Photography by John Bregar

You are starring in the new series "Take Note". Tell readers more about the show and your role. 

Take Note is a show about a fictionalized 'tween singing competition a la American Idol or the Voice, called Take Note.  The show follows the adventures of Calvin Richards and his family as Calvin navigates the ups and downs of going through the competition. I play Drea Richards, who is a psychology professor on her way to tenure. She is an outspoken, devoted and loving wife and mother. She  will do anything to support Calvin in his dreams to become a singer. She is also fun loving and will make sure that her family has a positive experience win or lose 

How do you know if a project is one you want to be a part of? Are there roles you dream about playing? 

I've heard that some casting directors say that they have a 15 second rule. When they look at a self tape  you have 15 seconds to catch their attention. If you don't catch their attention within the first 15 seconds they kind of move on. I feel like it is the same way when I  read a script it should grab you in the first few pages. Now that isn't always the case but it sure is good when it does. I think that's been the way that it's been for a lot of the shows that I've really really wanted to do is that it grabs me in those first few pages or thes synopsis makes me really excited about a show. I dream of playing so many roles  but I would really love to do something super dramatic. That being said, I would love to do a role that I would have to train physically for.  I love to see actors like Keanu Reeves and how good they become with tactical weapons training, or other actors with horseback riding or stunt driving 

Let's dream. Who would be your ideal co-star and/or director? 

Oh my gosh there are so many actors that I would love to work with!!! So I just have to pick one??? Ideal co-star... listen I'm going to cheat! I would love to work with Andrew Scott. I think he is a brilliant actor and someone who scares the crap out of me as to how vulnerable and how incredible he is as an actor. I would love the opportunity to work with somebody like that. That being said, I have a long list, I'd like to work with Meryl Streep, Viola Davis,Robert Downey Jr. There are so many of those amazing actors who I watch and think Wow! They just wow me with their talent and instincts. I could watch them all day and I would love to have the opportunity to work with the actors like that. 

Besides acting, do you have any other hidden talents? 

I don't know if this is a hidden talent. I think people who know me know that I can sing, kind of ironic that I didn't get to do it in Take Note. I haven't done it on film but I got my start in musical theatre. Also, I think I'm a bit of a dog whisperer. 

What inspires you in life? How do you stay focused and humble? 

I think people who follow their dreams no matter what are super inspiring. I think being an actor makes you focused and humble. As an actor you think that you know what you're doing most of the time and then you are surprised at how little you are sure of. The auditioning, the getting the job, the doing. the job, the trying to do the job keeps you humble and focused. I don't know how it couldn't. 

Do you have any other projects you're working on that you can share with us? 

I've quite a bit coming out this year. Besides Take Note, I have a couple of movies coming out; Stolen by their Father starring Sarah Drew,  The Swearing Jar which is adapted from a Governor General's award-winning play written by Kate Hewlett. I  voiced a couple of animations that will be coming out this year and a guest star on a Hulu series that I am a big fan of. Those last few will share on my socials when I can.  So 2022 is an exciting year. 

How can fans support you via social media? 

You can follow me on Instagram  @nadinerwhiteman And Twitter @NadineRoden