ACTOR INTERVIEW: Interview with Latonia Phipps
I was born in Queens and raised in Brooklyn, NY to a Costa Rican and Jamaican father and Southern Mother. At the age of ten I lost my mother to cancer and moved around throughout my childhood until I was old enough to be on my own. I attended SUNY College at Brockport, where I originally majored in business, and a month into school I was cast in The Virginia Monologues and immediately changed my major to theater. I then went on to receive my MFA in Theater at Brooklyn College. Right out of my masters program I was cast in The Colored Museum, by George C. Wolfe at The Crossroads Theater and received my equity card. I then went on to perform in Wait Until Dark, by Fredrick Knott at The Ivoryton Playhouse, With Aarons Arms Around Me with The Negro Ensemble Company at The Cherry Lane Theater, All American Girls written and directed by Layon Gray (writer of Black Angels Over Tuskegee) at The Actors Temple, and most recently Katori Hall’s Children of Killers at The Castillo Theater, as well as a variety of other venues throughout New York City. I also begin playwriting and in 2010 wrote my first full-length solo show entitled, “Fishing in Brooklyn,” This piece follows a young woman who sets out to write a novel inspired by memories she shared with her mother fishing. All goes right when she gets help from the spirit of her dead mother and a Jamaican roots woman. Here I portray 27 characters infusing slam poetry and African drumming. This piece first premiered at The Rotunda Theater (West Philadelphia) and went on to be presented at The Woodstock Fringe Festival and the highly acclaimed Theater Row. This piece will be showing again in 2013 please visit my website for updates.
How Would You Describe Your Acting
There are several methods I use when approaching acting it truly depends on the piece. But I tend to depend more on the Stanislavski method. This is based on the concept of emotional memory for which an actor focuses internally to portray a character’s emotions onstage through the use of physical actions.
How Did You Get Into Acting
A year into undergrad, I was given the opportunity to study in theater in St. Petersburg Russia and Ghana, West Africa. I learned so much from this experience. These two enchanting places, though different in people, were rich with stories and culture. I felt as if each person I came into contact with was a puzzle piece that fit into a bigger plan. I immediately began to question what I could do to be apart of this? It was during these trips that I chose to fully pursue theater as a career.
Flashback interview was super nervous God’s power and knowing I’m walking in GREATNESS got me through. http://t.co/T0dVngog
— LaTonia Phipps (@LaToniaPhipps) September 3, 2012
Did you study acting
My acting education includes Suny College at Brockport, studied underneath the direction of Ruth Childs; St. Petersburg Russia Theater Arts Academy studied Russian Movement (etudes and bio-mechanics as well as Stanislavisky… approaching acting through physical movement); Brooklyn College (Marybeth Easley, Charlotte Fleck, Judylee Vivier and Laura Smith (Acting, Speech and Diction, Voice and Alexander Technique).
Do You Operate On Instincts When Acting
Well, it definitely depends on the moment and the material or even where I am on stage. Although I believe all actors to always be available onstage because no matter how much prep you do you should always be ready for a change. Which is where instinct comes in, however I tend to lean on both instinct and technique so I’m double prepared.
Describe A Few Wrong Impressions Actors Have About Acting
That it’s okay to be lazy and not do the work. If you are fully prepared and don’t book or don’t perform well it’s on you. But if you do all you can to be on point and it still doesn’t work out for you at least you gave 100 percent and that separates a professional from a lazy actor.
Do You Often Take Courses In Acting To Increase Your Craft
Yes. When I’m not working I like to take classes at Actors Connection. Just to stay relevant and brush up.
What Books Do You Read
I read plays mostly when I’m able. But currently, I’m reading right now are In The Continuum by Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter and The Tao of Show Business by Dallas Travers.
How Do You Keep in Shape as an Actor
I cook at home more, watch what I eat and make sure I do something physical before the week ends.
