Meet Becca Ayers | Performer

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

Hi Becca, is there something you believe many others might not?
Austin Kleon said, “ When people give advice, they’re really just talking to themselves in the past.” I wish I had known this earlier, because at the beginning of my career, I did what was right for my mentors and not for myself. Always remember this when you are getting advice from your elders; just because it’s right for them doesn’t mean it’s necessarily right for you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have done six Broadway shows, a handful of Off-Broadway, and a ton of regional gigs. I am, also, a singer/songwriter and my music can be found on all streaming platforms under my name (Becca Ayers) and my old band’s name (baby goes bang).
I am most proud of a show I did called, “Sarah, Plain and Tall” written by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. I am, also, very proud of when I got to go on in, “The Addams Family” on Broadway for a week in Bebe Neuwirth’s place, opposite Nathan Lane. It was probably the best week of my life! In that show, I did my ensemble track, and also understudied three leads.
I am, currently, most excited about the work I am doing now. I am at the Weathervane Theatre in New Hampshire, where I just closed a brand new Maltby and Shire musical directed by Richard Maltby, Jr., himself! I got to sing a duet with him at a gala and it was a dream come true! Then, last night, I opened, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” here at the Weathervane, playing Jamie’s mom, Margaret New. It is the global regional premiere of this show, and stars Blair St. Clair from, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”!
I’ve had a mix of lucky moments which have made parts of my career easy, mixed with a lot of heartbreak and struggle. When it’s been a struggle, I have just pushed myself to audition for anything and everything that I possibly could. I am on Actor’s Access and Backstage and submit myself for gigs there. Doing my own music has, also, helped me through the tough times, because it’s something I can control. There is so much in show business that a performer cannot control.
Some of my biggest heartbreaks have been when I was doing the first revival of, “Les Miserables” and I was told I would be taking over the role of Madame Thenardier. To make a long story short – due to no fault of my own – they ended up reneging on that offer and giving it to someone else. I have still yet to have a lead on Broadway. Another heartbreak was being a part of the Off-Broadway production of, “Dear Evan Hansen” and then having to re-audition for the Broadway version and not getting cast. There is a lot of heartbreak in this business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, normally I live in New York City, but right now, I am in Whitefield, New Hampshire. I have some family and friends coming to visit, and we hope to visit Maidstone Lake and/or Upper Falls. They would definitely have to check out all of the amazing shows here at the Weathervane, too! “The Wedding Singer” is still running, and I haven’t seen it yet! “The Skeleton Crew” just closed here and it was excellent! There is, also, a place here called, “Santa’s Village” that looks kitschy and that I’m curious to check out! It looks like they have a water park, a roller coaster, etc! There is great hiking and beautiful nature around here to explore, too! My folks, sister and her. boyfriend are actually coming in TODAY to see, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” and I am excited to explore some of these places with them!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to take this opportunity to shoutout my mom, Mary Ayers. Not only was she so supportive of all of my endeavors as a performing artist, but I am, currently at the Weathervane Theatre in New Hampshire where I am, ultimately, doing five shows in rep. She gets on FaceTime with me EVERY MORNING and runs lines with me! Her help over this process has been invaluable and I am SO appreciative!!

Website: www.BeccaAyers.c

Instagram: @becca__ayers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beccafornow

Youtube: @beccaayers

Image Credits
Pamela Bob
Laura Marie Duncan
Lew Whitener
Deniz Cordell