Cacia Rose

She played in Steven Alexander Burt‘s Mute Dollar Baby film as Mute Character.

SKSM: Tell us about yourself, who is Cacia Rose and what do you do or have you done?

Cacia Rose: People have thought Cacia Rose is a stage name, but it’s my real one! It’s hard to pinpoint what I do, really, I find myself wanting to do everything. But one thing I consistently come back to, is performing. 

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?

Cacia Rose: In highschool. I had been taking weekly acting classes at a theatre in Lexington Kentucky, which taught a broad spectrum of skills ranging from puppetry to improv to costuming- I’d love for a program like this to be free to any child interested. It was a great foundation for an actor to build from and a safe space to hone your craft. A musical my best friend was in needed a role filled last minute. I was offered the role, and I by the end of the show’s run, I was hooked. I didn’t get off the stage again until I was about 20. 

SKSM: What details define you the most as an actress?

Cacia Rose: In my acting, I try to convey a commitment to the story and my character. In my daily life, I keep a loose sense of self, trying to never see myself as too much one thing or another. I hope that in doing this, becoming anything is easier, not only in acting but in general. I try to honor the story I tell. I feel a duty to the author of the story and the director that interprets it, because they’ve trusted us with something that means alot to them, and without that trust it could never mean anything to all of us. Storytelling and communication are very special things to me!

SKSM: What else do you do besides acting?

Cacia Rose: I love to travel! I’m one of those van life people. I explore and make art when inspiration hits, could be poetry, photography, singing, dancing. I keep alot of it to myself, but have thoughts to compile them into things to share.

SKSM: How did you become involved in Mute Dollar Baby film?

Cacia Rose: Steven asked if I was interested in acting in the film, and I said yes! It was my very first film acting experience. I was honored to be asked, but nervous my stage acting wouldn’t carry over to film.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Cacia Rose: Its one of few stories I can think of that feature a mute lead character. It goes against expectation; when you think movies and scripts, you think dialogue. It sparks curiosity. It excludes a huge part of what makes movies interesting while not being boring. 

SKSM: You worked with Steven Alexander Burt on this film, how did you experience that?

Cacia Rose: Steven and I had been performing alongside each other in Rocky Horror for some years before production for Mute began, so working with him was very comfortable! It was good for a first film experience, I didn’t have to feel too shy or out of my element. 

SKSM: How did you prepare for the role of Mute Character?

Cacia Rose: I think I only prepped by reading the short story! Looking back, as presumptuous as it was, I felt I didn’t need to practice or prepare much because I had no lines, and I thought I was pretty good at being quiet.  But looking back, I could have dug deeper. 

SKSM: How much creative control did you have over your character?

Cacia Rose: I was given guidelines on my style of dress, but could choose what clothes I wore. I honestly can’t remember what I wore, which is odd because I usually never forget a good fit. 

SKSM: Your character doesn’t say anything. How did you experience that during the filming?

Cacia Rose: Its was a relief to me! I’m shy at heart, though I can overcome it if I feel very passionate. It took a big weight off my shoulders, not having to be worried about how I talk. 

SKSM: As far as we know, your character has never been played by a woman before. What do you think about that?

Cacia Rose: I had no idea it was a first! That’s pretty cool. For some reason, I always envisioned the character as a girl. Steven has never been one to get hung up on gender, especially if it hardly impacts telling the story.

SKSM: Now that the film is done, would you have changed anything in your performance?

Cacia Rose: Yes, my work can always benefit from refinement. I’ve had so many experiences since then, I know I’ve learned things that would help me embody and portray the character better.

SKSM: Was there a funny and/or special moment during production that you would like to share with us?

Cacia Rose: The process of getting the interior car shots was so intricate and kind of comical. I’d never considered the logistics behind getting shots like that.

SKSM: What did you think of the end result of Mute?

