Meet The Ensemble
I would never in a million years have thought that I would be someone to run a showbiz blog. But I’ve been in love with the acting world since I started performing at the ripe old age of six, and have recently grown to adore the blogging world, after somewhat haphazardly stumbling into it while planning my wedding. What better way to create a community of like-minded showbiz professionals than to assemble a group of brave, giving, and dedicated industry bloggers to share their journeys with you? Oh yeah, and I also love iced coffee, bright colors, my family, and my adopted hometown, New York City.
Moving to NYC with hopes of being a performer, I had no idea what the Theatre Industry had in store for me. While interning, I discovered a knack for “behind the scenes” and was granted the opportunity to ASM shows starring Julie Andrews & Mercedes Ruehl. I now relate to a creative side of Theatre that requires turning the director’s vision into something that can be accomplished in an artistic and practical way. A produced Playwright, working Equity Stage Manager, and just beginning my venture as Artistic Director, I’m proud to be part of the Ensemble as the “Practical Artist.”
I started blogging when I went off to grad school and found it a great way to reflect on what I was learning or not learning, and from that seeing what would be useful to me in the future or not useful. I’m so happy to have the opportunity and excuse to continue examining my work and what surrounds it here in the Green Room. When not writing for this blog, or generally contemplating life and its choices, I may be found taking a yoga class, cooking, skulking at the Film Forum, devouring cheese, and watching other people’s cats.
I first heard the word Dramaturgy as an undergraduate, two theatre degrees later, I found myself asking: What can I do now? I can do research for productions; develop new scripts for production; ask the right questions. Who am I now? I am now a Dramaturg, literary manager, collaborator; “in-house critic;” and if nothing else, an extra set of eyes. What do I do now? Well…like every other theatre artist, I look for work. And for my latest endeavor, I write blogs. I would like to take this opportunity to express my insights into my part of the theatre world…the dramaturgical part. I am interested to hear your opinions on these insights and perhaps offer some new ones of your own.
I was the girl who could never stop dancing, talking, or singing, so it was no surprise to anyone when I announced I was going into show business. Now, amidst a crazy schedule of teaching dance classes, attending auditions, commuting from San Diego to Los Angeles, directing youth theater, rehearsing for new shows, and continually perfecting my craft, I sometimes stop and think about how I am living the life I always dreamed of. How many other people get paid to dance, sing, and play dress-up?
A regularly working actress in New York, London and Pennsylvania, I am happy for every opportunity, from working background to producing my own theatre tour! Recently awarded several arts grants, I hope to use this blog to tell you a little more about the fun and frantic aspects of working with grant funds. I’m a member of AEA, SAG, British Actors’ Equity and the Cookie Club in my hometown supermarket. But probably the most unusual thing about me is that I’ve been to Timor Leste, and can’t wait to go back!
My addiction started during the sixteenth measure of “Prepare Ye” at a Godspell dress rehearsal when I was 14. I live for the theatre. I’m a devout fan of the Sanford Meisner approach and believe that the Tectonic Theater Projects’ play-making technique is the world’s greatest outlet for creativity and originality. I’m a brainiac who strives to be part of analytic plays with depth, and I seek theatre that shifts its audience members into some state of internal unrest. Ironically, the Great Dionysus thought it’d be funny to bless me with a knack for farce and improv comedy. Oops!
I grew up as a Mets fan. That explains a lot about how I approach and am accepted by the world. I never would have guessed my primary source of income from age 25-32 would be standing as a painted silver mime on the streets of NYC. Nor would I have guessed I’d get paid to be a giant piece of cheese, a mobster or a bear. But such is life! I got bit by the bug 10 years ago and I am proud to say that I now almost make a living as one. I write more than I act, and since I want to do the latter more, I end up doing a lot of the former about the latter…make sense? Follow me on twitter at @timintravia!
I started blogging for English class; more than a year later, I’m still writing about being “The College Theatre Dork”! I’m midway through my studies and so far have written a play for a 24 hour show, been introduced to movement theatre, performed commedia d’ell arte on the streets, became an assistant stage manager, joined a Muggle Quidditch team…I also happen to look fantastic in hats. Aside from my theatre department, I’m also making my way joining a theatre company as a summer intern and getting involved in independent projects, like producing my first show.
