Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Gudenrath.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My life as an artist and entrepreneur is uniquely my own! I followed my heart into the arts, not an easy thing to do as a young woman. I was lucky enough to grow up in a supportive mid-west family, but at seventeen, after my father died, our perfect family life was shattered. So I decided to run away from home and follow my dream of becoming an actress. I moved west from Nebraska to Los Angeles at the age of 21. During my time in California, I worked hard, studied hard and grew up even harder. LA is fast paced and furious, and I ran after my dreams whole heartedly, but of course, had many struggles along the way.
Show Biz is not for the faint of heart. I endured over-bearing managers that made me change my name, famous directors who gas-lit me, producers who told me I had no talent, and casting directors who advised me to get a nose job and lose weight. Along this journey I found voice and breath work as a way of grounding myself, which helped me stay present, and freed my artistic expression by giving me permission to use my voice. Through Fitzmaurice Voicework, a technique that I am certified in and teach, I was able to stay true to myself and endure my pursuits, and the people in it, with spine. Teaching from my own experiences and giving younger actors permission to be fully themselves, be present, and have a voice in the face of adversity, (when I didn’t), became my new pursuit.
The young teenage me knew that “actresses wait tables,” so I did, and quickly worked my way up to bartending and managing restaurants, all while auditioning, teaching, and eventually mothering. After having my babies, my career as an actor took a back burner, as we had to pay the bills, and Los Angeles ain’t cheap! Not sucking the marrow out of LA anymore, my partner and I decided to make the move to Oregon. Both of us having worked in restaurants our whole lives, we know the business, and developed a restaurant concept that is truly special: healthy, delicious, fast food with something for everyone. We now own two restaurants in the Grants Pass area, and will be franchising more.
I continue to act, both professionally and non-professionally on stage, in film and television, teach privately while volunteering for The Fitzmaurice Voice Institute, making it a mission to spread the voicework that I so truly believe in globally. I also work as a Voice and Text Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a world renowned repertory theatre company in Ashland.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is never a smooth one, is it? Not only dealing with Showbiz Shit, I have also had to endure a lot of loss. Losing my father at such a young age deeply affected my mother who was never able to get past her grief, who also dealt with a neurological disease and many health issues. Being so far away from her was a big challenge, and navigating the selfishness of my own pursuits was a big struggle, but she never stopped supporting me, and dreaming I would one day move back home to NE. She died 2 years ago in April.
I also lost a child. My daughter is a twin. We lost her sister at 3 days old. Life unfolds and we find our way through… but I am proud that I have overcome so many struggles on my journey. It has made me better in all of the roles I play on stage and off, and has shaped me into the strong woman I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am freelance voice and text coach, actor, and Certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®, an embodied approach to the voice through the breath. I have been working as a professional actress, as well as studying and teaching Fitzmaurice Voicework for 20+ years, and am committed to empowering actors to their fullest potential possible. My passion, other than performing, is teaching and healing through voice.
Notable Los Angeles Theatre: At Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre she was Shelby in Steel Magnolias and Gretel in Hansel and Gretel. Several critically acclaimed productions at Theatre Tribe, including the West Coast Premier of Lanford Wilson’s Sympathetic Magic, and the title role in their original World Premier play The Intern. Anton in Show Business, Dark of the Moon, and The Phantom Lady at the X Repertory Theatre in downtown L.A. At Theatrum Elysuim, No Exit, Melancholy Play, and an original role as the Narrator, embodying the spirit of Shakespeare in their praised production of Cymbeline. She’s won several “Hinky Awards” for her singing, acting, and dancing at the Academy of Weird Arts & Sciences, favorites include Who’s Afraid of Virginia Weird, American Weirdity, and her tin foil parody of Lady GaGa: Lady GooGoo. Film/TV Credits include: The Princess Diaries I & II, and a recurring part on SHOWTIME’S Shameless among others.
What matters most to you? Why?
Art Matters. As an artist and teacher it is important to continue to create despite the challenges life throws at you.
Voices Matter. As a teacher it is paramount to give my students permission to stand up, face diversity and passionately pursue their goals.
Community Matters. As a restaurateur and theatre maker, I believe in not only feeding the body good food, but nourishing the soul.
Now, more than ever, we need people to be able to gather together and have healthy conversations rooted in love.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.elizabethgudenrath.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethgudenrath/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beth.gudenrath
