Holly McCourt is a 23 year old actress and dancer with Irish and German roots. The 5’6″ performer used her talents performing to help us here at Wearable Therapy showcase some of our edgy fashion and make a difference in the world. Check out our Q&A session with Holly:
What size are you?
Small
Was this your first modeling opportunity? And if it was your first, were you nervous/excited/anxious?
This was not my first modelling opportunity; I have been modelling for approximately 8 months.
Are you a professional model or is this a hobby?
Modelling is one of my jobs. I am also an actress/dancer.
If it wasn’t your first photo shoot-What was your journey to becoming a Model?
I was getting headshots done professionally and the photographer asked if I modeled. I laughed and said “no”, as I am not great in front of the camera, but he said that I was a natural. So I started getting side jobs as a model and have now have the opportunity to work with several independent photographers, many startup companies, and even walk in the FERI 2016 runway and will be walking in Canadian Asian Apparel Week.
Do you have any other jobs?
I also work as an actor/dancer. This summer I will be in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Lower Ossington Theatre and a Pirate on Pirate Life cruise at Toronto Island.
How do you prepare for a photo shoot?
Every shoot is different depending on if I am working as a model for a company or creative shoot. When working for a company, you must research the brand and see what they are looking for to represent their company. Creative shoots are more about collaboration and just playing around.
Do you have any trademark posses or looks?
I don’t know if I have a trademark look but because I am a dancer/model I will often be approached about doing dance shoots which I am always interested in doing as I love to dance.
What style of fashions do you prefer to pose in?
I appreciate all styles it is a big game of dress up and creating a character for each shoot so it doesn’t matter what I wear!
Where can our customers find you or your work online?
You can go to Facebook or follow on Instagram to see what current projects I am working on.
What is your favorite WT product?
My favorite WT product is the Modern Day Wonderland collection. I think it is a beautiful take on a classic story that people love it is visually appealing and also sends the message about substance abuse.
PROUD- The work I accomplish as an artist. I went into the arts to make a difference and projects (such as this) that send a great message and inspire change always leave me feeling proud of the work I do
ANGRY– When I am unable to achieve a goal. As a dancer, I can be extremely hard on myself and can get upset when I am unable to get something. But it pushes me to work harder to achieve what I set out to do.
EXCITED- When I begin working on a new project. I love the creative process and knowing I am a part of creating something entertaining and moving makes me excited for the future.
SCARED- Of the future. As an artist, there is no guarantee and you are constantly looking for the next job. All you want is to do what you love but financially it can be difficult so the future scares me and the potential of not getting to do what I love.
LUCKY- When opportunities line up perfectly, it is as if everything was always meant to turn out that way
CONFLICTED- When I need to choose between my art and my personal life. My family is extremely important to me, but it can be hard to turn down an opportunity sometimes.
EMPOWERED- When I take a dance class, especially dancing in heels makes me feel confident like I can take over the world.
HOPEFUL- When I see people working on projects that make a difference and touch on subjects close to my heart.
SAD- When I have to say goodbye to friends. Especially as an artist, you are constantly working with new people. You get extremely close and then the show ends and you will never work with that same group of people all together again.
STRONG- When I have the courage to stand up for what I believe in. Often times it is hard to speak your mind but when you do, you feel unstoppable.
Freeway or Scenic Route? Scenic Route
Night out with friends or a quiet night in? Night out with friends… to a boardgame café
Adventure trip or relaxing vacation? Adventure
Great job with long hours or Okay job with lots of time off? Great With Long Hours.
The 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s? 1970’s
Are your real life (people you know) role models? My role models are two of my teachers Joseph Malone and Nanci Hammond. They have had the careers I look up to and strive towards while also balancing personal life and a family. They have also created a space where they can pass on their knowledge and that is a family to many artists. As people and as professionals I strive towards what they have achieved and to inspire others like they have inspired me.
Are your famous/well-known role models? My role models had very successful careers but you wouldn’t know their names off hand.
Would you like to work with/for in the future? My ultimate dream would be to work with Stephen Sondheim who I believe to be one of the most talented Musical Theatre writer/composers. I also want to work in Canadian theatre at Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-lake where my father grew up and where I spent lots of time as a child.
Inspired you most as a child? I always have looked up to my grandmother. My grandfather died when my father was 18 and my Grandmother had to take over his taxi business and movie theatre. She was the first female projectionist in Ontario. She also was a beautiful artist and extremely poised lady with manly talents.
Pushes you the hardest? I push myself the hardest as I want to become the best possible version of myself.
WT is all about Defining Your Normal. So, let’s find out more about what makes you You!
What is your definition of ‘normal’?
My definition of normal is whatever feels most natural to the individual. Everyone’s normal… is different!
We are all about celebrating people’s awesomeness, so what makes you awesome?
It is hard to talk about yourself as being awesome. But I am awesome because I always try my best and try to find the joy in life
What is a challenge that you face often in your life?
A challenge I often face is not feeling good enough. In this business rejection happens all the time and it can be hard to hear. Sometimes it feels very personal and you can feel like you aren’t talented or pretty enough.
What is the best compliment that you have ever received?
The best compliment I ever received was when someone told me my performance made them cry. It means that I was able to touch them on an emotional level and that is all I can ask for!
What was the best criticism you ever received?
The best criticism I ever received was being told that I would have a “broadway voice” .. Sounds harsh but it has pushed me to prove them wrong and work towards my goals
What makes your life easier?
The support of my family and loved ones make my life easier. Knowing that I always
have people surrounding me who will be there for me is the best feeling in the world.
What makes your life more difficult?
Being constantly critiqued makes my life more difficult as it makes me second guess myself but you find ways to make it about you as an artist and not as a person.
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success if being able to do what I love and inspire others. If I do a show and even one person leaves thinking differently or feeling something they didn’t feel before that is success!
We are all changing and evolving all the time. How are you in the process of changing?
I am constantly in the process of changing as an artist as a person. I am just starting my life and figuring out what makes me the most happy.
If you could interview anyone, whom would you choose?
Meryl Streep. She is an amazing actress and I have been told a beautiful human being so I would love to pick her brain and see how I can get closer to being that impactful with my work