On Being Creative with Julie Casamonti
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
My first semester at Fordham, I was asked what kind of theatre I wanted to make, and I said beautiful. To clarify, I think a gory scene or bare stage can be beautiful. I always try to find beauty in what is being performed. Sometimes it’s found in symmetry, sometimes in chaos, or, in my last project, rain.
You’re studying theatre and acting at Fordham University Lincoln Center. Why did you want to pursue acting?
I’ve been acting since the moment I could. I’d be overly prepared and enthusiastic at the end of school year shows, forcing my parents to sit through puppet and shadow performances. My sister and I spent hours developing very elaborate Littlest Pet Shop 6-act stories. I started acting after school in first grade and never got tired. In my last two years of high school, I was in a professional theatre company, and it truly felt like home. Although I’ve always been writing or taking photos, my first passion was stepping in someone else's shoes.
What have you learned from Fordham that has helped shape you as an artist?
The Fordham Theatre program genuinely feels like a family with all the love, support, and sometimes fighting. It’s a beautiful mix of people who are all chasing their dreams. You’re thrown in as a Freshman in “collab” class, putting on performances with strangers and no budget; but collaboration is the most essential part of the job, whether it’s for a stage, set, or editing studio.
The cast of A Call To India at Fordham University. (Courtesy: Julie Casamonti)
How does your theatre training relate to making short films?
It helps me direct; being an actor first, I know what words work and what notes make me freeze. In theatre, we usually rehearse more, so I got in the habit of deeply exploring and spending time with each character. I get exposed to more stories and styles. Most importantly, the revelation I am allowed to make something absurd that is not believably real but true.
How does your personal background inform your creative projects?
I grew up an airport child, lucky to travel but not really knowing a single place to call home. I’ve lived in many cities/countries and changed schools over 9 times, which definitely builds character and fuels imagination forever. My sister, who went through all those adventures with me, and I weave each other into our work. My roots influence all my work, and my accent is also heard through my writing.
What are some of your biggest creative accomplishments?
What feels to me like real achievements are getting my first play produced by Fordham Theatre and making Sogna. Second is winning the Fordham Summer Research grant and, for the first time, working with a professional production house to shoot Sogna. It was probably the craziest thing I’ve done with bunnies and over 10 children on set, handmade costumes, and CGI'd jellyfish in a pool.
(Courtesy: Julie Casamonti)
Do you have any advice for young artists who want to pursue their passions?
Your brain is a sponge, go see theatre (off/on broadway), small plays, readings, or friends doing a comedy show. Be bored, listen to music, and read. Record your work, take photos, and write thoughts, even a list of colors/textures. Remember nearly every encounter could be a future collaborator.
