Life & Work with Monique Aya Parks of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Aya Parks

Hi Monique Aya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am originally from Roanoke, Virginia. I never really planned on being so funny but I guess I was just born with it. But I didn’t really do theater or anything in school. I double majored in Sociology and Administration of Justice at Howard but never really studied acting or comedy. I really like helping people so I thought that’s what I wanted to do for my entire life but Fast forward to 2017 I was sent all the way to the Central Valley in California to teach. It was a really really small town. Shoutout to Losthills- my first home in California. With no much to do I would listen a lot to podcasts and I heard about improv. So i went to a couple of shows in LA which was a 2 hour drive but I would bust a mission and hang out all night in LA and really loved it but I didn’t really know how to get into it. Fast forward even more we’re in a middle of a pandemic and everyone starts to offer online courses. So I took my first improv class and I was like really funny and I was so energized by improv. I kept taking classes and then I got the opportunity to move to LA and work for a non-profit that advocates for children’s heath equity. So since I was in LA I decided to take in person improv classes. I was very nervous but I committed to going to class, shows, and jams and I met my improv BFF and she connected me to my very first house team. It’s been over 3 years since I started all of this and I have had the pleasure of being on an indie team, two house teams at two different theaters, a duo with my bestfriend, and multiple sketch shows. I am even writing now and working on producing my own show. I feel so lucky to have listened to that podcast that one day because it completely changed my life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a little bumpy. You know I battled with imposter syndrome a lot. I mean people that were in my classes had already been extras on shows, even regulars on shows, they studied this in college, the had done improv in school, they had a network because they were from cali and went to film school- i mean the list goes on -on why I felt like I wasn’t experienced enough. Talent is awesome to have but those connections people had were really important and I would feel really sad sometimes I still do that my community is on the east coast and not the west, But I am working on building my network and friends. So if you want to be friends let me know. lol. I also struggled with the complete mind fu** it is to work a 9-5 and then perform all night. I am tired a lot. But I love performing so Im out at night but I would love to have less work to do in the day so my brain can be completely focused on creating but right now that is not an option plus I kinda like what I do. But I love improv and performing so I know one day that will take over but the journey to me being a full time creator has been challenging.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am know for being funny!

I perform regularly around Los Angeles at The Pack, The Broadwater, Westside Comedy Club, and more. Currently I am doing a lot of improv and sketch acting. So you can see me on stage doing Improv. I am on a house team at Westside Comedy theater called BMC improv we perform on Mondays at 9, also at Westside I am an Agent on Mission Improvable and that show is on Saturday’s at 10pm. I also perform at the Pack on 1st and 3rd Sundays with Pretty Ugly. And I host a BIPOC and QUEER jam every 3rd thursday with my Duo Favorite Cousin at The Broadwater/HIT. I also appear in The Cookout/Hot Coffee Sketch Show every 3rd Friday of the month at the Broadwater.

I am also producing my own variety show! So be on the lookout for that! I would love for you to be apart of it!

I am so proud of how much I have achieved. It’s hard work.

What sets me apart from others is just I am ready to make people laugh with big characters, big movements, and big ideas!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would love it if people followed me on Instagram and Tiktok at @moniqueayaparks I am finally taking the leap and creating content! I also just want people to know I am a cool funny laid back person. Lol jk or not.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniqueayaparks/ and https://www.instagram.com/favcousinimprov/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@moniqueayaparks

Image Credits
Jill Petracek