Meet EJ and Jay

March comes in like a LION.  Plans are still percolating!

While we keep you in suspense, meet two more talented members of our company, EJ Zimmerman and Jay Paranada:

1) Name?

EJ Zimmerman

 2) Where were you born?  I mean, where are you from?  Like, really from.  Ok, where are your parents from...or your grandparents...

I was born in Seoul, Korea, and raised in Towson, Maryland. My parents are from Ohio and my last name is Zimmerman. Modern American family, ladies and gentlemen.

3) Shoes on or off at home?

Off! I love to buy shoes but hate to wear them.

4) What made you decide to be an actor?

I've been a musician for as long as I can remember, and have always loved to sing. That brought me into musical theatre, which brought me to acting in general. But as to actually deciding to make my living as an actor? I don't know what could have been going through my head. Whatever it was, it's apparently still going through my head.

5) What was your very first role?

Does belting "Tomorrow" along with my record player at my window at age 5 count? No? Then Jan in Grease my junior year of high school. I wore a midriff shirt and pretend-ate hamburgers the whole show.

6) Who/what inspires you and why?

I am inspired by any and all striving to make their living as an artist because it takes so much dedication and courage. I am especially encouraged by artists who strive to break down barriers and believe in the seemingly impossible. Art can change the world, dude.

7) Theater or theatre?

Theatre! I'm fancy.

8) How many times have you been in 'Miss Saigon'?

Four. And I've shared the experience with some of my best friends. And I would do it again! Anyone casting?

9) What's your dream role/show?

Dream role will always be Annie. I may have missed the boat, but a girl can dream. More realisticly, I'm waiting to Mazeppa in Gypsy.

10) Any tragic flaws?

I can't snap :-(

1) Name?

Jay Paranada. I know, I know, my last name translates to for nothing in Spanish. (I'm not Spanish.) Growing up, friends called me bueno which translates to good - so I am otherwise known as Good For Nothing. A definite self esteem booster! I also respond to anything remotely similar to Paranada. Panda, Piranha, Paranoia... even the newly minted Para-nads.

2) Where were you born?
Seattle, Washington.


I mean, where are you from?
Kent, Washington. 25 minutes south of Seattle.
 

Like, really from...

I rarely respond to repetitive questions that end in preposition.

Ok, where are your parents from...

 The stork?
 

or your grandparents...

that's not a question.

3) Shoes on or off at home?
I like being barefoot, so you'll generally find me shoeless at my own home.

4) What made you decide to be an actor?
Truth be told, acting sort of just happened upon me. As to tie together my inter-web, electronic footprint, learn my full "coming of age" story by visiting www.jayparanada.com and hit the Biography button. Ooohhh... shameless self promotion #1 already, and we're only on question # 4. 

5) What was your very first role?
When I was in 2nd grade, I was an elf in my school Christmas pageant. I had one line. "But Santa, we need to save Christmas!" I wanted the role of Santa Clause, but it went to my arch nemesis, who will remain nameless because we are The Facebook friends... and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that friendship over something so petty like a Holiday school program. I did, however, add my own flair to the costumer's design... a very long piece of ribbon on my elf hat so that I could "stand out" from the rest. I will never apologize for being a scene stealer.

6) Who/what inspires you and why?
People who live, breathe, cry, yell, laugh and speak their passions. Shit starters. Movers. Shakers. People who have an opinion and aren't afraid to express it thoughtfully, provocatively and proactively. And people who make the most of their one wild and precious life (a nod to Mary Oliver's quote). These are the people who inspire me for the sole reason that they live their lives presently in the moment, as opposed to living a life that isn't fully actualized.

7) Theater or theatre?
Or.

8) How many times have you been in 'Miss Saigon'?
Twice has been so nice. My first being with Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre as the true villains of the show, Club Owner and Assistant Commissar. Please consult me via email (jay@jayparanada.com) <-- bam, self promotion #2 and discover my dramaturgical reasons for why they are the true antagonists of the show. And I've had the pleasure of playing Engineer at the Count Basie Theatre with Phoenix Productions.

As an interesting add-on... I did not grow up listening to the Saigon soundtrack. It never graced my ears until I was actually in the show, not while dreaming to be part of it. I guess you could say that my reality transformed into a decidedly dormant dream come true. (Ummm... who says decidedly dormant dream come true? Apparently, me. I do not apologize for being a whimsical and grammatically gifted nerd.)

9) What's your dream role/show?
Princeton on Avenue Q, closely followed by a chance to create a role under the pen of William Finn.

10) Any tragic flaws?
Not a one. These perceived "flaws" are what makes me, me. Take that, negative question #10 in the bud!

and since all good things go up to 11:

11) What's one random thing you'd like us to know about you?
I like crying. On command. Or while watching sappy movies. I crave those remarkable, post-tear endorphin induced feelings. I guess that means I'm a bit masochistic?

