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Rising Star Interview: Kristin Towers-Rowles
Tell us about your latest project.
I am currently directing the Los Angeles Premiere of a wonderful comedy written by Playwright Cricket Daniels: THE LOST VIRGINITY TOUR. It is a great piece about women in their Golden Years, who take a road trip to where they began their adult journeys. What starts off as a fun tour turns into a healing, bonding trip of a lifetime. I am working with fantastic actresses Joy Rinaldi, Toni Perrotta, Madonna Young Magee and Paulette Dozier. The show runs April 13th-May 5th at McCadden Place Theatre in Hollywood – tix are available at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4191014
Do you have any stage solo shows at present or in the works?
My multi-award-winning solo show is A LOVELY LINEAGE, about growing up the Granddaughter of MGM Film Star, Kathryn Grayson.
The show began in 2011 at Sterling’s at Vitello’s and I have done it all over Southern California and Oregon.
I will next be performing the show at Coachella Valley Rep in Palm Desert as part of their Cabaret Series July 28th, 2 PM, 2019 www.cvrep.org
Is there a one night event in the near future you wish to share?
On Monday April 8th, I will be one of 3 soloists at the 50th Anniversary Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Musically Directed by Christopher Raymond
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4076176
Also, I am participating in 2 readings in April: (1) DEADLY (Book & Lyrics by Vanessa Stewart, Music by Ryan Johnson at Sacred Fools Co.) and (2) KISS ME QUICK (written by Kelly Brighton)
What was the place of your birth including reference to its influence on your character today?
I was born and raised in LA…but I am a weirdo. Even though I was surrounded by, and my entire family made their living in the film business, I have only ever felt at home on the stage.
Were there any changes of residence and/or other disruptions, blessings which impacted you significantly during your youth?
I grew up in LA until I was 14 and then went to live with my grandfather and his wife in Florida. That began a chain of brokenness for me. At 15, I moved back to LA and my mother left our home and didn’t come back for 6 years. My father worked very hard to try to raise my brother and me on his own. I left at 19 for Conservatory in NYC and never went back.
How did your rearing as a child affect the artist you have become today? (parents, siblings, other relatives)
I grew up with a working actor for a father. He did commercials, TV, film, voice-over, theatre…his work ethic and lack of ego was my example. It has kept me working hard and continually being grateful for each and every job I have been blessed with.
What are the specific circumstances surrounding your basic education including preschool, elementary school, secondary school, college, graduate school? What are the major features of the schooling which have prominently affected you today?
I was so lucky to go to Hollywood High Performing Arts and then AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in NYC – those two schools helped me focus and develop as an actress, singer and dancer. I am particularly grateful for my time in NYC which I truly consider the best time of my youth. I learned so much in 2 years and made lifelong friends I still have to this day. My education at AMDA and the amazing teachers I had are why I am still a working actress 2.5 decades later.
Please share one or two stories from your basic educational experiences which could explain to others your essential nature?
Because of my upbringing in the biz and my Conservatory education, I am always ultra- prepared. I am sometimes focused to a fault…many people have said that they have learned a lot working with me.I just follow the lead of the amazing pros I trained under and have been honored to work with over the years.
During your basic education, did you cherish a particular teacher? If so, why?
While training in NYC, I studied under Randolph Pearson…he was a no nonsense kind of guy and he taught me so much about being specific in my choices and 100% committed. He taught about being off book and the importance of knowing your lines asap so that you can then begin acting. That is some serious truth.
Were there any artistic event(s) from your youth which inspired you to pursue the Arts?
I always performed – it was our family business. But I think the most eye opening moment for me was singing “My Man” from Showboat in the show Broadway Melody at Hollywood High School and having many pros in the audience say to me that I had “It” – I was 16 and had no idea what that meant, but I knew that I needed to follow that fire in my belly and keep going, no matter what.
At what point did you recognize that you possessed a special talent which might allow you to pursue a life in the Arts?
My senior year in High School at Hollywood High, I won “Best Actress” and I knew then that I was going to pursue this life. I had no real support (financial or otherwise) and recognized I would be doing it alone, but I knew I had to do it. I guess in many ways, I was lucky I didn’t come from a “normal” family…I had no fear.
What were the particulars of your Arts training adventures that you have pursued in order to achieve excellence? (theatre, music, dance)
After studying at AMDA in NYC, I moved back to LA and began really pounding the pavement. I joined SAG/AFTRA, AGVA and Actors Equity.
