Meet Elena Lozonschi | Actor, Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Lozonschi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks has been a vital part of my journey, shaping me both personally and professionally. Embracing the unknown and taking that leap of faith have brought me to where I am today. If I hadn’t found the courage to ignore the naysayers and dive into the unknown, I wouldn’t be here now. Each risk has made me feel braver and more resilient. One of the most significant risks I recently took was performing a one-woman show, “Girls & Boys” by British playwright Dennis Kelly. It was a daunting challenge, and there were moments when giving up seemed like the easier option. However, pushing through that fear and uncertainty led to a successful performance and boosted my confidence and skills as a performer.

Risk naturally involves the possibility of failure as much as it holds the potential for success. Embracing this balance is essential. Overcoming the fear of failure has shown me that taking risks often leads to growth, even if the outcomes aren’t always what I expected. Each risk teaches me more about my capabilities and enriches my journey, making me a better performer and a stronger person.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as an actress has been shaped by my lifelong love for theatre, a passion ignited during my childhood through the special bond I shared with my grandfather. He was an avid theatre enthusiast, and our Sunday tradition of attending shows together contributed to my fascination with acting. Although I initially I had a career as a classical pianist, as I grew older, my undeniable love for theater led me to New York, where I fully immersed myself in this extraordinary world.

I embarked on my professional journey in musical theatre at the New York Film Academy, but my passions soon gravitated towards classical plays, especially the works of Chekhov and Shakespeare. This newfound enthusiasm led me to the Stella Adler Professional Conservatory, where I forged a deeper connection with the transformative power of acting. Acting has profoundly enriched my life, demanding not only rigorous education but also profound self-awareness and emotional honesty. It’s about shedding the mask rather than hiding behind it, finding harmony within oneself, and embracing the full spectrum of the human experience.

The path to where I am today hasn’t been easy. One of the greatest challenges was understanding myself and navigating the emotional complexities that life brings. Acting demands that you feel deeply, and this vulnerability is both a personal and professional challenge. Overcoming this involved a process of acceptance, forgiveness, and moving forward, much like psychological healing. It’s been a painful yet immensely rewarding journey that has helped me grow both as an individual and as an artist.

I am particularly proud of the one-woman show I did recently, “Girls & Boys” by Dennis Kelly, which was a challenging yet deeply fulfilling project. The plot revolves around an unnamed, everyday woman who intimately connects with the audience by sharing the defining moments of her life. Her story unfolds during a transformative phase where she recognizes her life’s misdirection and embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and growth. A significant downturn occurs when the relationship with her partner falls apart, while his depression takes over, and eventually destroys their family. In a shocking and tragic twist, her partner ends up killing their two children. This unexpected turn is especially striking as the narrative begins with a comedic tone, concealing the looming tragedy. At its core, it’s a story of survival and resilience, highlighting a woman’s strength to move forward despite unimaginable horrors. Hraban’s involvement was crucial, infusing the husband’s character with irresistible charm and charisma, making him so very lovable, only to ultimately shatter our hearts. To embody such a complex character requires true versatility and vulnerability, highlighting Hraban’s exceptional artistic ability. While working on this production, I discovered its therapeutic essence.

Living in New York has opened doors to incredible opportunities, including my work on radio shows like “Five Beats Per Minute and Thirty-Five Degrees Fahrenheit” and “Inn-Ception” with Living Radio. These experiences have redefined my perspective on acting, revealing the nuances of creating a live show for both stage and home audiences. Blending diverse techniques to deliver a rich and truthful performance to both audiences has been an enlightening journey, deepening my craft in ways I never imagined. I’ve performed at venues like The Tank, or The Producers Club, in Manhattan where I had the opportunity to be part of the long-running comedy show “A Sketch of New York”. The show navigates the rollercoaster of daily life in the Big Apple, from the hilarious and raunchy escapades to the poignant and dark moments that define the city’s heartbeat. Each sketch paints a vivid portrait of New York’s artists and their intertwined fates with the city’s eccentricities. For me personally, it has been an incredible experience, fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine to be part of a long-running show. Its enduring popularity and its authentic portrayal of city life have made every moment on stage truly unforgettable.

What distinguishes me as an artist is my fearless embrace of the unknown, propelling me to ever greater heights. My superpower lies in setting high stakes for myself, tirelessly working toward success, and surpassing the ordinary. I am willing to take on challenges that others might shy away from. I have unwavering faith in my abilities and a determination that ensures I will always strive for my goals as long as I have a voice.

For those who follow my journey or are inspired by my work, I want them to know that the path to success is paved with challenges, but it is also full of transformative experiences. Embrace every opportunity, be willing to take risks, and never stop exploring the depths of your passion. My story is one of perseverance, growth, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As of now, planning a full week itinerary might be a bit challenging, but here are some of the highlights I’d be excited to share with my best friend. We’d start with Central Park for a relaxing stroll, then explore The Met for its incredible art and rooftop views. In Chelsea, we’d enjoy The High Line and lunch at Chelsea Market for a taste of the city’s vibrant culture. We’d venture into Brooklyn for a different perspective, starting with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to soak in the stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline and the East River. At dusk, Westlight, a rooftop bar in Williamsburg, would offer us panoramic city views while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails. Here’s a glimpse of New York for now, but there’s much more to come next time.

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?
I must acknowledge my acting partner, Hraban Luyat, whose invaluable contributions shaped the creation of ‘Girls & Boys.’ Our collaboration was deeply rewarding, and his insights were instrumental in the show’s success. I sought Hraban’s guidance after witnessing his remarkable performance as Thomas in Mike Bartlett’s ‘Bull.’ His portrayal was profoundly moving, embodying a character immersed in the brutal dynamics of corporate politics. With razor-sharp wit and steadfast determination, Hraban breathed life into Thomas, balancing vulnerability with fierce ambition amidst a landscape fraught with deceit and ruthless competition. His portrayal resonated with haunting realism, delving into the raw emotions and existential struggles of a man navigating the brutal realities of survival and validation in the workplace. Experiencing his extraordinary performance in ‘Bull’ not only deepened my admiration for his work but also set a precedent for the rigorous professionalism and dedication Hraban brought to our collaboration in ‘Girls & Boys.’ He propelled me forward when challenges loomed and anchored our efforts with unwavering commitment.

Website: https://www.elenalozonschi.com

Instagram: @elenalozonschi

Image Credits
Sabrina DiGeorge
Nikita Matiychyn