Featured Performer of the Week: Celeste Den

Celeste was born in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in Miami, FL where she spent her childhood speaking a mixed bag of Mandarin, English, and Spanish at the same time. She fell in love with the stage on her 18th birthday at the opening performance of her first play and went on to receive her B.F.A. in Theatre from the University of Florida. She then spent a Summer training in Viewpoints & Suzuki before going on to receive her M.F.A. in Acting from the California Institute of the Arts where she continued to hone her innate talent as a physical performer.

A multifaceted actress, Celeste has collaborated and starred in both traditional and interdisciplinary experimental theatre projects in the U.S. and Internationally. She has worked with renowned companies such as Center for New Performance, Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare, Playwrights' Arena and Poor Dog Group while playing on the stages of Actors Theatre of Louisville, American Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, South Coast Repertory, East West Players, REDCAT, the Theatre@Boston Court, and Young Vic Theatre.

In addition to her modest film and tv credits, she has also starred in numerous independent short films and web series, and her voice work can be heard in various radio commercials, feature films, video games, and narrative projects.

Celeste now resides in Los Angeles with her husband. When not on stage or in front of a camera/microphone, you can usually find her on her yoga mat, strumming her ukulele, or snuggling her dog.

Where You Might Have Seen Her (select credits)

Broadway International Tour of David Henry Hwang's 'Chinglish' at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, South Coast Repertory and 2013 Hong Kong Arts Festival. World Premieres of Sacha Wares' 'Wild Swans' at American Repertory Theatre and Young Vic Theatre in London; Chen Shi-Zheng's 'Peach Blossom Fan' and Robert Canterella's '11 Septembre 2001' with Center for New Performance at REDCAT; Susan Simpson's 'Spit! Shine! Glisten!' with the Cotsen Center for Puppetry; 'Between Two Friends' and 'Island' at The Actors Theatreof Louisville; and 'Laws of Sympathy' with Playwrights' Arena.

Other regional theatre credits include 'Conjunto' at Borderlands Theatre; 'Othello' at The Theatre at Boston Court; 'The Joy Luck Club' at East West Players;' The Merchant of Venice' with LA Women's Shakespeare; and 'Attrapee' with Poor Dog Group.

We've Got Questions!

1) What are you working on right now?

I am currently performing in the Broadway International Tour of David Henry Hwang's 'Chinglish' at South Coast Repertory...next stop Hong Kong Arts Festival!

2) What has been your professional biggest accomplishment so far?

Being a part of the world premiere of 'Wild Swans' at American Repertory Theatre and Young Vic Theatre in London was the thrill of a lifetime, and also the opportunity to work with Leigh Silverman, David Henry Hwang and the entire creative team and cast of "Chinglish" has been a real dream come true. In both instances the impact has been as profound personally as it has been professionally.

3) Share your funniest or worst audition moment

One audition while I was attending CalArts required that I slowly rise from a heap on the ground to a standing, arms fully extended position in one long, languid, fluid but visceral motion. Halfway up I farted real loud. It was an echo-y room. That was pretty visceral alright. I'm pretty proud of the fact that I didn't miss a beat - just kept going and finished strong - like a boss. I got the role.

4) What's your dream role?

I've always secretly wanted to do musical theatre and wished I could sing and dance like those amazing triple threats. Dream role is Sally Bowles in 'Cabaret' (1998 Revival).

5) If you weren't a performer, what would you be?

Ceramic arts was my first medium of creative expression and I still dream about spending my twilight years living by the beach somewhere playing with fire and clay.

6) Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?

I only hope to still be living the life I want to live, with the freedom and courage to make the choices I want to make, creating and collaborating in the kind of work that turns me on.

Also, it would be quite convenient if I were being paid a great deal of money to do all this stuff (that I would actually do for free).

7) Where can people find you online? (official website, Facebook, Twitter)

Website: www.celesteden.com
Twitter: cden522

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