Do you have any mentors in the Arts who deserve a special shout out as being outsized influences in your artistic achievement?
I am strange in that I live in LA, but I am really a theatre girl. I have a few women I look to as amazing examples: Kelli O’Hara, Audra McDonald, Megan Hilty, Faith Prince..all amazing ladies of the stage who have done both comedy and drama and crossed over to Film/TV. They are all as good actresses as they are singers.
On a personal level, other than original family who shaped your character, do you wish to single out any individual(s) who have shaped your character in wonderful ways? (loves, friendships)
I am so lucky to have an amazing partner, my husband, Ryan Rowles and my 3 beautiful daughters – Ryanna (14), Makayla (13) and Amelya (11) – they keep me going. I know that they are watching me and it keeps me moving forward. Also, I have an amazing dad who is my acting mentor, Robert Towers.
On your road to financial stability, without reference to Arts remuneration, was/were there any job(s) that have been particularly rewarding along the way?
I wish I could say that I’ve had “financial stability” – but in our business, it is often feast or famine. I have been lucky to have completed 7 National Tours, to have worked on cruise ships, to have done revues in Europe and Asia, to have performed Theatre for Young Audiences for a couple of long contracts…but really, there is no long-term paying theatre work in LA – it just doesn’t exist, outside of theme park work.
What was your very first role on any stage? (show title, role)
My first true “role” onstage was playing “The Lion” in Aesop’s Fables. It was my first in a long line of feisty roles. I had no idea I was looking at my future 🙂
What was/were your most rewarding amateur role(s) during your schooling? (show title, role)
My most rewarding role at school was playing “Daisy Mae” in Li’l Abner my senior year of high school. I had grown up seeing my dad play “Pappy Yokum” in pro productions, so I felt super special to be playing Daisy. Plus, she was the “Pretty Girl” and I had not really seen myself that way…it was eye opening that I was being cast that way. It was the beginning of me understanding my “type”
What are the earliest songs that you remember singing (if any)? (title, composer, lyricist)
As a tween and early teen, I was in a performing group called “Kids of the Century” and I got to sing “That’s What Friends Are For” – it was my first big solo and I really found that I had a voice.
Do you remember any personal performing disasters during your schooling?
In elementary school, I was singing “Be a Clown” from“Singin’ In The Rain” and my wig flew off. I had no real training at that point but my instincts were great, and I actually buttoned the song by putting the wig back on. I got a standing ovation. Later in my professional life, I had another wig disaster playing “Cinderella” in INTO THE WOODS and I got the best hand in the show ad-libbing my way thru that. Sometimes those “disasters” wind up being blessings
What was your first role outside of the school “umbrella”? (community) (show title, role, venue)
My first show out of college was H.M.S Pinafore at a non-union great theatre here in LA. I understudied the lead and had a weekend as the role and the following year I booked a National Tour of the same show/role. I will always be so grateful to have had that experience as “Josephine”.
What was your first professional performance? (show title, role, venue)
My first truly pro gig was when I was 12 at LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center in LA. I worked with Opera Berlin there and played an “Angel” in Die Tote Stadt. I also did voice-over and commercials growing up…but LA Opera was my first pro stage gig.
List any “go to” songs and monologues that you have used during auditions in the past?
My “go to” songs are “Vanilla Ice Cream” from She Loves Me for Soprano and “I Got Lost in His Arms” from Annie Get Your Gun for Mezzo. Monologues are “Rose Ritz” from I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and “Emilia” from Othello.
Is there a particular theatre of which you will be eternally grateful for your development as an artist?
I have been so lucky to work at many theatres…one that has really been instrumental is the El Portal in Noho. I starred in the LA Premieres of both TARZAN and VIOLET there. I also directed THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and SWEENEY TODD there – all with Kelrik Productions.
Were there any critical reviews which remain expressly memorable? (show title, role, venue, critic, exact quote or other details)
I take reviews with a grain of salt, honestly. I mostly have gotten amazing reviews for my work, but sometimes I have been in shows that have been critically reviewed and not that person’s cup of tea. As the saying goes, “You can be the sweetest peach but not everyone likes peaches.”
