Meet the Actor: A Theatre33 Interview with Aleksandra Levkovsky

Tell us about yourself.

I'm a civil engineer and have spent my entire career doing what I love: designing construction projects.

For many years, as a member of the Russian Foundation for the Arts, I have served as one of the key organizers behind various cultural events in Portland, OR—including concerts, gatherings, and festivals.

What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an actor?

Theater entered my life unexpectedly and became a serious passion. I've joined a community theater just to help a friend to put together a project about 8 years ago. Then it was another project, then I enrolled an acting class and realized that I was succeeding and making a progress.

Which actor—past or present—do you most admire, and why?

Chulpan Khamatova. She is different in every role.

What’s the most challenging role you’ve played, and what did you learn from it?

The most challenging role I've played is Helena in "A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur" by Tennessee Williams. The character is complete opposite of myself. I was surprised to find unfamiliar qualities and traits in myself.

How do you approach developing a character?

The development of character starts with research about the author, time period, events in the society where play takes place.  

What’s your process for preparing for a role, from first read to opening night?

Creating a legend of character and finding new details at every practice

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

N/a.

How do you handle stage nerves or performance anxiety?

Being prepared gives me confidence and helps to control anxiety.

How do you memorize lines and stay in character throughout a performance?

I try to find logic in all of my monologues.

Have you ever had a major on-stage mishap? How did you recover?

The phone didn't ring. I looked at the phone and said that the ringtone was too quiet, then picked it up and started talking.

What’s the most unforgettable moment you’ve experienced on stage?

When I experience the "fourth wall" on stage.

What’s a dream role you’d love to play one day?

N/a.

What’s the biggest lesson theatre has taught you?

Impossible is possible.

How do you balance rehearsals, performances, and the rest of your life?

I just do - find time for everything.

What advice would you give to someone new to acting?

Be yourself.