This week I chatted to Marissa Saroca. I met Marissa this year during an online zoom acting class and we instantly became friends. We chatted about her journey as a performer, body image and representations in film and TV, keeping inspired and creating your own work and of course her very exciting booking in RENT and some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)
BIO:
As a professional singer/musician for most of her life, Marissa Saroca has two independent original albums (Cheaper Than Therapy and Boys Write Love Songs Too), was on Team Lea (Salonga) of season one of The Voice of the Philippines, two ABC Newcastle Music Awards for Best Female Vocals, and an extensive recording, coaching, and live performance career. In 2006 she was in her first musical RENT, with her third reprisal of ‘Maureen’ in 2017 earning her a CONDA nomination (City of Newcastle Drama Awards). She has played roles including ‘Gabriella’ (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL) and was part of the development workshop of new work BETWEEN WORLDS, which was performed at the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) by a professional cast. Marissa was in the ensemble for the musicals GHOST and SHREK on the Philippine professional stage and her first play was for Knock And Run Theatre’s AJAX IN IRAQ in 2018, followed by THE PLASTIC BEACH at the Newcastle Fringe Festival in 2019.
Marissa is currently in pre-production for her third original album, and will be playing ‘The Arbiter’ in the musical CHESS at Civic Theatre Newcastle in late February 2021, starring David Harris and Silvie Palladino as Anatoly and Florence.
Marissa is the proud daughter of a Filipino immigrant and is excited for a future of more diverse representation and accessibility within the industry. She is an active member of Musicians Australia (MEAA). Marissa honours Awabakal and Worimi Land where she was born, grew up on, and is currently living. Always Was, Always Will Be.
Instagram: @marissasaroca
