anna-nicholas

Faithful Companion

Actress Anna Nicholas brings her horse, Will Rise, with her for upcoming stint at CV Rep Theatre.

Karen Graninger Arts & Entertainment

anna-nicholas
Actress Anna Nicholas brought her horse, Will Rise, with her while she performs in Annapurna at CVRep.
PHOTO BY DAVID GLYNN

When Anna Nicholas packed for her upcoming role at Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre, she included something that was totally out of character — at least for the play.

For Anna, she never gave a second thought to bringing her thoroughbred horse, Will Rise. The two bonded when she rescued him five years ago at age 2, and he provides a special brand of support.

“Riding and being with Will is a humbling, therapeutic experience,” Nicholas says. “When riding a big animal who can act without provocation or without warning, one must be present in the moment. Will takes me out of my head. Above all, he’s taught me patience.”

Patience is a valuable asset in the acting business, and equally valuable to Anna as she prepares to play Emma in Annapurna, which opens tonight (Oct. 28) and runs through Nov. 20. Nicholas spoke recently with Palm Springs Life.

PHOTO BY DOMINIC IMPERATO
Anna Nicholas does compete with her horse, Will Rise, when she isn’t acting.

 

Your family lived in Palm Desert for many years. When you’re not acting or horse riding, what else do you like to do in the Coachella Valley?

AN: I enjoy going to Pacifica Seafood, and I have a fondness for California Pizza Kitchen. I also hike. I want to hike Joshua Tree. I’ve been to Anza and up the Tram, of course.

What is your most treasured possession which allows you to express yourself in all ways?

AN: I try not to have one, because if I lost it, I’d be bereft.

The character of Emma in Annapurna is a very layered character. In searching for those layers and delivering them every day, do you call on your life experiences or how do you find those different parts of the role?

Anna Nicholas: The actor knows the idea or road map of the play. Those are the lines we say. But the nuances to creating the layered performances come from our everyday lives. If we are under stress, that affects our reading. The stress and energy of a co-star affects a reading. It’s about using the events of your day to be spontaneous and in-the-moment when in character. And the character and situation reveal themselves second by second, which creates the nuanced layers.

In addition to being an actor and rider, you are also a writer. What are some of your present projects?

AN: I have written two books about “one sexy book club.” The books are titled The Muffia and its sequel, More Muffia. Think of the books as being about a book club that is a cross between Sex and the City and Jane Austen.

PHOTO BY MIKEL HEALEY

If you could change one thing about your riding, what would it be?

AN: I’d wish that I could figure out every communication with Will way quicker, but then if I did it I would get bored very quickly. I enjoy figuring out the mystery.

What is your greatest fear when you’re acting?

AN: That I’ll forget my lines.

When and where were you happiest with yourself?

AN: I was happiest with my looks at 25, but I was dissatisfied with my life. I was happiest with my brain and my ability to be facile and super productive when I was in my 30s, but I had no patience. In my 40s I’m pretty sure I had it together. I was productive and patient. Happiness keeps evolving.

Annapurna, Oct. 28-Nov. 20, Coachella Valley Repertory, 69930 Highway 111, Suite 116, Rancho Mirage, 760.296.2966; www.cvrep.org

Anna will sign her books from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 14 at Just Fabulous, 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-864-1300 A percentage of profits from all Muffia books is earmarked for charitable organizations that benefit women in the U.S., especially providing access to women of all ages to education and the means to start their own businesses.