How did you hear about RRS and what will be you be teaching at RPAC?
I became aware of the program through a fellow actor who taught class at RRS. I will be teaching a children’s commercial class and children’s on camera class.
What do you do when not working with RRS?
When I’m not teaching at RRS or teaching in NYC, I am auditioning and working as an actor.
Did you grow up with a similar program to RRS in your neighborhood?
I took classes as a child at a local theater. Having a place outside of the pressures of school where I could play and explore my creativity gave me a confidence that helped me through some of those difficult growing up years.
How did you get involved with theater?
When I was in elementary school the high school needed a young girl to play Amaryllis in their production of the Music Man. I auditioned and got the part. The music director saw that I had talent and suggested I audition beyond school for the professional theaters, I did, and my professional career officially started at age 12.
Can what you teach in the rehearsal room be applied to outside life?
Absolutely! The basis of all good acting is listening and staying present. I can’t think of any life situation where these principles are not essential.
What is your biggest challenge as an actor or teacher?
It can be hard at times to just trust that you are enough.
What do you look for your students to bring into rehearsal/class?
In class… a desire to learn. In rehearsal… genuine curiosity.
What do you hope each student of yours gains from your class?
Confidence in themselves and joy in their work.
Everyone’s favorite – tell us a funny or embarrassing moment involving YOU and theater/acting etc?
Oh dear… there are so many.
When I was 13 years old I was in the company of a stage production of Charlotte’s Web. In one of the dancing numbers I was dressed up as a bunny… ears and mittens and all. Because I had a quick costume change directly after the number they replaced the buttons on my shirt with velcro for a faster change. One performance I was dancing around on stage and the velcro in back started to come undone. Every dance move I made I could feel it opening wider and wider in the back. The top slowly started to come down off my shoulders and because I was wearing bunny mittens, I couldn’t pull the top up. Needless to say the children in the audience that day got quite a show.
What was the last show you saw?
I just saw Enemy of the People. I’m such a fan of Boyd Gaines‘ work.
What TV shows are you watching now?
Downton Abbey, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Sherlock Holmes.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
About Elizabeth
About Guest
