Meet Shulie Cowen | Actor, Writer, Producer & Notary Public

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

Hi Shulie, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My father was a trip leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and I spent a lot of my time as a child outdoors. I am so grateful for the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature. One of the sayings hikers have is, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”. For me this means enjoy life to the fullest, but do no harm. In other words, “Do good. Have fun,” and I try to live by this principal every day. Whether it is helping people feel comfortable during an Estate plan signing, teaching, or performing, it is my goal to leave this world better than I found it, and appreciate everything along the way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been and continue to be an actor, writer, teacher and producer for my entire working career. After earning a degree in theatre at Northwestern University. I started my acting career in Chicago theatre, and found my way into improv through classes at The Second City. I was hooked. I was fortunate to become a member of The Second City National Touring Company, and continued to study at iO (Improv Olympic) with Del Close, and at The Annoyance with Mick Napier.

There have been many ups and downs in my career, and improv has been with me through it all. I feel so lucky to have this amazing opportunity to consistently get to perform and and teach this art form that I love.

I’m currently working on a documentary-series about teaching kids empathy through comedy, and looking to partner with a production company. The project excites me because it combines my love of making people laugh with making the world a better place.

Six years ago, I was looking for a job to supplement my income. At the time, I didn’t know much about Notary Publics, aside from the fictional Peggy Hill being a Notary on the show King Of The Hill. When I needed to get some documents notarized, I asked the Notary some questions about his work, and it sounded like something I would enjoy. Little did I know then how much I would love it. My job has taken me all over Southern California and it’s been great to explore and see more of this wonderful state. But the very best part is meeting my fantastic clients from all walks of life and helping them get one step closer to achieving their dreams, hopes, and futures.

While these 2 vocations may not seem to fit together, they work perfectly for me. Both involve working with new people, travel, and new challenges. While the “rules” of acting are often more nebulous, it’s nice to balance it with notary work that has stricter rules and a clearer path to doing the job well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them hiking up to the Hollywood sign, not only for the hike but also for the gorgeous view of the city. Afterward, dinner and drinks at the Electric Owl, a restaurant that was a railway station on the old Los Angeles streetcar line. I’d be very excited to take them to a show at the Hollywood Bowl, my favorite LA music venue. Canter’s Deli and Little Ethiopia on Fairfax would definitely be on the list, as well as a walk around the original Farmer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax. And of course, I’d take them to see my show Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!, wherever we are playing that week in Los Angeles!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful to so many people who have helped me pursue my dreams. From my acting and improv teachers and to the theatres where I work, I learn something new every day. My show, Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!® has been running in Los Angeles for over 20 years. Everyone in the cast past and present has contributed to its success. So a shoutout to the cast; Norm Thoeming, Hilary Rowe, Jonathan Mangum, Ithamar Enriquez and Jonathan Dinerstein. And a huge shoutout to the Los Angeles improv theatres that have hosted the show post-pandemic, the Fanatic Salon and Impro Theatre.

In my Notary Public career, estate Lawyer Bonnie Harris Hayden has been an amazing ally, work colleague, and inspiration. Estate planning is a vital service, but it can feel intimidating and anxiety producing for the client. Bonnie’s intelligence, expertise, and calming manner has taught me so much about working with clients. Because of her joy for what she does, estate signings are now my favorite as a Notary Public. I love being able to be a peaceful and steady presence for clients during these important notarizations.

Twitter: https://x.com/ShulieCowen

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0184736/?ref_=nmbio_ov
www.Improvisedmusical.com
Email: NotaryShulieCowen@gmail.com

Image Credits
Joanna DeGeneres, Derek Miller, Kevin McShane, Kim Marie Mulligan