Hometown: Long Beach, California
Education: New York University alum
Select Credits: Death for Sydney Black (TerraNOVA RX Series), Pilo Family Circus (Godlight Theatre Company, New Ohio Theater), Placebo (Official Selection CIFF), Plurality (Radical Media)
Why theater?: Theater is an extraordinary medium. Collaborative, thought provoking, visceral and ephemeral. If you are lucky enough to be part of something that you really believe in- then for the duration of the production you are a fully realized character alongside amazing contemporary artists. I find it fascinating.
Who do you play in The Qualification of Douglas Evans?: I play the role of Cara, one of the women in Douglas’ life. I won’t go beyond that to spoil anything for you.
Tell us about The Qualification of Douglas Evans: The Qualification of Douglas Evans is the brainchild of Derek Ahonen. It follows the life of an artist who moves to New York to pursue acting and ends up struggling with ideas of personal career expectations amidst a string of female relationships, substance abuse and the constant impact of his parent’s approval.
What is it like being a part of The Qualification of Douglas Evans?: I have wanted to work with The Amoralists for a long time. From the masterful direction of James Kautz, to the authority and flexibility Derek has about his work and the incredible ensemble they cast- I have really reveled in this experience. It’s gritty and raw and unapologetic in its message and I believe that is why it has had such a powerful response.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love theater that doesn’t give us easy answers. I am inspired by stories that expose me to worlds I am unfamiliar with. But overall, across the board- if I can be entertained by incredible, committed artists- I can be watching buskers in the subway and have a great time.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: If they ever filmed a re-boot of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane” (which I hope to God they never do), I would be beside myself to play Baby Jane Hudson. Also, Sharon Tate.
What’s your favorite showtune?: “Man of La Mancha” performed by Linda Eder.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Woody Allen, Lars Von Trier, Todd Haynes, Derek Cianfrance, Brit Marling and Mike Cahill, Julianne Moore. Can we revisit this question in five years?
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I would forfeit the right to have a movie made about my life if I could play Stevie Nicks in a film about hers. Title, TBD.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Here Lies Love at The Public. It’s an interactive disco musical about Imelda Marcos. Enough said.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: “Work” by Iggy Azalea. She’s my spirit-animal.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Housing Works. Any one of my friends can tell you that I have a soft spot for consignment stores, flea markets, vintage and the like. I can rummage through old pictures or bags of buttons for well over an hour. I am a secret hoarder.
What’s up next?: Last month I shot the pilot for the new HBO Untitled Rock N’ Roll series. So I am looking forward to tuning in when it airs.
For more on Samantha, visit SamanthaStrelitz.com. For more on The Amoralists, visit theamoralists.com