Liz Stewart – I’m Crowning

By starrymag | October 14, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects you have been working on?

 

A) I’ve been doing a lot of stand up. Comedy specials are addictive and I can’t wait to do another one. When I’m not doing press for this special, I’m working on jokes for my next one.

Q) You’re very involved in the theatre community and are currently starring in your own comedy special. Can you talk a little bit about what I’m Crowning is about and how it came to be?

 

A) I’m Crowning is the physical embodiment of my pregnancy angst. The idea to do it was my husband’s. I had been toying with the idea of filming a special, so when he suggested it, I was like, “Hell yeah! Anything to get my mind off of this 24/7 morning sickness!”

 

Q) You also wrote the script for I’m Crowning. Would you ever want to branch out and try directing or producing as well?

 

A) I actually have directed and produced quite a few projects for my comedy group, Frog Island, as well as some outside projects. I think it’s really important for women to direct whenever we can, since we are so underrepresented in the industry. What I’m producing right now are live events under the banner of “Resist with Laughter.” We have helped raise money for the ACLU and fifteen charities helping families separated at the border.

 

Q) You were 8 1/2 months pregnant while you were filming! WOW! What was the most challenging part of filming while being so close to giving birth?

 

A) I think the most challenging part of filming that close to giving birth was making sure I didn’t puke on anyone. The people in the front row were brave souls.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming I’m Crowning?

A) Footage from the birth is cut into the special. I’ll remember the first moment I met my little girl for the rest of my life.

 

Q) What do you feel are the differences between performing onstage and in front of a camera? Which do you prefer?

 

A) Onstage, there is a palpable exchange of energy and immediate gratification when they laugh. I like that a lot. It feels like we’re having a conversation. I’m doing most of the talking, but we’re communicating nonetheless!

 

I also like film a bunch. It’s a more intimate experience. You can get a little smaller and a little deeper. Plus, you can dictate what the audience sees through the camera movement.

 

I love them both for different reasons. Don’t make me choose! This isn’t Sophie’s Choice.

 

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that has come naturally to you or have you had to work at it?

 

A) Thank you! I’ve been told that I’m naturally funny because I’m so weird, so I have a predisposition to my timing coming pretty easily. Timing is a technique; however, so it can be learned. I like to experiment with it whenever possible. Different characters have different timing depending on how fast they think. Also, for live shows, you have to factor audience response into your timing. You don’t want to step on a laugh, but you don’t want to just stand there waiting for one, either.

 

Q) You have played a number of fierce, but flawed characters. What is it that draws you to a particular role?

 

A) I think every role I’ve ever played is an opportunity to get to know a different facet of myself. I like being able to find something about my character that I like, whether she is someone like Lady Macbeth or she’s just a prostitute paid to urinate on a President.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

 

A) Find a way for your art to change the world. It’s more rewarding.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to the work you do?

 

A) I do. Every now and then, I’ll get an email from someone thanking me for articulating an experience they’ve had. That means a lot to me. Conversely, I’ll get white supremacists and MRAs calling me fat, but that’s just because they don’t know how pregnancy works.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work that you do? 

 

A) Thank you and please make sure to vote in every election because the people taking away your rights and your voice sure AF will be voting.