Avery Clyde is a 2008/2009 Ovation Nominee for Acting Ensemble for STICK FLY at the Matrix Theatre.
As an Ovation Award Nominee, LA Stage asked Avery the following questions:
What was the moment that first inspired you to pursue working in the theatre?
Wow. I was in grade school and we did a production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”…I played Happy. I remember the director playing a video recording of rehearsal for us, pointing to me on the screen and saying to the cast, “See what she’s doing? I want you all to do that.” When you’re 10 that’s pretty inspiring. I’m not even sure what it was that I was doing but whatever it was made me stand out in a sea of 10 years olds. I was hooked.
What do you feel made the production you were nominated for particularly successful, either overall or for you specifically?
First of all I would have to say the writing. Regardless of race, religion or political beliefs everyone seemed to identify with Lydia’s characters on multiple levels. When a story can cast that wide of a net it makes an impact. Joe and Shirley did a great job hiring the cast and crew. Everyone was such a powerful fit it seemed to work smoothly right away. Great timing, folks were ready to see “Stick Fly”. It was current and that made it exciting.
What project or projects are you currently working on?
I have an episode of “The Forgotten” airing this Tuesday Jan 5th on ABC. I recently jumped into the loop group at ABC for the first time. That will test your improv skills, I loved it and am on the list to do more in 2010. Currently working on a reading of ” Collected Stories” at The Road sometime in the next couple months.
What do you love most about theatre in Los Angeles?
The diversity. The community. The availability. It’s a part of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles that really shows up. That says something about heart of the people that are fighting for it to live and grow.
What’s your dream project?
“Stick Fly” was a dream project for me. In the future I’d say work that starts with great writing and ends with ridiculously talented folks that challenge and SURPRISE me. If I could work in that space over and over my life’s career would be a dream. Stay turned.
BIOGRAPHY: AVERY CLYDE’s theater highlights include: Stick Fly, directed by Shirley Jo Finney at the Matrix Theatre, Crimes of the Heart at Mad Cow, Brilliant Traces (Best Actress nominee) at Orlando International Fringe Festival, The Good Person of Szechwan (Irene Ryan Award Nominee), the Southeast premiere of Neil Labute’s BASH and Emptier with Director: Kristin Hanggi. Television: Grey’s Anatomy; Medium; NCIS; The Forgotten; ER; Tanner on Tanner; Joan of Arcadia; Dawson’s Creek, Going to California, Love Life, Aces and Pick up the Beat. Film: Salena Incident (Cannes); Double (Cannes); Life with Fiona (as Fiona, Grand Jury prizes at Rome International and Estes Park); Your Name Here; Temp for all Seasons, Moon Lake Casino, Alice’s Birthday Wish with director Kristin Hanggi. Avery is a member of The Road Theatre Company and the Antaeus Academy Company.
For a full list of Ovation nominees, or for information about the Ovation Awards Ceremony on January 11th, click here!
