She’s an LA actress. Of course, she knows her rising moon sign. Of course, she can arrange dry-cleaning for a studio executive’s offspring in her sleep. Of course, she takes her coffee with a splash of oat milk and a heaping spoonful of existential dread. With live music, unhinged characters, and a bit of pixie dust (read: Ozempic) Seeking Representation is a one-woman show meets cabaret with a subversive sucker punch. From five-star Hollywood Fringe Festival award-winner and certified LA actress herself, Nina Rose Carlin!
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
In Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation, I turn my years of experience in the entertainment industry [derogatory] into a rollicking cabaret with stand-up, storytelling, and musical comedy. Get an inside scoop of Pop Culture & Hollywood through my witty and absurdist lens, inspired by my time hosting red carpets, personal-assisting Celebs, and… seeking stardom myself.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
My team includes director Brandon Ferruccio, a theatre director from Los Angeles whose passion is telling female-driven stories. He’s a fellow pop culture fanatic, so it’s been a seamless development process with him as we speak the same, unhinged language. And fun fact- this is actually the third production we’ve worked on together! My team also includes sound designer & composer Josh Wiener, as well as musicians Joe Casper and Ashley Every whose work you can hear throughout the production.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
This is my first time at the Fringe, and I am thrilled to be here. Participating in this festival has been a dream of mine for many years, and I’m particularly excited to showcase this cabaret to an international audience. As my show has many pop culture references, it’s been a fun challenge to tap into pop culture from both the UK and abroad for research. Yes, I just referred to watching Love Island UK as research. Call me a woman in STEM.
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
This is a one-woman musical comedy show, all about a delusional actress from Hollywood trying to ‘make it.’ Inspired in part by my training in clown, there are absurd elements to this show that will keep you on your toes. In addition, the original score is in the vein of soul-rock and blues – you’ve never seen a musical like this before.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope the audiences leave with a feeling of complete joy, surprise, and a sense of how to be a better person. Ok…maybe not that last one.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
Pop culture and celebrity gossip fans, unite! But don’t worry, not knowing who David and Victoria Beckham are won’t preclude you from enjoying this show (but also…are you okay?) Ultimately, if you’re a fan of zany, screwball comedy, this one’s for you.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I am a big hiker, so I look forward to taking advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings. As for shows, I’ve already got tickets to Stamptown, Troll, and Catherine Cohen. I’m looking forward to learning about more productions on the ground, and checking out my fellow Cabaret acts at my venue, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
As this is my first time at the Fringe, I have so far had a great experience with the process. I’ve also found that the best way to learn insider tips about the Fringe is to meet people in your local city who have participated before. Reaching out to local artists in LA for a coffee to chat through their experiences has been hugely helpful.
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’