‘The struggle to do something you love ... outweighs settling’

Editor’s Note: Longtime Souza Scholarship Chairman Bob Curtis prepared this interview on behalf of The Photo News.

CENTRAL VALLEY — As the Souza Scholarship prepares to mount its latest summer production, “Grease,” we received word that 2004 Monroe-Woodbury graduate and Souza Scholarship winner Eliza Huberth is currently co-starring in an off-Broadway production of the new dark comedy play, “Crude.”
The show, co-starring Nico Tortorella from the TV series “Younger,” is being staged in a limited run at the Black Lab Theatre at Ars Nova in New York City through May 21. It concerns the repercussions on a young couple wrought by a major oil spill which affects their lives, livelihoods and relationship.
Photo News: You are now appearing in the off-Broadway show “Crude,” co-starring with Nico Tortorella. How did all that come about?
Eliza Huberth: I was called in to audition for the play back in February. I knew the director, Kel Haney, though I’d never worked with her. So, I was excited for that opportunity. She gave me some direction during the audition, and then I got called back for it. I didn’t know who else was going to be in the show until after I was cast and accepted the role.
PN: You are a 2004 graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School and are also a Souza Scholarship graduating senior award-winner. You appeared in a number of M-W high school’s shows, including “Twelve Angry Jurors.” What other shows did you appear in at M-W? And how did your high school theatrical experiences influence your ambitions for a future in the theater.
EH: Other high school shows that stood out to me were “South Pacific,” “Music Man,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Sound of Music.” Going to rehearsal after school with all of my close friends was an activity I looked forward to every day. Though we were working hard, it was always fun to do. I have such wonderful memories from those experiences. It certainly solidified that I wanted to continue to do this after I graduated from high school.
PN: If memory serves, you attended Kenyon College after M-W. Did you major in dramatic arts? And what other post-college theater education did you take part in?
EH: At Kenyon, I majored in drama with a minor in music. Once I graduated and had been living in New York City for several years, I wanted to continue my training and attended The Juilliard School for Acting. It’s a four-year conservatory, located at Lincoln Center. It was an incredible experience! I’m so grateful for all the teachers and opportunities I’ve had from all my years of education - from high school through graduate school.
PN: We often hear how successful performers have had to “pay their dues” before they get a life-changing break. What other productions, large and small, have you appeared in on your road to this off-Broadway debut opportunity?
EH: Productions at Juilliard helped me figure out how to prepare and effectively work on material. Having recently graduated from that program, I look back on shows I performed there that really challenged me in some way or another. Some plays that really stood out were “King Lear,” “Dancing at Lughnasa,” “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” and “Angels in America, Part 1.”
PN: What types of non-theater jobs have you had, if any, to help keep body and soul together as you worked toward success in the theater?
EH: When I’m not performing, the work that has been the most fulfilling involves teaching, volunteering and participating in outreach programs. Giving back in that way reminds me why I’m an actor in the first place.
PN: Your dad, M-W School Board President Jon Huberth, has an extensive background in theater and film production and also teaches acting to aspiring college-age thespians. How much influence has he had on the path you have chosen for yourself?
EH: I was very fortunate to grow up in a household that supported the arts and to live in a community where we had so many outlets. My parents always said “yes” to extra-curricular activities that I expressed interest in, such as the violin and soccer to synchronized swimming and even learning how to play the bagpipes. Most of those didn’t last, but acting did. So, yes, having my dad around with his background and support for the arts, I’m sure played a big part in my interest in it.
PN: Your name “Eliza” has some significant theatrical connections. Do you know why your parents chose that name for you?
EH: Legally, my real name is Janet Elizabeth. I know my parents didn’t want to call me Janet, and I know one of my dad’s favorite characters in the theatre is Eliza Dolittle. With that and the connection to my middle name, I think they figured this was a happy coincidence.
PN: As a past Souza Scholarship winner, you have the opportunity through this interview to act as role model to future performers in your alma mater. What advice would you offer to young people who might be inclined to pursue a career in the theater?
EH: My advice for anyone who wants to pursue a career, not only in the theater, but for anything they have a passion for, is to go for it. The struggle to do something you love to do always outweighs settling into a path that doesn’t bring you joy and fulfillment. Your passion might inevitably change, and you might find an interest in something you didn’t expect, but keeping those outlets available and having an open mind to opportunities will help bring you clarification as to what you truly want to pursue.
PN: After all that you have done, learned, studied and sacrificed, what does it feel like to be on stage in an off-Broadway show on the New York City stage?
EH: I’ve been having a great time working on this show. Everyone in the room has been eager and open to collaboration, always with a positive energy. It’s been so much fun to develop new work and figure out as a group how best to tell this story. I wish this process lasted longer.
PN: What is next for Eliza Huberth after the run of “Crude” is complete?
EH: Two of my friends and I from Juilliard created a web series this past year, which we’re very excited about. So, we’re continuing to explore options for what our next step will be with that.