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

“Performing is a necessary form of expression for me. This artform allows me to express my observations about human behavior, but more importantly it encourages me to be present, silly and vulnerable simultaneously,” says Zara Zeidman who plays Jacls girlfriend and catalyst for his nervous breakdown in Rollin Jewett’s THE BIG DREAM.
“Acting allows me to connect deeply with myself while connecting many people together; the cast, the crew and the audience come together to create a fleeting but intimate community,” she concluded.

Zara, another college student like her co-star, Matt Frenzel,  is now bursting on the New York theatre scene in a big way. Coming off an acclaimed performance in A Doll’s House, Zara now gets to explore her sillier side as Jack’s long-suffering girlfriend.

While she has mastered the comic elements of her role, she had some deep comments about returning to live theatre:

What are the challenges of doing an interactive play? And what are the challenges of doing one NOW?

The opportunity to connect with an audience post-lockdown is very thrilling, it is a reminder that the actor-audience relationship is precious and mutually beneficial. I look forward to the familiar feeling of anticipation that fills the room. I am hopeful that the experience will be positive for all who come and that people will feel comfortable enough to relax into the interactive experience. I want to encourage audience members to lean into it, remembering that the audience is always just as much a part of the experience as the performers. That relationship is going to feel new to all of us, but it is an opportunity to appreciate the experience with new eyes. 

What’s next for you? 

I am so grateful to be reopening and deepening my relationship with performance. I hope to continue acting in new works like “The Big Dream” whilst pursuing my BFA in Acting at Brooklyn College. This summer I will return to the Shakespeare acting workshop that I participated in my teens to Assistant Direct “Twelfth Night”. This program at the West Kortright Center is the perfect place for me to learn and grow while giving back to my community and encouraging young people to explore this artform.