And although I have layers of sarcasm and spunk on the exterior, deep down I'm really friendly and genuinely take interest in people and why they do what they do. They might even make my infamous status updates via The Facebook. While I'm on the subject, do me favor and follow me on Twitter and friend me on The Facebook will you? (kidding. kidding).



Until next we meet...YeRROw YeLLow OUT!
 

Meet Brian and Alison

Working together.  It's what we do.

Some exciting stuff on the horizon for the Yerrows.  Like, really, REALLY exciting.

We're working out the details right now and will let you know more once they solidify.  Promise, pinky swear, and all that jazz.

In the meantime, meet two more company members:  Brian Jose, and Alison Lea Bender!

1) Name?
First name Brian.  Last name Jose... often mistaken as my middle name.  It's not.  Jose is truly my LAST name.  You hear that, drug store clerks, check in table workers, restaurant hosts and the like!  I KNOW my last name!  Don't question me!

2) Where were you born?
In a hospital?
 

I mean, where are you from?

Oh... you mean like Indianapolis, Indiana?
 

Like, really from.

No really, I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana.  I know it's a hard concept to grasp... Asian folks in cornfields.  But there we were... and there were others!  Mwuuahahahaha!
 

Ok, where are your parents from...or your grandparents...

 OK, I'll stop being cheeky.  They're from the Philippines.  I just used "cheeky" in a sentence.  Deep down I really think I'm British.  I'm such an anglophile!

3) Shoes on or off at home?
I never wear them at home, though I really could care less if people wear them or not when they come to visit.  I'm not a shoe nazi.... and besides, someone might want to hide their ugly socks or keep their foot odor problem to themselves which is fine by me!

4) What made you decide to be an actor?
I saw the PBS broadcast of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday In The Park With George when I was in grade school and I was transfixed!  It was my first exposure to musical theatre and Sondheim and it's message of balancing life and art spoke to me at such a tender age.  On the flip side, I was also obsessed with the Star Wars films and used to pretend that I was Luke Skywalker on road trips.  I would recreate the movies in my head and pretend that the highway signs were At-At Walkers that I needed to destroy!

5) What was your very first role?
In preschool, I remember doing a presentation of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound Of Music.  I was assigned to be one of the "brown paper packages tied up with string".  Years later I would recreate that role for the premiere of the Sing- A- Long Sound Of Music here in NYC.  I had a strategically placed package, lederhosen, and a two foot headdress made out of brown paper packages.  My photo made it into Entertainment Weekly that week... a proud moment!

6) Who/what inspires you and why?
Cirque du Soleil shows for their artistry and athleticism.  Oprah Winfrey and Paulo Coelho for their endless wisdom.  And young performers for their bigger than life dreams and determination.
 
7) Theater or theatre?
Please.... THEATRE!  I am British, after all!

8) How many times have you been in 'Miss Saigon'?
7 different productions.  I've played all the Asian male parts one can play in that show... with the exception of Tam, the little kid.  Talk about an incredible role... the audience favorite, don't have to blow a vocal chord, and final bow!  Here's hoping I finally get to play that role in production #8!

9) What's your dream role/show?
I would really still love to play Angel in RENT.  I moved to NYC because of that role.  I even scrapbooked my first experience auditioning for it.  OMG... that's so Midwest and theatre geeky of me!

10) Any tragic flaws?
Is this a trick question?!?  Aren't all Asians supposed to be PERFECT?  At least, that's what Amy Chua says!  Doh!

and since all good things go up to 11:

11) What's one random thing you'd like us to know about you?
 I like to wear fake glasses.  I mean, I don't need them to see.  I have several pairs of "character" glasses to give myself a different look.  I even had them when I was a kid... round ones like Charlie Chaplin.  Is that weird?







1) Name?
Alison Lea Bender

2) Where were you born?  I mean, where are you from? Like, really from. Ok, where are your parents from...
I was born in Toledo, Ohio. Grew up in Bakersfield, California, Orlando and Seminole Florida. Mother is from Korea and Father is from The Bronx! Such a mixed kid.

3) Shoes on or off at home?
Off, but warm fluffy socks are a must!

4) What made you decide to be an actor?
This is going to sound absolutely awful. I was forced into musical theater summer camp when I was twelve. I came home from the first day with a lead role so I thought, "Hey, I guess I can do this." At that age, I liked to sing and really liked applause and when people told me how talented I was. So shallow. As time went on and I started going to performing arts high school and doing more shows, I learned to love my art and developed the passion.

5) What was your very first role?
Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (Bratty, twelve year old Alison wanted the role with the most lines and I BOOKED it!)

6) Who/what inspires you and why?
My friends and family who constantly remind me how lucky I am to have my gift. They shower with me with so much honesty, love, and support. Who would ever want to quit with all that backing you up?
 
