As a young girl, my mother took me to see the Wiz onstage in Rochester, NY.  She said, "I eased on out of the theatre, skipping all the way back to the car."

​

The acting bug had bitten. Shortly after, I got the lead in my second grade class production of Little Red Riding Hood, as Little Red. Throughout elementary, middle and high school I performed in every  theatrical performance put on at my school. Knowing this was the only thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I pursued a degree in Theatre, first at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio; then S.U.N.Y Geneseo, Geneseo, NY.

 

The experience I gained by attending university served to give me the most solid foundation in character study, script analysis and developing my own technique.  As an excited 18 year old, who had the world figured out, I vividly remember having the revelation that I wanted to be an acting teacher.  I approached my professor to share my "news".  His response, "What a waste of talent."  As a jerk kid I was offended; as an adult working actress, I'm completely honored.

​

Often I'm cast in roles of authority: judge, cop, nurse, medical examiner, attorney - but, I really enjoy playing the laughable, lovable, "you can confide in me" side kick. I think I have great comedic timing and am the funniest person in the room ( a legend in my own mind).  My most challenging performances: Mr. Lies & Belize in Angels in America; my favorite role: Medea.  My favorite acting experience: working with Helen Mirren.  

There is nothing more satisfying than discovery the character's voice. Everyone has a flow to their speech pattern.  Once I find the tempo, rhythm, beat and cadence - the words become mine. There is no greater challenge in this world than trying to figure out what motivates people to do what they do.  For me acting is a practice in humility, egoism, tolerance and mercilessness.  It's moving from living sympathetically to being empathetic. 

​

BIO - http://www.esodiegeiger.com