Get To Know Actress Kristin Shirilla

You might remember the charming Kristin Shirilla from our production of Cinderella in 2012. This summer she’s back on the Goldman Stage once more as a completely different member of the royal court––Princess Calliope in The Frog and the Princess (playing through July 26, 2015).

Like many theater professionals, Kristin’s love of the arts started at a young age. “I would act out stories like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I’d play Goldilocks and my mom would have to play all three bears.” Her parents were very supportive of the arts, and took Kristin and her brother to see shows often. With her family’s encouragement, the Ohio native decided to study theater performance at Ohio University.

Following her college graduation, Kristin was on the hunt for a year-long acting internship. Another Ohio University grad told her about Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s Acting/Education Internship program. “I really liked the focus on education,” said Kristin. “In high school, a local theater company would come and spend a week each year working on Shakespeare with us. Orlando Shakes’ internship offered that same kind of programming for the community.”

Since joining the Orlando Shakes family, Kristin has also appeared as Lydia/Mustard Seed in the repertory productions of Pride and Prejudice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as a dog and a little boy in Alexander Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move. (“Typecast, I guess.”) She also works full-time as a performer in Diagon Alley at Universal’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “Basically, I’m a professional wizard and that’s pretty awesome.”

I sat down with Kristin to talk about acting, puppets, and smoochin’ frogs.

Kristin joking around with Cinderella co-stars Brandon Roberts & Alex Mrazek

ML: How is Princess Calliope different from Cinderella?

KS: Cinderella wasn’t a princess. She was a normal girl who had to figure out how to “princess it up”. Princess Calliope was born into royalty. She has to learn to let loose a little. I think falling in love inspires that.

ML: This is your fifth season with Orlando Shakes. What keeps you coming back?

KS: Orlando Shakes was my home for the first year I lived in Orlando. I met great friends and even my boyfriend here. The Theater has always welcomed me back––I’ve worked as a box office associate, an understudy for Snow White, etc. I’m happy to come back and do whatever I can to help.

ML: I’ve heard that you act alongside a few puppets in this show. What’s that been like?

KS: I’m pretty comfortable handling puppets because of my theme park experience. It’s challenging to remember to talk only to the puppet, not the puppeteer. But it’s important. It’s how we endow the puppet with a life of its own.

ML: What’s the best part about performing for young audiences and their families?

KS: Kids are tough. If you’re not 100% honest, they’re not going to be as engaged or give you the feedback that you need as an actor. You can tell the difference when performers talk down to children and when they treat them like adults. Adam Reilly (Prince Gerwyn in the show) is really great at that.

Kristin with her dog, Hulk

ML: When you’re not busy being a princess, what do you like to do for fun?

KS: I love playing with my two dogs, Hulk and Louise. I just bought a house in an area with alot of parks, so I’m excited to explore those. I also like to check out local farmers’ markets and try new food and beverages.

ML: Do you have a favorite line from the show?

KS: Prince Gerwyn’s line: “Couldn’t she have turned me into something cuter? Like a kitten? Princesses like kittens, I bet.”

ML: And finally, do you really have to kiss a frog?

KS: I guess you’ll just have to see the show to find out… Besides, I don’t kiss and tell.

Kristin and Adam Reilly. Photo by Tony Firriolo.

Shakespearely yours,
Melissa Landy, Public Relations Coordinator