I grew up on the southside of Chicago. A skinny, African American girl, from the projects of Chicago. Theater and Film saved me. I lived with my grandmother, mom, and seven uncles until my mom married my stepfather. My love of theater, dance, song was championed by my teachers, talent show, and local theater. Even though we were poor, I was rich. Classic movies, blues, and jazz were a daily part of life. It was a nice juxtaposition from the housing projects we lived in. I vowed to be a great entertainer; however, my family chose to become Jehovah’s Witnesses, which discouraged extra curricular activities. We moved to the suburbs to attend better schools. I admit I had to sneak and perform in talent shows. I had fun and encouragement from teachers and classmates. It was not until I attended Bradley that I had that “moment”. There was a day when the theater was empty. I stood on the stage in the empty auditorium and I felt as I were home. I worked my butt off from that day forward. I wanted to and I still want to be the best I can be. I want to leave a mark in the industry. There is something to be said for those of us who came from nothing. The drive to make something that inspires is very strong. This is why I act and produce. I have the ability to do what I love and provide other the same.
Did you study acting
Yes. I attended Bradley University for a traditional theatre education. This was the place where I conquered my fear and the voices of many who told me I would not amount to anything. The challenge was the material, classical to contemporary, my professors constantly challenged and stretched my ability. This helped me develop range. Once I graduated, I coached with one of the casting directors for “Chicago Fire” as well as the former VP of casting for HBO. I continue to coach as I am booking roles that I love in the Indie world.
Already missing all of you in my Oslo workshop… the depth, the enthusiasm, the talent!!
-Ivana pic.twitter.com/cbzBAkr9YB— Ivana Chubbuck (@ivanachubbuck) September 18, 2015
What acting technique do you use
It is a combination of techniques and it depends on the role. For difficult subjects, I prefer method acting. Lately, I have found value in Ivanna Chubbuck’s teaching method..
Tell us about the work you have produced
Currently, I am working as a producer for a feature length film, “Some Years Earlier” – the new “Good Will Hunting, and “Open” a women lead action film. We have moved through the casting phase and I have seen a great propensity toward playing a character. There is a difference between playing a character and being “truthful under imaginary circumstances”. The actors who caught the directors attention were the actors who read the text with ease, confidence, and understanding of the characters backstory. There was an unmistakeable grounded-ness to an actor or actress who deeply understands backstory and how to communicate this to a “reader”. I am currently signed on as a principal for a new pilot. I can’t discuss it now but as soon as I can, I will scream it from the rooftop!
Do you take courses to improve your craft
My goal is three classes per year. One class has to be at least four weeks in length. The other classes can be workshops and private coaching.
How do you combine acting and producing
Some days, I don’t know how I manage the lifestyle of a producer and actress. My colleagues have laughed as I have asked “What would Shonda do?” My love of this industry and the level of talent in Chicago keeps me going when I feel like giving up and drinking hot chocolate in my pajamas. I have developed organizing skills from acting, coaching, and production work at Bradley.
An example was our last shooting days in October. It was cold and the days felt long. My heart skipped a beat when I saw footage from the final scene in our proof of concept. I was reminded that you can fall in love over and over again. The actors, crew, and director made this a memorable experience as a producer.
As far as acting, I auditioned and booked roles in scripts that are fresh and well written. There is a real grittiness to the characters. I cannot wait to bring these characters to life. There is nothing greater than telling a story – this is my life purpose. Who will we inspire with our art? Who will have a life epiphany? Who will leave the film refreshed from complete engrossment away from the mundane?
How do you keep fit as an actor
Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. I got into this martial art because I am domestic abuse survivor. I am a blue belt – two stripe, training with Professor Carlos Lemos, Jr. and Professor Sergio Costa. They are crazy, fun, loving and most of all great teachers. I have competed under Professor Carlos earning a gold medal, two silver medals, and a bronze medal in my division. His encouragement on the mats and in life has been a saving grace – the lesson I learned is that you can overcome anything.
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
Once I am offered a role, I go directly to script analysis for a full understanding of the entire script. Next, I create a backstory for the character followed by my point of view on the other characters I interact with. I love listening to the director and writers talk about the writing process and their reasons for using their chosen language. Once I have a full understanding of the emotional landscape, I move to memorization.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
The backstory is everything. Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Physical (the easiest) are all part of the backstory. In order for me to play truthfully, I have to understand why the character says every single word. In essence, what is the motivation?
How do you stay fresh on set
Self care is essential. Water, mini yoga sessions, time alone, journaling, and of course spending time with the cast and crew helps keep a positive, fresh attitude.
Describe a memorable character you played
Character: Lady, the production title: Vengeful Business, year: 2014 with Red Row Productions, include photos of this character. My favorite was playing an assassin in “Vengeful Business.” I was given the opportunity to throw another actor. This was living.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
In the play Andre’s Mother, a director told me I would be on stage then entire act. The challenge was to stay engaged and emote. It is moments where you have no text but you must communicate to the audience the tone of the scene – these moments have strengthened me as an actress.
What do you want most from a director
Trust, honesty, and the ability to lead gently.
What actors do you long to work with
Any actor who has a strong work ethic but mostly, Morgan Freeman.
Why
Who doesn’t want to work with an actor who played “God”? I kid, his range and ability to portray character is something I would love to witness and share the set with. It would be an honor.
What advice would you give to actors
Never give up. Not ever! We all have to start somewhere.
Kiea Houseton in ‘Vengeful Business’
Briefly write about your career
Kiea Houseton was raised on Chicago’s south side. She double majored, receiving her Sociology and Theatre degree from Bradley University as well as completed an advanced degree in Education. Kiea has had the opportunity to work on the sets of The Mob Doctor, Underemployed, ER, The Matadors, Sirens and Leverage. Other experiences include: directing the Peoria Park Players traveling troupe, assistant producing Beauty and the Beast at the Paramount Theatre and coaching students who have procured acting scholarships, agents and managers in New York and Los Angeles. Her current projects are working as a producer for “Some Years Earlier” and “Open” an action film with strong female leads. There is nothing greater than telling a story – this is her life purpose. She continually asks: Who will we inspire with our art? Who will have a life epiphany? Who will leave the film refreshed from complete engrossment away from the mundane? Whether producing or acting, giving the audience an experience that motivates change is essential.
