Roxane Simon is a French actress and singer, living in Bangkok, Thailand. She is a world traveled having lived for 19 years abroad (Netherlands, Vietnam, Thailand). Roxane is now dedicated to her acting career, is passionate about comedy and is training under Crawford Talent Management in Los Angeles.
About Insider sat down with Roxane to discuss acting and a highly famous French play.
HELLO ROXANE SIMON, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH YOU, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF OUTSIDE OF SHOWBIZ.
Hi! I am Roxane Simon actress and singer born in Paris, France. However, I was raised in Hanoi in Vietnam and now Bangkok in Thailand. In my life, I have traveled to a few countries, namely Japan, Australia, Italy and the US. I recently graduated high school, which was a French International school, and started studying psychology but it did not fulfill me. So, I am fully concentrating on my acting and singing career.
WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED SO FAR ABOUT ACTING & SINGING?
In acting, I very much enjoy learning about the character and understanding why theyact in a certain way (maybe from his past traumas, depressionetc.). And regarding that character, I like to make my own version of it by adding my own facial expressions and spicing up the way I talk.
In singing, I mostly enjoy the music over the lyrics. I like immersing myself in the music and feeling the beat, the rhythm, the vibe rather than focusing and concentrating on the lyrics. However, lyrics are a great way to spread an impactful, meaningful, positive message to help all of us learn and grow.
HAVE YOU CHOSEN A MONOLOGUE AND IF SO, WHAT IS IT?
Yes! I chose the comedy monologue called: “Phone Calls” by Joseph Arnone. In this monologue, Meagan talks to her girlfriend over lunch about her frustration over the games guys play when it comes to making the first call. It’s from a play.
Why did I choose that one? Because first of all during my first reading of it, it felt good, it felt right, and I had fun, which is important. And second of all, it’s quite relatable, everyone has lived that moment at least once in their life.
YOU STARRED IN THE FAMOUS FRENCH PLAY, TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE.
Yes! I was inLe Medecin Malgre Lui (The Doctor In Spite of Himself) by Molière. It is one of Molière’s best farces, performed in 1666. Forced by a trick of his wife Martine to act the doctor, the woodcutter Sganarelle ‘cures’ Géronte’s daughter Lucinde from “being mute”.
The play is one of several plays by Molière to center on Sganarelle, a character that Molière himself portrayed, and is a comedic satire of 17th century French medicine. The music composed by Marc-Antoine Charpentier is lost.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER
I played the lead role of Lucinde. She is a very beautiful, intelligent and determined young woman who is in love.
DID YOU DO ANYTHNG SPECIAL TO PREPARE FOR THE ROLE?
First of all, I read the script attentively to understand the story and then focused on my role and how she fits in the story and her relationships with the others. Following that, I did some character analysis, where I learned more about her background (history, family), objectives and internal/external conflicts she faces. Then, I worked on physical aspects, which are her voice and mannerisms.
In addition, to bring some authenticity, I’ve done some emotional connection where I used past experiences and imagination to better connect and empathize with my role.
DID YOU HAVE A PARTIULAR COSTUME?
Actually yes, I wore a white T-shirt and long pink skirt to hide my rollers. I used them in one scene to show them how graceful, beautiful and drama-free Lucinde is. Indeed, she just wants to be with the one she loves truly. Then, make-up wise, I wore some red cheekbones and white powder on my face as if I was pale since it was considered beautiful at that time.
HOW MANY CAST MEMBERS AND WHAT WAS YOUR INTERACTION WITH THEM?
We were 12 of us in total and we were actually quite close. Our interactions could be characterized as very friendly, supportive and fun. Backstage, we sang together to get rid of the nervousness and talk positively about each other. We were going crazy and excited for one another.
HOW LONG DID THE PLAT RUN FOR?
It was a four day run, and overall, a 2-hour play.
WHO ARE YOUR FILMMAKER INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
I’d say Kenny Ortega, first of all, since he shaped me through his movies and shows listed above, and James Cameron as well with his iconic movies (Titanic) that I watched as a young teen and nowadays with different mindsets, and it really impacted my questioning of life with wanting to die but love saving her life.
TELL ME SOMETHNG PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.
I am a Gemini, meaning I am not afraid of change, I embrace it. Moreover, I am considered as independent, meaning I am more than okay with being by myself since I’m not really alone, I am with myself. I am alone but not lonely.
WE LOVE THAT YOU ARE MULTI-TALENTED! HOW CAN PEOPLE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
You can check out my Instagram @roxanesimonofficial
