Steel Magnolia of the Day: Lovelle Liquigan

Lovelle Liquigan as Annelle in “Steel Magnolias”

Tell us about the character you play, and how can you relate to her. Is there any part of STEEL MAGNOLIAS that resonates with you as an actor, or personally?

I play Annelle.  She is the new-kid-in-town that brings with her some baggage with secrets that she ultimately reveals at the end of the first scene.  I really dig the arch she goes through.  From being this timid, unsure but very talented girl, to emulating her boss’ style and gaining in confidence, then from becoming this born again Christian to developing a balance between her spirituality and her life.  It’s a pretty rad journey.  It’s amazing what a difference a community can make in one person’s life.  These five women show Annelle so much love that there is nothing for her to do but thrive and pulsate.  The family-life she has lacked has been created.  She has guts, even at the beginning, even though she is nervous.  It takes a lot of gumption to do what she has done.  To uproot herself at such a young age with no one to fall back on until Truvy opens up her shop/home and heart to her.

What distinguishes this production or role you have compared to other characters you’ve played in the past?

No one would EVER cast me in this role.  Honestly.  I believe only four people weren’t surprised that I got cast as Annelle: my Maid of Honor, my best friend, another close friend, and my fiancé!

During the week-end performance, there was a man that came in to help our wardrobe mistress out with hair (she is also assisting with some of the actresses hair because we are short-handed on Saturdays).  He turned to me while I was applying make-up, looked in my mirror and said, “So, you must be Julia Roberts.”  I told him, “No.  I’m Daryl Hannah.”  And he said, “Oh!!”

I typically wouldn’t be seen in this role.  I never thought when I was just beginning that I would play in comedies.  I was always so easy to tears that I naturally just wanted to do drama and never considered comedy.  Pretty lame to close the door on that.  I did have a Shakespeare teacher in college that told me I was a comedienne after I did a workshop scene of AS YOU LIKE IT.  I didn’t believe her, though.  I didn’t take her seriously because I don’t seek out to be funny.  I actually think I’m quite introverted and serious.

 Why do you think theater is important?

It brings people together.  When an ensemble truly has a beating heart, that beat will vibrate out to the audience creating a golden thread that will weave and connect each person together.  And if a show truly touches, that vibration will continue on even after the bows.  It’s a magical place.  A playground for kings.  A loving, accepting, bright, inspired family can be created through the theatre.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to pursue acting?

Sometimes, you have to say, No.  As an artist, you must realize what you are worth and that you are in constant need of challenges and improvement, and wanting to dig deeper beyond the surface.  At the beginning of the year, I had to turn down a role because I didn’t think it would challenge me in the way I wanted and needed to be challenged.  It was heartbreak for me.  It wasn’t a matter of being offered a small role, it was about me wanting to be pushed so that I could better myself in my work.  I cried for about the first six months of the year.  Moral of the story, had I not said, No, I would have never been able to play in STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

It’s ok to be discouraged.  I feel that you can use that as fuel for your work.  I often don’t take my own advice but I find this one to be of value.  Just as long as you don’t stay discouraged and continue to accept every struggle as being part of your journey.  Every struggle will get you closer to something (who knows what that something is).  I’ll be honest, it’s hard for me to follow this piece of advice but I still offer it.

The following applies to anything from auditions, to the last day of rehearsal, to the closing performance, and so on: Always be prepared, because when you are, anything can be thrown at you and you will be able to take it in and go with it.  Come in with choices.  Be open and listen.  Always be full-hearted than half-assed.  Lead with your heart, and have an awareness and be thoughtful of mind.  Be curious.  Take big risks and play.  Steal from anyone and anything that inspires you.  Don’t lose your love and joy for what you say is your passion.  Never be afraid to fail or look like a fool.

Lastly, don’t ever EVER take yourself out of the game.  I was still pretty down from what had happened earlier in the year (pretty pitiful, I know), and strongly considered letting my acting dream die because I needed to move forward with my life the older I’m getting.  I debated with submitting and almost didn’t audition for STEEL MAGNOLIAS.  But, I was being offered a gift (that would not be denied) and had to go for it, no matter what.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am looking for representation!  Both theatrical and commercial.

How can fans stay updated about your projects?

My fiancé made a website for me: lovelleliquigan.com

Also, we started our own YouTube Channel – http://youtube.com/LovelyerCreations

East West Players Launches New and Improved Website!

Yes, it’s true! We finally updated our website with a sleek new look that is user friendly and reflective of our new season! We ask for your patience at this time of transition, as we are still fine tooth combing through some technical issues. If you would like more information on our productions or our education and professional programs, email info@eastwestplayers.org or call our office at (213) 625-7000.

