Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Malang.
Hi Russell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey really started in freshman year of High School. I needed arts credits to graduate, and I knew I was no visual artist. Thinking I would have zero interest to continue, and it would be an “Easy ‘A'”, I decided to try theatre. During my Into to Theatre class, I immediately fell in love with performing. Spending the next four years in high school I absorbed as much training, knowledge, and experience as I could. During that time the program taught me so much about not just onstage work, but offstage/backstage work as well. Taking all my knowledge after high school I ventured to my local community theatre, The Long Beach Playhouse. I went on and continued there until I got the itch to try my experiences in NYC. At age 19, I moved to Brooklyn by myself to pursue theatre. It revealed to me that I want to start my own theatre company, “Perform 2 Inspire.” Meanwhile, I continue to learn and explore my passion for theatre in all its forms. I have recently started directing this year. Co-directed both “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and most recently “Rent” at Long Beach Playhouse. Performing has my heart but directing has been such a fun and exciting adventure to take. I am excited to continue both on and off stage.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was born with no hands and yet never identified as having a disability or being disabled. My family helped me at an early age to allow me to be self-sufficient. I used all that love to grow, accept, and love myself. Yes, I have had experiences where I am underestimated by my capabilities. I have even been told “I want to use you in my movie, I just did not imagine this character having no hands” In this business, I have faced challenges. I learn from them all. The key is finding the right community. The right people who share the same values and respect for Theatre as you do. Representation matters and I hope to be able to continue to contribute and possibly even inspire others!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been performing for almost 15 years. A few of my fondest onstage roles include Batboy/Edgar in “Batboy the Musical”, Scuttle in “The Little Mermaid”, Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz”, J. Pierrepont Finch and Bud Frump in two separate productions of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and also having performed as William Barfee, Chip Tolentino, and Leaf Coneybear in three separate productions of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”. I have also been a part of a number of plays as well. Some include “Lend Me A Tenor”, “Pride and Prejudice”, and “Splendor in the Grass” I enjoy all platforms of performance art, both on and offstage, but I am definitely more connected to musical theater.
How do you think about luck?
I definitely think that playing Batboy in Batboy the Musical was the best timing. I was still so new to the community theater scene and doing that show gave me so much to not only learn about myself but also gave me exposure and allowed me the challenge to strengthen my abilities. I have since worked at a number of theaters around Orange and LA County and will continue to do so. That show will always have a place in my heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russellmalang/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russell.malang/
Image Credits
@MichaelHardyPhotography @ Rodrigo Varandas #VarandasPhotography
