From Stage to TV: A Q&A with Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is appearing on the hit television show Grey's Anatomy, after a record-breaking year as 'The Lady of the Lake' in Monty Python's Spamalot, for which she won both a Tony Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Prior to Spamalot, Sara made her Broadway debut as 'Wahzinak' in Paul Simon's The Capeman, starred in The Gershwin musical Fascinating Rhythm, for which she received an Outer Critics Circle nomination for Best Actress, and was in Broadway's A Class Act, a musical biography based on the life of Ed Kleban, in the role of Felicia. I reached Sara in Los Angeles to catch up on some questions, answers and latest news. Since it's quite rare these days and more and more difficult to make that jump to the screen (small or large) I thought that this Q&A would be of interest to our web community and Ms. Ramirez's fans.

How did Grey's Anatomy come about, and were you a fan prior to being cast?

I happened to be a huge fan of Grey's Anatomy during the time of the Spamalot insanity and, thanks to my agents and angels at ABC/Touchstone, I had several meetings as a result of their having attended the show. I then met with the fabulous Shonda Rhymes, the creator of Grey's Anatomy.

Tell us about your character on the show...

I can't say much except that I play Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Calliope Torres.

How do you approach creating a character for the screen versus the stage?

Well, in Spamalot I had music to initially guide me. Then I had great performers to play off of in front of geniuses behind closed doors and, later, 1500 people a night. The more I trusted Mr. Nichols to really BE The Lady of the Lake rather than SHOW I was being her, the more I was able to discover about her. On Television, you don't get that instant reaction from the viewer but I happen to work with an incredibly gifted and supportive group of people who've written provocative storylines and complex lovable characters. Ultimately their feedback is gold.

What's different now about your daily routine? Are you still vocalizing?

My life is much more relaxed on the West Coast – I will say that. I'm nowhere near the shape I was in vocally, but I do work in the studio every now and then.

Is the cast aware of your Broadway and Tony-winning background?

Yes, I think some are.

What's it like watching yourself on TV?

Watching myself on TV is a combination of trying to learn from watching how my work translates, feeling a bit disconnected cause I now know the mystery behind the making of the show, and thinking "PULL BACK!". I've decided that as educational as it might be sometimes, I'm gonna wait to watch the rest of the season when it comes out on DVD. It's just easier to go to work without all the silly judgements I have in the back of my head.

Do you find TV work easier or harder? Is it more or less intimidating?

TV work is, well….. different. Sorry for the cliché, but it's true. The hours can be grueling, but the flip side is that you have more days off at a time. Both mediums have moments of intimidation. In Spamalot, the names involved in the project and the built in audience were intimidating enough, but everyone was extremely welcoming and supportive. In grey's I was intimidated by the caliber of actors and the writing on the show but the entire group has been very supportive. It helps to work with great people and I try to let go of the fact that there are 40 million TIVO's working at the same time. I wonder how much energy that is?

Are you looking for more TV work at the moment, or hoping to go back to theatre work?

Yes! I'm hoping to continue working in theater and TV, but I want to learn more about working in films.

What first sparked your interest in musical theatre?

I attended the School of Creative and Performing Arts from 4th-12th grade. Musicals were a big deal, and I suppose I gained interest the more I went to see them. I had seen my mom in a few "plays with music" when I was growing up as well, and I'm pretty sure that fueled my interest.

How do you look back on your experience with Spamalot?

Good lord……well……geez……it appears I'm at a loss for words!! When I look back on Spamalot a huge smile spreads across my face, my throat tightens up , and my eyes get watery. Clearly it was an extremely complex experience for me, and when I think back I get very emotional. It was the time of my life. It was the most artistically enlightening, challenging, eye opening, joyful, exhausting, and fulfilling job of my life. It was the peak of my Broadway career so far. I will never be the same, and I am glad for it.

Did being in a "hit show" make life easier or harder?

Sometimes being in a "hit show" immediately puts the show and everyone involved with it under a microscope. The success of the show gave me a lot of exposure, and with that came many opportunities that I am eternally grateful for. Some people tried to make it harder- for me in particular, but I came out the other end a stronger person. In the end there was more support than lack thereof. Eric Idle was a constant reminder of that. He is such a wise man. He would remind me that jealousy means nothing and that health and happiness are everything.

I suppose in life one always have a choice about whether an experience makes one's life easier or harder, right? Ultimately I chose to let the experience make my life easier. But I did find it fascinating to observe the different responses.

Are there any memorable on or offstage moments from that experience that you'd like to share?

One of the most memorable moments was when a friend of mine asked if I could meet with a group he had coming to the show. It turned out to be a young girl who's mother had died in a horrible car accident just days earlier. I brought her and her father up to my dressing room afterwards, and was incredibly moved by her story. They told me they weren't sure about coming to the show, but were so grateful they did. It helped them escape, if only momentarily, from their deep deep sorrow and pain. She said she wasn't sure she would ever smile or laugh again, but the show gave her hope. I tell you, it is so easy to get wrapped up in all the meaningless drama and negativity that surrounds us from day to day. In that moment I needed that little girl as much as she needed me. I will never forget her.

What was the deciding factor to leave the show when you did?

My contract was up, and Shonda Rhymes told me she liked the idea of my coming into "Grey's" at that point.

How did your Spamalot experience differ from that of A Class Act, Fascinating Rhythm and The Capeman?

It lasted longer!! Up until then, I'd never been in a Broadway show that lasted longer than two or three months. I'm grateful for that though. I wouldn't have it any other way. It was humbling. When Spamalot came along I was aware of not only how lucky I was, but of the fact that working my butt off for 9 years was a lot more fulfilling than some sort of overnight success story. You have to pay your dues in this business! Of course I also had a lot more pressure vocally as well as physically in Spamalot.

In terms of Broadway roles, what excites you the most? Dream parts? New shows? Plays vs Musicals?

I'm excited by new original work. I get turned on by risk taking, occasionally subversive, and "out there" pieces. Of course I'm a sucker for the classics- you have to love the classics, but we need new works!!! In terms of dream roles, I would say Evita. That show rocks. I'm sure I could think of more, but they're just not coming to me at the moment. Lately I've been reminiscing about my experience in plays at Juilliard. I definitely want to do Shaw, Moliere.……..plays! I want to do more plays!

What else are you working on at the moment?

Grey's is the only thing I'm working on at the moment.

Is there anything else that you'd like to get "out there" that I haven't asked? Any messages for your Broadway fans?

I would just like to thank those who have taught me to be a better person and performer through example, shared their support throughout my career and taken the time to get to know me. I wouldn't be here without you. And thank you for this interview, it was a real pleasure!

Grey's Anatomy airs Sunday nights at 10pm EST on ABC. The show's season finale will air on May 15, 2006. For more information on the show, click here to visit their web site. For more information on Sara Ramirez visit www.sararamirez.com.