I had the opportunity to talk with the lead actress of 2008’s Number One Independent Movie, Fireproof shortly before the release of the Collector’s Edition DVD . Erin Bethea plays alongside leading man, Kirk Cameron in this Christian film.

After watching the film, I am even more excited to have had the opportunity to talk with this rising star about everything Fireproof and even her background in theatre.

Before I share the interview with you, I want to mention that the Love Dare’s Legacy Edition DVD, which is the leather-like version seen in the film was released on New Years Day. After you read this interview and watch Fireproof, you will want to remember the name, Erin Bethea.

So talk about how you got the part for Catherine Holt in the movie, Fireproof.
I had a small part in Facing The Giants, a Sherwood Pictures film. I heard they had another film so I drove up to Albany to audition, thinking I would just get a small part. I ended up reading for the part of Catherine and I really loved it. I knew that I didn’t have the time to play her but I asked to audition for her anyway. They liked what they saw and said that they would make Catherine younger so I could play the part. I had to leave my job and go shoot in Georgia for 2 months.

What is your favorite and least favorite characteristic of your character, Catherine?
It’s funny because I guess it is the same thing (laughs). I like characters that are unlikable sometimes. There are a lot of moments in the film where Catherine is pretty unlikable. If I were to know Catherine as a person, I probably would not like how negative and condescending she is but as far as playing her, I liked being a little bit hated.

So can you relate to Catherine in any way?
I think every woman can relate to her. I have never been married, so that I cannot relate to. She is really independent, really smart, and she wants somebody to recognize that she is accomplished and intelligent. She wants someone to listen to her and make her feel important. I think a lot of women want somebody to acknowledge that they are more than just “the wife” and I relate to her standing up for herself in that way.

Did you have any research for this film?
I really didn’t, mostly because I did not have enough time. I got cast a month before shooting. I didn’t get the script I think about a week before we started shooting. So there really wasn’t much time but I know a lot of women like her and I can somewhat identify with her, so it came pretty naturally. Also, our director was great and he helped me through myself into it.

Tell us your experience working with the Kirk Cameron.
He was great! From the very beginning he came in and dug his heels in. He has a great work ethic as an actor and he is really willing to put in 110%. Just working with someone with that experience was nice to have on set.

What would you say was your favorite scene to shoot?
There is one scene that I think is really cute. It is a “he said, she said” scene where Caleb is at the firehouse talking to Michael about his marriage and Catherine is at dinner with her girlfriends talking about her marriage. It is nice because it is kind of one of the only lighthearted moments that I got to have in the film. I really did not get to do a lot of comedy, I was either angry or crying so I really enjoyed that scene. I am still crying in the scene, but in a humorous way.

What one thing would you like people to take away from this movie, whether a couple or not?
There is so much for people to take out of the film for those people who are not couples. One thing in general is being aware of who you seek advice from and who you surround yourself with. There may be some people in your life where they may have your best interest at heart but they may give you terrible advice and that is something we see in the film with Catherine.

Switching gears, you have a lot of theatre experience, so can we expect to see you on Broadway anytime soon?
Wouldn’t that be wonderful? I love theatre, that is where I fell in love with acting. I hope so. I would love to live in NY one day and pursue theatre. Although I am really developing a passion for film too so I feel like my loyalties are torn (laughs).

Do you have any plays you really desire to act in?
I would really love to do something classical. It would be a huge challenge and something fun to tackle.