Katy Donahue is a 32-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. She has been acting with ArtStream for four years. She recently graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s degree in studio art. Katy works as an archivist aide for the Archives of American Art. She enjoys painting, horseback riding, reading, and spending time with her cat, Leo.

We chatted with Katy to learn more about her experience at ArtStream and why she loves performing.

ArtStream: How did you get started with ArtStream?  

Katy: I got started through a friend of mine who told me about it. She invited me to take a few classes together with her. After taking classes, I tried out for an ArtStream Theatre Company. I was so excited when I got into Silver Spring Company A. I’ve been an actor ever since. 

ArtStream: Things have been really different lately with everything being online. What has it been like doing ArtStream from home?  

Katy: It’s been trying because I’m now getting familiar with online, but it’s been a challenge. But we got through it, so that’s great. 

ArtStream: What activities do you like best about ArtStream? 

Katy: I like being a part of the ArtStream Theatre Company best. I like putting on the shows and being on stage. I like being a part of creating the show and performing. It’s a lot of work, but it’s awesome.  

ArtStream: That’s great! How did you come up with your character for the shows? 

Katy: We pretty much discuss what people are going to be. We decide on a theme and then create characters to go with the theme. As we get together to create a play, we try to incorporate lots of different ideas. The last show I was in was Una-fjord-able. I love animals so I picked a part where I got to help animals. In the show I made a huge potion to help animals, particularly owls. 

ArtStream: Your character in Una-fjord-able was so fun. Do you have a favorite role that you’ve played? 

Katy: To be honest I’ve loved all my roles in shows. They are all special. 

ArtStream: What’s the most important thing that you learned at ArtStream? 

Katy: The most important is to just be yourself. Give it your all and work with others. Accept them as who they are and have a fun and lovely experience. 

ArtStream: What would you tell somebody who isn’t sure about taking an ArtStream class? 

Katy: I would say to at least just give it a try. You might find that you just love it. 

ArtStream: How does ArtStream make you feel? 

Katy: ArtStream makes me feel content, happy, and creative. I’m able to express myself and to experience life on stage, which I haven’t done before. ArtStream is the first time I’ve actually really had experience with stage work, so it’s really cool and I like meeting a lot of new people.  

ArtStream: What would you say is your favorite part of ArtStream? 

Katy: My favorite part would be the dancing. I like dancing and doing the music and singing. Singing is one of my favorite parts. 

ArtStream: I love to dance and sing too. Do you get nervous when you go on stage? 

Katy: When I was younger, yes, but not so much now. I’m familiar with that so it comes naturally to me. I’ve been doing it for so long that it’s just second nature. When I was really, really young, I would never go on stage, but I’ve come a long way since then. 

ArtStream: What would you tell somebody who does get nervous on stage? How can they calm their nerves? 

Katy: Just breathe in, breathe out. Take sips of water. Be yourself. You’ve got this and do the best that you can. If you make a mistake, the audience has no idea. So just go with the flow.  

ArtStream: Have you made friends at ArtStream? 

Katy: Yes, I have made lots of friends. I look forward to seeing pretty much my entire company. All of the people that I know, I love seeing them every Tuesday when we rehearse. We have a lot of fun together and enjoy our cast parties. Although, it definitely hasn’t been the same on Zoom the past two years, but that is okay. 

ArtStream: Do you have a favorite class that you’ve taken at ArtStream? 

Katy: I really liked the directing class, which I took twice. We came up with a skit and then you directed the mentors where they’d go. That was a lot of fun. I also like the comedy class. We sang songs and did little skits.  

ArtStream:  My last question for you is what do you love about ArtStream? 

Katy: It is a wonderful, wonderful program. You get to know people who probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be on stage and be different characters. It allows us all a chance to do that and make friends and interact. It really is just wonderful.