Interview: Nina Rose Carlin, Seeking Representation

Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with Nina Rose Carlin about her piece Seeking Representation.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far? 

I am an actress, comedian, and singer from Los Angeles, California. It is sometimes lonely being the only actress to live in LA, but nevertheless, I persist. An avid sketch and character comedian, I most recently performed at the Just For Laughs 2024 LA Showcase, and sing in the soul-rock band Honey & Wax. Other notable credits include being an ABC Discovers Talent showcase writer, writing for Funny or Die, and red carpet hosting for companies such as Regal Cinemas. I have written, directed, and starred in plays at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and just wrapped production on the feature film Messinas of Half Moon. I am thrilled to be making my Edinburgh debut this summer! 

What is your show about?

In Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation, I turn my years of experience in the entertainment industry [derogatory] into a rollicking cabaret with stand up, singing, clown, and burlesque! Get an inside scoop of Pop Culture & Hollywood through my witty and absurdist lens, inspired by my time hosting red carpets, personal-assisting Celebs, and... seeking stardom myself. 

What was the inspiration for Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

My comedy is inspired by the entertainment industry, and is equal parts a satire of and love letter to Hollywood, complete with original songs such as 'Nepo Baby' and 'Discover Me, Scorsese.' I have always been fascinated by the cult of celebrity, and developed this character as a heightened version of myself who will stop at nothing for fame. Ok, fine, maybe not that heightened. This production is a culmination of my stand up, original music, and characters that have developed through years of live performance. Throughout the development process of this show, I learned that performing work-in-progress material to live audiences was the absolute best way to take it to the next level. If there's an open mic - do it, and allow the experience to inform your production. Collaboration has also played a key role in the development of this production, including with working with my director, Brandon Ferruccio. 

What made you want to take Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation to the Fringe?

Bringing an original show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has always been a dream of mine, as it's the ultimate celebration of theatre and comedy, and a fantastic opportunity to connect with artists from around the world. I first heard of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe when I debuted my first original play, When I Was Sacred, at the Hollywood Festival Fringe in 2014. Ten years later, I am ecstatic to be coming full circle with presenting my original comedy cabaret. 

Apart from seeing Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation, what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?

I'll share the hot tip I'm giving myself. You can send an email, you can like and subscribe, and you can certainly slide into those DMs (haven't we all?) But ultimately, there is absolutely nothing like live human connection. See as many shows as possible, meet as many artists as possible, and take advantage of the IRL experience. Wander, be curious, and allow yourself to be surprised. Preferably with a pub stop (or three) in between. 

Why should people book Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation?

Start your day with the wild ride that is Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation. This show is the cabaret equivalent of a double espresso shot...served hot. It's a 50-minute whirlwind with live music, stand up, and nonstop laughs. Delve into pop culture & Hollywood in this frenetic, irreverent, and delectably unhinged cabaret. Lights. Camera. Delusion! 

When and where can people see Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation?

See Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall Theatre 2. On 12–24 August 2024 (not 18), at 11:35 (50 minutes.) Pro-tip - it's right by a lovely garden and cafe!