Despite being a full-time student at UC Davis, Santa Barbara actress Courtney Morse still finds time to audition for film and TV roles. Her latest turn, as Jennifer in the short feature My Marilyn, has extra special meaning as it is having its world premiere at the S.B. International Film Festival (SBIFF). The film tells the story of a young Marilyn Monroe–obsessed actress who goes to Hollywood to find fame but instead struggles with delusions of grandeur, identity, and an innocent understanding of the world. In a recent email interview, the San Marcos High School alum told of the audition process, filming on Hollywood Boulevard, and what it means to her to be in the SBIFF festival.
Is it difficult to attend college and pursue an acting career? I am a full-time student at UC Davis, and I am studying communications. It is challenging to also be pursuing an acting career at the same time, but I audition when I am home on break in Santa Barbara, where I can easily travel to L.A. for auditions.
What lessons would you like the audience to take away from your character Jennifer's story in the film? In my opinion, the lesson to be taken away is that beautiful, innocent girls flow into Hollywood with stars in their eyes of becoming a movie star, and the reality of that situation rarely materializes.