Elena Lozonschi was recently interviewed by Famo Celebrity Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with her.
Living Radio, what an interesting concept. Can you tell us more about it?
Living Radio, spearheaded by the remarkable Robert Gonyo, merges current events with creative constraints, challenging playwrights to craft thought-provoking scripts. Collaborating with select directors and actors at The Kraine Theater, we breathe life into these stories, capturing the essence of theater and audio drama. We are also sharing our performances on a podcast, to reach a broader audience, inviting them to explore new perspectives through imaginative storytelling.
Can you share your experience of participating in this unique radio play series?
I attended a rehearsal out of curiosity and was immediately enamored with the team’s creativity and energy. The exclusive, invitation-only nature of the Living Radio was a great incentive to get myself involved with, but the brilliant scripts and the collaborative atmosphere was what sealed the deal for me. Being part of this special group is exciting and the more I’m with them, the more I love it. The positive audience feedback and my connection to the characters make this experience incredibly rewarding.
Can you share a memorable moment or feedback from your involvement that has impacted you?
Many expressed how impressed they were with my comedic delivery, which was extremely affirming to me. One memorable instance was after “5 Beats per Minute or Thirty-Five Degrees Fahrenheit,” when a respected colleague approached me with a big smile, saying, “I had no idea you were so funny! I’d like to see more of that.” Their feedback, along with similar comments, encouraged me to explore different genres and characters with newfound confidence.
“5 Beats per Minute or Thirty-Five Degrees Fahrenheit” centers around the life of Punxsutawney Phil and his wife Phyllis Phil. What drew you to this story?
What drew me to this story was the opportunity to collaborate closely with playwright David H. Rosen, whose insights elevated and enriched the entire process. I felt an immediate connection to Phyllis, a character who embodies qualities I admire—supportive, strong, and integral to Punxsutawney’s success. The story’s celebration of love, teamwork, and the complexities of family life resonated deeply within me. Bringing this heartwarming tale to life, especially with the addition of their adorable babies, has been incredibly fulfilling.
What do you find most intriguing about the narrative of intertwining a groundhog’s life with themes of family dynamics and book writing?
What intrigues me most about this narrative is how it humanizes this iconic figure. Lee Tyler’s portrayal of Punxsutawney delves into his roles as a partner and parent, revealing personal challenges that resonate beyond his traditional folklore. The theme of book writing adds layers of creativity, legacy, and the importance of storytelling, blending fantastical elements with relatable themes. This narrative not only celebrates family dynamics but also enriches the cultural significance of Punxsutawney in an engaging and heartfelt manner.
How did you approach your role in portraying Phyllis Phil?
David H. Rosen’s insights helped me capture Phyllis’s essence and align my performance with his vision. Phyllis is supportive, loving, and a vital part of Punxsutawney’s success. I aimed to embody her spirit, portraying her as a strong, nurturing partner who is both playful and wise. I used timing, expressions, and body language to highlight her comedic aspects while maintaining her depth and integrity. I also developed specific physical and vocal traits to match her playful, whimsical nature.
What challenges did you face in bringing out the relationship dynamics between Phil and Phyllis, especially with the new addition to their family?
I worked closely with the director and Lee to find moments where humor could naturally arise from the situation without overshadowing the genuine connection between Phil and Phyllis. We focused on subtle gestures and expressions that conveyed their deep bond, even amidst comedic situations. I paid close attention to the emotional arcs within each scene, ensuring that transitions felt natural and reflected the evolving dynamics. By keeping Phyllis’s motivations and feelings consistent, I could navigate these shifts seamlessly, even though challenging at times.
Can you describe your creative process when preparing for a new role?
Preparing for a role demands patience and dedication while I dig into the character’s background, researching their historical, social, and cultural context to grasp their world and personality formation. Crafting a detailed backstory involves imagining their life experiences, relationships, and pivotal moments shaping who they are, including family dynamics and personal challenges. I work on connecting the dialogue with physical actions, ensuring that every movement and gesture is motivated by the character’s intentions and emotions. Rehearsals allow for experimentation with different character interpretations, while collaborating closely with directors and fellow actors to refine our performances.
What inspires you the most in your acting and participation in these productions?
Being surrounded by hardworking individuals who are as equally passionate about their craft as I am, is incredibly motivating. Their dedication pushes me to strive for excellence and continuously improve my own skills. The generosity with which my colleagues share their knowledge and experiences is invaluable. Learning from their insights, techniques, and personal stories helps me grow as an actor and solidifies my understanding of the craft. The power of storytelling to illuminate truths, challenge perspectives, and evoke empathy inspires me to be part of productions that have the potential to make a difference in people’s lives.
Are there any lessons you’ve learned along the way that you wish you had known when you started?
Certainly! I’ve learned to embrace the unknown and see it as an opportunity for growth, to have trust in my instincts and abilities. I realized that an actor’s journey is one of lifelong learning, progress in this field can be slow and requires patience, success doesn’t happen overnight, and persistence is key.
What upcoming projects or plays are you looking forward to participating in?
I am thrilled about several upcoming projects and plays that promise to be both challenging and rewarding. I am particularly looking forward to diving into more works by Shakespeare and Chekhov. I am currently working on an immersive Macbeth, with a micro cast, where we are letting the audience direct the play, and use the actors as pawns to fulfill the plot. It’s by far one of the most exciting pieces that I’m involved with and I am very excited to share it with the public.
How can we engage with you and your work?
You can find me on my website at www.elenalozonschi.com, or instagram @elenalozonschi.