Check out the new and improved http://eastwestplayers.org/ and let us know what you think!

Steel Magnolia of the Day: Ruth Coughlin

Ruth Coughlin as Shelby in “Steel Magnolias”

Tell us about the character you play, and how can you relate to her. Is there any part of STEEL MAGNOLIAS that resonates with you as an actor, or personally?

Shelby is all heart and joy for life. She loves with every part of her being and is generous with that love. Shelby is definitely the life of the party. She is constantly trying to help the people in her life be as happy as they can be. Shelby is also stubborn and wants things in her life the way she wants them. It seems like nothing can stop her – until life does. I admire her joie de vivre, her unabashed lust for life. I relate most to her care and love for her family and friends. I am very close with my two brothers and parents. I would do anything for them. My mother is Japanese, so I get having a mother who is as stubborn as I am. Love you, Mom! I also want a family of my own. If I found out that I wasn’t able to have that in my life, it would be devastating to me.

What challenges, if any, have you faced with playing your character?

It takes a lot of emotional energy to perform this play over and over. It’s hilarious, but heart wrenching. The challenge in this is to stay open and be present in those moments of chaos. Our bodies are designed to run away from those moments. If I do my job well, then the audience will be able to experience it with us, and it’s worth any emotional sacrifice to have even one audience member experience a moment of recognition or catharsis. It’s my job and I look forward to the challenge of inhabiting Shelby for 2+ hours each night.

What distinguishes this production or role you have compared to other characters you’ve played in the past?

Shelby is definitely the most fun character I’ve ever played. It’s also been inspiring to work with so many talented and empowered women. I’ve never been in a cast of all women, directed by a woman. Each one of them has brought themselves 110% to this process and it has been a dream to play with them all.

Our earth-mother of a director, Laurie Woolery, told us on the first day of rehearsals that producing and performing in this play, as women of color, is an act of revolution. I love that. Viva la revolution!

Why do you think theater is important?

Theatre is where an audience can experience a story come alive. The sound vibrations of the words come from the actors and enter into the audience member’s body. We are made of nearly 90% water. When your molecules are moved enough, that’s where laughter and tears come – the water overflows. Theatre is an experience unlike any other art form because we – the audience, the actors, the crew – are all creating this story in the moment.

I’ve thought about this question a lot because I need to understand what I am contributing to this world by doing this work. True, the theatre doesn’t feed the hungry, but it does feed the soul. My life, my humanity has been changed by going to and performing in the theater. Experiencing the lives of so many with empathy and recognition (either of my conscious self or my lizard brain!) – I have found myself and learned about the world within the darkness of a theater seat and under the glare of lights.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to pursue acting?

If you want to be an actor and there is nothing else that will bring you joy in life – GO FOR IT! Do not wait. That will only make you depressed and bitter. READ PLAYS – know the classics. There is a a depth of life to learn from in those pages. Go see as much theatre, dance, opera, movies, TV, improv as possible – I have learned so much from watching some of the best and worst shows ever. Be an observer of life. Get training – talent is one thing, but technique and the ability to be a professional is something to learn from your elders. Be courageous and generous in your work. Keep finding and fueling that joy that inspired you to pursue this in the first place. It’s an absolutely insane dream to be an actor. Warning. We are all crazy.

Anything else you’d like to share?

We are performing a play I never dreamed I would be in and on a stage I’ve wanted to perform on for so long. The play and the movie are fantastic and iconic. But I didn’t think an all Asian cast could or would exist. Thanks to the bravery of Tim Dang’s programming – I can play this joyful and strong character. I’ve wanted to perform at East West Players since I was a kid in High School, far away on the East Coast. I can’t express with words how grateful I am for the chance to be in this show with this amazing director, cast and crew. I look forward to sharing this story with the community and can’t wait for our first audiences!

How can fans stay updated about your projects?

Follow me on Twitter  @Ruth_Coughlin and Website – RuthCoughlin@gmail.com

 

NOW PLAYING! Laugh, Cry, and Enjoy the Classic “Steel Magnolias” at East West Players!

Now playing at East West Players, “Steel Magnolias” opens East West Players’ 48th Season “Making Light.” Written by Robert Harling, this is a classic comedy-drama play that later became a popular film about the bond among a group of Southern women. The action centers on Truvy’s beauty parlor and the women who regularly gather there. The cast features Hiwa Bourne, Ruth Coughlin, Karen Huie, Dian Kobayashi, Lovelle Liquigan, and Patti Yasutake.