What was/were your past performance(s) which now you regard as most artistically satisfying to you? (show title, role, venue)
I think my most satisfying role I’ve ever played was playing “Violet” in the Jeanine Tesori musical VIOLET. In 2001, I played “Young Violet” at Sierra Rep and then in 2015, I played “Older Violet”. It was a full circle, cathartic, life changing role. I have no words for what it meant to me.
Do you have any role(s) that your heart yearns to play in the future?
My heart aches to play “Francesca” in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. It is the perfect role for me at my age and for my voice. I am GOING to play that role.
Name one professional performance which embodies a personal regret in your own artistic achievement? (show title, role, venue)
A huge regret is that I didn’t attend a callback to play “Martha Jefferson” in the National Tour of 1776 (my dad booked the show and toured with it for over a year). I didn’t go to the callback because I flew to see my ex open in a show. A huge “What If” I have lived with for years.
More than anything else, what recommends your character?
As I have been in this business for more than 30 years, I have been through a lot of cattiness and mean behavior directed at me…so I make it my mission to not be a gossip and to treat everyone the way I want to be treated. I try to be an influence at auditions, when I direct and in all work situations.
Where do you live today at this stage in your career?
I currently live in Los Angeles, where I work as an actress, director, singer, dancer and coach.
Where are you headed as an artist in the future? (aspirations, goals)
Looking to the future, as I get older, I want to keep representing women of all ages on stage. So many women sort of “disappear” in stories and I want to make sure that women in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond have their stories told. I hope to be able to have my theatre company, Sustaining Sound, start up again and choose material that shows a different side of women as they age. They are the heart and soul of society and yet most of what we see are women in their early 20’s, before they’ve really lived. Older women have so much to offer while older men are always revered. It should be no different with women!
Fun Stuff:
Example(s) of your goofy or unexpected behavior?
My husband and I have a very funny and strange language all our own. We have spoken in strange tones and words since we were dating. It keeps things light, especially with 3 teens in the house!!
Example(s) of distinctive performance-related physical prowess?
People say that I am a Force To Be Reckoned With onstage. I am 5 ft tall and don’t weigh much, but I am huge presence; that mostly has been a blessing, but is something I’ve had to check A LOT in intimate theatre. I don’t think of myself as small and when I get offstage most people are shocked at how petite I am.
Color(s) that you like to wear?
I am a redhead and along the way I have always heard that redheads look best in Emerald Green – it is so true. I wear green for all of my concerts…it’s my thing 🙂
Casual “go to” dress in public and around the house?
I am not a fancy person offstage. I am a jeans, boots, t-shirt, sweater gal. I am pretty “Mom”-looking outside of the theatre.
Sing in the shower or bathtub?
I live in 1100 sq ft with 4 other people – I can’t sing in the shower because I will either wake someone up or bug them 🙂
A secret that you only have revealed to no more than one person that you now are confident enough to share with others?
I am now able to talk about my #metoo moments. They began as a young girl with an extended family member. They shaped my entire life. I now talk about them because it is important to add my voice to the very important national conversation. I truly don’t have a single female friend who doesn’t have a #metoo moment or many, many moments.
Example(s) of (a) skill that you possess which is/are far removed from performance arena?
I am a chef! I am also a nutritionist. Food and healthy eating are my other passion. I have lost 80 lbs since my youngest daughter was born and I have helped others do the same. I have some college classes towards becoming a registered dietitian.
Food and drink regular preferences?
I am a very healthy eater…whole foods all the way. Not a fan of sweets, but I am a huge fan of vodka 🙂 Love dark chocolate, red wine, coffee, sushi, Thai food, Vietnamese and I have a serious addiction to glass noodles.
Example(s) of guilty food or drink embarrassment(s)?
I am a Kombucha addict. It really helps with digestion but it’s trendy, so it’s a bit annoying.
How do you keep yourself entertained when boredom knocks at your door?
I have not a second of boredom since I went back to acting 10 years ago in 2009. I have 2 adopted dogs and if I have a moment of downtime, I play with them and they restore me 🙂
Word(s) that you despise?
“Moist” is the worst word in the English language. My daughter, Makayla, has also turned me onto hating the word “ointment”. I can’t say it without laughing now.
“Go to” favorite word(s) or phrase(s)?
My favorite word is” empowerment”. My favorite phrase is “female empowerment”.
Would you do nudity on stage?
The question is not would I do nudity onstage; instead, the question is would anyone want to put a mother of 3 nude on a stage???
Which person(s) in the news make(s) you grind your teeth?
