Instagram Suggestions~If you like Jack Daniel’s then you’ll like Southern Comfort. If you like John Deere riding lawn mowers then you’ll like Fusenmach. If you like the Ford GT then you’ll like the Acura NSX. All of it nonsense.
But, every once in a while, a happy accident happens~the huge group of Instagram gnomes diligently working in their factory just outside of Leadville, Colorado actually make a suggestion that’s inspired.
That’s what happened after model Suzanne Krystina and Tom Libertiny connected on Instagram while preparing for a photoshoot in Elusive Story magazine called The Metamorphosis of Empress Josephine. In Tom’s Instagram Suggestions feed appeared the most unlikely photograph and description: A model, playing the ‘cello, who was an actress~Wilted August (formerly Caroline Six).
Betty Riggs (Assistant Director) and Tom were in the middle of casting for the character of Annabelle.
“We planned to add two characters that are part of Null Paradox’s books 2 and 3 to our live show beginning in 2020, with Annabelle being one of them. Like most roles in Null Paradox, Annabelle is an acting and singing role. From experience, it takes a long time to find the right artist for a role who can both act and sing, so we were working away at auditions in Detroit when Tom came across Caroline’s profile on Instagram via Suzanne.”
–Betty Riggs
“Knowing that models and actors receive a huge amount of ‘interesting’ direct messages, I thought it was unlikely that Caroline would be reading her messages on Instagram. But I thought I’d send her a friendly hello and share with her a bit about Null Paradox and the casting of Annabelle.”
–Tom Libertiny
Two weeks later, Caroline auditioned with Betty, Robyn Christine, and Tom in metro Detroit. It turned out that the gnomes of Instagram got it right—Caroline was the real deal. Actor, singer, and musician (‘cello and piano).
We offered Caroline the role and we’re excited to say that she said “yes.” Please welcome her to the role of Annabelle!
Interview with Caroline Six
Question~What personality traits do you share with Annabelle?
Caroline~
I can relate very well to Annabelle since we share several different personality traits. Like Annabelle, I tend to find myself to be very trusting, a little childish, bright, and idealistic.
Question~When you say that you and Annabelle are idealistic; what’s an example of something in your life that you’re idealistic about?
Caroline~
…I tend to be idealistic when it comes to how I feel about my friends and family. I always tend to base things off how they should be, with the people I know. I always have to remind myself that people aren’t always good, just because they should be.
(interview continues after photograph)
Question~As an actor, what do you plan to bring to the story of Null Paradox live?
Caroline~
As an actor I hope to bring a little brightness and fun to Null Paradox as well as a little bit of confusion. Annabelle will be fun to portray.
Question~In addition to being an actor, you’re a singer and musician. How do you go about both acting and singing during a live performance?
Caroline~
I’m very excited! I have definitely missed acting and singing on stage, and I’m thrilled to get back to it.
Question~You’ve performed in musical theatre, television, and film. What similarities and differences are there between those three types of performances?
Caroline~
There are definitely more similarities between film and television. It’s a lot more controlled in film and television. Musical theatre really is a completely different experience. It feels a lot more alive and, in the moment, and I feel like there is a lot more freedom in the character you become.
Question~How much did you love performing the character Timon in The Lion King?
Caroline~
Becoming Timon wasn’t too much of a challenge for me. I was able to bring my small self and constant energy to the table and in doing so, really enjoyed myself. Timon was hands down one of my favorites roles.
Question~Where did you train for voice?
Caroline~
I started vocal training back around 2013 with Ben King in Austin, Texas.
Question~What’s your favorite musical or play and why?
Caroline~
West Side Story is always going to be my number one favorite. Action packed with a love story, and some of the most incredible music. Mambo!
Question~In West Side Story, is it the tragic love story of Tony and Maria, the music, or something else that draws you into the show?
Caroline~
The music is really what caught my attention. I also had the honor to play with a full region orchestra in Austin, Texas when I was in high school, and we got to perform the piece Mambo by Leonard Bernstein. Haven’t played such a fun piece of music since!