February 19 1998
Martha is a thirteen-year-old actor and the star of the new Emily of New Moon TV series. Catch the show on CBC on Sunday evenings.
Here are the questions you asked and here are Martha's answers:
Q. How did you get into acting?
(Debbie L. North York, Ontario)
Q. What was your first acting job?
(Kim B. Lumby, B.C.)
A. My mother says I've been acting since I was born. When I was six I was in Anne of Green Gables and loved it. I tried for everything that came along.
Q. What can you suggest to kids who want to get into acting?
(Mike S., Montreal, Quebec)
A. If you want to get into acting, entertain at home, in nursing homes, at school, at church - everything makes you more comfortable. Try out for various things that come along, and don't be discouraged.
Q. Are acting lessons expensive?
(Lindsay S., Moncton, N.B.)
A.I have never really taken many acting lessons - for me they were boring, so I just made up my own plays and entertained my parents' friends. I'm sure some acting classes are more expensive than others. I took voice lessons to prepare for a music festival . I think they were $15 an hour.
Q. How much time would a kid have to commit to be an actor?
(Brian W.)
Q. Is playing Emily hard?
(Stephanie H., Grand Bank, Newfoundland)
A. To be an actor I'm not really sure how much time would be expected, but I work ten hours a day, five days a week, plus one hour for transportation, hair and make-up. It is a big commitment but I love my work. So, no I don't find acting hard, as a matter of fact, I have lots of fun.
Q. Do you feel scared during the scary parts of the show?
(Taylor B., Flesherton, Ontario)
A.Sometimes I get a bit nervous in a scary part because I get quite involved with the part and the art department make everything look so real! One time I was in a row boat and found a dead man hanging by a boat (just pretend) but it was spooky (episode 14).
Q. How much time do you spend memorizing lines?
(Vanessa M., Newmarket, ON)
A. I don't spend much time memorizing lines because in one day (11 hours) we only do six minutes of what you see. It takes eight long working days to do an episode.
Q. Do you look the same in real life as you do on television?
(Mary-Pat G.,Vancouver, B.C.)
A. I guess I look a bit different now than on the show - I was 11 then, now I'm 13 and I have bangs as you will see in episode 10.
Q. Are you like the character in real life?
(Stephanie H., Grand Bank,Newfoundland)
A. My Mom says I'm sensitive like Emily, but I'm very different because I don't like to write and she does.
Q. Do your friends treat you any differently now?
(Julia S., Toronto, ON)
A. My friends are wonderful and they treat me like they always did "one of the gang."
Q. Do you get an allowance?
(Megan L.)
A. I really don't get an allowance but I can get money when I need it - within limits.
Q. What do you spend your television earnings on?
(Amanda P., Winnipeg, Manitoba)
A.I like to travel so I have spent some of my money going to Florida, taking my sister skiing in Alberta, and I am going to the Dominican Republic in March. I also like to buy clothes. My parents are teaching me money management ... I don't always agree with them.
Q. Do you have a tutor? If yes, what is it like compared to a classroom setting?
(Alexa D., Dryden, ON)
A. When I'm working I have a tutor and I prefer that to a classroom because there are fewer kids and I'm in class for shorter periods because I get called back to work when lights are ready etc. You see, I don't have time to get bored.
Q. Are you related to Ashley MacIsaac?
(Sue B., Toronto, Ontario)
A. My mom says maybe if I went back far enough I might be related to Ashley MacIsaac, like 10th cousins once removed. (Ha!)
Martha says, "Thank you for your interest in the show, and keep watching."
If anyone knows the source of this interview let me know please, and I'll add the information. :)
