Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Fox.
Natalie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started experimenting with the performing arts like many of my peers, by producing shows in the family living room. My personal favorite was reenacting scenes from American Girl Doll books. I think my touch of the director was apparent, considering how particular I was about where everyone stood, sat, and positioned themselves for these very serious readings. I insisted on an apt audience and would require at least two read-throughs in my bedroom before taking it downstairs. Putting on a show has always been my idea of fun.
As to where I got to where I am today, it took equal parts determination and generous mentors. It’s that magical moment of creative collaboration that I live for. Oftentimes, it comes unexpectedly, like a great love. Others, it is foreseen and meticulously planned, which is its own type of fortunate happenstance. Artistic journeys aren’t always linear, and mine wasn’t, but I feel confident in saying that the classic “right people right time” phenomenon played a major factor. Also, I have found the Atlanta arts scene to be immensely open to new faces and encouraging creative exploration. No one tries to keep the secret of success away from emerging artists here.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think any road is entirely smooth. Mine absolutely had bumps and twists and turns. For me, I discovered that it was vital to balance artistic creation with emotional healing. There is a lot of hustling required in this industry, and my biggest struggle as a young artist was maintaining a strong sense of self amidst constant appraisal. Really great art can absolutely be made in times of darkness or distress; but, I found that to move through the waters of artistic life, I had to ground myself in spiritual practice. My proclivity for all things “granola” surprises some people, but it keeps me focused and with appropriate perspective.
Advice wise, find your tribe. Find other people in your industry who love and believe in you. Having support makes everything better, truly. Also, get your training. And never stop. There is an infinite pool of tactics and systems of thought; dig deep, explore multiple modalities, and always ask people farther along their journey questions. I have found brilliant gems in some of the most casual conversations with artistic directors. Find the people who are doing what you want to be doing, and view their process. Volunteer your time and pay close attention to how they work: their way of speaking to their colleagues, the language they use, and the boundaries they smoothly set. Learn from every observation.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do multiple things! I’m the House Manager at Actors Express and the Marketing & Brand Manager for Smith Fine Homes Atlanta. The latter includes video production, editing, graphic design, and a lot of writing. Also, I’m working as an executive producer and writer on a television project. We are in the works of getting it off the ground, which has been a whirlwind of adrenaline and challenging previous beliefs in my creative capacities.
My degree is in Theatre, and theatrical directing is my deepest passion. It’s the role that I feel most at home in. I have been lucky enough to collaborate on processes at Theatrical Outfit, Essential Theatre, and (upcoming) Georgia Ensemble Theatre.
As a brand, I’m most proud of my ability to read a room’s needs. I’ve found this to be helpful in a variety of professional situations, and working to keep everyone comfortable and on task comes naturally. I think what sets me apart is the blend of sweetness and sharp capability I bring to every project. Respect for the work and the team are at the core of my harmonious efficiency.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Gaining leadership is ultimately about proving yourself. Work, revise, repeat. There are so many wonderfully strong and dynamic female leaders in the theatre and television industries. But there could definitely be more.
In general, I think the way the world views femininity is a reverberating barrier to female leadership. There are certain assumptions people make when they see a woman in the workplace, especially a young woman. They think we’re too emotional. We might get pregnant. Or, in today’s conversation around consent, there is worry that we might accuse someone of sexual harassment. Men at the top of the financial food chain cannot afford the threat a woman in power could bring them.
I feel that an immense amount of pressure is placed on women to protect ourselves. We should expect to be violated. We must teach people exactly how they must treat us because if we don’t, they’ll think they can cross every line. It makes it more difficult to hold power in a meeting. The lingering force of sexism creates an environment where many of our capabilities are automatically questioned. Being an object of intellect instead of an object of desire takes work.
I’m no expert on feminist theory, but I will say that hiring and collaborating with other women is a way we can make a change. Cultivate the space for the next generation of young female artists who want to be taken seriously. When we come together, we are beyond powerful. This includes our trans sisters as well. We can reclaim our inherent power together.
Contact Info:
- Email: natalie.foxcreative@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nataliemichellefox
Image Credit:
Sasha Kane, Hollie Rivers
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