Here's your chance to get to know Theresa 'Tea' Ro a little better. We asked her seven questions about the play, her role, and acting. Here's what she had to say.
Tell us about your A-Squared beginnings. When and how did you get involved with the company? I officially first got involved with A-Squared when I performed in their staged reading of Mothers & Tigers by Will Kern back in 2007. I also did a reading of Philip Kan Gotanda's The Wind Cries Mary later that year.
Describe your character in 3 words or less. Wanting to please.
What is your favorite characteristic of Lauren Yee’s Ching Chong Chinaman? The absurdity of the characters, and yet they can still be relatable.
How have you been preparing for your role?Books, movies, shows, research. And tell us about your learning and preparation process as an actor. I have been preparing for the role of Grace by watching some movies and old tv shows and listening to what the director is looking for in this character. As an actor I read the play over several times and start to dissect my character.
Does your role draw any parallels to your own life? Would you be friends with your character? Grace's life is definitely different from my own. I don't know if I would necessarily be friends with her, but I would want to help her because I feel bad for her at times.
Most memorable rehearsal moment to date? All of them have been memorable in one way or another.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received as an actor? Stop thinking, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors? To listen and learn and keep practicing your skill. I still consider myself an aspiring actor.
Tea's bio Tea Ro is delighted to be working with A-Squared Theatre Workshop again after performing in My Asian Mom 2014 and My Asian Mom 2.0.1.3. She has also performed with Chicago Scriptworks, Dream Theatre, Bowen Park Theater and Side Project Studio and has appeared in various commercial, print, and internet projects as well. Tea studied theatre at UIC and has also received training from Audition Studio, Victory Gardens, Acting Studios, and The Green Room.