The Next Generation: Katarina Hardy

GET TO KNOW: KAT HARDY
Coming to the West End is Katarina Hardy! Known as Kat, this twenty-year-old student from South-East London is smashing her career in musical theatre. Having roles in multiple plays, from 'Robinson Crusoe' to 'Something Old, Something New' her journey is just beginning! 

At just twenty years old you’re smashing the performance industry at the moment. You’ve recently been in a pantomime called ‘Robinson Crusoe’ over Christmas, as well as preforming in a musical called ‘Animus’. What roles did you play?

Thank you! In the Panto Robinson Crusoe, I played the Fairy god mother/Buttons character of the show, she was this brilliant hippy goddess called “Mama.” It was such a fun character to play; I even wore blue dread-locks! 

Animus, on the other hand, was extremely different in the sense it was a musical set in 18^th century London. I played a Chamber Maid in the 'Dunn' house-hold. The show itself was extremely dark, with death being the main theme.

Two very different roles. Do you prefer playing serious roles, or having fun with the audience?

For me, personally, serious plays are a lot easier, because I love playing ‘Real’ characters. This is partly the reason why TV and film is so appealing to me, because when you’re on screen you don’t have to be as over dramatic as when you’re on stage.

When I’m doing something like panto however, I’m acting for children. This means I have to be on their level of energy, which is very high! Kids are a harsh critic. When a child is bored in the middle of a panto they will let you know. So while I found panto work much more challenging than naturalism, I still really enjoyed it. To have kids hugging you and saying how much they loved your character at the end of a show is an amazing feeling.

To answer your question, I would say in the future I would prefer to do more serious work; but in this industry you can’t be too picky.

You’re currently a student at ‘The Musical Theatre Academy (TheMTA)’ studying performing arts. What do the lessons on the course entail?

The MTA is a very intense two-year course.  We do Four Shows a year and when we aren’t in rehearsals we’re either TV acting, stage acting, voice acting or singing. We also do three hours of dance, every morning!

What would you say you prefer out of the activities above, and did any surprise you when you discovered you liked them?

I’ve always enjoyed singing and acting. I didn’t start dancing until I was accepted into the brit school when I was fifteen. We had to do ballet, which I thought I would be terrible at. But it’s actually something I really enjoy.

Some individuals would argue that students who go to ‘The Brit School’ or schools such as ‘The MTA’ find it easier to gain work in their chosen profession after graduating, would you agree?

Going to any type of drama school will always help people looking for a profession in this industry. I’ve already been given so many opportunities at The MTA, from working with incredible directors, to professional backing singing. Most of the teachers at these types of schools are in (or have been) in the industry themselves; so they can help you. 

That doesn’t go to say that people who don’t go to drama school won’t get their big break, in most cases it’s a “Right time, Right place” kind of deal.

Some individuals will argue that a career in performance is a hard profession to succeed in financially, especially in the beginning years. What was the turning point in your life when you decided to take the brave leap into having a performing career?

My advice is, if you’re looking to become an actress because you want to be rich and famous you need to turn around and get a new career; or perhaps do a Kim Kardashian if you know what I mean. There’s little money in this career, especially in the beginning. However, I’d rather be acting in a play earning little money, than be unhappy in a 9-5 office job. I know there will be times when I’m extremely broke, but at least I’ll be doing what I love! 

How long have you been singing, acting and dancing for?

I've been a drama queen since birth! In year five and six I always wanted the main parts in our primary school shows, and most of the time I got them! A few mums were annoyed I always got the main parts…sorry about that. It was then in secondary school when drama became my life!  I didn’t start properly singing and dancing until The BRIT School. Sometimes I watch shows like ‘Half a Sixpence’ which has some of the best dancers I’ve ever seen in it, I wish I could dance like them!  

Do you write any of your own scripts or music?

I love writing! I wrote a ‘Love Actually’ style scene about a lesbian couple at university. Two of my friends acted it out for me. To see my scene with real voices and actors was incredible. I plan on writing a lot more this year!

Kat as the Fairy GodMother in Robinson Crusoe

Some believe that talent is passed through generations in the family. Would you say you have a musically talented family?

I’m not sure. My brother is very musical, and I think there are a few actors in the family. However, I’m pretty sure we didn’t get our talent from our mum, because I’ve heard her singing in the car… and it isn’t great.  

Are you working on anything interesting in 2017, that you can tell us about?

YES! I’m currently in rehearsals for ‘Something Old Something New’ which is a review show with lots of different numbers from lots of different shows! I’m so excited for it this year, I can’t say the numbers yet but they’re going to be incredible! It’s at the ‘Bernie Grant Art Centre’ March 15^th – 18^th so if you want to see a show, get your butt down to Seven Sisters. 

I’m also doing a musical called ‘All Shook Up’ which is an Elvis Presley Duke Box musical which is also going to be so fun! That will be in June this year! I’m also graduating in September this year, so all big achievements for me!

Are you nervous about the future, and what it holds for you?

Of course I am. The worst thing about this industry is how unpredictable it is. There’s always times when I put myself down, and think “I could to a much better job playing that part than this person." But at the end of the day you’ve got to keep going. I’m career driven, I know it’s going to happen for me eventually; I just know it.

Where do you want to be in five years from now?

The dream is to be in a main channel series, like ‘Skins’ or Misfits’, that kind of genre. But realistically I don’t know if that will happen for me in five years! As long as I’m working I’ll be happy!  

Well we look forward to seeing you on the west end! Where can my readers find more of you?

Soon I’ll be on the ‘Spotlight’ website for career opportunities. For now, you can follow me on my twitter to keep updated with my shows, and also for your chance to WIN a trip to the theatre!

Thanks for talking with me today Kat! I wish you all the best in your career!

Thank you so much for having me on your blog Alex!