Meet the Actor: A Theatre33 Interview with Viktoriya little

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Viktoriya Little. I’ve been drawn to theatre since I was about 12 years old. Unfortunately, after immigrating, I wasn’t able to stay involved in theatre for many years.

But once I found it again, it quickly became a big part of who I am. I’ve been with Scarlet Sails Cultural Foundation since 2019—first as a student, and then as part of the theatre community.

I love the emotional depth of theatre, the connection with people, and the way it brings different cultures and languages together. For me, it’s not just about performing—it’s about storytelling and creating something meaningful with others.

What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an actor?

Honestly, I didn’t grow up thinking I would become an actor. My path was very different. But from a young age, I loved being part of theatre—being on stage, breathing the air of it, watching the audience, and being inside stories and emotions. I was always observing people and feeling connected to that world.

As an immigrant, my dream became very simple: just to be part of any theatre again. I used to think—even if I was only allowed to carry a piece of furniture on stage, I would be happy. Just to be there, even behind the scenes, felt meaningful to me.

Which actor—past or present—do you most admire, and why?

I admire actors who feel completely real on stage—where you forget they’re acting. Someone like Meryl Streep and Audrey Hepburn comes to mind. They are very different, but both have the ability to disappear into every role and bring so much truth and detail to their characters. That level of authenticity is something I really respect.

What’s the most challenging role you’ve played, and what did you learn from it?

The most challenging role for me was Bodey in A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur by Tennessee Williams.

To be honest—I didn’t like the character, and I struggled with her a lot. It was hard to connect with her choices and her personality. I even struggled with how I looked as her 🙂 Finding the way she moves, speaks, and carries herself was very challenging for me.

But that experience taught me something important: you don’t have to like a character to play them truthfully—you have to understand them. I had to dig deeper, find her motivations, and stop judging her. It pushed me out of my comfort zone more than any other role I’ve done.

How do you approach developing a character?

I start by trying to understand why the character behaves the way they do. What do they want? What are they afraid of? I look for something human I can relate to, even if the character is very different from me. Once I find that connection, everything else starts to build a bit more naturally.

What’s your process for preparing for a role, from first read to opening night?What’s your process for preparing for a role, from first read to opening night?:

First, we read the script to understand the story as a whole. Then we have a lot of discussions with the director and other actresses—breaking down the character, relationships, and intentions in each scene.

We also do quite a bit of research—about the time period, the places mentioned in the play, and the author himself. Understanding why he created these characters and what he was trying to say helps bring more depth to the role.

During rehearsals, a lot changes. I listen to the director, watch my scene partners, and adjust. For me, the character really comes alive through interaction with others. With Bodey, I kept reminding myself: it’s not me—it’s Bodey.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

Yes 🙂 We have a group ritual—we all hold hands and jump up and down, chanting “Scarlet Sails, Scarlet Sails, Scarlet Sails!” Our director wishes us luck and always gives hugs—it really helps set the energy. I also do some breathing and voice warm-up exercises, plus a few jumping jacks or squats to get my body moving. And I always check my props more than once—probably more than necessary 🙂

How do you handle stage nerves or performance anxiety?

I get very nervous. Shaking. I think that never fully goes away. But I’ve learned to use that energy instead of fighting it. Once I step on stage and start the first lines, it usually settles. Trusting the rehearsal process helps a lot.

How do you memorize lines and stay in character throughout a performance?

Repetition is key, but understanding the meaning behind the lines makes it much easier. If I know why I’m saying something, the words come more naturally. Staying in character is really about being present and reacting to what’s happening in the moment.

I also record my lines—and my scene partners’ lines—on my phone and listen to them throughout the day. Driving, taking a walk, washing dishes 🙂 It helps everything sink in naturally.

Have you ever had a major on-stage mishap? How did you recover?

Of course—something always happens at some point 🙂Too many times 🙂

Usually it’s small things—missed lines, timing issues. The key is to stay in character and keep going. Most of the time, the audience doesn’t even notice.  

What’s the most unforgettable moment you’ve experienced on stage?

For me, it’s always that moment when you feel the audience is completely with you—silent, focused, emotionally connected. You can feel it.

What’s a dream role you’d love to play one day?

I would love to play a role with deep emotional layers—something complex, where the character changes throughout the story. Not necessarily a specific title, but a role that truly challenges me and helps me grow.

Something dramatic and emotional, but also romantic and fragile—where you can explore both strength and vulnerability at the same time.

What’s the biggest lesson theatre has taught you?

To listen. Really listen—to people, to emotions, to what’s not being said. Especially your director 🙂

Theatre has also taught me to be less afraid of vulnerability.

How do you balance rehearsals, performances, and the rest of your life?

I don’t think I balance it perfectly—especially if you ask my husband 🙂

I have a full life outside of theatre, so it takes planning and sometimes sacrifices. But when something is important to you, you find a way. Theatre gives me energy, so for me, it’s worth it.

What advice would you give to someone new to acting?

Don’t be afraid to feel uncomfortable—that’s where growth happens. Don’t try to be perfect. Don’t try to be better than someone else—try to be better today than you were yesterday.

Take criticism like advice from your grandma 🙂 Listen to it, think about it, and use it to grow.