The Daily Reveille interviewed via email Bailey Purvis, lead actress in “Bring It On: The Musical.”  Here’s what the Louisiana native had to say about her performance in the musical and her career onstage:
The Daily Reveille: Who/What inspired you to become an actress?
Bailey Purvis:  I have always known I wanted to perform. Ever since I was a little girl, from dance recitals to pageants to musicals, I couldn’t imagine dedicating my life to anything other than the stage.
TDR: How old were you when you started your acting career?
BP: I did my first musical around the age of 8. It was “Cinderella” at Baton Rouge Little Theater.

TDR: Did you ever take acting classes or see an acting coach?
BP: I was extremely lucky to have wonderful training and teachers who shared so much with me. I trained at Center Stage Performing Arts Academy at a young age, then I attended high school at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts with a musical theater concentration. I went to college at Boston Conservatory, and am still working toward my BFA in musical theater there.
TDR: What advice would you give to young kids who want to act in LA?
BP: I love this quote: “Good things don’t come to those who wait. Good things come to those who work extremely hard and never give up.” That is the advice I would give any young person who wants to pursue this career. You have to love the work. Work hard and never give up!
TDR: Who is your favorite actor/actress?
BP: Tom Hanks is brilliant. He has such a special way of connecting with the characters he plays, and he embodies them fully. All of his work is so specific, not like many actors who seem to play the same person over and over. I also love Bryan Cranston!
TDR: How did you come to be in Bring It On: The Musical?
BP: I auditioned in New York for the show. I was beginning my senior year in Boston, and I ended up going back and forth for about a week in callbacks. I found out about a month later that I got the part!
TDR: What do you hope people get out of it?
BP: ”Bring It On” is such a fun show! It has amazing messages for young people, such as the value of friendship and learning that winning isn’t everything. It’s about the journey you make together! Most importantly, audiences are in for a fun night of theater!
TDR: How has being in Louisiana benefited you as an actress?
BP: I am so proud to be from Louisiana! Since I still have a bit of my southern dialect, it always sparks conversations in auditions when I am asked where I’m from. This career path is not easy, and I am so lucky to have a huge support system of family and friends back home in Louisiana. It’s my safety zone; I always know I have somewhere to come home to.

TDR: What LA productions that you have done?
BP: Most recently I was Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” at the Manship Theatre downtown. A few years ago I played the title role of Evangeline in Paul Taranto and Jamie Wax’s beautiful and brilliant “Evangeline: The Musical” with Playmakers of Baton Rouge. I’ve done many productions with Center Stage Performing Arts Academy, such as Mayzie in “Seussical.”
TDR: How has Louisiana impacted your acting?
BP: I truly believe that southerners are a special breed of people! I am so proud to be from Louisiana, and I have so many instilled values that I grew up learning and have continued into my professional and personal life. Little things like saying “Yes Ma’am/Sir” go a long way with people up north who aren’t used to that! I am lucky to have an incredible family who taught me that family comes first, and they have been there for me through thick and thin.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Clint Tuccio

(left to right) Bailey Purvis, Mia Weinberger and Andy White