I'm a theatre actor with a wide range of experiences in other specialties (directing, writing, facilitation, etc) and performing arts modalities (dance, music, film, etc). Much of my work incorporates humor, queer possibilities, and multi-issue activism. I'm also an ensemble member with Rotate Theatre.
Performing
I've been lucky to experience a variety of genres, play a wide range of characters in established pieces, and originate roles in many new works. I've explored possibilities in realism as well as other stylized approaches, from silent movement-based work to campy drag musicals. In addition to theatre acting, I've engaged in dance and music throughout my life and have worked in other mediums including film, video, performance art, social practice art, and live lit. I grew up performing in the driftless area of rural WI, trained as an Acting Specialist at UW-Madison, and worked in Zhigaagong / Chicago for 15 years in storefront theatre and independent film before happily returning to Teejop / Madison where I completed a graduate program and continue to perform.
Behind the Scenes
I also engage in various "behind the scenes" aspects of theatre, including directing, writing, facilitation, and practice-based transdisciplinary research asking questions about accessibility, sustainability, and wellness in theatre practices.
I'm an enthusiastic educator and lifelong learner, inspired by a wide range of experiences from group classes to one-on-one skill-sharing, from academic conferences to DIY community workshops.
Facilitation
My facilitation experiences include teaching acting, playwriting, and other aspects of theatre, LGBTQIA2S+ studies, Consent for Collaborators, social partner dancing, representation in arts and media, and feminist health. I've taught adults, teens, and children in classrooms, community rooms, and camps, and I've also taught remotely. I value accessibility in educational environments and use a holistic approach to continually improve my practices, which includes taking classes in a wide range of disciplines.
Graduate Education
While completing an MA in Gender Studies at UW-Madison, I formalized my practice-based research asking questions about accessibility, sustainability, and wellness in theatre. I used a transdisciplinary approach and was affiliated with the Center for Culture, History, and Environment, the Division of the Arts, the Theatre & Drama Graduate Student Organization, and the Ballroom Association of UW-Madison.
Undergraduate Education
My undergraduate education at UW-Madison includes a BA in Theatre & Drama as an Acting Specialist and certificates in Environmental Studies and Gender Studies. I also took advantage of film classes and significant coursework in the Dance Dept and the Music Dept.
About
Hi! I'm Cyra K. Polizzi, you can call me "Cyra" or "C" and my everyday pronouns are they and she. Please feel free to message me at cyrakpolizzi@gmail or facebook regarding upcoming performances, workshops, classes, etc. If you're looking for a virtual "tip jar," I'm on Venmo: @Cyra-Polizzi
I'm based in Teejop / Madison, where the Ho-Chunk Nation has a long cultural and governmental history that goes back thousands of years and continues today, despite genocidal invasion by the US.
I grew up playing and learning in woods, studios, libraries, theatres, and classrooms with family, friends, storytellers, teachers, and more-than-human neighbors -- I feel lucky to continue doing these things today. As time goes on, I hope I'm able to offer more to the communities that have given me so much.
Indie Boots Theatre Festival cast & crew photo, courtesy of Rotate Theatre.
