Here at Ripley Improv, we know you know us… but do you really KNOW us?

Join us as we launch our blog series where we get to know each Ripley Improv member on an individual level; what makes them tick, what are their favorite roles, what trees are they obsessed with? (Read on for more on that…)

We start with Aliza Pearl, actor, writer, improviser, Star Trek lover, and that hardly scratches the surface. We ask Aliza a few questions to help you get to know her a little better!

Photo credit: Michael Garcia @themikegarcia

Aliza! What is your favorite quote?

I hate questions like this. Here's something else. I'm obsessed with a tree. Its name is Pando. It's a male Aspen, and it's the largest living organism in the world, because it's a forest of clone trees all connected by the same giant root. How cool is that!??!? I grew up in a city so I find nature to be BONKERS inspiring and I'm obsessed with a tree. So nice to meet you all.

That’s cool! What projects are you currently working on?

Working on a lot of genre writing and producing again this year with Ripley. I'm also in a couple of short films that are currently in festivals-- BEACHED, a scifi horror comedy series by Nic Collins and Sean Godsey that got into SXSW, and The End, a short film by Matthew Phillip Smith about a band that's breaking up, which got into the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and the Idyllwild Festival of Cinema, where I got nominated for best actress in a short!

And of course I'm always dreaming up new things to do with scifi, RPGs, and Star Trek-- so in addition to prepping for Season 6 of The Improvised Generation to return to Impro Studio this March and April, and creating a new all-Klingon Star Trek Adventures RPG campaign with Eric Campbell, I'm also working on some other community-led Star Trek projects.

And managing fibromyalgia is a job of its own-- so just working on maintaining my health, plugging away at various projects, and staying ready for any opportunities that may come along.

Out of all the projects you’ve worked on, and roles you’ve gotten to play, what is your favorite one?

I had so much fun shooting our improvised films. I love it when a character just takes over, and I'm just the "host." I feel like that's what happened with Adelia in "Thanksgiving." She's a weirdo and I love her. Another favorite character I've played is T'Lan, a Vulcan Science Officer in the Star Trek RPG streaming series "Shield of Tomorrow." T'Lan had such a full inner life and journey that has stuck with me.

This has been so wonderful getting to know you a little better! Anything else you’d like us to know?

Ummm did I mention that I'm in a committed non-romantic long distance relationship with that tree I'm obsessed with, Pando? He lives in Utah and he can't really come visit me because... wait for it... he's set down... ROOTS.

Ok sorry sorry I'll stop now. On a more serious note, I'm already sick of this election cycle and battling apathy and rage, so I just want to say to anyone reading who may feel the same way-- let's focus on empathy, and remember that whatever the outcome is, we can and will make this a better, more empathetic, solvent, and balanced country. F the cynicism. Natives, our ancestors, and immigrants built this country and we are the answer that will help course correct it.

For more Aliza Pearl wisdom & insight, find her on the social medias, listed below

Twitter: @alizapearl & @listenerseries
Instagram: @alizapearl & @listenerseriesFacebook: @ AlizaPearlCreates & ListenerSeries

Ripley Blog

Aliza and Pando sitting on... him...