Natalie Powers Of Laguna Niguel Will Play “Chava” at Segerstrom’s Fiddler On The Roof

Natalie Powers has landed the coveted role as Chava – the Third daughter –  in the revival of Fiddler on the Roof at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from May 7-19.  Powers started at Segerstrom Center for the Arts as a 5 Days of Broadway camp participant (when she was a high school student back in 2011) and was a multi-year attendee.  She has also participated in the Masters at the Center program being a featured student performer at a class with the late Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley. Later she came back to the Center (when she was studying at Pace University in New York City) to assist the 5 Days of Broadway program as she supported the instructors in various classes. She has also performed at the Center’s annual meeting.

Bio for the show: NATALIE POWERS (Chava) Recent: International Uniqlo commercial (Featured Dancer), Annie Get Your Gun (Winnie) at Fulton Theatre, De Materie at Park Avenue Armory, Under the Sea (Ariel) at Segerstrom Concert Hall and the Fame National Tour (Violin recordings). BFA: Pace University, Commercial Dance. Instagram: @natalieannepowers

Natalie was kind enough to do a Q and A with Aliso Laguna News as so many in this area know her and are so excited for her.

Questions and answers below! 

“Natalie Powers Interview”

ALN: Do you want to give a shout out to any teachers or theatre centers that have been instrumental in helping your career? 

 Oh, most definitely! Segerstrom Center has been a huge proponent of my love for theatre. I made my professional debut at 14 with the Pacific Symphony at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall,  working in the summers with the wonderful education department and taking classes from incredible teachers there (not to mention the countless shows I attended).  If I were to name a few individuals in the community, Carrie Clark (AVMS Musical Theatre), Albert Jeung (ANHS Orchestra), Jessica Haddy (Private Violin), Jeff McGinnis (AVMS Orchestra), Viktoriya Tolmacheva (Private piano) and Bree Burgess Rosen (Private Voice) come to mind instantly.

ALN:   What was it like to land this great role as Chava for Segerstrom’s Fiddler? 

It’s incredible! Having a full circle Segerstrom moment this early in my career — beyond my wildest dreams. I always thought I might be able to perform in Costa Mesa again when I was older but never anticipated it being a reality so soon. I’m so thankful and excited. Having the opportunity to do the Broadway tour of such a well-loved show and stopping at home?  I could burst.

ALN:    What is your advice for aspiring young actors and musicians in Orange County.

Be a sponge. This business evolves so often and the more you learn about it, the more equipped you’ll be to compete in this field. Even on the road, I’m constantly finding new lessons to take with me back to New York.  Also – being interested in many facets makes YOU interesting. My AVMS orchestra teacher, Jeff McGinnis, once said: “you never have a reason to be bored in this life” and it has stuck with me ever since. Cultivate your interests! Never stop learning.

ALN: How have you learned to manage creative differences while working with others in acting opportunities.

Being open and honest goes a long way. I always make an effort to focus on active listening and mutual respect in the workplace.

ALN:  Have you suffered any setbacks or unexpected challenges and if so  – how have you managed these and have they helped you in any way to grow in the industry. 

Every actor has setbacks. While auditioning, rejection is a common occurrence. Learning to persevere and learn from audition experiences is the name of the game.

ALN: Do you feel that you have room to improve and if so what do you see as those areas that need your personal attention.

Oh, 100%! One of my favorite quotes on this subject is from when the legendary Cellist Pablo Casals was asked why he continued to practice at age 90 and he said: “because I think I’m making progress.”  If I listed all the areas I’m excited to expand upon, we would be here all day.

ALN:  What type of roles do you see yourself portraying in the near future, and what goals besides acting have you set for yourself to continue to develop as a well-rounded person.

I would love to have the opportunity to portray a character who is a musician. I would also love to dance original  Fosse choreography. I tend to be all over the place in my interests but I think it keeps me striving for reinvention. As an artist I am constantly searching for fulfilling new ways to express my viewpoint — some of my favorites have been working as a press photographer for the Tony Awards, recording violin for the “Fame” tour and dancing in a commercial for UNIQLO.

Thank you, Natalie and good luck! Your home community will all be rooting for you!

Segerstrom Hall

Photo credit: Natalie Powers