Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have selected a profession of being an actress, director and creator of artistic experiences that break boundaries of traditional theater, that requires a lot of hard labor, technical soundness and excellence in different faculties to finally succeed, how do you achieve that?
Ms. Marissa Rae Roberts:
I have always been interested in everything. If I could, I would live seven different lives to put focus into each thing that I do individually, along with other passions of mine that I have yet to pursue like fashion design, being a yoga teacher, or working in an ice cream shop in Hawaii.
Sometimes I feel that all of my interests/jobs can be overwhelming and create a lack of focus but it has worked out so far. I have been open to the opportunities presented to me and worked really hard to make some of those opportunities happen for myself. Passion fuels it all.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have produced ‘AcousticaElectronica’ at the American Repertory Theater’s stage, OBERON. Tell us more about what is AcousticaElectronica?
Ms. Marissa Rae Roberts:
AcousticaElectronica blends elements of electronic and classical music, dance, circus arts, and immersive theater with the infectious energy of a nightclub to send the audience on an experience that stimulates all of your senses. The narrative is inspired by the classical stories of Swan Lake, Bizet’s opera Carmen, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and the commedia dell’arte character: Pierrot Lunaire.
The show happens all around the audience. The audience will experience moments of interacting with the characters, to watching small private moments that not everyone will see, to large scale performances meant for the whole audience to take in. The audience is immersed on the dance floor where they have the ability to move around the space, follow certain characters, and craft their own experience. Each time you come to see AcousticaElectronica, it will be a slightly different experience because of the improvisational elements that happen between audience and performer.
The show is also told completely through movement and music. This results in a very visceral experience, rather than taking the story in literally with a text filled play. This show is about relating to the feeling of what the performers are going through and what type of emotion that evokes. The goal is for the audience to interpret the show in their own way because of their own personal experience.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
ToUch Performance Art is a unique concept, producing innovative and immersive theatrical experiences. Elaborate on this creative endeavor of yours?
Ms. Marissa Rae Roberts:
A goal for the work I create and/or direct is to always allow the audience to feel a part of the experience, rather than an outsider. I think this style of theater breaks down a barrier for those that don’t attend the theater often and makes it more accessible for an audience member. I hope the work I create inspires people to invest more time in the theater. For audiences to spend more time there and for those who have the opportunity to make a company like ToUch grow, will see it as a valuable part of the arts.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are leading media personality, theater actress, director, creator, teacher and an entrepreneur How you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Ms. Marissa Rae Roberts:
Luckily, I am very organized. I am so thankful for my smart phone just for the calendar and to do list apps. It keeps me on track and on task. Most people would be surprised to hear that I am much more of an introvert than an extrovert. My extroverted side comes out while performing and leading a group of artists or networking, but I really enjoy my time at home to decompress. Work-life balance is very important to me. I am less productive if I don’t have that downtime.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your biggest influence and motivation in your path to success?
Ms. Marissa Rae Roberts:
First and foremost, my parents. They are both entrepreneurs and have been so supportive along with providing plenty of advice since the start of ToUch. I have had some super incredible women in my life that continue to inspire me. I also get a lot of motivation from those that told me no or didn’t believe in me. I have some talent, but it is hard work and good instincts that got me to where I am.
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