Interview with British & Norwegian Elizabeth Pickering Hopland

Elizabeth Pickering Hopland started acting at a very young age, her first performance was in Camelot-Kings of the Round Table at 6 years old playing the page boy, but it was when she performed as Fagin from Oliver Twist that she realized she had found her calling, alongside her love [of the line], “Shut up and drink your gin” Elizabeth was lucky and got great feedback from an early age.

indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Elizabeth: I studied at The New York Film Academy for 2 years learning the Acting for Film craft and technique. I loved the experience there—due to the fantastic teachers, mentors and networking opportunities. Studying helped me a lot as I learnt how to be professional, hardworking and driven, as no one realizes how hard the struggle is to become a working actor but NYFA is a great eye opener. I would 100% recommend to those in need of an intense course which will push you beyond your limits.

Directed and filmed by Miguel Martinez.
Shot in 14th Street.
Starring Alexandrea Mallia & Elizabeth Pickering Hopland, as Liz the angry camera woman.

indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Elizabeth: I study The Meisner Technique at The Artists Gym At Pearl Studios taught by Jacob Mirer, a marvellous acting mentor here in the city. Meisner forces you to be completely Truthful and vulnerable in the moment, taking in your partner and learning how to listen and to follow your impulses and to take risks. I firmly believe that everyone could benefit from doing a Meisner class.

indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Elizabeth: Apart from the Meisner classes, I try and do as many workshops as possible— it’s great to expose yourself to as many techniques, teachers and fellow actors as possible as every workshop or class you attend just gives you a fresh perspective on topics you question

indieactivity: What acting books do you read?
Elizabeth: Currently reading “The actors guide to creating a character” by William Esper and Damon DiMarco.

Elizabeth Pickering Hopland_indieactivity

Elizabeth Pickering Hopland as FAGIN in Oliver Twist

indieactivity: How do you keep fit as an actor?
Elizabeth: I struggle with balancing a healthy diet while running from rehearsal to audition to photo shoot, as it’s so difficult to find time to eat, a basic need, however I drink lots of ginger tea, take dance classes and try to at least get 6 hours of sleep. But I have a lot of improvement in this department to do!

indieactivity: When you’re offered a role, what do you do next?
Elizabeth: Firstly I learn my lines, then try to find a quiet space which can be exceedingly difficult in a place like New York. Then, I go over the facts in the script and given circumstances and slowly break down the script. Then I like to physically embody the character, wondering what kind of animal the character would be, and what chakra they operate with. So an immense amount of internal work and then physical— I like to work from the inside out.

indieactivity: How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Elizabeth: I always creates a playlist for my character and when in between takes I listen to the music and close my eyes, to remain relaxed and in character, but sometimes I will make an effort to socialize with the cast and crew as, at the end of the day it should be an enjoyable situation for everyone involved.

indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Elizabeth: My favorite role was definitely Fagin from Oliver Twist. I am tall and androgynous, so I have been cast multiple times as male characters. I love this!, I thrive from the challenge and pushing the normalities. We first performed in England at The Hayworth Theatre in 2016. I was described as being extraordinary, which is always encouraging to hear!

indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Elizabeth: Me and my acting partner were in a scene where my character finds out she is pregnant, and during the scene I was eating biscuits, and as I found out, I spit out all the biscuit over the restaurant table, it was an amusing touch, and then used for the final performance.

indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Elizabeth: I love a director who is organized and has an epic vision for what they want for the show, and allows creative freedom during rehearsals. One of the best directors I worked with was Gary Jones, on The Wall by Pink Floyd, the Rock opera, This was in England at the Mercury theatre.

indieactivity: What actors do you long to work with?
Elizabeth: There are so many actors I wants to work with, but Cate Blanchett And Charlize Theron are up there!! Two strong powerful females.

indieactivity: Why?
Elizabeth: I love both of those actors. I love the characters they portray, and they don’t always play the damsel in distress, they play fierceness badass women who girls look up to.

indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Elizabeth: Hustle everyday all day! There are so many actors who are amazing but only a few stick it out and persist to the gold. Also just to show up is going to get you places, as actors are infamous for being flakey, so don’t let it be you, get up and arrive prepared and ready to kiss ass. If not you who ? If not now when?

The New York Film Academy Productions presents “Strongbox”. An original short story based on The Miser by Moliere. My character is a modern Harpagon, an androgynous CEO.

indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Elizabeth: Currently I am performing in “12 angry men” At the producers club in 44th from the 17th to 20th May. I am also producing and acting in Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues at The Players Theater in New York on June 20th. It’s such a important time for the message. The cast is amazing and diverse and beautiful. I will be working again with actress Joanna Pickering who I met on set for an independent TV series about a newspaper, where Joanna played the Boss and I was her assistant— she was such a talent to work with and extremely hardworking, and I am delighted to be on stage with her again. I have also asked her to consider co-directing, the full details are still to announce. Come and say HI! But I am truly delighted in receiving the rights!