Cacia Rose: I was so proud of everyone, and to be apart of the team that made it happen! Having crazy talented friends is a trip, and seeing our work come to life is maybe one of the best feelings in the whole world. 

SKSM: Are there any points that you now think in retrospect that I could or could have done differently?

Cacia Rose: Other than the general refining I’d do with any of my art, I’d change nothing major. 

SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so, with who?

Cacia Rose: We still message time to time! We both moved on from Rocky Horror, so we haven’t worked together in some time. Maybe soon! 

SKSM: What did you do after Mute?

Cacia Rose: I did episodes of Kentucky Paranormal Incidents and Dagger Kiss. The wildest thing i did was a role in Mom and Dad– that was the most real-deal set I’d ever been on. I mean, I was getting my hair done with Selma Blair– and I know I should give her privacy but I just had to mention how good Legally Blonde was- I was in over my head. I took a long break after that and lived at a camp in the desert. Then Donald Farmer cast me in his movies, Cannibal Hookers and Bigfoot Exorcist. 

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work? If so, what’s your favorite?

Cacia Rose: Yes! The most notable of his movie adaptations to me is The Langoliers. Misery is also phenomenal. I saw a stage performance of it some years ago, unbeknownst to me starring an old friend and actor Breck Reliford, and I was blown away. I think one mark of a good story is when it can be told in one room and not get boring. Mute has this aspect too, as it takes place mostly inside a car. 

SKSM: You are young, what would you still like to achieve?

Cacia Rose: I want to do more live theatre, or be apart of street performances. Directing a play is a huge task I’d love to achieve when I have more experience. Maybe the most immediate thing I’d like to achieve is publishing a book of prose or poetry. 

SKSM: What is the best thing that has happened to you in acting, and what achievement are you most proud of so far?

Cacia Rose: Being cast as Anne Frank in a stage production of her diary. At times, it felt like a dishonor to her plight and to anyone who died fighting for a very real cause, for someone who’s had it as easy as me to embody her. Because of this, I tried to take it very seriously. I worry the message was lost on some of the audience. My genuine tears at the end of the show seemed to be mistaken for acting. I didn’t want praise. I wanted them to go home and have learned something, to have an understanding about history we can’t let repeat. I truly hope i was able to convey that to someone. I don’t think i ever fully walked away from Anne’s character, and her words “I truly believe, in spite of everything, that people are good at heart,” still echo. I’m very proud to have taken on such a serious role. 

SKSM: Is there a role you would like to play if it comes your way, and what would it be?

Cacia Rose: Years and years ago, someone reached out to me about a Plan 9 From Outer Space remake. I never heard any more about it, but I’d love to maybe play Maila Nurmi’s character.

SKSM: Is there a special moment in your life that you would like to share with us?

Cacia Rose: I was in a real life food fight in highschool! It was awesome ! 

SKSM: What is in the top 5 on your bucket list? (Everything is possible and nothing is too strange)

Cacia Rose:

• Testify on behalf of existence of E.T.s
• Walk full wall of China
• Sing opera
• Ride a bull
• See all the stone circles in Europe

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Cacia Rose: In just a few days, we begin production for Donald Farmer’s new film, Little Bo Creep! Should be wild.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Cacia Rose: I fell into a campfire in between shooting Mom and Dad and Cannibal Hookers!

SKSM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Cacia Rose: I see myself waking up content, with no urgency to prove myself to anyone or make anything of myself. Just happy with wherever I am. 

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Cacia Rose: Thanks for hearing me out. Its baffling, humbling, and exciting to have anyone interested in what I do, or have to say. I’m grateful to get to share myself in the way I do. Shootout to the director that started it all. She doesn’t like recognition, but I think she’ll know I’m talking about her. Flower bouquets would never be enough to show my thanks. Not to be overdramatic, but I kind of owe her everything. Thank you for having faith in me and giving me a chance. It has changed my life for better and for good. 

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Cacia Rose: Hire me 😉 You can always find me if you are interested!