Megan Hilty is sometimes referred to as a “triple threat,’’ which is journalese for a performer who, like Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, can act, sing, and dance. The truth is there’s not much Hilty can’t do. Though best known for playing Ivy Lynn on NBC’s musical drama “Smash,’’ Hilty, 34, has also starred on Broadway — in “Wicked,’’ “9 to 5: The Musical,’’ and, most recently, “Noises Off’’ — and sung with world-class orchestras at Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. On Aug. 6, she’ll join the Boston Pops for a performance at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich. The concert celebrates the 125th anniversary of The Trustees, which manages the Crane Estate. (Greats like Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Dave Brubeck have gigged at Castle Hill, but this will be a first for the Pops.) Tickets go on sale to the general public April 4 at www.thetrustees.org/125. The other day, we interrupted our “March Madness’’ viewing to talk to Hilty about the concert.

Q. Hi. I’m taking a break from the NCAA basketball tournament. Are you watching?

A. No.

Q. You’re not a fan?

A. My husband is.

Q. Let’s talk about the Pops show. You’ve performed with them before.

A. Several times. Indoors and outdoors, but never at [Castle Hill], which looks amazing. The pictures are absolutely stunning.

Q. Do you have a preference between singing indoors or outdoors?

A. Yes, no, not really. I mean, it’s exciting to sing outdoors, especially at such an incredible venue.

Q. What’s it like singing with an orchestra as opposed to, say, a band in the pit on Broadway?

A. It’s the greatest luxury any singer could have. To perform with so many talented musicians, it’s easy to get lost in all of the things they’re playing.

Q. Is that good?

A. Well, there’s a lot of energy coming from behind you that you have to match. Songs you’ve been practicing with a piano, now all these other instruments are playing. It’s a whole different animal.

Q. You’ve been on TV, Broadway, done voice work in movies, and released a CD. What was your primary ambition when you started?

A. I had one goal and that was to be on Broadway. I didn’t think any of those other things were possible until I got to New York. The people I looked up to, the people I wanted to be like — Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, a lot of others — they were doing as many different things as possible. It makes you better. Stretching yourself, going into zones that are otherwise uncomfortable is good for you.

Q. But what’s your favorite?

A. I just enjoy working. There’s no harder job than doing a show every night on Broadway, but it’s also the most rewarding. Of course, there’s not much money. That’s what’s appealing about being on TV.

Q. What do you want to do that you haven’t done?

A. My husband and I are writing children’s books. My husband’s an incredible writer and writes amazing music, so we’d like to set the books to music. That’s our passion project.

Q. What are you going to perform with the Pops?

A. I haven’t decided yet. Probably a couple of things from “Smash’’ and some standards from the great American songbook.

Q. Thank you.

A. Enjoy the basketball.