Interview: Actress Sara Kow-Falcone
By: Mark C. Lloyd Aug. 01, 2016
Sara Kow-Falcone is talented, professional, powerful on stage, and keeps busy.
MCL: You've been in the Buffalo theater world for a while. When and where did you start acting?
SKF: When I was eight I played "Molly" in a youth production of Annie out of Carlsbad, California. I had always been a pretty shy kid and found it easier to come out of my shell when I was in the theater.
MCL: What made you want to be on stage?
SKF: It's hard to describe. I remember the first time I ever read a line on stage, it felt so free and natural; I was hooked. As an introvert, being in front of a live audience has always had a transformative effect on me.
MCL: Any local mentors?
SKF: I'm a big RLTP fan. Scott Behrend produces interesting and compelling theater, and Jon Elston's tireless work is immeasurably inspiring. Also, my dear friend Rosa Fernandez has been a constant means of support and influence. She's a significant talent with a fantastic eye.
MCL: Best advice you were given you still use on stage?
SKF: Speak up. At my audition for Annie I was so timid and unsure that I quietly mumbled the words and barely got the role (mostly due to a kick-ass haircut).That first rehearsal I had the opening line so the director asked me to talk as loud as I could, I took a deep breath and felt my voice boom out over the theater. The production team actually jumped with surprise and the director chuckled, "Where was that at the audition??"
MCL: What roles turn you off and what kind do you look for?
SKF: I prefer unique and complex roles with a compelling point of view and am typically very mistrusting of characters based on archetype.
MCL: What role do you dream of playing and haven't?
SKF: "Martha" in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. I think about her every time I chew on an ice cube and probably will until long after I'm actually old enough to play her.
MCL: What's coming up for you?
SKF: I'll be "Whatsername" in American Idiot at ART of WNY. Very excited.
MCL: Why did you choose this role?
SKF: I'm really interested in exploring their concept. Also, there are a lot of things happening in the world right now that make me want to drag out my inner punk rocker and give her a chance to thrash around a bit.
MCL: Tell us about some of your favorite roles?
SKF: I love Bella Poynton's "Mayra" from Speed of Light and Quiara Alegría Hudes '"Orangutan" from Water by the Spoonful. I was also chosen to play "Rosalind" (As You Like It) for a conservatory showcase, she's a total badass (add that to the list of dream roles).
MCL: Do you want to repeat any of these roles?
SKF: Yassss. Of course!
MCL: What's some advice for those new to acting?
SFK: Speak up. Pay attention to the world around you and hone your ability to conceptualize your personal perspective and style. There are plenty of savvy actors, find your voice and protect it, it's your most memorable asset. Additionally: take care of yourself, relax, listen with your whole instrument, and have fun with it.
MCL: Who do you admire in the theater world?
SFK: Like most theater nerds I've been thinking a lot about Lin Manuel-Miranda lately. The dedication to his craft and fine attention to the legacy of his work is rare and exquisite. I also recently read an article about Heather Headley in which she says, ""Do not tell...but I'd do it for free. It's natural to what I do, so I can't call that work." I haven't yet had the pleasure of seeing her onstage but she has such a grounded and loving approach to the process that I'm making it a top priority. Locally I'm a big fan of Victoria Perez, Lisa Vitrano, Kristen Tripp-Kelley, and Diane Di Bernardo--they are magnetic and powerful artists. Uta Hagen is a boss...I could go on and on but these are the people who immediately come to mind.
MCL: What's Buffalo, New York Theater like?
SKF: Exceptional. A ridiculous amount of talent, lots of great opportunity, and a welcoming environment.
MCL: What are some of the good and bad changes in local theater since you started?
SFK: It's exciting to see new companies pop up and I always look forward to fresh, passionate material. While it can be tough in a smaller community, I would love to see more color-conscious and gender-conscious casting. There is currently a huge opportunity to encourage cultural evolution and I hope to see more companies take advantage of it.
MCL: Finally, what's coming up for you 2016/2017?
SKF: Following American Idiot I'll be working on JRT's 4000 Miles. It's my first time working with the company and I am SO stoked. After that I'm figuring out some changes, the theme of next year is shaping up to be: "Go big, or go home."
For more information on Sara Kow-Falcone:
http://roadlesstraveledproductions.org/
https://www.facebook.com/RoadLessTraveledProductions/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ARTOFWNY/?fref=nf
http://jewishrepertorytheatre.com/
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