Today we’d like to introduce you to Myra Whittington
Myra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started performing regularly at a young age. When I was 6 years old my mother signed me up for dance classes at Sue B. Dance Company in Altadena, CA. There I studied tap, ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop dance for many years. The Company put on a huge recital every year at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. This is where I fell in love with performing. In high school I started acting in school plays. My senior year I auditioned for the big musical show, “Ovations”. Ovations was a special show featuring two popular musicals with an intermission in between. I wasn’t all that confident so I auditioned to be part of the ensemble. To my surprise, I was cast in two principal roles. With this show I fell in love with the grind of theater and musical theater. Long rehearsals, hanging with friends, making new friends, learning choreography, working with a pianist, it was amazing. The production quality was so high that we were blessed enough to put this show on for 3 nights at The Pasadena Play House. Then I went off to college and took a few acting & film classes here and there. After graduation I got the urge to start performing again. I did a play in a small black box theater in Hollywood. After rehearsal one night the director told me he hosted an improv workshop and it was starting in a few minutes. I decided to stick around and see what it was like. That night, I fell in love with improv comedy and I’ve been doing it ever since. Improv is a huge part of my life and I love it so much it’s hard to put it into words.
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 hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been fun. I have a positive outlook on life so I see things as happening for me and not happening to me if that makes sense. Obstacles are learning experiences. I’ve learned a lot so far but I understand there is more to learn and I’m ready for it. Following your dreams and working smart to create the life you want is challenging. On top of that I’m a mother and still work a day job. I’ve had to shift my priorities in ways that benefit me and my daughter first and foremost. I’m figuring it all out day by day and having great family and friends makes it all easier. Pursuing a creative career is an investment and the cost of acting classes is high, but they are so worth it! I make it a priority in my budget to take them. One challenge I didn’t anticipate though was struggling with certain improv concepts. Right now I’m taking classes and they are making my brain see scenes in a new way. I’m a fast learner, so when I don’t nail something immediately it’s frustrating. But it’s making me a better performer so I’m all for it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actress, improviser and writer. I just wrapped on an upcoming short film that highlights stories from Skid Row where I play a supporting role. I perform improv comedy regularly with BMC Improv. We’ve participated in SF Sketchfest two years in a row. I auditioned and landed a spot on a house improv team, Snack Run, at The Pack Theater. Snack Run has consistently sold out shows and is coached by the esteemed Jaime Moyer. I perform sketch comedy with Hot Coffee, an all Black sketch comedy ensemble featuring original sketches by Black writers. I also occasionally guest on sketch shows with Series Finale, another Black focused sketch ensemble. Most recently I’ve gotten into two-prov which is two person improv. Two-prov is my current favorite way to do improv. There’s nowhere to hide, no back line to retreat to, just you and your partner out there and you have to make it work. I perform as an improv duo with my friend Monique Aya Parks and our group is called Favorite Cousin. I am most proud of myself for honoring my passions & putting forth my best effort to make a career for myself. Hollywood is a tough business, if I quit no one would blame me, but that’s just not something I’m going to do!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Come to a show! Buy a ticket and come to a show, this is a great way to support. I love to perform and I also love to watch improv. My fellow improvisers are welcome to invite me to play on mash-up sets. I post all of my upcoming shows details to my Instagram. Click the link in my bio to see show dates. Follow me at @heymyragirl.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymyragirl/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@heymyragirl
Image Credits
Headshots – Katherine Kirkpatrick
Stage photo with red curtains – Madelyn Teague
