Saturday, November 5, 2016

Spotlight On...Elizabeth Bell

Name: Elizabeth Bell

Hometown: San Francisco, CA

Education: Graduated with a BA in Business, University of Puget Sound; Acting Education - A.C.T. (San Francisco), Actors Bridge Ensemble Meisner Training (Nashville), British American Drama Academy (Oxford, UK), John Strasberg Studios (NY)

Favorite Credits: Portia (Merchant of Venice); Li'l Bit (How I Learned to Drive); Pattie Lovaco (Kimberly Akimbo); Hermione (The Winter's Tale); Peaches (The Secretaries).

Why theater?: I consider myself an audience member as well as an actor. The physical and emotional impact of sitting in an audience and being moved by the truth of a theatrical event is overwhelming, whether one is moved by joy, by exultation, by pain, by fear, by anger. And if I can move someone with my performance, by reaching out and communicating the truth of my character, of the playwright's vision, then the world might be changed.

Tell us about Merciful Father?: This is a really interesting story of family, of being an outsider within a culture that is already made up of outsiders, of always hoping for a better life for your children. I am excited to be in this production and working with such talented folk.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Any kind of theater that challenges expectations or prejudices, that makes you feel and think, and moves you to rethink your world view. That's the kind of theater I support and love.

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: The list is so long I can't put it down here. Basically, I want to work with anyone who makes me stretch beyond my current abilities, and demands, by their very talent and vision, that I be better.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Playing now? Hamilton!!!!! Did I mention Hamilton? Also Sarah Jones' play Sell/Buy/Date.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Megan Mullally- "How Introverts Survive"

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Laurette Taylor's performance as Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie. I heard an interview with Jerry Orbach from ages ago where he spoke of how all the actors in New York at the time who would go back every night to watch her performance.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: No comment

If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Probably a civil rights attorney

What’s up next?: I will be in workshop productions of two new plays in the first few months of 2017, written by some crazy talented people (Timothy Nolan, Virginia Baeta). Then we'll see...always a new adventure.