I am sad to say that most of the news makes me grind my teeth these days and if you know me, even casually, you know that our current president is just about my least favorite human in the world.
Do you have a regular sleep regimen?
Sleep? Hahahaha…but seriously, I am a terrible sleeper. Chronic insomnia. I steal sleep whenever my body allows…which isn’t often. My dogs snuggle in my bed and that is very helpful.
Performer(s) past or present that you revere?
I love Barbara Cook and Kelly O’Hara. I also absolutely LOVED Marin Mazzie and miss her. We were friends on Facebook and she was such an amazing light.
Is there a famous performer whom you consider to be most like you?
I look up to people for their character, not just their talents and abilities. I love Elizabeth Warren for her amazing leadership. I love my friend Barbara Brownell for her kindness and sunny disposition. But mostly, I look up to my daughter, Ryanna, for her focus and hard work. I’ve never seen a kid like her.
What is/are your asset(s) which allow you to claw your way out of the occasional quagmire of a depressive mental state? (if any)
This business can be depressing – I’ve had a lot of Highs but of course there have been lows…I love walking. I wear a Fitbit and will go for a walk to feel as if I am outside living my life in this beautiful city. It helps raise my mood.
Do you have a social “cause” for which you are passionate?
I am a big social justice advocate – I believe in equality for all and keeping anyone’s religion out of our laws. I support the ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center. I support Women in the Arts. I also am and will always be a huge advocate for 99 seat theatre in LA.
Middle name(s)?
“Elizabeth” (like my grandmother, Kathryn Grayson, and my daughter Amelya).
Color which captures your essential nature?
I love green, not just to wear, but for the fact that it is both rich and bright…it can be very deep but there is always color…
Temper (tantrum or variation otherwise)?
Oh, I have a temper…I’m a redhead. Because I love justice, I lose it when I feel things are unfair (like a 2 faced friend or a tyrannical government) If I am being condescended to, I have been known to raise my voice and say some things.
Example(s) of a time in your life when you were totally humiliated?
I gave birth to my daughters at UCLA (which is a teaching hospital) In my 2nd labor, I looked up to 10 men with clipboards looking at all my business…that was weird.
Most ridiculous costume(s) you have ever worn onstage?
My most ridiculous costume was absolutely playing “Junior Asparagus” in the National Tour of Veggie Tales. I was in the costume and puppeteered from inside. It was inflatable…it was heavy, awkward, claustrophobic and weighed like 75 lbs….I did the show for 5 months…not my fav.
Flattering or unflattering nickname(s)?
Growing up I was “Kristi”. My mother called me “Kristi Beth”.
Most amusing backstage anecdote(s) that you have witnessed – or, if you care to admit, in which you were a participant – during your performing career (N.B. Reveal names at your own peril).
My friend Gail Matthias and I did the musical BABY together and I have a picture of us laughing our butts off on our backs like turtles. She used to be on SNL and she is one of the funniest people I know.
From your perspective, the trials and tribulations of the performing life?
Right now is a very hard time for union actors…most commercials being shot are non- union and most theatres in LA that were AEA are either all non-union now or closed. It’s very sad. Being union is a hindrance and it’s a very sad state of things when those of us who have worked our whole lives to be union can’t get onstage in our hometown. This is the thing that most depresses me.
Is there a particular role that you wouldn’t mind playing over and over again? (show title, role)
I could play “Princess Winifred” from ONCE UPON A MATTRESS forever. I hope I get the chance to play her again.
Do you have any recommendations for other performers about how to stay healthy during the run of a show? Or, if temporarily “under the weather”, how to deal with vocal issues and/or physical vitality concerns?
Staying healthy – go home and sleep. Don’t go out till 5 am and party every night. Your body is your business. Treat it as such.
Anything else about yourself that you wish to share?
I want to change the world by approaching the stage as the world’s greatest secular church. Whether I am acting, singing or directing, I want to make great theatre that literally changes the world as only the theatre can do.
Also…
*Kristin Towers-Rowles*
SAG-AFTRA, AEA, AGVA
http://www.kristintowers-rowles.com
http://www.facebook.com/KristinTowersRowles
http://www.twitter.com/ktrowles
Date Interview Submitted:
March 23,2019
Place of Interview:
Coral Tree Cafe in Encino, CA (w/follow-up reflection)
Bill Reese
Admin/tabletostage.com