What Physical Exercise Do You Do To Keep in Shape
I love biking… If New York didn’t have so many seasons I would do it all the time. Biking in the gym is not as fun because you don’t have the scenery.
When You Are Offered A Role, What Do You Do
Well, first I read the script. Just for the sake of reading it. And if I have time I try to read it again to take note of what the other characters are saying and thinking about the role I’m going out for. Then I reread the sides and began doing an “action scan,” which I learned in the Stanislavski method. Once my actions are done, I try to find a personal connection to the piece and lastly I grab a friend to run through it a few time with the different actions until I feel comfortable.
How Do You Take A Character To A Honest, Believable And Breathing Person
Find where it relates to me. What do I already have in common with the story and with the character?
What ‘Thing/Situation’ Helps Your Character During A Production
Having actual props to aid with my imagination. For example, while doing Katori Hall, “Children of Killers,” which was set in Africa, there was red dirt in one spot only onstage. I’ve been to Africa before and I remember how the red dirt smelt, looked and felt under my feet. That’s what made it different from being in say a Brooklyn neighborhood. So I would take some of this dirt and spread around the chair I sat in back stage before every show. I know the stage crew hated it. But I needed it to feel as if I was there.
Explain A Creative Choice You Took On Set Of A Recent Production
While working on “Children of Killers,” my character was disable; her left arm was chopped off. The director came me some choices in how to play with this arm. I watched several videos people with this disability and even followed a woman around one day just to see how she functioned. I then began, for a month, doing everything with only one arm at my home. I slowly realized it was not as difficult as I thought because we really don’t’ need both arms to do our daily rituals. Also my character didn’t loose her entire arm only the part from the elbow to the hair was gone. The other part was still functioning and can be used in assitance to the right arm. I could also swing this arm in and out of place. This became a huge character choice for me. I began to use this while lifting things onstage and even during a fighting scene where I needed my arm to get out of the way. This action was so profound even my cast members began mocking me in a loving way.
What is The Most Memorable Character You Have Played
The most memorable character I’ve played, and would like to play again when I’m older, is Hester in Susan Lori-Parks In The Blood. A story about a homeless woman with five kids who has been shunned from her community. I played this role in college and although, it was a great performance I didn’t even scratch the surface to where I couldn’t went with this woman and how society viewed her.
What Do You Want From A Director During A Production
Honesty, a clear vision, and freedom to explore.
How Do You Prefer To Work With A Director During A Production
I like it when directors allow the actors to play, to discover and to fail. Before they begin to put their stamp on it. There is a lot that actors can bring to the process in the beginning. But it’s also great when the directly has a clear vision to begin with then both parties can build together.
Do You Get Offers From Hollywood
In Time.
What Do You Think An Actor Can Do To Get Into The Film/Theater Industry
First work on their craft, prepare a strong reel, and network. Get to know those directors, producers and writers you would like to work with. Do everything to get into the room and then be ready to show what you got.
Who Is Your Favorite Actor
I have several because these women help shape my career daily. Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Angela Basset, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, Thandie Newton and Tarij P. Henson.
Why is These Actors Your Favorite Actors
I say all of these women because they exemplify everything I build my career on: hard work, originality, commitment, persistence, diligence and Growth. But to narrow it down, the first movie I saw Meryl Streep in was Sophie’s Choice and I cried the entire way. I then saw Doubt right after. And I was flawed by her specificity in both roles. Her work is so clean and effortless. I know she must have an insane process to prepare because every moment is so full. Yet, she still leaves room to listen and react. And that as an actor is the most important in the process.
What Advice Would You Give Actors Around The World
When you’re not working you should be working and always find ways to stay relevant. I learned this after following Dallas Travers, the actors advocate. I think we as actors should always be honing our craft. Even if we get with a couple of friends and read some plays. Also it’s important we create our OWN WORK. Not only does it separate us from the rest but if you have a ton of people attending something you created, why wouldn’t a casting director want to check you out. Make them make the call.
