Meet: Melissa Maricich
MELISSA MARICICH is an NYC-based actress, singer, dancer, producer and writer, as well as a Catholic Artist Connection board member. (www.mmaricich.com or melissa.maricich@gmail.com)
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION (CAC): What brought you to NYC, and where did you come from? How long have you been here, and why did you decide to move here?
MELISSA MARICICH (MM): I was born and raised near Seattle, Washington. Specifically, a lovely spot called Maple Valley, where I grew up on multiple acres of countryside as one of nine kids. I started out as a dancer, but once my voice sort of “kicked-in” during high school I became involved in musical theatre which led to greater interest in acting and film. Because New York has both theatre and film I was encouraged to move here rather than LA initially. A couple of years after gaining experience in the professional scene in Seattle I did just that, and moved to New York to further my opportunities of work in the entertainment industry.
CAC: How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? Do you call yourself a Catholic artist?
MM: I want it to be very clear in my interactions with people that I am a Catholic, but I don’t think my work could be termed “Catholic Art.” Our vocation as Catholics is to love and serve God and our neighbors, which we should do through our work, whatever that work may be; whether as postal workers or Hollywood / Broadway stars. I see my work as being a job (that I love to do), that often takes place in the secular arena, which is part of what gives me a greater opportunity to share the Good News of the Gospel. Whatever our daily occupation may be, it should be a means by which we strive to serve and love.
CAC: Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?
MM: One of the beautiful things about life in New York is the hugely diverse places and ways one can make connections. I’ve met Catholic actors and artists in as many ways as the number of individuals I’ve connected with. I’ve also hugely benefited from the Sheen Center and people I’ve met there - very particularly all the people I’m involved with for Catholic Artists Connection and Catholic Artists NYC… a perfectly "unbrazen” plug on my part, for the people making this very interview possible :)
CAC: How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?
MM: The artistic world would have to make a decision to be humble enough, and open-minded enough, to entertain the thought that those with faith could have good reason for their beliefs. However we can only be responsible for ourselves and I think the artistic world will be more open to us once it is confronted with, and realizes, how many more of its members are people of faith than it currently suspects. That accomplishment rests in great part on our being more courageous, vocal and generous in sharing the Gospel. Of course, that definitely requires Prudence about the right time, place, and manner in which we share. (As an aside, I think that is a beautiful function the secular world unwittingly provides us with - opportunities to grow in virtue: particularly Prudence, Courage and Charity/)
CAC: Where in NYC do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment? Which parish(es) do you attend?
MM: I’ve found a home and welcome at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village. It has a vibrant community, with particular connections to NYU and the students there. It is served by wonderful Dominican priests. I’ve met performers through some of the parish ministries, even the Thomistic Institutes’ talks and lectures there (which are hugely formative and inspiring I might add). I highly recommend signing up for the emails and updates for the Thomistic Institute events. I’ve not once been sorry I spent my time in attending them!
CAC: Where in NYC do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?
MM: A number of mentors, teachers and coaches are of course essential in this. It’s fulfilling and satisfying to work with people who help you to be your best, who challenge you and help you to actualize your potential. I have a wonderful voice teacher (feel free to contact me if you are looking for one!). The Barrow Group (take Seth Barrish’s class) and Jon Shears’ “Take Action” Workshop (film work) are both wonderful resources. The Growing Studio and Max Theatrix are particularly helpful for musical theatre performers and making connections. The Growing Studio is how I was connected to my current agent.
CAC: How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist living in NYC?
MM: I’d say the simplest description for how it has, and is continuing to happen for me, is simply by being open with the people I meet and by connecting as much in the moment with those who I come across as I possible. You’d truly be shocked at the strange way you can meet people in the business, and even other Catholic performers. Especially if you’re simply willing to smile, say hello and introduce yourself.
CAC: What is your daily spiritual practice?
MM: It can shift from time to time, but there are particular forms of prayer and different saints that tend to regularly be in the forefront. The Rosary - and with it Marian Consecration. St. Joseph, Francis of Assisi, Peter, Therese, Padre Pio, etc. etc. Whenever possible during the week daily Mass, and Adoration. And some kind of religious reading of which there’s a large variety. Definitely anything Chesterton, or Lewis. Other recommended material is The Light of Christ, by Fr. Thomas Joseph White. A number of podcasts of which the most recent addition is Stacey Sumereau’s “Called and Caffeinated”. And Bishop Barron’s “Word on Fire” is a staple.
CAC: What is your daily artistic practice?
MM: They aren’t ALL always daily simply due to constrictions of time, but, as much as I can I’ll have hour-long voice practices a couple times a week, dance classes, reading on pertinent info for acting/material that is inspiring for production/writing ideas.
CAC: What resources have you found helpful in securing housing/roommates?
MM: 80/20 Housing is quite the resource. For females, look into St. Agnes Residence or other women’s residences. Unfortunately I don’t know of the equivalent for guys… sorry fella’s!
CAC: How can you find work in NYC?
MM: If you are looking for a survival job, be willing to tell/mention it to random people you know or meet that you are looking for a job. I got my first hostessing job (glamorous, I know) because I mentioned in passing that I was looking for consistent work to a girl I was doing a temp-job with. She said, totally off-the-cuff “Oh, my roommate is leaving a place right now, and they are looking to fill it. I’ll send them your resume."
CAC: What other practical resources would you recommend to a Catholic artist living in NYC?
MM: Gingerb3ardMen Photography. Billy Bustamente Photography.Sean Turi Photography.
CAC: What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists moving to NYC?
MM: Don’t be afraid, and give yourself some grace and slack in expectations when you first arrive. (Of course don’t slack in your devotion to doing what you know is necessary in pursuing excellence in your craft but DO cut yourself-slack in your expectations of immediate or worldly "success”). And make sure to get out of the city every now and then! Take the train up the Hudson or somewhere cute on Long Island. Get out of town every now and again.
If you have recently arrived in this busy City, Welcome! Glad to have you here and look forward to meeting you soon!
