Community Cast Column: Iris Gonzalez
Iris having her headshot taken right outside of Cornerstone Theater Company’s offices in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles.
Cornerstone first met Iris Gonzalez in the summer of 2009 during our Summer Institute. She was 16 years old and a bright-eyed up, up-and-coming high school senior. She describes her teenage “dreams coming true by getting to act in a professional production with a theater company from Los Angeles!: That summer, Cornerstone ensemble member, Peter Howard adapted the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, including local histories and stories. With The Blue Ox Mill as a community pertner and venue the show Jason in Eureka featured 30 local performers - including Iris, in a mint green Denny’s shirt costume. Now her “dreams are coming true again!” as she has gotten her first professional acting gig after graduating from UC Irvine last May.
Iris performing onstage in California: The Tempest as Sebastia.
In Spring 2014, in preparation for the statewide tour, Cornerstone invited Iris to audition to be part of the core touring company for California: The Tempest. Since then, she has been on a perpetual road trip! That first experience with Cornerstone left long-lasting impressions on Iris. First, she learned that professional theater can be an effective tool in creating positive change and healing for individuals and their communities. Secondly, she met several UCI alum and students who were working on the show that summer. In 2015, she is now an official UCI graduate with two degrees - one in theater and the other in psychology. She is working her “dream job” right out of school: getting paid to act, travel, and make art with a theater company that inspired her so much as a young artist.
Reflecting back on the summer production, she has fond memories: night rehearsals outside at the Blue Ox Mill with the theater lights magically highlighting the fog coming off the bay and getting to meet a wide range of people from Eureka. “I was completely blown away by Cornerstone; not only by the impressive set and the talented actors, but by their kindness towards us. They listened to our stories and showed respect for our community.” Now, Iris is developing her own practice of working in community. During the tour, Iris would always volunteer to canvass at community events, lead workshops, and welcome new cast members. She would also be one of the first to sign-up at karaoke when the cast would venture out at night. She has taken every proposed opportunity to experience the state of California and all of its beautiful layers.
While canvassing at Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles, Iris stops to pose with the model of the set for California: The Tempest.
In March 2015, Iris and Ashley returned to Eureka to hold auditions for the upcoming production. She called all of her old high school friends, previous cast members, and family to come be part of California: The Tempest. As auditions progressed, more and more people came because of their connection to Iris. They were all cast in the play, including her father, step-father, and sister! As we traveled across the state we had the privilege of experiencing different cast members in their homes. For this trip, Iris arranged for a home-cooked meal with Amy and Cliff Berkowitz. It was like we were attending the family reunion of a dear friend; we caught glimpses of the influences that make Iris the amazing woman she is. Amy & Cliff were gracious hosts and vibrant storytellers, just like Iris.
In rehearsal, Iris would practice her craft with an infectious commitment. She was always first to initiate line memorization readings and scene coaching with the local community actors. She would lead with such grace and a giddy encouragement that continuously pushed the actors to perform their best. Iris also supported the production’s musical director, Becky Dale, by guiding the company in singing exercises and teaching the songs to the local community cast members. Her ability to switch between her villainous character Sebastia on stage and her naturally encouraging character that beams with joy off stage is truly inspiring.