Hometown: Eureka, California
Education: University of California at Davis
Select Credits: Catherine in Proof, Lisa in Match
Why theater?: It’s such an opportunity as an actor (and audience) to experience something real. Something raw. When it’s really good, there’s nothing like it. Feels very human to me.
Who do you play in Maybe Tomorrow?: Gail, the woman on the toilet of course.
Tell us about Maybe Tomorrow: The story is fascinating about a woman who choses to retreat from life to a toilet as her sanctuary. Exploring that decline mentally and physically and the circumstances that could feel so overwhelming that a life that just extends 2 feet in all directions could be preferable….was just fascinating to me.
What is it like being a part of Maybe Tomorrow?: I’m so impressed with the talent and professionalism I’m surrounded by. From the solid writing to impeccable direction to a partner on stage willing to just “dance” with me, it just makes me want to work harder.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: As a comedian, I certainly love comedy and respect the difficulty of that art form. In general, however, I’m inspired by any piece and anyone willing to be truly free up there. I prefer not to play it safe, as that is not our job as performers, whether comedy or in drama. So anyone willing to lay it all out there gets my vote.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I definitely want to do The Pavilion. I loved the recent production at Barrow Group Theater and just desperately wanted to be up there…
What’s your favorite showtune?: Hmm… I’m not much of a show tune kind of gal.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Semi-new to New York, there are a million talented artists here that I’d be honored to work with.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Kristen Wiig and it would be called, “The Jenny Bareilles Story starring Kristen Wiig”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I missed August Osage County which I would have love to have seen.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: From a musical standpoint, Once and from a straight play, Curious Incident. I also loved Between Riverside and Crazy at the Atlantic and The Qualms at Playwright’s Horizon. There are plenty of Improv teams in New York that I’m constantly insisting my friends go see….
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: I have plenty but I don’t feel too guilty about them. Everything in moderation.
What’s up next?: Improv is my passion and I continue to love performing weekly at the PIT on Saturdays with Big Black Car (BBC) at 8:00pm and will prepare a piece for Solocom there at the PIT in November.