Interview: SALENA WHALEN-STALKER Taps Her Way to the Stage

While some of the subjects of my "Actors Around Town" series have been performing since they were kids, others decided to step out of the box and try their hand at acting later on in life. This is the story of someone who was a little later than some to the realization of her dreams to perform.

Salena Whalen- Stalker worked with one of our area's most influential theatre patrons well before she jumped into acting. Salena and her husband Marc were involved in recitals with Louise Beard's Time Step Studio for about ten years when they received word in 2009 that Louise was leaving to pursue her dream of producing musicals on Broadway. Not only was this exciting news for Louise and those who loved her, but it meant a big change for Salena as well.

"While I was so disappointed not to be involved in the recitals any longer, it fueled my desire to pursue my secret longing to perform in a play." Salena went on to say, "I probably never would have done so without being prompted by Louise's announcement. Many thanks and kudos to Louise!. "

Salena talks about some of the same issues I hear over and over during these interviews, the right side/ left side conflict creative people seem to suffer from. With her education and job rooted in Business Administration, HR and Healthcare Administration, Salena longed to develop her right-brain creativity. So she took the plunge.

Contacting Nell Richardson in 2010, Salena auditioned for THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB, a production that Ms. Richardson was directing for her church. Surprised to land a role, Salena was immediately bitten by the acting bug and has never looked back.

Since that first play, Salena has felt blessed to have the opportunity to work with "some of Birmingham's most talented theatre people." Having done roles such as Polly Wyeth in OTHER DESERT CITIES, Mary Lynn and Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS and Lexie Richards in THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB, Salena has recently stepped into the role of Londa in BUG SPOON, a new web series.

Another favorite for Salena was being a part of the world premiere of MR. WILL AND DUTCH: ALABAMA'S LEGENDARY BANKHEADS as The Visitor during Jasper's 2015 Tallulah Bankhead Tribute. I saw Salena recently in THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR and thoroughly enjoyed her performance.

With a full time job working at a large pediatric healthcare facility, a home, a husband and her "fur babies," Salena tries to find time for "travel and good food," as well as being in as many shows as possible. She is quick to say that none of this would be possible without the support of her husband.

Looking to the future, Salena wants to continue pushing herself by exploring voice lessons. She has yet to audition for a musical, but sees that as only another door to go through. Her dream would be to someday be a major character on a comedy-variety type show, like the Carol Burnett show. But for now she is thrilled to keep exploring the area theatre scene, constantly growing and learning.

Having seen Salena in many different roles, I can assure you she is a force to be reckoned with as she continues to grace the stages around town.

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