Ruby Grace Barker on Performing, Her Favorite Book Series, and Giving Back

Ruby Grace Barker lives to perform! Passionate about performing, this Australian actress fell in love with acting while working on her first tv commercial at age 4. Since then, she has lent her talents to everything from short films to musicals, all by the age of 11. Ruby is also a talented singer and dancer, making her a true triple threat! When she isn’t busy with a new role or a dance competition, Ruby loves traveling with her family, reading books, and baking with her friends.

Get to know Ruby Grace Barker as she shares her passion for performing, her favorite book series, and the type character she’d most like to play.

Get to Know Ruby Grace Barker:

How did you first become interested in acting?

RUBY GRACE BARKER: I did my first TV commercial when I was just 4 and immediately fell in love with being in front of the camera. I thrive on playing different characters and meeting new people in the industry who share my passion for acting and performing.

What is something you’ve learned from your acting career so far?

RUBY: I have learned how to self correct myself. By this I mean, when a director asks you to perform a scene and then redirects you to perform it slightly differently, whether that is slightly more sassy, a tad more serious or less comedic, I have learned how to readjust my performance to give the desired edge or change to the character.

If you could create your perfect role, what type of character would you like to play?

RUBY: Someone who is kind and caring with a little bit of sass and most importantly does just enough silly to make people laugh, because laughing is the best medicine for just about anything in life!

We heard that you’ve been in a few stage productions! Do you have a favorite play/musical?

RUBY: Most certainly without a doubt, it would be Disney’s The Little Mermaid. I have always loved mermaids and continually watched all the movies from when I was about 2. My dreams came to reality when I was cast as Ariel last year. I love performing on stage in front of a captive audience…it gives me a real buzz!

What is something your fans would be surprised to learn about you?

RUBY: I’m left-handed and left-handed people make up about 10 percent of the population. Studies have revealed that people who are left-handed score higher when it comes to creativity, imagination, daydreaming, and intuition. In the performance/creative industry, this is certainly an advantage!

What are some things you like to do for fun?

RUBY: I love to travel, Mum and Dad took me to a conference on an Island in Queensland when I was just 3 months old and I haven’t stopped traveling since, I’ve been to Melbourne, Hawaii, Singapore, Malaysia, Pacific Islands, California, and New York.
I also enjoy baking with my family and friends. I find it very relaxing, yet creative. When Chef Ruby’s in the house, there’s bound to be something yummy on the menu!

Do you have any favorite books?

RUBY: Wow, this is a hard one, I have so many! One of my all time favourites is the Dork Diaries series. There are a number of books in the series and most of them I have read twice. Yes, I love them that much! They have just released a new book in the series and it is definitely on my Christmas list!

How do you give back?

RUBY: Recently, Mum and I started volunteering for an organization called Eat Up – Queensland. The organization calls for volunteers to make sandwiches, 1 in 8 children go to school without lunch! Eat Up is a not for profit organization that helps feed hungry disadvantaged school children. In November, collectively the team made 2260 cheese sandwiches in just under an hour!! Bring on more sandwich making in 2019!

Do you have any advice you’d like to share with other girls with dreams of performing?

RUBY: Always stay true to yourself and do not listen to the naysayers! There are too many people who will be negative about all facets of the performance industry. I think sometimes family, friends, and acquaintances want to share their opinions (mostly negative) with you and you just don’t need to hear it. All you can do is be resilient, loving, kind, hardworking, listen, be respectful, honour your values and integrity and that will take you a long way in achieving your goals. Despite the people willing to cut off the tall poppies, believe in you, you can make it!

To quote Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Now that you know Ruby Grace Barker, check out our interview with actress Ava Cantrell!