 

Hiwa Bournce as Truvy

Ruth Coughlin as Shelby

Karen Huie as Ouiser

Dian Kobayashi as Clairee

Lovelle Liquigan as Annelle

Patti Yasutake as M’Lynn

Now Casting for “The Nisei Widows Club: How Tomi Got Her Groove Back”

NISEI WIDOWS CLUB Casting Breakdown

East West Players, the longest running theater of color in the US is casting Asian, Pacific Islander, multi-racial Asian performers for THE NISEI WIDOWS CLUB: HOW TOMI GOT HER GROOVE BACK by Betty Tokudani. Directed by Amy Hill. Rehearsals begin October  8, 2013. Previews begin November 7, opening Wednesday November 13 for four week run (5 performances a week) through December 8, 2013. Find out more about East West Players at www.eastwestplayers.org. AEA LOA-BAT Contract ($358 per week).

Casting:

Patrick and Kimo Ikaikakane – to be played by one actor – they are step-brothers. Patrick Ikaikakane is a yoga instructor living in Los Angeles 35 – 45 years old, into Buddhism, kind of cosmic new age type of person, very gentle with dreadlocks. His appearance is “what you see is what you get” and may look a little disheveled, pudgy and a bit of a fashion misfit. A hippie throwback. Kimo Ikaikakane is a bit younger, very fit and in fact is very body conscious – a great body and a beautiful hula dancer into the deep philosophy of Hawaii and the dance. Both are the epitome of ‘aloha’ but in their own special way. Must have good comic timing, be able to dance hula well, able to do yoga poses and speak pidgin English dialect of the Hawaiian islands.

All other roles are cast.

Agent and Personal submissions through Actors Access and Breakdown Services.

Electronic submissions with role to be considered for to casting@eastwestplayers.org

Or send via postal mail your picture, resume, and role to be considered for:

Casting: NISEI WIDOWS CLUB
East West Players
120 Judge John Aiso Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Submissions received August 30 – September 13, 2013.

PLEASE no telephone calls or personal deliveries.

THE NISEI WIDOWS CLUB: HOW TOMI GOT HER GROOVE BACK

The third installment of a comic trilogy following the lives of a group of widowed Nisei women who only have each other in the face of loss and the search for love in their golden years. Tomi loses her only son to a heart attack at the early age of 45 and the other widows gather around her during this time of grief. Hilarity ensues when they embark on an unforgettable trip to Hawaii unleashing the cougar in all of them at a hula retreat.

View PDF.

Steel Magnolia of the Day: Karen Huie

Karen Huie as Ouiser in “Steel Magnolias”

Tell us about the character you play, and how can you relate to her. Is there any part of STEEL MAGNOLIAS that resonates with you as an actor, or personally?

Ouiser Boudreaux got no thanks for opening her heart and womb, so they snapped shut. But she forges on, doing what she thinks is right. I ran away from home when I was 15. Yes, a very bold thing for an Asian American girl to do. Strangers took me in, fed me, gave me money, solace and friendship during that time. From then on, it never occurred to me to be anything but open and generous to others. I’ve shared my home, heart, friendship and helped many people get work. For that, some never thanked me and worse yet, stabbed me in the back. Many times. I would have been justified in slamming my door shut. But I didn’t want the bad behavior of others to cause me to slam my door shut.

This is where I identify with Ouiser. She did everything right, only to have it turn out wrong. But she hangs onto her values, even if it’s a struggle to live through each day. Then the universe rewards her, by giving her love in the form of Owen Jenkins, “a blast from the past”.

What challenges, if any, have you faced with playing your character?

I trained at HB Studio in NY many years ago. I continue to take all kinds of classes because I love learning. During the summer, I was in a seven-week full-time musical theatre intensive at Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York. I have been an actor most of my life and am now a different person than I was at 20. I wanted to really dig deep to discover and explore those changes. Alan Langdon, one of the acting teachers in the program (who was Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s acting teacher), talked of doing scenes and shows as “a journey to yourself.” And if our work is fruitful and we are brave enough, we can share that revelation with audiences. As our wonderful director Laurie Woolery says, “It’s about bringing our humanity to these roles and relationships.”

What distinguishes this production or role you have compare to other characters you’ve played in the past?

I enjoy doing comedy and always thought it was something I did well. Surprisingly, I’ve done very few sitcoms or comedies on stage. I even wrote a comedy that became a sitcom pilot but for some reason, rarely got the chance to do much comedy.

