Name: Anna Demaria
Age: 22
Hometown: Ventura, CA
Currently based in Manhattan, NY
Hi everyone! Thanks for being willing to learn a little bit about me and my journey as a Musical Theatre performer! Heidi was my vocal coach when I was a student at California Lutheran University. I had the pleasure of working with her for two years in her private studio and also on the musical productions of Hansel and Gretel and The Pirate Queen.
In December 2021, I graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a BA in Theatre Performance and a Minor in Communications & Media Arts.
I began performing in musical theatre productions when I was eleven years old, and started training vocally when I was fifteen. I am currently an emerging professional hoping to continue working as an actor and singer in theatre, television, and film.
My principal genre is Musical Theatre. I am still working on expanding my contemporary sound, and feel most comfortable singing in a legit style. My favorite musical of all time is Hello, Dolly! As a kid I was obsessed with the movie, and Dolly has been a dream role of mine ever since. Other dream roles include Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Ladyand Glinda in Wicked.
One of the most memorable performance memories over the years is when I was selected as a musical theatre finalist for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. At the festival in Arizona, I got to perform a solo in a cabaret performance. It was the first time I got to take center stage by myself and share my craft, which was both exciting and terrifying.
My biggest “aha” moment came the first time I experienced an audience laughing while performing a comical song. I really enjoy making people laugh, so it was the best feeling in the world to realize that hard work pays off.
My advice for high school singers planning for the future is to trust your gut and be okay with change. Over the past few years, my dreams have drastically shifted, and I’ve realized that what I thought I wanted is no longer what I aspire to do. Things change and there are many paths to pursue your passion, even if it doesn’t end up looking like how you originally imagined.
I sing to tell stories and connect with others on an emotional level.
You can learn more about me and my work or reach out with any questions at annademaria.com