Spotlight profile


I’m very accident-prone and over lockdown I broke both my legs and four ribs… at the same time.


© Tom Barker

What kind of actor do you aspire to be?
I would love for people to walk out the theatre, or when they finish watching anything I’m a part of and THINK. If I can portray a character that makes someone change their views on something or makes them rethink anything in their life, I’d be a happy girl. I love the idea of the audience being affected by a character I’m playing. I also would love to be an actor who is able to move along the scale easily and well, to have that range from comical to emotional and anything and everything in between.


What performance piece did you choose for the showcase and why?
At the start of lockdown I had a dream about this monologue, so I sat at my desk and wrote it out properly, I don’t consider myself a writer but I knew that there was something special about this monologue (not to blow my own trumpet!) so I decided to perform this piece for the showcase because the other pieces I thought of doing didn’t make me feel 100% confident, so I thought why not do my own?

‘Soul Music’ by Kelsea Knox

© Tom Barker

What book, theatre, film or TV production has most inspired you?
Would it be bad if I say ‘Twilight’ because I just wanted to be Kristen Stewart when I was younger? I’m joking! I think anything to do with Irish actors or writers I just fall in love with instantly. I saw ‘Lovers’ by Brian Friel and I remember thinking I want to be on that stage doing what she’s doing. I also read a play by Owen McCafferty called ‘Quietly’, and I don’t think I have felt such deep emotions, and got lost in a play that I was simply just reading in my room, I love that connection with anything I read or watch. 


© Tom Barker

How have you been keeping creative during lockdown?

I’m a very creative, arty farty person, so selling my artwork and wee crafts that I have made kept me busy. I also got involved with any monologue slam or Zoom performance possible, just to keep the acting blood flowing.


Kelsea Knox’s Spotlight Prize video diary