We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Meirav Zur. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Meirav below.

Meirav , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I think pursuing any career in the arts naturally involves a lot of risk. Most people don’t realize that for creatives, risk is daily and ongoing. I knew going into the arts professionally would be risky in terms of sustainability (how will I earn a decent income through random gigs as opposed to a “regular” 9 to 5 job?), but I’m a creative and I have a need to pursue it. When I first started out in acting, I was living in Israel and quickly felt it more risky to stay in the typical route of newbie actors trying to get and pass auditions, maybe get booked, and basically wash-rinse-repeat. I found a niche consumer need and created a play. That was risky on many levels, mainly the time/money investment into an almost too-unique product in a questionable market. That risk paid off in the sense that it propelled me to found an entire theater of more and more artistic as well as educational projects. I was able to create and perform and run many projects, and work with many other talented and brilliant creatives. I learned through doing, and had many different kinds of opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
I moved with my family to the US during the pandemic, which was also a risk, and I’m thankful to get to pursue an artistic career here, too, though it is like professionally starting over in a way. So I understand risks, but also have previous experiences and lessons to guide me here now in Los Angeles.

Meirav , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an actor, producer, writer, and director. I enjoy creating and entertaining, and my favorite medium is theater, especially improv and comedy. I love the magic that happens in real time at unpredictable moments. Audience laughter is pure and powerful and magical. I think many people underestimate the experience of live entertainment, and I hope more people will realize that these impactful experiences are more valuable and meaningful than most offerings for consumers. In parallel to my acting work on stage and screen, it’s been great to get back to doing local performances and workshops in the private sector, too. I enjoy those opportunities to meet the audience at a performance or even work with them during a workshop, and see them experience that theater magic firsthand. It always seems like this great “equalizer” when we can understand and appreciate ourselves and others, and maybe even laugh at it, too.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

BE THERE. That is probably the best thing to support art and creatives. GO see plays, go to shows, go to art exhibits, go to open mics or local musician nights. BRING ART to you by booking a show or an entertainer for an event or fundraiser (or even a get-together with friends). Not only is it good for the soul, it’s good for the artists. It’s a way to reciprocate and continue the cycle of expression. It helps you get different perspectives and therefore understand yourself and others and the world a little better. It would be great to see the same energy and support and “fandom” of theater and art as there is for sports.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is how what I do impacts someone else, whether it’s a laugh or an understanding or a realization of themselves or others. If I helped lighten the load or created an opportunity for some sort of learning or understanding, that’s huge.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meiravzur.com
• Instagram: @mayravtzur
• Facebook: @mayravtzur

Image Credits
Herschel Gutman Liat Eldar