Hometown: Durham , NC
Education: The Stella Adler Studio Evening Conservatory
Select Credits: Readymaid in Archy by Sam Corbin, directed by Jake Beckasa as part of #SERIALS @ The Flea and Edith in Blithe Spirit.
Why theater?: I believe in it and its ability to transcend. I believe in artistic communities and their abilities to nurture and support. The theater community is a very large very warm home. As actors, no matter if you’re tired and poor or tired (everyone is always complaining about being tired) and rich, as long as you show up and connect we’ve got something.
Who do you play in In the Event of My Death?: I play Meg Winters.
Tell us about In the Event of My Death: The play is about a group of friends who were inseparable growing up, coming together after the funeral of one their closest friends, Freddy. We learn right away that Freddy has committed suicide. The play deals with what it means to change and grow up. Specifically, with this group did you get permission to change and grow up? If you could take back what you said, would you?
What is it like being a part of Stable Cable Lab Co.?: It’s exciting! We put in a lot of hard work and time and in return I think we’re creating something great. At times that can be daunting and tiring, but when has anything easy ever been rewarding?
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Can I say all of it? Truly it does. If an audience member is as engaged as the actor then I’m happy. Whether your show budget is this Dixie cup represents a wine glass and your “chair” is actually a milk crate versus the “oh¬ my ¬dear ¬Lord that stage is moving and I have seen that lead actress 18 times on TV.” I like it all. The actors who inspire me are the ones who take such risks you think they must be completely judgment free. Watching someone take big risks is incredibly liberating.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I have always secretly wanted to play Captain
Hook! I also really want to play Rachel in Reckless or Sherry Wickman from Tigers Be Still. Lastly, I’d be remiss to not say Maureen from RENT. ¬Man, did middle school Lillith love RENT!
What’s your favorite showtune?: "Do in What Comes Naturally" as sung by Ethel Merman. My dad bought me that CD and I listened to that specific song at least twice a day for a year.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Allison Janney and Christopher Guest
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Marcel the Shell or Amy Sedaris in "I’m Covered in Crumbs".
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Uta Hagen in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf and Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly in True West.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Aside from In the Event of My Death, I would recommend seeing Men on Boats at Playwrights Horizons. Also, The Magical Adventures of Benny and Griff. Check them out www.bennyandgriff.com!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Standing in a tub ankle deep with water. I love having clean feet. If I could do that while also simultaneously eating a chocolate sheet cake with extra frosting on it, then I would. But to be honest, I wouldn’t feel remotely guilty.
What’s up next?: I am working on a piece to present as a part of The Motherline Story project, check out their website at www.elizasimpson.com/motherlinestoryproject.
