Words by Carol Wright | Photo Credit : @mczerwinsky |MUA : @c_dariano
Up and coming actress Gabrielle Martinez chatted with us about her role in Penny Dreadful, making music, and her advice for aspiring actors.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I knew I wanted to be an actor when I joined my first musical theatre show in elementary school. I had been in dancing classes and in the school choir but didn’t have a chance to act yet. Once I received what would be my first script I was so intrigued by reading through all the pages.
What was the audition like for Penny Dreadful?
My audition for Penny Dreadful was a great opportunity to go the distance. The sides were emotional and it is a period piece so I knew there would be a different style to how the show would go. I created my character through working on the sides and pinned up my hair. I put on my best rendition of a 1939 outfit and walked into the casting office driven to perform and do the absolute best I could do.
Tell us about your role on the show. What drew you to your character Ana?
Ana is a clever and curious girl. Being the best friend of Josefina Vega involves sneaking around and getting into situations that could backfire. I was drawn to Ana because she is the opposite of my personality. She would be considered “the crazy friend” in a group. She is not hesitant to show her attitude and give her opinion.
What did you learn during your time on-set?
There are so many lessons I learned while working on a set as big as “Penny Dreadful”. The first lesson I learned quickly was to mind my space on set. There are cameras, people, lights, and grips that are all working around you. This means there is not a lot of room for error. Learning to stay in one spot for a full day of shooting requires a lot of patience. Lastly, prioritizing and communicating what you need and are comfortable with is important and needed.
You also sing, do you hope to start releasing music?
I love singing and it will always be one of my passions. I have written many songs in quarantine and have definitely been learning what style I like to sing and what sound I really like. I would love to put out original music as soon as the studio opens up!
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Work work work. Committing to acting requires an intense love for the craft. It is brutal sometimes and can knock you down if you let it. Study the immaculate work that has come before you so that you can have the knowledge that the directors and writers are seeking in the actors. Film is an experience that everyone around the world can take part in. Sharing content that is inspiring and serves a higher purpose of telling a powerful truth is what is important and what the world needs from artists.