Welcome
We’re joined on the Starline by a woman who believes 100% that caffeine makes her a better human. She has a background in dance and music & is a taco enthusiast. You’ll see her as an aerialist and bottle walker in “Cirque Dreams: Holidaze” touring now. We welcome Mary Nerad.
Mary, let’s go Beyond the Mic. “Everyone relaxes differently, that’s all. Some people sprawl across their furniture like boneless cats.” You do a chest stand. How did you discover your special talent as a silks, aerialist and contortionist?
So was it ballet, tap what was the early trauma?
In middle school you were in the Florida State Junior International Thespian Society competition. How did your life path change from then to now in Cirque Dreams?
Mary, you worked in Phantasmagoria Orlando as a puppeteer, how did that show prepare you for today?
What makes Cirque Dreams such a special entertainment experience?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. What makes the perfect smore?
2. Who sang the last song or album you purchased?
3. What makes Stitch your favorite alien?
4. Have you ever accidentally set fire to yourself?
5. What’s your best memory of the Bay Street Players when you played Tiger Lily?
6. Who inspires you to be better each day?
7. Favorite place to relax in Lake County?
8. Best and worst thing about your hair?
The Back Half:
How has your life changed from when you were a kid, growing up when your dreams were in opera to as an acrobat?
Who is your favorite person to watch Cirque when you aren’t performing yourself?
You have so many talents, like improv, modern and tap dancing, but what’s one you have that people don’t know about?
When your family 1st saw you perform in Cirque, what was going through your mind?
So who’s are harder on you, your coach or you?
When people come see Cirque, what should they expect?
The road is a GRIND!!! What your favorite story from the road?
How has this experience change the way you look at entertainment and life?
How did the pandemic change the way you look at your art?
Your show is so choreographed, but what goes through your mind when you are performing?
When you go home from the road, what do you do first?
You’re isolated on the road, you have friends but you’re away from your boyfriend. How has the road change you?
Mary, what’s in your future when circus is over?
What do you want people to think as they see you do what you love?
One Big Question:
What’s the one song that reminds you of your dad?
The Wrap:
She was almost was in the opera, very sassy, set herself on fire and want you to put animal crackers in the middle of s’mores. You can see her in the Cirque Dreams Holidaze tour. Mary Nerad, thanks for taking the time to talk to us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Hear other Beyond the Mic conversations with people in the theater here.
Visit Mary Nerad’s website here.