I finally made a webisode called, “Miss Mah Poo,” a take off on Miss Marple, so I could do some comedy.The three other shows I’ve done at East West Players were “The Chairman’s Wife,” by Wakako Yamauchi, where I played Madame Mao Tse Tung; “The Joy Luck Club,” by Amy Tan; and “A Little Night Music,” by Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim. I think doing all-female productions have a different energy. It’s cozy and relaxed. “The Joy Luck Club” was mostly women and “The House of Bernarda Alba,” which I did at the Mark Taper Forum, was 16 women, with the fabulous Chita Rivera at the helm.

Why do you think theater is important?

Theater is an intimate experience. It’s like getting to witness a shared humanity in person. The people aren’t bigger than life, there’s nobody there to cut to an establishing shot. You’re right in their living room, in their neighborhood or in the beauty shop they go to every Saturday. It’s like spending an evening feeling your feelings with the characters who are living them on stage. The characters in plays are regular people in regular circumstances that become extraordinary. They are you and I. I go to theater a lot. If it’s 7:00 and I don’t have anything I have to do, I look for a show to see. With the time limits of when I’m in NY, I might see five shows in one weekend. I just love the feeling of the lights going down and come up on the Petri dish we are going to examine that night. It’s fascinating and I never tire of it.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to pursue acting?

If acting is something that calls to you, follow it. Follow whatever calls to you. Don’t let logic or external advice stand in your way. It’s a tough road, but it will call upon you to examine your own humanity. It will call upon you to train and continue training to not only hone your skills—acting, singing, dance, study of literature, art, music—but to learn anything you can, so you’ll have things to express. Imagine training as a violinist with no music you’re inspired to play! Stick your ego in your back pocket and throw yourself into learning, rather than looking for praise.

Anything else you’d like to share?

In a recent conversation with our wonderful voice and dialect teacher Leslie Ishii for “Steel Magnolias,” I said other theatres have created “labs” for minorities to develop plays. However, most of those never make it to the main stage. This reinforces the idea that people will foster your ideas and creativity but underscore the fact that it’s not good enough to be put on the main stage. This is where the existence of theatres that cast and do Asian or Asian Pacific Islander material is vital. It allows us to stand up and be seen and valued.

How can fans stay updated about your projects?

Fans can see my demo reel and short films I’ve made by searching for Karen Huie on Youtube or Funnyordie.com

Buy Preview Tickets To “Steel Magnolias!”

Hiwa Bournce as Truvy

Ruth Coughlin as Shelby

Karen Huie as Ouiser

Dian Kobayashi as Clairee

Lovelle Liquigan as Annelle

Patti Yasutake as M’Lynn

Previews are Thursday, September 5th through Saturday September 7th at 8pm and Sunday September 8th at 2pm. All preview seats are $21.

“Steel Magnolias” is a classic comedy-drama play that later became a popular film about the bond among a group of Southern women. The action centers on Truvy’s beauty parlour and the women who regularly gather there.

The production features Hiwa Bourne (The Pity of Things, Crimes of the Heart, Shake) as Truvy, Ruth Coughlin (A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Shelby, Karen Huie (A Little Night Music, Joy Luck Club) as Ouiser, Dian Kobayashi (Joy Luck Club, Equus) as Clairee, Lovelle Liquigan (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Language Archive) as Annelle, and Patti Yasutake (Star Trek: The Next Generation) as M’Lynn.

For special performance dates and additional information, visit STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

Volunteer Opportunity Volunteer as an usher.

Sign Up Now For EWP Actors Conservatory Classes This Fall!

Our Actors Conservatory offers a comprehensive theatre arts curriculum for those who are honing their craft as professional actors as well as those seeking personal expression.

Students have ranged in age from 17-65, are of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds, and have skill levels from beginning to advanced. What brings everyone together is the dedication to learning and sharing a unique theatrical experience. Minimum age is 17 with parent or guardian consent. Enrolling and completing studies with East West Players Actors Conservatory does not guarantee you will be cast in an EWP mainstage production.

East West Players is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for those who are seeking to challenge themselves and take risks. Our faculty offers the utmost in creative talent whose mission is to provide our students the opportunity to hone their craft in a risk free environment.

All classes will be held in Downtown Los Angeles at St. Francis Xavier Chapel Japanese Catholic Center – Maryknoll located at 222 South Hewitt Street, Los Angeles, 90012 (East of Alameda between 2nd & 3rd Streets).

* Fundamentals of Acting I – Instruction by Dom Magwili
This beginning 8-week class will continue its exploration of improvisation, sensory, and character exercises as well as beginning monologue work. The Fundamentals of Acting series includes the practice of concentration, focus, connecting, following instincts and relaxation.

*Students are encouraged to enroll in Fundamentals I, II & III. Those who complete the series will qualify to enroll in the Studio Lab Project workshop which will culminate in a performance at the end of the session.

