2020 Visionaries: Sara Koviak

Sara Koviak is right at home in the magical realism of a Jose Rivera play.

While studying to be a surgeon, she danced ballet in high school and college. The joy dance brought her eventually won-out and she changed direction – now making dance and theatre her prime focus. “I studied theatre and dance and ended up moving to NYC. I originally planned to have my own dance company then I was cast in the National Tour of Pippin. I became a full-time performer at that point, in musicals, dance concerts, and eventually dancing at The Metropolitan Opera for many years until I changed careers entirely and focused solely on acting,” said Koviak. “I think my classical dance training has helped me tremendously become a more well-rounded multi-faceted actor. I bring a great deal of physicality to my roles. I’ve also had improv training most of my life which allows me to create in the rehearsal room easily and live moment to moment as the character,” she concluded, sharing with us how she masters a role – inside and out.

Drama-Queens asked a few quick questions, as she was in-tech for her latest production LOVESIONG (IMPEFECT) another stunning world premiere by Obie-winner, Jose Rivera.

Tell us about your role and the play.

I love this role! I have a lot of freedom in this role to be myself and add my own nuances and quirkiness to it. I love the heightened language – I live for it! In this role of Delilah, I am able to explore an entire color palette of emotions – everything imaginable happens to this very determined and eternally (literally) romantic gal. The play is a marathon and a true test of stamina. The play itself is beautiful and heart-warming and funny and disturbing and terrifying and magical and whimsical and sad and joyful. We’ve got it all. Even fencing and bicycle riding….and maybe a few tutus….

What’s your criteria on choosing a role?

Good writing, well-developed character with strong point of view. Something I know I can make my own and have a ton of fun developing and exploring. Something where I can truly showcase my unique skills.

How do you go about creating a character in the realm of magical realism

Truth and normalcy. They don’t know the world being any other way. They see it as commonplace. Its easy for me as a person to accept fanciful or extravagant worlds. My imagination is always open to new ideas so nothing ever seems too outlandish or improbable.

What’s next for you?

Two different projects I worked on last year will be premiering: a new series on HBO with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, “The Undoing”, and a short suspense/horror film written/directed by Jose Rivera, “The Fall of a Sparrow”. I’m looking forward to finally seeing both!!!

Our last question, as this is a site for women in the arts, was about how the #MeToo movement has influenced change in commercial theatre and film but how has it affected off-off Broadway? Ms. Koviak gave us one dance move that told a whole story:

“Some things change. Some things don’t.”

Ms. Koviak begins her run at the 14th Street Y in Jose Rivera’s LOVESONG (IMPERFECT) IN A FEW DAYS. TICKET AVAILABLE AT

https://14streety.secure.force.com/ticket#details_a0S1R000009tBDZUA2

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Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists