By Joy Tanner
Tell us about your award-winning role in Pinecone & Pony and what inspired you about playing Pinecone.
The show is based on Kate Beaton’s bestselling children’s book The Princess & The Pony. I play the princess character, Pinecone. She is determined, resilient and fearless about being herself. She is everything I want to be in my everyday life. I admire her ability to admit when she is wrong because that’s not an easy thing to do.
The Outstanding Performance award nominees and winners are decided by a jury comprised of ACTRA Toronto members. How does it feel to be honoured by a jury of your peers?
It really means more when your peers recognize your work because there are so many talented voice actors in Toronto. They appreciate the work that goes into crafting a character. It’s really special to be recognized by them, especially since all the nominees in the category are incredible actors.
What does it mean to you to be an ACTRA member?
I’ve been a member since I was six years old and I remember my mom saying she knew none of those bad child actor experiences would ever happen to me because we were on union sets. It’s comforting to know the union always has my back.
Do you have any advice for performers just getting started in the industry?
Anything is possible. Don’t take rejection personally. Just keep putting yourself out there.
What is the most significant role you have ever had and how has it impacted your life or career?
I play a role in a movie that follows the challenges a young girl with cerebral palsy faces. It really opened my eyes to the discrimination people with disabilities face on a daily basis. It is so important to make sure everyone has a seat at the table and everyone’s voice should be heard.
Have you ever had a specific challenge with a role and how did you work to overcome it?
As an actor, I’ve learned we are always expected to do hard things. I just try to remind myself of that when I’m in a difficult scene. I tell myself ‘anything worth doing is hard.’
Can you share anything about any upcoming projects?
The next project you will see me in is called Out of My Mind, based on the popular book by Sharon Draper. It comes out later this year.
Joy Tanner is the Editor of Performers Magazine, and Performers on Set. She has voiced Candy Kong in Donkey Kong.
