Adrienne Rose White Talks About Creative Control And Her Experience Filming ‘Nightbitch’

One of the best movies of the year!

If you are a fan of horror comedies, then ‘Nightbitch’ has to be on your watchlist. The lead is Amy Adams, but a scene-stealer in the film is none other than Adrienne Rose White.

We had the amazing honor of speaking with Adrienne about getting validation from her mom, her best recommendation for aspiring performers, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in entertainment?

A: “I went to a theater camp when I was 7, and that was when I fell in love with acting and performing. I grew up in a very academically-driven family, so I didn’t know if that would actually be my career. When I was 22, I quit my job as a tutor and went to study yoga at an ashram in Kerala, India. After warning us about the lions in the forest preserve next door, they announced a talent show in a week and asked for a host. I volunteered. The problem? No one signed up. All week, while everyone else chanted and meditated and studied yoga, I sat on my mat, panicking. By the day before, only one person signed up—a juggler. It was going to be a short show. So I made up a monologue. I called it “Let your hair down.” No one had seen my afro yet, and I hoped this fun reveal would hide the fact that there was no show. That night, the heat made everyone short-tempered, including the lions. No one wanted to be there, least of all me.

Shouting over the cast of The Real Lion King outside, I started my monologue. Then, magic happened: I got a laugh. Then another. Someone started playing a drum, and by the time I released my hair from its bun, 150 people were up dancing. I introduced the juggler and left the stage. Seconds later, people rushed up, suddenly eager to perform. But they weren’t prepared, so I had to buy them time. I interviewed acts, made up skits, and talked with the audience. It turned into a variety show, and I discovered something about myself: I was my best, most present self when writing, performing, and serving others. And that’s when I knew I had to pursue a career in entertainment.”

Congratulations on your role in ‘Nightbitch’! What was the filming experience like for this film?

A: “As a writer and actress, being part of Nightbitch was transformative. The women at the helm— the incredible Amy Adams, visionary writer/director Marielle Heller, author Rachel Yoder, and powerhouse producers Anne Carey and Havilah Brewster—created an environment of unparalleled support and collaboration with a mostly female crew, and for the up-and-coming talent. On most sets, there’s a kind of machismo “this is how it’s done, this is my territory” attitude, especially when production is running behind. Not here. There was no yelling, not even from the AD, and everything ran on time. It was seamless, kind, professional, and unlike any other big budget set I’ve experienced.”

Can you tease what viewers who haven’t watched ‘Nightbitch’ just yet can expect?

A: “I like to say that it’s a comedy for women and a horror film for men.”

Since this is a horror film, do you love or stay away from the horror genre when watching
films? If you’re a horror fan, do you have an all-time favorite frightening film?

A: “I like horror when it combines great visuals and thoughtful social commentary. My favorite is probably Get Out, followed closely by Train to Busan and Nope.”

As someone with an impressive academic background, do you recommend getting education, whether it be entertainment-career based or not, for aspiring performers?

A: “I am so grateful for my education, and for the network that came from studying at Harvard and the Atlantic Theater Company. If you have the option and the access, it can open doors, build great discipline and skill sets, expose you to people and ideas that you might not see otherwise. But it’s not essential – information is so much more accessible now than in the past, and there are many creative ways to break in. My biggest recommendation to aspiring performers is to do the emotional work to deeply know yourself, because then you can make the choices that are authentic to you and step into your purpose, instead of trying to walk the “correct” path that makes sense on paper.”

You are a triple threat! When it comes to producing, acting, and writing, which venture gives
you the most joy?

A: “Acting. I got into writing and producing so that I could act in the roles I wanted to. I’m so glad I did, because it gives me more creative control in my work. I truly love all three, but for me acting is the favorite.”

What would you consider to be the most validating moment you’ve experienced in your career
thus far?

A: “When I first called my mom to tell her that I was going to be in a movie with Amy Adams, she was so excited. Then she asked me for the name, so she could tell her bookclub. “Nightbitch,” I said. And the line went quiet for about thirty seconds, while my kind, proper, midwestern mom tried to process that. Then she said, “Nightwitch?” Then, “Are they sure about that title?” Then, “Can I tell my bookclub the title isn’t set yet?” The most validating moment in my career thus far was a few weeks ago. My mom not only told her book club the movie was coming out; she also put an article in the national gazette for her women’s group, proudly proclaiming that her daughter is in Nightbitch. I’m so proud of her! And so happy she’s proud of me too.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

A: “Follow me on Instagram @adriennerosewhite.”

Make sure to stream ‘Nightbitch’, available now on Hulu!

Photo Credits: Cameron Thrower

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.