Meet Livya Howard-Yashar | Movement Director, Musician, Performance Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Livya Howard-Yashar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Livya, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Authenticity and radical honesty. When it comes to making art and putting one’s self out into the world, people are going to immediately gravitate to lived experiences that they can relate to on a fundamental level. Sometimes that means just going with the first impulse or gut reaction to something, rather than overthinking it. I’ve been trying to commit myself to not doing the things I don’t want to do, saying no when I need to, and only inviting people and collaborators into my life who can share both the good and the difficult with me in a shared space. That also means not forcing myself to create or post content just for the sake of posting. As my best friend has said to me many times, “…if it truly makes you feel good and excited, then share it!”
 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In addition to dancing, choreographing, music making, and teaching I’ve spent the last couple of years finessing my work as a performance coach. Given my earlier years spent in the theater as an actor, and my evolving career in music and dance, I realized that I had built up over twenty years of experience across the performing arts field, and that I might have some insight to share with others. This impulse began while watching one of my friend’s bands play a set at the Viper Room some years ago. Truthfully they didn’t have much stage presence, they were kind of stepping on each other’s toes, and the singer could barely hold the attention of the room. After the show, a few of them came up to me asking what I thought about the performance to which I answered honestly. They then asked if I had any suggestions for them, and soon after brought me on to work with them on various aspects of their performance. Around the same time, I began working for another friend’s organization which helps students prepare academic materials and portfolios for college applications. She brought me on to work with performing arts students as a coach, particularly to help acting students prepare monologues, self tapes, and singing auditions. I am proud that I was able to help several students get into their top choice acting schools at Julliard, Carnegie Melon, and NYU, and I’m continuing to work with actors on various aspects of their performance. Additionally, I have been growing my clientele of musicians and up and coming singer song writers, such as Kiran and Nivi. Some of the things I work on with clients include presence on camera, embodiment, and the ability to connect with all kinds of audiences. Not only do I work with my clients on their technical performing skills, but on their ability to interpret and dig into both the personal and cultural relevance to the work being performed.

I get immense satisfaction in helping others achieve their goals, specifically through the process of self actualizing in real time. Wether that be on stage, in front of a camera, public speaking etc. I pride myself on having a strong and diverse background in multiple performing art forms, each of which informs the other, and the work that I create with people. I am not just a movement coach, but a movement coach who works with people on musicality, theatrical expression, and story development. I am not just an acting coach, but an acting coach who works with people on embodiment, physical expression, and the musicality of language. In the music realm, we work on physical and emotional presence, embracing one’s unique sound, and musical storytelling. I am always looking to work with more individuals and groups, so if you are someone who is interested in more deeply exploring some of these concepts, I would love to hear from you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an LA native, what I appreciate most about it is its cultural diversity, especially when it comes to food. I’m not a big fan of car culture, so I will usually choose one or two activities and center a whole day around that area (though more likely around the food). If I want to check out some art at Moca, I’ll probably spend some time walking around Downtown LA, and maybe check out the last bookstore if I have some extra time. Then i’d probably get some ramen or sushi in Little Tokyo followed by a drink on the rooftop at Perch. I like going to neighborhoods that are known for their walkability and people watching (one of my favorite activities). I’m a big day trip person, so If I were showing friends around LA I would most likely prioritize that. A trip to the Huntington Gardens and maybe dim sum in Alhambra or the San Gabriel Valley, a beach day up the coast with a stop at Malibu Seafood, or an art mural walk/bike ride in Long Beach and then dinner in Little Saigon. I might even bring friends over to my parent’s place; easily the best restaurant in town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friend, mentor and artistic collaborator Max Pollak who brought me into his company Rumbatap in 2014. He’s been so supportive and encouraging of my art and career since we started working together, and is the person who first convinced me that I can stand proudly in my multiple identities as an artist. He was really the first person to understand me as a multifaceted performer, and through his work provided a platform in which I could integrate my skillsets of singing, dancing, and playing percussion.

Website: livyahy.com

Instagram: livyamarie

Image Credits
Charlotte Acevedo Cheryl Mann Rafael Hernandez Gonzomusicphotography