Q: What kind of performance artist are you?

Actor

Q: When did you first know that you wanted to be a full-time artist?

Oh gosh, did I ever really not know? I think I finally realized it was a possibility to be a full-time artist when I did my first show at an equity theatre -- as a replacement. In between rehearsals I was working 5 days a week at a restaurant. The other actors in the show were not working full-time and I think it showed in the way they were able to bring themselves to (acting) work every day.

Q: How are you keeping yourself inspired to create during this unprecedented time?

I've been taking a lot of classes! It is truly unprecedented times, and one of the positives is getting to take classes with companies that aren't in my city, like Second City. I've loved improv with them so much I'm thinking of making a move to LA!

Q: What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome as an artist and how did you overcome it?

The truth is, I've lived a pretty privileged life and if my biggest obstacle is behind me, I'm in a good place. I will say that it's been difficult for me to define who I am as an artist. I guess I'm still figuring out how to use my passion beyond art for art's sake. I believe that theatre has the power to be a great change-maker and I'm not always sure where I fit into that. Just when I think I have it figured out, life throws something else at me.

Q: What are you most proud of in your career thus far?

I literally won a Helen Hayes Award yesterday so... I truly am proud of my work on that show. I played Agnes in John Pielemeier's Agnes of God with Factory 449 and on top of singing throughout the show and generally emotional work, I needed to cry at some very specific moments in the script. I was initially worried that I wouldn't be able to sustain the performance every night, but my work paid off.

Q: Is there anything you are working on now that can be shared and supported?

I'm currently the Programming & Digital Marketing Manager for the Actors' Center, a non-profit based in Washington DC. Since the pandemic has moved our programming online, we've been hosting a ton of workshops for working actors and the general theatre community, all at PWYC prices or for free. If you're an artist, please take advantage of the opportunity to train with some of DC's best. And if you're able, please consider contributing an extra donation to support our teaching artists and keep our classes financially accessible. @actorscenterdc; 
 The Actors Center Events.

You can follow me on Instagram @zoewalp, and see more of my acting work, including upcoming gigs, at www.zoewalpole.com.