Phil's clairvoyant ex-girlfriend, Miriam

She breaks out into a smile. It's a sign of her über sharp wit and the deadpan deliveries that have made her stage characters hilariously crisp and raw at the same time. Actually, in her comedic turns she's packed a load of perfect farce in between the lines. As a founding member of the Elephant Theatre Company in Los Angeles, she's turned in her share of Critic's Pick performances (One Fell Swoop, 7 Redneck Cheerleaders) and 'Go' LA Weekly nods (Muppet Maiden, Red Cross) in a career that's spanned 12 years. A seasoned character actress whose face can be seen on banners lining the streets of Santa Monica Blvd and Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, the nonstop performer is not one to hide the fact that loads of attention will do her good.

Why do you think you got into performing? To reach out and touch someone?

No, to get positive attention. I just want people to look at me in a controlled environment.

What was your most personal role? I mean, what was the role that was a head trip for you.

I have to say none of them. I'm like the worst interviewee. I've never been that person that's like, "Wow that was really intense, man, I need some time to transition, man." I guess that's because I haven't worked that hard, but I'm open to it.

You have what casting directors would call a "period face". High cheekbones, brilliant eyes, et cetera. Have you done many period pieces?

Thank You! I did do one, but I'd love more. Back in 2002, I played Mary in The Insanity of Mary Girard. I had to sit on stage for 30-40 minutes before the show with a weird lamp shade contraption over my head and not move.

Did you tell them about your attention needs? Did anyone get to see your face?

No, because I think when you walk around as an actor, you spend a lot of time covering up the fact that you are dying for attention 95% of the time. Some are better at hiding it than others. And yes, they saw my face for a good two hours.

Back in contemporary-ville, what did you make of your role in Phil Cobb's Dinner for Four?

I think Miriam's extremely guarded, insecure, and full of BS. But of course, she doesn't know that. Miriam is Phil's ex but they share something else which transcends the breakup, which will be revealed in the film. She's a clairvoyant. I think she's the kind of clairvoyant that tends to see the darker side of possibilities.

How do you typically approach a character? Is there an Alex Hoover way?

Nah, just by the costume and channeling.

What makes you laugh?

Someone who's being very silly or someone who's not trying to be funny. So I guess that would leave a lot of potential for me being amused.

What's your trick to staying healthy and balanced in the competitive world of acting in Hollywood?

Well if I don't enjoy it for 'its sake', then I'm going in a joyless direction. I've done it for a while without getting paid and now the compensation is trickling in but I don't think I would ever stop.

I envision theater companies to have a healthy quotient of drama — the kind that's backstage. How do you manage to stay in a theater company, The Elephant in Los Angeles, for twelve years?

The Elephant doesn't suffer divas gladly. So that's one reason. And I've had a chance to do some great characters with people I love for over a decade. We get good reviews so I'm not ashamed to invite people to see our shows. Why would I leave? :)