Interview with singer, actress and dancer Issie Swickle

Check our interview with talented singer, actress, dancer and musical theater performer Issie Swickle.

At nine years old, Issie was chosen to play “Annie” on the National Broadway Tour of Annie the Musical. Issie toured the country for 20 months and opened in famous theaters across America, including the Pantages Theater located in Los Angeles and the first musical theater production to reopen the famous, Kins Theater in Brooklyn New York. As a result of touring the country and meeting fans of all ages and listening to their stories, Issie was inspired to create the “BraveHat”campaign, that can be introduced to schools all around the country promoting character development, overcoming fears, strategies to gain self-confidence and awareness, and the value of hard work and preparation. Issie co-wrote and co-produced a song titled “BraveHat” which is currently on iTunes and Spotify. Issie has acted in several musical theater shows, commercials, including a spot for Disney. Issie has done numerous live performances for charities and special events showcasing her singing.

Hi Issie, please tell us a little about you?

I’m 13 years old, I’m in the eighth grade, I’m a part of my show choir in school, I love to sing actin dance, but I love writing music and creating songs.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Funny, quirky, friend.

Name one your strengths?

I’m determined.

What is your musical background?

I started doing musical theater when I was five and loved musical theater. Then transitioned over to pop about two years ago.

Do you play any instrument?

Yes I play the piano. Also played a little bit of drums when I was younger and I am self taught on the ukulele

Do you ever get nervous?

Yes, all the time.

Now tell us about playing Annie on the National Broadway Tour of Annie the Musical?

I was chosen to play any when I was nine, and it was an unbelievable experience. I sometimes say to my mom that I wish I was a little bit older so that I could really appreciate the life experience that I was able to have for 20 months. My favorite part was singing tomorrow and maybe, but also getting to be close with the dogs. That was really a joy.

How was doing the tour around the country with this play?

It was amazing, one week I was somewhere hot and then the next week I was somewhere freezing. One time it was -9 in Chicago. That was a great time. I loved when my family would come and visit me and all the different cities and we would get to experience all different things.

What inspired you to do musical theater?

I was looking for summer camp and ended up going to a place called Broadway Kids studio in Davie, Florida where they focused on musical theater. I did my first show there which was Anny and I played Molly and since then I never looked back.

What’s the best and hardest part of being in the entertainment business?

The best part is you do what you love and the worst part is the constant rejection.

What other projects you have been part of?

Well I did Annie for 20 months and took a small break, and then realized I loved music and have been focusing on my music. My first release is coming out April 18 and I couldn’t be more excited. This songs name is Mirror.

Now can you tell us about your Brave Hat campaign?

When I was on tour I met a little girl by the name of Siana in Texas. I guess I made a impact on her. After the tour was over I received an email from her father saying that Siana frozen on stage and was refusing to return to her dance class. He asked if I would help out. I decided to send her a video. I told her a couple of things about how it’s OK to make mistakes, I told her to picture the audience in their underwear so that she would be laughing and thinking it was funny, and then I told her that I get nervous too and I would always tell myself to put my brave hat on before I went out on stage. Most importantly, to have fun. After I sent the video, I heard back from her father and he expressed how much I impacted Siana and how she went back to her dance class and also did a show. He said I changed her life. While on tour, I met so many other kids like me who would always ask how I did what I did. And I would say the same thing, that I would get nervous too but I would put my Brave Hat on. From there it was born!

So you also have a song with the same name?

Yes, I wrote that when I was 11 yers old.

Best advice ever given?

Be strong, stay positive, and never give up!

What’s your favorite show on T.V. right now?

Riverdale. But I will always love Glee!

What do you do when you have some free time?

Hang with my friends and write songs.

What is on your bucket list?

To go sky diving.

How would your best friend describe you?

Crazy, quirky and funny.

What quote do you live by?

Seize the day.

Your idea of a perfect Sunday?

Chilling out with my friends and jamming to music.

What’s next for Issie Swickle in 2019?

More music and my big release!!! Would love to get picked up by a label and be able to tour with my music!!!

Something people don’t know about you?

I love horses.

What is your own definition of happiness?

Being with my friends and family.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Unique, definitely unique.

What is new your favorite healthy food?

Brussels Sprouts

And your favorite cheat food?

Pasta and rice

What music do you like?

Billie Eilish

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

Michael Jackson he seems so interesting.

How important is Social Media for you?

Pretty important, but not everything.

Where we can follow you?

@issieswickle

Look for Mirror on iTunes and Spotify on April 18

Song: Hard Times by Paramour

Travel destination: Paris

Movie: Mean Girls

Actor/Actress: Mandy Moore

Sports team: Dolphins