RAY HOULE on Breaking Gender Norms Through Inclusive Casting, Play 'White Christmas' and Working with Sutton Foster

Ray Houle is an American theater actress who believes that theater should challenge traditional views of gender and sexuality, creating more opportunities for people regardless of their gender. Ray’s passion for performing began in childhood, but her first major production came after she graduated from high school. Since then, she has actively participated in various theatrical productions, including one of Chelsea Theatre’s most atmospheric shows, White Christmas. One of the designers behind the production is Theo Harris, an American artist, costume designer, and sewist with a distinctive perspective on historical and fairytale style's with a talent for naturally combining unconventional materials to create costumes. He was the one who made the dress Ray wore during her performance.

Ray considers her role as Elektra in House of Atreus one of the most meaningful roles of her career. The character allowed her to channel many of her own emotions and aspects of her personality, despite the significant differences between her personal goals and those driving the characters in this Greek tragedy.

On October 3, Ray performed in one of the most significant shows for her career, An Evening with Sutton Foster. Ray spoke with Asya Radko, founder of Drive Music Media, about the importance of gender-inclusive casting, theater productions, and her experience working with Sutton Foster.

Interviewer: When did you realize that theater was your passion? Do you remember how it all started?

Ray: As a child I always enjoyed singing and dancing. Ever since I performed frozen songs at a preschool graduation I always knew I loved music, it wasn't until the end of middle school though that I had been in a legitimate production. Since then I've been searching for any performance opportunities I can find to feed my passion for the arts.

Interviewer: Tell us about the training program at the university where you’re studying to become an actress. What comes naturally to you, and what has been more challenging? What should people who are thinking about applying be prepared for?

Ray: I am still in highschool so my level of training is not as high as it could be, but Chelsea High School's theatre guild has offered many great training opportunities with dance, college preparation, vocal training, improv and even more! I think that naturally I have always been a singer or actor first so what's been difficult so far in my MT journey is the dancing portion. I am learning to take things one step at a time and realizing that it's okay to not be perfect on the first try, or even the second or third. What's important is that I give it my best efforts and make my work true to who I am.

Interviewer: You’ve been part of many productions at different theaters. Tell us about your very first role on a theater stage. What was that experience like?

Ray: My first "role" was in a children's ensemble for a show choir. It was a program where high school performers helped teach young kids songs and we would perform one or two songs on the stage with them. It was an incredible community building experience for me and it's what primarily sparked my passion for theatre.

Interviewer: Is there a role that has a particularly special meaning to you? Why that role, and what was the day like when you finally brought that character to life?

Ray: I think one role that meant a lot to me was my first acting lead in high school: Elektra from House of Atreus. I think she always stood out to me because like Elektra I am a very determined person when it comes to my goals. Of course being a Greek tragedy her goals are much different and violent than mine, but I was able to harness a lot of my emotion and personality into her. When I finally brought her to life on the stage I felt this (no pun intended) electric feeling through my body. To be on stage among friends and telling a gruesome yet beautiful story was one of the first times I realized the impact theatre can have on people, not just on the audience but the performers as well.

Interviewer: Tell us about this role. Why are you both wearing identical dresses, and what was the play about? How much did you feel that the costume complemented and connected with your character? Tell us more about your overall look - who created it, and what did you like most about your character?

Ray: This role was Betty Haynes in White Christmas. It is a show that takes place around the 50s about two performing women (ed. Betty and her sister Judy) who meet two soilders who also love to perform (Bob and Phil) along this journey they make a holiday performance to save the inn that Bob and Phil's general works at. Bob and betty fall in love after having a pretty big misunderstaning but all works out in the end.

The costumes here are identical because as Perfoming Sisters they like to highlight their sisterhood as part of their act. Its a call back to the iconic costumes and fans from the original film.The costume was created by Theo Harris! He is someone who used to go to Chelsea High School. They have helped the Chelsea High School theatre guild with costumes loads of times and everytime it is intricate, gorgeous, made with effort and care, and true to the character and show in such a rewarding way.

What I liked the most about Betty was the confidence and sass she bears throughout the show. But also how later on this harder persona drops because she eventually lets her gaurd down not only to her loving sister Judy, but also to Bob. She felt very human and also a strong female character which is very important.

Interviewer: How do you prepare for a production outside of rehearsals and the usual work? What’s most important to you when developing a character, and what do you focus on the most?

Ray: Outside of the basic rehearsal work of learning lines, choreography, and music I like to do a lot of character analysis work to prepare for a role. One of the most important things about developing a character is to make them as real and nuanced as possible, to make them feel human. So, a few things I like to do to make that possible is to take the MBTI personality test in character to get a deeper feel for how they'd react in everyday scenarios, then I like to establish clear background information with the other actors in the cast to make sure the relationships are set in stone and agreed upon.

Lastly, I like to find at least one thing within myself that I can use to deeper connect to that character. If I want the audience to understand and sympathize with them, I have to first make sure that I can.

Interviewer: Tell about the big premiere on October 3. How did you get the role, and what has this process been like for you so far?

Ray: The concert was so amazing! To get into “An Evening with Sutton Foster”, your high school has to have participated in the Sutton Foster Awards the prior school year. After that, your director can nominate four students for either the dance or choral performance of the concert. I then auditioned for the choir and here I am! This has been a gift, truly. It's amazing to connect with other people who have the same passions and interests as I do. And to have a chance to perform with someone as talented and full of life as the amazing Sutton Foster is something I will be thankful for for the rest of my performing career.

During our rehearsals day of we got to meet Sutton Foster and she gave us little bits of advice throughout the day. A few that stuck with me were her saying "I used to be you, you might feel like there's a big gap between hs but their isn't." And she kept thanking us for showing up which was so kind of her because I felt like I should be thanking her for being there. We only had two rehersal days prior to the show day, but it was really fun and excited to learn so much in such a short time.

Interviewer: Are there any roles you would never agree to take? Why? Are there any boundaries in this profession that you would never cross?

Ray: I think as a performer you always have to be adaptable and ready to challenge your comfort zone, that being said there are roles I would always turn down. I will never agree to take the role of a character of a race different than my own. There are many productions where culture and representation is highly important and I think frankly that we need even more representation in the theatre world. Besides that, I think there are a few roles I would not accept. I love being able to play a variety of personas ranging from different genders, personalities, and genres.

Interviewer: Is there anything about the theater world that you disagree with? Is there anything you would like to change through the lens of your own worldview? What would it be?

Ray: I think that the world of theatre is very accepting and advanced in terms of it's representation so there's very little I can think of that I would want to change. One thing I would like to see more of though is gender bent or gender inclusive casting. I think it's a great way to challenge a traditional mindset's views of gender and/or sexuality and it brings even more opportunities to people regardless of their gender. Plus, it's super fun!

Interviewer: Have you a particular mission as an actress? What matters most to you?

Ray: My mission is to help other queer people feel safe and represented in the world of theatre and hopefully in turn also in real life. I want people to see themself or their friend or family member represented acccuratly on the stage or screen and for it to become a norm. What matters most to me is that people connect with the art that I put out and that people feel impacted by the messeges it conveyes. Everybody deserves the spotlight, even if its through seeing someone else like them thrive.

Interviewer: What one word would you associate with your journey in theater? Why that particular word?

Ray: One word I'd associate with my journey in theatre is Growth. I think already that I have grown a lot as a performer, and I think there's always room for more. I love a good challenge and I can't wait to see what college and future productions have in store!

The interview was written by Asya Radko. Pictures were provided by Ray Houle.