We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rosemary McGraw a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rosemary, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’m still finding it, though I’m pretty confident that acting is at the center of it all. It’s when I feel the most alive, grounded, joy, and connection. I’ve been on more than a few paths throughout my 32 years, but it always comes back to prioritizing my creative endeavors. I used to judge my need to make my creative outlets into a living because well, it’s hard not to when considering societal standards and pressures. It took me a long time to break away from thoughts of what I should be doing and I definitely couldn’t have done it without connecting and working with other creatives. Theatre, music, food, dance, and photography are my magic. Actions that quiet my mind and heart, and bring me closer to myself and my community. I don’t think I have just one purpose, but acting has been my guide. I’ve become disconnected from it several times for several reasons, but when I find my way back to it, whatever that looks like, life unfolds in the most beautiful and restorative way. I feel real again and therein lies the meaning, or reason rather, for it feeling like my purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m originally from Kansas City, Missouri and started acting sophomore year of high school. The following summer we took a play to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where my passion for both acting and travel was truly ignited. I attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Theatre. My priority post grad was to travel and soon became a flight attendant for United Airlines. I met and worked with incredible people, but the lifestyle was not for me. I moved to Austin, TX in 2019 and started acting again in the summer of 2020. My primary focus was film, and I still very much have a passion for it, but I eventually made my way back to the stage in the summer of 2023. I’ve been collaborating with local theatre companies ever since and am finding that’s where my acting heart truly lies. I’m currently focusing on music and photography, art forms I’ve long wanted to train in as I have done with acting.
What makes theatre so incredibly special to me is the impact it has on my community. I love collaborating with likeminded artists, bringing visions and dreams alive, and then showcasing those stories to the community. Nothing else makes me feel more at home in a city. The magical thread between the stage and audience is so beautiful and essential. There’s nothing cooler than humans witnessing one another and walking away feeling seen, validated, curious, inspired, entertained– you name it. I love it with my whole heart.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Therapy! Therapy is awesome and I think very important for artists (everyone really). If you’re like me, you may be a rather sensitive and/or anxious potato. It’s quite easy to get lost in the chatter of the mind and focus on everyone else rather than yourself. So, I’d say it’s extremely helpful to have a third party guide you through your artistic journey, which can be an absolute time.
This also leads me back to my emphasis on community. Fellow artists *get it* and will be the first to hold your hand. Engaging with other artists, no matter the setting, is extremely grounding and validating.
Lastly, take classes of all kinds and with different studios. I’d encourage you to not completely hang your hat on a particular technique, company, etc. Variety is key and can really lead you to what actually feels good, true, and authentic to your artistry.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents are incredible artists and of course have influenced my artistry. They’re extremely creative people and I continue to witness them use their passions to connect and to find joy and meaning. I didn’t follow a traditional path, which was anxiety-inducing for all of us at some point or another. But, they’ve always maintained faith and trust in me, no matter the hairdo or career choice. The gift of space to grow and explore, and their unconditional love have sustained me.
It would be a dream to cover a Foo Fighters song with my mom on the drums, act out a comedic bit with my dad, and design vegan cowgirl boots with my step-mom. Not to mention, they all sure can cut a rug!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rosemarymcgraw_182
- Facebook: Rosemary McGraw
Image Credits
Isaac Stafford
Amanda Sloan-Stafford
Elisa Melendez
Mary Cate Anderson
Tobe Mokolo
Nick Tribuno
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
