Full Name:
Liz Kimball
Major/Year:
Second year M.F.A. Acting
T&D: Favorite class in Theatre & Dance and why:
Choosing a favorite class is like choosing a favorite parent. Or choosing between sweet potato fries and dark chocolate. Each professor offers equally inspiring, specific, and useful instruction on a daily basis. Inability to choose favorites is a sign of knowing you are at the right place.
Favorite thing about Austin:
Austinites seem to live in the present moment; during conversation they make you feel as if being with you is the only place they need to be. Also, the food trucks, sunsets, and the breeze.
Favorite place to study:
“Flight Path” on Duval at 51st.
Brief biography (including projects, awards, accomplishments):
An NYC based actress, Liz originated the roles of Eija Ritta in the world premiere of Erika's Wall at The Music Theatre Company, and Lisa in Jackson Rep's critically acclaimed 167 Tongues. Other recent roles include Penny in Walnut Street Theatre's Hairspray, and the title role in Coming, Aphrodite! at La MaMa ETC. Additional NYC credits include The York, NYMF, and B.B. King's; regional credits include Paper Mill Playhouse, McCarter Theatre, Weston Playhouse, Marriott Lincolnshire, Florida Stage, and ABT (Zoni Nomination — Best Actress). In the inaugural production of the American Music Theatre Project, Liz played Angel in Kleinbort and Thalken's Was, directed by Tina Landau. A member of Actors' Equity, Liz graduated summa cum laude with degrees in English and Theatre from Northwestern University, where she won the Sarah Siddons Scholarship, Joe Miller Award, and Dina Peruitz award. Liz conceived, directed, and choreographed the original musical HappyFoods for The Music Theatre Company in Chicago, of which she is an original ensemble member. As an educator, Liz has taught Acting and Music Theatre at Mount Holyoke College, Northwestern, The Paramount Theatre, and at workshops and schools throughout the US. In her first year at UT, Liz played the title role in Allison Gregory's Junie B. Jones at The Paramount Theatre, directed by Steven Dietz, Polly Peachum in Threepenny Opera, directed by Halena Kays, and Betsy/Lindsey in Bruce Norris’s Pulitzer-Prize winning Clybourne Park, directed by Lucien Douglas. Liz also acted in numerous new plays in the Cohen New Works Festival.
Current projects/research/interests:
This summer, Liz is traveling to Quito, Ecuador, to facilitate and develop performing arts programming in local schools through the US based nonprofit Arts InterFACE. In the fall, Liz will play Varya in Curt Columbus’s adaptation of The Cherry Orchard, directed by Brant Pope, and Elizabeth in Jeffery Hatcher’s adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, directed by Daria Davis.
