Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Frye.
Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was seven years old when my mother took me to my first Broadway production at the Buell Theatre. It was Cats, and I was mesmerized. A year later she took me to see Phantom of the Opera and I was hooked! Over the next few years, I saw every Shakespeare play at the DCPA that I could, it was then and there that I fell in love with the theater. I knew in my heart that this is what I wanted to do. I got cast in my first production The Mikado at the Denver Civic theater in 1992 and went on to attend Denver School of the Arts. I have had the opportunity to be in several productions throughout my life and I am grateful for each and every unique experience. From theater and film to immersive theater and improv, I have had the honor to experience it all. Theater and the community it brought saved my life on many levels. I am so incredibly grateful to be a part Denver acting community. There is such talent and support for one another! I am thankful I followed my passion and path in life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been obstacles and the road has not been smooth. Being a full-figured woman of color the difficulty that I faced when it came to casting was at times disheartening. There were not a lot of opportunities or space for people of color. In a place where creativity, storytelling, and imagination was supposed to flourish I found that casting was unimaginative, safe. Diversity in casting has come a long way but we still have a ways to go. I look forward to being a part of the movement that is taking place. Creating a safe space for everyone that steps on the stage or set is of vital importance to me. I strongly believe that the performing arts should be available and accessible to all walks of life, not just to those who can afford it. My mother was taken from us by a drunk driver in 2010. Her last voicemail to me was to pursue my career and don’t let anything or anyone stop me from reaching for my dreams. I have lived by those words ever since.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am proud to be a storyteller on every level! From theater, singing, Shakespeare, Improv, and film, I love it all!! I am truly happy that I discovered immersion theater. It is a facet of my art that has opened my eyes and heart. To engage audiences in a new and different way has been absolutely delightful.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am never afraid to try something out of the box. I love facing new challenges and I am not afraid to fail spectacularly!
Image Credits
Marco Robinson
Adriane Robinson