*Beginning Voice & Speech (V & S) – Instruction by Leslie Ishii
This course will feature on-going voice and speech technique and will demonstrate how the use of these techniques support the actor to bring the text analysis off the page to increase the richness and level of play in their acting performances. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring your yoga mat!

*Essential Skills for Working Actors – Instruction by David Dean Bottrell
This course is for students who have completed first year of Voice & Speech and will continue to build on previous technique. Prior acting studies/training and voice work are required from any of the major voice methods. Students will experience applying the voice work to your acting work with classroom participation and in-class individual coaching.

*Vocal Class – Instruction by Deborah Shulman
This course is designed to focus on vocal technique that addresses each individual’s vocal issues. Class will also include working with students on the practical application of that technique through exercises using a song they have brought in. Deborah’s clients included Bette Midler, David Lee Roth and Katherine Fries Vaughn and many more.

View schedule of Fall 2013 Actors Conservatory Classes at http://www.eastwestplayers.org/arts_education/conservatory.htm

View 2013-2014 Professional Enrichment Enrollment Form (PDF): http://www.eastwestplayers.org/pdf/arts_education/13_fall_enrollment.pdf

Questions? Contact Arts Education Director Marilyn Tokuda at mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000 x15. Limited Scholarships Available through Beulah Quo Scholarship Fund.

Enroll Now for the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute! Fall 2013 Session Begins September 14!

To enroll, please contact EWP Arts Education Director Marilyn Tokuda at mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org Please note that enrollment is on a first come, first served basis and you do not have a space in the workshop unless you personally receive an enrollment form via email.

To apply for a scholarship, please click here.

 Join the most active Asian Pacific American playwright development program in the country, which has nurtured works read and produced at theatres nation-wide. Classes meet in downtown Los Angeles. Dates and instructors are subject to change.

PLAYWRITING This 10-week workshop is designed to help new and experienced writers start or develop new plays into scripts that are ready to be put on stage. Each 4-hour session includes: a warm-up writing exercise, reading and discussion of works in progress, reading assignments from dramatic literature to inspire writers with their work, and a closing exercise to focus on the next week’s work. The workshop culminates in staged readings of the works in progress at East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Theater.

Instructor: DORIS BAIZLEY
September 14, 2013 – November 23, 2013
Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm (No class on 10/26)
Staged Readings: December 10 – 17, 2013
Maryknoll Japanese Catholic Center
222 S. Hewitt St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Fee: $400 (ACTS members $375)

Doris Baizley is a founding member of LA Theaterworks. Her plays MRS. CALIFORNIA, SHILOH RULES, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL have been produced in many U.S. regional theaters. Recent documentary plays are: PEACE CRIMES and SISTER KENNY’S CHILDREN at The History Theatre in St. Paul MN; ONE DAY/SARAH HOUSE, winner of a 2009 Santa Barbara Independent Press Award for original script; and SEXSTING, winner of the first Guthrie Theatre/Playwrights Center Two-Headed Challenge Grant. She recently story-edited Anne Makepeace’s documentary feature film WE STILL LIVE HERE!, winner of the 2011 Full Frame Documentary Festival Inspiration Award and the 2011 Telluride Moving Mountains Award.
SEXSTING received its Los Angeles premiere in Feb. 2013, at the Skylight Theater, featuring Gregory Itzin and JD Cullum.

EWP Professional Enrichment Orientation Day on August 26!

MONDAY, AUGUST 26 | 7PM
David Henry Hwang Theater
120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles 90012

Come to our Professional Enrichment Orientation on Monday, August 26 at 7 PM! Orientation will be held at the David Henry Hwang Theater at 120 Judge John Aiso St. Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about EWP’s outstanding educational programs which are dedicated to providing a nurturing space and an environment where one can challenge oneself and explore without distractions.

Learn about our Professional Enrichment and Youth Arts Education programs including:

-East West Players Actors Conservatory, offering classes in Acting, Voice and Speech (Additional information can be found here: http://www.eastwestplayers.org/pdf/arts_education/13_fall_enrollment.pdf)

-Studio Lab Project

-On-Camera Commercial Auditions

-The Alliance of Creative Talent Services (ACTS), our career development program

-Theatre for Youth, which includes our touring production and Partners in Education Arts Collaboration or PEAC, our artist in residence program

-The David Henry Hwang Writers Institute, which is the nation’s most active Asian Pacific American Playwright development program

Our instructors will be on hand to talk about their classes and to answer any questions you may have. It’s a great way to be informed and to decide whether or not certain classes are for you.

RSVP to Arts Education Director Marilyn Tokuda at mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org with “Subject Line: Arts Education Orientation.”