Meet Natalie Pernick | Actor & Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Pernick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from the Washington, D.C. area, but my parents worked for the foreign service and my brother and I were lucky enough to tag along with them on all of their international adventures! Their jobs brought us to Rome, London, and Geneva for three years each (I know – all the hard places! Ugh!), with a year or two back in the US sprinkled in here and there. It was the most incredible experience and I attribute everything that I am to that lifestyle.

In Rome I took my first drama classes and received my first starring role (Maid Marian in Robin Hood, of course). I was able to experience a storied history first-hand and meet people who were nothing like me and who shaped my world view tremendously. In London, theatre was EVERYWHERE. I was able to see what a serious investment in the arts could do for an entire country, and it was the first time I saw how performance art could be executed in a professional capacity. In Geneva, I studied Drama through the International Baccalaureate program and learned about all of the practitioners that had shaped the hundreds of different ideologies. Even those few years back in the US in high school were formative – the drama kids welcomed me in so fast and so warmly that I hardly ever left the blackbox theatre. I went to the University of Virginia and, because of the nature of the program as a BA, I was able to double major in Foreign Affairs and be exposed to hundreds of incredible folks from different walks of life outside of my Drama program.

This is all just to say that I am very lucky to have had my world view shaped this way. It has informed everything about how I develop relationships, how I think critically about global issues, and how I approach the roles I play. My foundation is one of curiosity and open-mindedness, and eagerness when faced with the opportunity to try something new – I think that all of those things serve me every day, personally and professionally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an actor and singer based in NYC! Stage is my preferred medium, but I also really enjoy TV and film work. I especially love the challenge of comedic roles and am most excited by roles that encourage me to play.

I think what actually sets me apart most from others in the New York scene is my BA degree. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2018 with BAs in both Drama and Foreign Affairs. When I moved to New York, I very quickly realized that the vast majority of performers in this market earned BFA degrees or were educated in conservatory-style programs, which means that their programs were highly focused on one particular area. My degree in Drama was much more synthesized, with a focus on arming us with knowledge in how all of the different areas within Drama (i.e. costuming, scenic technology, directing, and of course acting) come together to create an art product. Plus, I got to double major and invest in an interest outside of acting. I think that that exposure made me well-rounded as an individual and a performer. I also felt nurtured in my program and was able to enjoy working closely with my peers, rather than battling against each other for a competitive role. I feel like I have a resulting perspective that is very truthful, and which informs my acting a great deal.

I would not say that this field is easy! It’s a huge resource-sucker in terms of time and money, and there are no guarantees.
I take things very personally and, as literally everyone before me has said, there are a lot of “no”s. It’s easy to get discouraged and, truth be told, I’m definitely going through a period of low motivation right now.
However, my successes up to this point have been a direct result of hard, focused work, and lots of support from others. It is definitely a marathon, and I’m working on my endurance. The rewards in this field are tremendous and worth fighting for.

I think what I’d most like the world to know about me is that I really love acting. I love everything about it and I work very very hard. I’m open to help and connections where I can get them. I care about every project I work on and I honor every commitment that I make. I am very dedicated to this field and am determined to make it a part of my life forever.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a great question! I’ll blow up my air mattress and make space for you on the floor in my tiny 393sq/ft apartment!

I love strolling through Central Park with anyone who visits. You can say it’s cliché but there isn’t anything else quite like it in the world (not to mention, New Yorkers are really starved for nature)!!! The reservoir is especially peaceful and the park is such a wonderful asset to the city. If you’re looking to do a little more strolling, I’d take you downtown to SoHo and the West Village, which feels like a total time capsule. Coincidentally, it’s also where all of the coolest shops are and is great for people watching.

Obviously we would need to see a show. The 5th Avenue Armory is my favorite performance spot in the city. However, I know musicals/plays aren’t for everyone, so I’m open! There are a zillion comedy shows in the city every night and I think they’re a fantastic way to break the ice or get things rolling. The Comedy Cellar wins every time for stand-up and improv.

Brooklyn is a different place any time I’m there which makes it a super fun place to visit. I’m particularly fond of the Cobble Hill neighborhood if you’re seeking classic brownstones and great views of Manhattan. Speaking of great views, we would ABSOLUTELY hop on a sunset Circle Line cruise. It’s the best way to view Manhattan and it takes you on a great loop that includes the Statue of Liberty.

I’m a pizza snob after living in Italy, and I’m certain that I have located the best (read: authentically Italian) pizza in the city. You can find it at San Matteo – Pizzeria e Cucina on 2nd Ave. You will not be disappointed. For cocktails, I take everyone to Lilly’s Cocktail Bar on W 72nd is our go-to. They have an incredible list of cocktails and their food is tremendous – plus they have a neat little outdoor seating area! Basically, New York is best for eating and viewing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents! Heck! They haven’t doubted me for one second in the entire 15-ish years I’ve been telling them I want to be an actor. They’ve supported me emotionally, financially, and they also sing in the car, which I’m pretty sure was critical to my development.

Sam, my fiancé, co-owns his production studio (Lovegrove Studios), has a full-time job, is constantly playing gigs and hosting recording sessions, and he somehow still finds time to encourage me every single day. When my motivation is low and exhaustion is kicking in, he makes me feel like I am capable. I am lucky.

And all of my friends in the arts who are so vastly talented. The list is, literally, endless. I believe so much in them and their skills that I can’t help but feel like I might be doing something right too, just my association.

Website: www.nataliepernick.com

Instagram: @natpernick

Image Credits
Headshots by Chad & Steven @ The Gingerb3ardmen