 7) Theater or theatre?
I'll take either, really.

8) How many times have you been in 'Miss Saigon'?
Once and I'm sure there's more in my future.


9) What's your dream role/show?
Hands down: Elphaba in Wicked!

 


10) Any tragic flaws?
I am really hard to read at first. Some might say mysterious. I get really aggravated when I can't have something. I turn into this WEIRD person. I am a dork at heart. And a diva. I am a people pleaser. Because I am well liked by many, it bothers me A LOT when someone doesn't like me. Not a good thing to be bothered about when I make my living as a performer.

and since all good things go up to 11:

11) What's one random thing you'd like us to know about you?
I'm in love with skirts and dresses... and purses... and accessories. I plead guilty to being a girly girl.
 
 That's it for this week.  Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for more!  In the meantime, check out some more pics from "Wild Card Day" up on our Facebook page.

And we're off! Also, meet Yvette and Kelvin

Marc in full yogasity.

'Sup, y'all!  Last Sunday was Golden Globe night, but it was also more importantly the YeRROw YeLLow weekly meet.

Our second meeting, and we started out with a BANG.  Or rather, a yogasm.

That's right, as a warmup we started off with some yogatastic moves from company member Marc delaCruz as a warmup.  It was awesome.  Challenging.  And...yogatastic.  Whew!

 

After getting our bodies aligned and chakras in order, we got right into the theme of the week: Gender Benders!  Each YeRRow member chose a song usually performed by the opposite sex, and sang it in front of the company.

  

Amazing talent, creative juices and some general hilarity all around made for some good times.  More photos from our meeting are up on our Facebook page, so check them out.

In the upcoming weeks, we'll be posting some getting-to-know-you questions answered by members of our company, chosen completely at random (with assistance of a little Chardonnay).  This week, we're like to introduce you to Yvonne Same and Kelvin Moon Loh:

1) Name?  
Yvonne Same, pronounced "saw-me" like "You 'saw me' in the show and the magician wanted to 'saw me' in half."

2) Where were you born?
Los Angeles, CA

I mean, where are you from?
Los Angeles, CA

Like, really from.
Los Angeles, CA

Ok, where are your parents from...
Outer space

or your grandparents...
Oh, The Philippines.

 3) Shoes on or off at home?
Off, so off.  Shoes on is so rude.

4) What made you decide to be an actor?
Vicki the Robot - I wanted to be on TV, and that was my favorite show EVER.  I figured if the Lawson's could adopt a robot, then their neighbors could adopt an Asian.

5) What was your very first role?
Ngana in South Pacific.  I was 18, no joke.

6) Who/what inspires you and why?
Margaret Cho because she's fearless, Montgomery Clift because he truly loved the art of performance (and was way hot), and Lucille Ball because she knew who she was and never apologized for it.

7) Theater or theatre?
I go to the theater to watch theatre?  Does it matter?  I used to care.


8) How many times have you been in 'Miss Saigon'?
3.5, if you count the concert version I mounted with my cousins when I was 16.

9) What's your dream role/show?
I want to be Panch in Spelling Bee.  Omigod, so bad.  Since that will never happen, I can't wait till I get to play Bloody Mary in South Pacific.  CAN.NOT.WAIT

10) Any tragic flaws?
I'm overly self-critical.
I love cursing.  LOVE IT.  But only when necessary.
I look for any excuse to bring my dog everywhere I go.

and since all good things go up to 11:

11) What's one random thing you'd like us to know about you?
I have a burning desire to be a stand up comedienne.  We'll see.

1) Name?

"Shit Starter"

Kelvin Moon Loh

2) Where were you born?  I mean, where are you from?  Like, really from.  Ok, where are your parents from...or your grandparents...
I'm actually an immigrant!  First generation...what what!    I share similar initials to my place of birth:  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  My parents had older siblings that moved to New York City in the 80's.  They got jealous and brought my brother and I over at six months old.....so I'm practically a New Yorker through and through.  I've moved 20 times since, but only from borough to borough.

3) Shoes on or off at home?
Shoes OFF!  And properly put away in the shoe closet.  My mother would smartly advise that there are a lot of dogs out there and it is not appropriate to track their "tracks" into the home. 

4) What made you decide to be an actor?
I think it's always been in the stars for me.  I remember making my acting debut in a third grade play.  The role:.....Martin Luther King, Jr. (My mother and I spent an entire afternoon at Macy's picking out the perfect suit and RED power tie!!!)  Thank goodness Mrs. Summerville existed.  She was a pioneer in color-blind casting.   Who said the New York City PUBLIC school system was good for nothing?!?! 

5) What was your very first role?

