Meet Rose Ftz | Actor, Editor, Director, Producer+

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rose Ftz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rose, how do you define success?
At the beginning of my acting career I used to say, “I’m happy to be a poor artist, as long as I’m not a starving one.” As long as people fed me, anything else (aka money) was a bonus. The first independent film I acted in, Ode to Mary Shelley (2011) with Nac Film Theory, paid me in tacos from Taqueria El 21 and I was over-the-moon with the delicious food and good company.

However, a few years later during a phone conversation with my maternal grandfather he asked, “Anything in terms of success?” and that is when I realized we had two different definitions of success. I said, “I’m a working-actor in NYC, I consider that a success!” His definition of success was apparently being a well-known-Hollywood-household-name A-lister, the top 0.03% of actors.
Fortunately, I range between the top 1-10% of actors on IMDb depending on what I happen to be working on at the time, and I consider that an excellent position to be in. I have had the extreme privilege to work with so many talented people on numerous creative projects all over the world, from London to NYC and beyond!

Most notably Paternoster Productions (Still Falling, 2014), Jeannette Louie (The Making of Love, 2014), Sinking Ship Creations (The Mortality Machine, Infinity Engine, and Scapegoat in 2019; Calculations, The Girl on the Phone, Fragile Recall, and The Other Side of the Line in 2020), Jennifer Parker (The Photographer’s Eye, 2021), and Skyphire Entertainment (Camisado, 2022), have all made me feel the most heard, respected, and valued along the way.

I have also been fortunate enough to write, cast, direct, produce, edit, and sound design many projects as well, including Experience Curve (2017-2018) and Still Trying (2019).

While I would happily receive additional grandfather-approved “success” if presented with such an opportunity, my goal has typically been: to work and travel consistently as an actor. Audiences may see me and remember my face from “oh—what is she from? Where have I seen her before?” Many people may not know my name—especially because I recently chose a new one for myself—but they might recognize me and no one is digging through my trash, so I can keep a sense of peace and security in my life. I consider that a success! But I suppose if I do achieve even 0.05% “fame-and-fortune,” I could hire security; que será, será.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am so proud and grateful to be a part of the projects and productions I have been a part of; I am always excited to work with (even more) good people along the way. Furthermore, I am proud and honored to bring characters and stories to life; I am always excited to bring seemingly “unreal” characters to life!

During a one-on-one master class with Anthony Zerbe, he said that my talent lies within my courage, my vivid imagination, my openness to become the character, and my impulsive appetite for feeling. Numerous directors over the years have said that I am a talented actor and an absolute joy to work with and be around.

Those who know me more personally say that “knowing me is a masterclass in drawing strength from vulnerability,” because I have experienced a lot of trauma which resulted in hyper-empathy (among many other things, of course). When I first started acting I wanted to feel and experience every possible human emotion—I was determined to know and understand fully why people did what they did, said what they said, thought what they thought, felt what they felt. I was also committed to helping people feel less (or ideally not) alone in the world. My goal was to make at least one person in this world feel understood and not alone by portraying characters that might resonate with them, whoever they may be.

I got to where I am today through a combination of persistence, showing up, doing the work, and talent. I have applied for thousands of opportunities over the years on various casting websites. I have lived and worked in the UK, Australia, NYC, TX, and elsewhere! I have been fortunate enough to work with companies like Secret Cinema and Future Cinema, to perform Off-Broadway, to receive awards, and to enjoy theatrical screenings of my work. For any aspiring actors reading this: on the other side of the table I learned that sometimes only a third of actors show up to auditions, so submitting yourself and showing up (early/on time!) really increases your chances, I promise.

One tremendous genetic asset was my photographic memory, which made learning lines quickly almost automatic; honestly it has faded a bit in recent years, but I utilize other techniques to bolster it. Generally speaking, I am an active listener and supportive scene partner. Also it took me a while to accept it—and sometimes I need a reminder—but I am very good at what I do, whether due to auspicious soul-transference or years of practice or some combination of the two. I’m an extremely versatile actor and global citizen, two of my greatest pillars are inclusivity and authenticity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I would probably meet them at the airport with a silly [insert inside-joke here] sign, and we would likely spend much of our time giggling, speaking in a variety of dialects, and making up random songs together throughout the week. The itinerary itself would depend on the friend, the weather, and the goings-on

Eat: Tex-mex, BBQ, Emporium Pies, La Mina, Whataburger, etc.

Drink: Water! Tea! If they want booze, there are happy hours galore at The Village Dallas where I currently live

Places to Visit: The Dallas World Aquarium is epic! Six Flags Over Texas. We can wander around the Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, the Dallas Arboretum, and walk around the lake trail near me enjoying the trees, ducks, fish, turtles, and such 🙂

Things to Do: Hang out at home and stream whatever piques our interest at the time 😀 and check out any free events or festivals, of course—there’s always something going on!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh, goodness! There’s quite a few, but I’ll try to narrow it down.

To my great-grandmother, who was an actress, oil painter, and opera singer. She died before I was born but everyone who knew her says I’m just like her. From what I know of her, she was an incredible force to be reckoned with and a woman well-ahead of her time, so I take it as a great compliment and am ever-grateful for the possible auspicious soul-transference.

To all of my supportive friends, chosen-family, and production-families that I have connected with over the years; the ones who believe in me, cheer me on, and encourage me to keep going!

Website: https://roseftz.wixsite.com/roseftz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosefitzgerald32/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseAFtz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseFtz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCag-vDnXWR8P9kpPCmUj–w

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6492179/

Image Credits
Still Trying still frame by Giovanni Lazarini; The Photographer’s Eye behind-the-scenes by Aiden Havlovic; Camisado image by Skyphire Entertainment (Thomas and Daniel Gidlow)