Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Bartolotta
Hi Maria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I sang before I could talk. I had a thirst for performing before I even knew that was something I could do. The only reason I pursued acting as a profession was because my high school (Rosati-Kain) theater teacher told me I was talented enough to do so and that I should. I wasn’t one of those theatre kids raised in dance class or Muny Teens. Neither of my parents had any idea about that world. I’ve always felt like a late bloomer or I’m playing catch up with other performers. Even when moving from St Louis to New York, I went later than most of my friends who did right after college. But there’s never been another option for me. I don’t know how to do anything else. There’s nothing else I could picture myself doing contentedly the rest of my life. So I always find a way to keep going. I somehow always knew I’d have to forge my own path. Like I said, I already felt like I was running behind getting to New York – definitely didn’t expect a global pandemic or multiple industry strikes to completely alter the playing field for me either. But that’s life right? Even before the pandemic, I became pretty jaded with how Broadway and theatre worked here in New York. It’s a club that, now more than ever, you can’t really get into unless you know someone or went to a certain school. It’s the least inclusive of all entertainment industries, which surprises a lot of people. Being one of those “you either need to gain 20 or lose 40 lbs” types, I knew I wouldn’t find my way in this direction. So I started doing more comedy, writing, and pursuing more of the film and tv route. They were more interested in me. I’ve always entertained people, especially my friends, with my insane stories from my life. I have had quite an “exciting” life compared to most people. My dating life in particular really catches peoples attention (it’s a disaster). Because of this, I always knew I needed to do something with all this content. I had a ton of “films” in my head. I even wrote a pilot for a web series in 2019. But never really knew where to go from there. I never knew where to go with it because, in reality, I didn’t know what to make of all of it, period. I hadn’t had much therapy, and didn’t really understand why I had such terrible luck in love. Then things came to a head, and in the course of some run-ins with men (which are covered in my show), I discovered that I have a TON of unresolved trauma with men which causes a lot of my misfortune in dating. It was one of the darkest moments of my life, making this discovery and facing it all, but it also was one of the most pivotal. After finally getting trauma therapy, having a few more “growth spurts”, I was finally making connections. I also knew I couldn’t be the only woman experiencing this. Feeling stunted in the dating department, feeling exhausted from all this “growing” we have to do from things we didn’t cause in the first place. And that’s where my one-woman show “I’ve Grown Plenty, Thanks!” was born. Like I said, I had written it as a pilot first. A few years later, I had been back home in St Louis for a long stint over the holidays, and just saw a dear friend perform his solo cabaret about his journey. I thought “you know, I haven’t performed in a while, and now that I can spend longer back home in StL, I should do a cabaret or something…” and then everything clicked for me. “Why don’t I start IGPT as a one-woman show?!” And that was it. I was EXTREMELY influenced by Fleabag and Phoebe Waller-Bridge had started that as a one-woman show as well. I would do it in St Louis that next December (this was 2023). It was a done deal in my mind. I booked the venue (Blue Strawberry) before I even had the show written and didn’t think twice about it. A fact those close to me remind me of when I get irrationally scared about something not even half that risky. Everything clicked into place so easily though, it was like I wasn’t even driving the ship. The show sold out a month before and we added another night. That one also sold out. The show was a success. People loved it. I had succeeded. But then people asked, “what next?” I had just planned to try and mount it in New York somehow, but then someone suggested festivals. Something I hadn’t even considered. The only one I hadn’t missed the deadline for was Hollywood Fringe, and I literally submitted to it on accident. I thought “Oh ok…well… I probably won’t be able to swing doing this yet but it’s a nice thought…” I told my friend about it, he said we were going to make it happen, he became my producer, and we did it. I just finished producing and starring in my own show in Hollywood. What’s next? I’m working on finally doing it here in New York, and hopefully eventually touring. Point is, I always had that feeling like I’m not your “standard” theatre girl or actress and I’d have to create my own path – and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Totally loving the ride.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like I said, I never felt like a “standard” theatre girl or actress, and always had an inkling I’d have to forge my own way. Not fitting a mold in an industry that’s almost entirely dependent on “molds” is pretty challenging.
I struggled with alcohol and addiction in my late-teens, early-twenties, which is why it took me longer to get to New York than most of my friends. Maintaining sobriety in the last 10 years is the reason I have my life today though.
Having all the trauma I had suppressed, unleash suddenly was one of the hardest times – but also the most pivotal and main catalyst for my show I have today. It’s also what drives me. To reach other women like me and let them know they’re not alone.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My One-Woman Show “I’ve Grown Plenty, Thanks!” is everything to me right now. It’s a “traumedy” musical journey where I try to figure out “what’s wrong with me” and why my dating life can’t be like other peoples’. It just got rave reviews at The Hollywood Fringe Festival and will be mounted here in New York soon. It will also likely be returning to St Louis this winter. I’m most proud of it because I had this idea and I’ve seen it through. I’ve had to learn so many new skills, overcome a lot of obstacles, and I just did it like I didn’t have a choice. I just remind myself why I’m doing this show, and that carries me through. Look, everyone here is talented – everyone can sing and be really funny – I think I have a unique voice, message, and self-awareness that sets me apart from others. I don’t just want “success” – I want to make change, I want to reach people and help them feel less alone.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Social media. I hate how it rules the world now, but it does. I’ve found almost all of my current mentors on instagram. Make use of your community. You really can’t do this alone. When someone says they have a person they’d like to introduce you to, take it! Meet them! Make connections wherever you can!
I have an “Actor Support Group” my 1st NY roommate and friend started – we meet once a month – we give each other support and hold each other accountable. We’ve all made major moves in our careers and attribute it to the group. This industry can have you feeling isolated real easily, so having a community of support behind you can make or break you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariabartolotta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria_bartolotta_1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaBartolotta12
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@avemaria869
