Life and Work with Terry Burrell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Burrell.

Terry, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve done seven Broadway shows “Eubie”, “Dreamgirls”, “Honky Tonk Nights”, “Into The Woods”, “Swinging On A Star”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “Three Penny Opera”. I’ve also done a host of National tours and regional theatre all over the country as well as concerts and industrials, I’d have to say that as young as six, I could remember often attracting the attention and approval of adults for my singing. My parents sacrificed to make sure that I was able to study voice and after two years of college, I decided that it was time to pursue my passion and I never looked back.

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?
Nothing worth having is ever achieved smoothly. Singing was easy but I had to take many dance classes just to be able to pick up choreography and at least move well, as well as acting classes. Even with all that preparation, earning the right to play a role is limited if you are a performer of color. It’s improved just a little but continues to be a problem especially on Broadway.

The biggest problem women of all colors shapes and sizes will face in the business is aging, so you have to be prepared to outsmart the system. You simply will not be able to compete with a twenty-something-year-old once you’re over forty, so look around you now at the women who are still successful at an older age and prepare to do what they are doing. It may be playing more character roles or directing or writing. In the meantime enjoy the journey. It’s age appropriate to be impatient but you can’t rush the process of learning.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am essentially an actor who sings. My specialty has mainly been in musical theatre but lately, I’ve been able to attract straight roles that challenge me albeit in a welcome way. Among my peers, I am known for being fearless on stage. I love the roles that challenge peoples perceptions and biases of what someone should look like in a certain role like playing the Queen in Cinderella or Aunt Eller in Oklahoma or a very difficult mother in Pearl Cleage’s piece Hospice and I guess you could say that it is what sets me apart on occasion.

What I am most proud of is my reputation for being thorough, hardworking, fun and easy to get along with and always professional.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
The book I love most is one called “Truth” by Susan Batson. It is to date one of the most informative books on acting techniques I’ve ever read and put into practice, and I am a devoted practitioner of mindful meditation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.terryburrell.com

Image Credit:
EUBIE, DREAMGIRLS, UP FROM PARADISE, SWINGING ON A STAR, SHOWBOAT, CINDERELLA, INTO THE WOODS (EASTER BONNET PARADE), MAN OF LA MANCHA, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, CROWNS, DREAMGIRLS

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