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Cassie Simone is a performer and voiceover artist based in Los Angeles!She got her start at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (MT), where she left to pursue singing and songwriting in LA. After shifting her focus back to theatre, her credits now include the world premiere cast of On This Side Of The World and Marvel’s Roger: The Musical (Starkette), as well as Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda), Frozen (Anna), Aladdin (Jasmine), and Clue (Yvette). When she’s not onstage, Simone can be found in the recording studio with voiceover and vocal work – like her latest project for an animated feature/musical project recording at Abbey Road Studios in London! Her advice to young artists? “... get out there and experience LIFE! Don’t just sit by your phone and email waiting for those auditions.” Read on to learn more aboutCassie Simone and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Cassie Simone
Heritage: First Generation Filipino/German/Irish
Hometown: Tallmadge, Ohio
Current City: Los Angeles
Current project: Next week I will be continuing my voiceover and singing work on an animated feature/musical project recording at Abbey Road Studios in London!
What are some of your favorite credits/projects:
I was so honored to be a part of the world premiere cast of On This Side Of The World at East West Players last summer, by co-creators Paulo Tiról and Noam Shapiro, featuring the story of 6 Filipino immigrants on their journey to America for the first time. It was a privilege to share a story that my family personally experienced and has ultimately led to my ability to live this amazing life that I have now. We were even able to record an official cast album (linked here), so it will live on! :)
Other favorite roles include portraying Disney heroines like Esmeralda in Hunchback of Notre Dame, Anna in Frozen, and Jasmine in Aladdin, as well as more comedic roles like Yvette in Clue and Starkette in the world premiere of Marvel’s Roger: The Musical.
Aside from working in musical theater, I enjoy lending my voice behind the mic on audiobook and voiceover projects, performing for high end private and corporate entertainment companies, and singing for different musical groups in Los Angeles and across the country. I feel lucky to have variety in my work!
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
I would say for anyone considering pursuing this career, ask yourself this question:
“Is there anything else in this life that I think I could be happy and whole pursuing?”
If the answer is “no”, then buckle up, kid. It can be an exhilarating life. But it’s also really hard. That is such a cliche to say, but it’s true. The highs are high, but the lows can be really low and can really make you question your self worth and ability. Make sure you have a good and balanced head on your shoulders. Surround yourself with people that breathe positivity and life into you. If you are constantly feeling drained by certain people, use that as information and instead go where there is reciprocity. Pay attention to the givers and pay attention to the takers. Good people - Good FRIENDS - build confidence. Confidence breeds courage. Courage encourages risk taking. And risk taking will make your work better. Build your network as soon as you can. I would also offer that where you go to school isn’t a dealbreaker. Just get good training. It doesn’t need to be from a 4 year BFA program. You can build a great network with boots on the ground.
I think it’s also important to note that even if you decide to make your living doing something else, it does not make you any less of an artist. I know many many talented artists who, for one reason or another, have stepped away from performing as their main income source. I actually believe that having other talents and skills outside of performing makes you a more interesting and well rounded artist and person!
And lastly, as much as you can, get out there and experience LIFE! All parts of it…the messy parts, the adventurous parts, the quiet parts. We need balance and good performances come from those that also LIVE their lives…travel, get a side hustle, get married (or get a divorce!), have a family, raise chickens, IDK! Just live. Don’t just sit by your phone and email waiting for those auditions. SNOOZE.
How did you get your start?
I actually did go the traditional route of attending a 4 year BFA musical theatre program, but left after 2 years and came straight to LA to pursue singing and songwriting. I wasn’t even interested in theatre at the time anymore. I worked with some amazing music producers, made some fun pop music, got some music placed in TV and film, and was pretty focused on doing the pop artist thing. Well, after a few years of that, and realizing what kind of sacrifices were expected of a young woman in that industry back in those days (2000s), I shifted my focus and I was called back to theatre. That’s pretty much where I have remained focused, as well as diving more into voiceover work.
Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?
Definitely sharing On This Side of the World with my family will forever be ingrained in my heart and my mind. After that contract, I said “If I never do another theatre show in my life I will be content with this being my last”. There is something so profound and humbling in being able to perform a piece that feels so personal, and to see people that you love, who have raised you, recognize and see themselves on stage, represented in a big and affirming way.
And recently I really enjoyed fangirling while I performed in a Deadpool number at the San Diego Comic Con Marvel panel this past summer. I do not usually geek out over celebrities, but being backstage with people I absolutely adore onscreen, many of whom are at the absolute pinnacle of their careers, was pretty exciting. Oh Hi, Pedro Pascal. I love you. What’s up Harrison Ford? Great Shirt. Oh yeah! Anthony Mackie, excuse me let me just get around you real quick. Thanks. Robert Downey Jr! Sir, thank you so much for letting me stand behind you onstage during your big reveal. I used absolutely 8% of my talent on that job, but peed myself 99.9% of that time. And I’d do it again. And scene.
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
Something I have been really working hard on in recent years is making sure that a job that I choose to do or even confirm an audition for truly fulfills me in some way, whether it be artistically or financially. I think as performers we can have such a scarcity mindset that we say YES YES YES to any and everything that comes our way, leaving us feeling drained, unfulfilled, and sometimes resentful. So now, I have a set criteria of questions that I ask myself before I say yes:
More often than not, you will not get all 3 criteria met. So I’ve told myself, if I can get at least 2 out of the 3, it is worth it to me to take the audition or job.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Slow down. Love yourself. Focus on yourself. Stop comparing. Don’t date that person. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Take the vacation. Get the dog sooner.
Where did you study at?
University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (MT).
What is your greatest accomplishment?
I don’t know that I have just one highlight to note as my greatest accomplishment, but rather a cumulative experience of success and stagnation that I have seemed to consistently withstand. I’m still here. I’m still going. I came out here at 20 years old with no network to speak of, a Craigslist roommate (she was fabulous and I was very lucky), and a belief that I deserved to be here in this space. Some years are sowing years, some years are harvesting years… sometimes you have years of sowing before a short burst of a harvest. I think I’m tenacious. Through my many years of being an artist supporting herself, I have gained only more love, trust, and respect for the woman I am now and my ability to roll with the punches.
What are some goals you hope to achieve?
I would love to delve more deeply into voice acting for animation! Hi, Disney? I’m available!
What helped you most to rebound from what you considered your biggest failure or mistake in your career?
I touched on this earlier, but I truly believe it all starts with your network and friends. If you are surrounded by a supportive community, you will bounce back more quickly than if you are surrounded by energy vampires and opportunists or are always alone, doom scrolling, and comparing yourself to everyone else.
How do you deal with performance anxiety?
I make sure I have ample quiet time before a high pressure show or performance. If it’s not available to you, put on the headphones and center yourself.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I’m just out here doin my thing, enjoying life, trying to do good work, attempting balance. Happy to connect with other like-minded artists and creatives! If that’s you, find me on socials!
To find out more onCassie Simone, please visit her at:
Instagram: @cassiesimone
Website: www.CassieSimone.com
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Cindy Esselburn
November 19, 2024
I’m one proud momma!