Vanessa Marano stops in for a chat

She’s currently starring in the hit drama “Switched at Birth,” and we were lucky enough to sit down with rising star Vanessa Marano and chat about the show, the secrets behind filming and her tips for acing the red carpet…
You’ve been in show business since you were very young, what is it about acting that you love?
I love the sense of community you feel when shooting a project. You spend twelve hours a day with the same people for an extended period of time and everyone contributes to creating a film or a show or a play. When you finally get to see the finish project, you get to sit there and remember everything that went into shooting it. The ADs cueing background, the sound department setting up microphones in the car you have to shoot in, the camera team zooming in a prop and getting it in focus. It’s all of those things that make something worth watching, and as an actor, I get to witness it first hand and contribute to it.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
I’ve really tried to continue my education while working. It’s been tough, but whenever I can, I take a course. I’m very happy that I’ve stuck with it.
How do you get into the zone to portray a particular character?
I wouldn’t say I get into a particular zone. I’m constantly laughing and enjoying myself at work because I get to do what I love everyday. That being said, everybody has a process they get into. For me, it’s all in the details of acting. Everything that goes into the technical aspect of it. Things like hitting your mark, memorizing your lines, and keeping the same continuity in every take. All of those things are so important, but it’s your job as actor to not show any of that. You’re performance has to take over, and I find that to be amazingly fun challenge. “Switched at Birth” added a whole other detail to the work because all the actors have to learn their lines in sign language as well. It’s tough, but it’s awesome.
The show you are currently starring in, “Switched at Birth,” has become a huge success, what’s the best thing about being on the show?
The group of people I get to work with; I adore seeing them everyday.
Do you hang out with the cast when you’re not filming?
Oh, yes we do. A lot! In fact, Katie, Constance, and I just took a yoga class together. We had not worked out in awhile, and the result was hilarious.
Tell us a bit about your character Bay?
Bay is an artist. She’s difficult to get along with at times, but that’s what I honestly love about her. She’s not perfect at all. She’s real, what you see is what you get. She doesn’t hide her emotions, and she’s constantly growing as a person.
Do you relate to Bay in anyway?
Our humour is definitely similar and so is our energy.
You’ve become a red carpet favourite at awards shows, what’s your number one beauty tip for looking your best?
Primer. Before putting on foundation, put on primer. Keeps your skin looking smooth.
Who has influenced you professionally, that you would someday like to work with?
Well, I have an absolute obsession with Helen Mirren. I just think she’s fantastic. There’s a playwright named Christopher Durang who I would love to work with. I’m a huge Aaron Sorkin fan as well.
So what’s next for Vanessa Marano?
I just finished shooting a movie called “Senior Project.”