Geez.....perhaps I should learn to read ahead in questionnaires...  Well, my first musical theater role was Ching in the revival version of Anything Goes.  I love the musical theater stage and always will.  I, in fact, did NOT audition for this production but was selected out of the 7th grade chorus, being the ONLY Asian boy singer.  For those of you who know the show, you know that Ching has a brother Ling.  I was cast first, then a Caucasian boy, Dan D., was cast to match my height and stature.  He performed Ling in full YELLOWFACE!!! They tanned his face with foundation, they pulled his eyes out with eyeliner.....NO ONE thought this was weird.  Oh, the things I didn't know!!!

"Dan D. in YELLOWFACE....only because I apparently ATE the original actor playing my brother."

6) Who/what inspires you and why?
Other Aquarians, Douchey Straight Guys, and Oprah Winfrey.  I would say that marijuana inspires me a lot, but my mother would be mad.  I would say that my vision board inspires me, but The Secret would sue me.  Ultimately, anyone with an open mind and an open spirit inspires me.  And not hippie dippie openess but rather uber leftist radicals openess.  I love people who could be considered "shit starters".  Even if you don't agree with their actions, it forces me to re-examine my beliefs and actions and challenge or champion them by reacting with the same intensity!

7) Theater or theatre? 
Broadway.  Theater or theatre doesn't exist..... only Broadway.

8) How many times have you been in 'Miss Saigon'?
Three!  Denver, Houston and Salt Lake City.  Man, did the Utah locals love those Vietnamese prostitutes!

9) What's your dream role/show? 
Albin, La Cage Aux Folles.  The only reason I look forward to middle age. 

10) Any tragic flaws? 
I'm into trends and fads.  I loved Tomagouchi.  I did Atkins.  I was a RENThead (fad that never faded).  I own a Bender Ball.  I have SillyBandz, the princess pack.  It's an expensive flaw but perhaps it can be interpreted as:  Kelvin is easily entertained. 

and since all good things go up to 11:

11) What's one random thing you'd like us to know about you? 
I am a borderline HOARDER!!!  My ultimate collection:  Broadway memorabilia.  Playbills, show cards, ticket stubs, sheet music, t-shirts, double disk cast albums.  I cannot throw out any Broadway memorabilia.  I consider it sacrilege.  Wait.....You asked about one thing random about me?  .....Oh right, I'm single. 


That's all for this post, y'all.  Until next time...

New Membership: "So you wanna be YERROW?"

In anticipation of our launch, there have already been questions about membership to The Yerrow Yellow Acting Co. (YYAC).   We are happy to receive self submissions at any time as well as recommendations through current company members.  We are beginning with a limited core group as we lay our foundation only based on logistics (time, space, $$$)! 

Please feel free to send your information to YerrowYellow@gmail.com :

-Name & Contact Info
-Headshot/Resume
- A short statement about how you believe that you are an ideal candidate for YYAC.  Please mention a little about yourself and how you believe you may benefit from YYAC or vice versa.

If and when we have an opening, we will review ALL submissions and invitations will be sent out to attend meetings on a trial basis.  This policy is NOT about exclusivity.  It is about
maintaining the integrity of YYAC by insuring a safe work environment for current members. 

We look forward to your submissions!  

Introduction The YERROW YELLOW Acting Co.!!!

What is The Yerrow Yellow Acting Co.?

The Yerrow Yellow Acting Co. (YYAC) is comprised of an internally diverse group of Asian-American theater artists. We assembled with an interest in developing a safe environment to explore our craft.  YYAC only explores material written for the contemporary musical theater stage removing any prescribed notions of casting including but not limited to: ethnicity, gender, age, and physicality.  YYAC encourages it’s acting company members to breathe life into written characters using their individual skill sets and uniqueness and NOT vice versa.  Although YYAC is not production oriented, performance opportunities will arise through group collaborations and organic discovery.  YYAC will offer regular showcases of work created during meetings.

Why “Yerrow Yellow”? 

“Yerrow Yellow” is an instant source of controversy…. “And that is okay by us!”  More specifically, it comments on stereotypical views of Asian-Americans within the mainstream.  As our company is composed of Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, and more, we stand proudly to demonstrate all the shades and connotations of the word “yellow” beyond the common derogatory categorization.  “Yellow” to us means:  Brightness, Sunshine, Caution, Rebellion, New. 

So why do choose to put “Yellow” in the title at all, let alone the stereotypical pronunciation “Yerrow”?  It is because we would like to identify that there is a very specific presence that the Asian-American community has had in the performance mediums.  We cannot and will not ignore that association as it is too part of our unique journey.   By boldly presenting that we are completely aware of our identity with a bit of humility, we formed under The Yerrow Yellow Acting Co.  to say:  “We are NOT an all-Asian acting company that can do contemporary works like everyone else.  We are an all-Asian acting company that can do contemporary works like ONLY an all-Asian company can.”