Teen Shines in Role at Old Globe

Rebecca Gold isn’t your average 18-year-old. The recent graduate is taking advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime after landing her first professional acting role.

Name: Rebecca Gold

Age: 18

School:

Accomplishment: Playing Tilly in the Old Globe Theatre’s production, Life of Riley.

Key to Awesomeness: When Gold took part in the Old Globe’s Summer Shakespeare Intensive last year, she had no idea just how much the opportunity would impact her life and acting pursuits. After concluding the summer program with a performance as Celia in As You Like It, Gold caught the eye of casting director Samantha Barrie. When casting time rolled around for Life of Riley in January, Gold was the one who came to mind.

“She needed someone to play the role of 16-year-old Tilly, and thought I’d be perfect for the role,” Gold said. “After a series of phone calls, I sent my headshot and resume and they offered me the part officially.”

Gold’s participation in the Summer Shakespeare Intensive wasn’t the beginning of her acting roots, however. She has held roles such as Ophelia in her high school’s production of Hamlet, and Yvette in Mother Courage and Her Children.

When it comes to acting, Gold says she enjoys it because each role teaches her something new.

“Whenever you’re on stage, you’re immersed in someone else’s experiences,” she said. “At the same time, though, you also learn about yourself, how you relate to the world and how you experience things.”

Even with years worth of acting experience under her belt, Gold admits that taking on her first professional role was intimidating. However, she was able to overcome her fears and feel comfortable on stage with the help of her fellow actors.

“I quickly discovered how welcoming and open these ‘professional’ people are,” she said. “Every member of the cast and crew was always more than willing to answer any questions or help me in any way, so that when I first stepped out on stage on opening night, I felt confident and like I actually belonged there.”

The production of Life of Riley ran at the Old Globe through June 5, leaving Gold the summer to prepare for her time at Stanford University, which she chose largely in part for its renowned arts program.

As for her advice to other young aspiring actors and actresses, Gold stresses the importance of having fun while taking risks.

“Enjoy every second you’re on stage, and make the most of each opportunity,” she said. “You never know who may be watching.”