Ep348 - Sophie Carmen-Jones: Learning to Dance Without a Mirror

The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Sophie reflects on her remarkable journey from a passionate young dancer in the UK to a celebrated triple-threat performer on London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. She recounts her early dedication to dance, including her practice sessions in a local church hall and self-recorded rehearsals for critique. This unwavering commitment laid the foundation for her illustrious career, which began in the West End and culminated in her Broadway debut.

Sophie provides an insightful look into her audition process for “Moulin Rouge!” conducted via Zoom during the pandemic. She shares how she impressed director Alex Timbers with her fresh and dynamic interpretation of the role of Nini. Additionally, she discusses her transition into television and film, highlighting her significant milestone of securing a non-musical acting role in the UK soap opera “Casualty,” which demonstrated her versatility beyond dance and singing.

Sophie also delves into the camaraderie of performing in productions like “Moulin Rouge!” where the cast becomes a close-knit second family. She contrasts her experiences working in the UK and the US, addressing the challenges of accessibility and financial concerns faced by performers. With her deep passion for the craft, Sophie offers valuable advice to aspiring performers: to push beyond their comfort zones and maintain a balanced life that includes both professional growth and personal enjoyment.

Sophie Carmen-Jones has appeared in several West End productions and UK tours, including “Moulin Rouge!”, “Jersey Boys”, “Wicked”, “We Will Rock You”, and “Chicago”. Her film and TV credits include the live-action films of “The Little Mermaid”, “Cats”, “Aladdin”, and “Beauty and the Beast”, and she recently made her Broadway debut in the Broadway production of “Moulin Rouge!” as Nini.

Connect with Sophie:

• Instagram: @sophiecarmenjones

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