Hometown: This is always a tough one for me. I left Carrollton, TX at age 15 then moved to L.A. where I lived for many years. But I've been in Brooklyn the longest I've ever lived anywhere. So home is where the heart is...which would be Paris.
Education: I graduated from Pepperdine University with a double major in Telecommunications and French. And I recently completed a two year Meisner training at Brooklyn Actors Lab (formerly Playhouse West Brooklyn Lab) helmed by Jim Parrack and Andrea Dantas .
Select Credits: Such Nice Shoes (writer/performer in my most recent solo show), Ophelia in Hamlet On Trial
Why theater?: I actually started in TV/FILM out in L.A. but since coming to NY in 2006 theater has been a real outlet for me. I kept saying 'no' to theater because it wasn't what I had known but over the years I've realized just how much the theater is for the actor. As an actor trying to succeed it became essential for me to write my own work and the stage became the right fit for that. I wrote and performed my first solo show, Baby Cow, in FringeNYC back in 2008 and I've sort of created a niche for myself in that genre as a performer, director, and now teacher of solo work.
Who do you play in Kyle?: Reggie, Jack's best friend.
Tell us about Kyle: Kyle is a story about a guy named Jack who has a serious love affair with cocaine who is personified through the crazy id of Kyle. It's a comedy that helps the audience dive into the world of addiction and what it's like to face your biggest fear. And as Jack's best friend, I'm there to remind him that he's worth way more than the shit he shovels up his nose.
What is it like being a part of Kyle?: Well having come off of my solo show debut run in October it's been a joy to have other (actual) people to work with and play off of. Our rehearsals are good fun, we geek out over things like 90s hiphop, roasted seaweed, and John Wick.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The kind of theater that gets me excited is also the kind that gets me thinking and connecting to the greater point of life which is community. I get pumped about shows that are about the deeper layers of human existence. I want it to make me laugh, cry, and give me deep thoughts. Some playwrights that inspire me are Brett C. Leonard and Lynn Nottage. Sarah Jones is a boss, as is Staceyann Chin. Denis Villeneuve, Barry Jenkins are incredible filmmakers and I'm excited to work with them...someday.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I would love to play the next Bond villain.
What’s your favorite showtune?: "Happy Talk"...it's complicated and "Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!"
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Bill Murray and Charlie Brooker
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Well if the actress is supposed to look like me then...it'll have to be me...can you name a prominent mixed-race actress who could play a Korean/African-American? If Ruth Negga and Sandra Oh had a daughter then she could do it! I'm actually working on an animation about what it was like growing up bi-racial in Texas in the 80s...it's called "BABY COW" and is loosely based on my first solo show of the same name.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: A Streetcar Named Desire with Brando
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Turn Me Loose with Joe Morton about the indelible Dick Gregory.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Korean dramas...and dirty martinis.
What’s up next?: My recent solo show Such Nice Shoes has a special limited engagement at TheaterLab April 6, 7, 8 after a very successful debut run in October. And earlier I mentioned the animation project, Baby Cow - it's a dream of mine and slowly but surely it will get made. I've been working on the pilot episode which will hopefully be completed by this summer.
For more on Kyle, visit www.HotTrampProductions.com
