling to do. If we didn’t get nervous, something would be wrong! HIGH STAKES ALWAYS!

· What made you fall in love with theatre?

The adrenaline and the way it forces you to focus on being in the moment at all times. You have curve balls thrown at you left and right and being a professional becomes a lot less about having everything go right or perfect, but rather on being present enough to handle any and all things thrown your way in front of an audience. It’s ALWAYS thrilling when you can stay focused on the present.

· What is your pre-show ritual?

I have to always have a way to connect to my body. Working out is my time to connect my mind to my body and gain focus. It warms me up and gets the blood flow going and it’s as if I am able to take an hour out of my day to tune into myself so that it leaves the other 23 hours in a day to be readily available for everyone else.

· If you could play any part in any Broadway show, what would it be? Why?

I haven’t created it yet!  I have goals of originating my own role on Broadway because again, the PROCESS is always the most fun.

· What inspires you?
Struggle.  I have learned, the hard way, that the best things come from the worst situations. I have truly learned that the process of achieving our dreams and climbing the ladder is always far more enjoyable than when you get to the top. It’s hard to admit that, but it’s so true that all the bumps along the way hold truly valuable lessons, so I guess being able to always search and find the lessons fills me with inspiration.

· What has been your biggest obstacle or challenge in your career thus far?

Getting out of my own way and trusting myself. I sometimes want to be able to control every single aspect of the process and therefore don’t necessarily always show up as myself. I have found the reaction in the room to be far more magnetizing when I am just myself, flaws and all, rather than trying to be what I ASSUME they want.

· How has The Price Group Talent Agency been helpful to you in your career thus far?

They keep me on my toes and are the constant reminder that no one is going to do the work for you. You have to be a team.

· Any words of advice to people who would like to pursue a career in the performing arts?
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If you’re going to go for it….don’t half ass ANYTHING. Always be 100% authentically YOU. No one needs any more carbon copies….you were given your own individuality for a reason so always let that lead you on your own path. Also….never compare your journey with anyone else’s. Everything times out differently for everyone and that’s a GOOD THING. Be patient, work hard and take time to not move too fast. There are a lot of exciting views on the way if you pay attention.