During this time of social distancing and dark theatres, Vancouver Presents continues to check in with members of our arts community to find out how they are staying creative and managing during the pandemic.
Today we check in with Vancouver actor Lou Ticzon.
1. How are you staying creative during the pandemic?
Branching out in different creative pursuits. Took a course on UX/UI design. Web development is next!
2. What’s the one thing getting you through?
My partner, Eryka. She is a driven, passionate, and creative force. She keeps my mind sharp, and my fire lit. Also, my two cats Kylo and Oreo, and Eryka’s dog, Maverick.
3. How are you staying in contact with family and friends who are not in your bubble?
Online gaming and voice chats. Social distance picnics in parks.
4. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far during the pandemic?
I’ve taken my health for granted. I’m so fortunate to be alive and well. Especially with everything going on in the world.
5. What do you feel the most grateful for right now?
That my circle of friends and family are also healthy.
6. What is something you are doing now that you don’t normally?
Going days without showering. Weeks even. I used to shower every day. And learning how to garden!
7. What skill have you developed since the pandemic started?
Someone once told me that if I wanted to get ripped, I should train with a steel mace, so I’ve been doing that. It’s been really neat and a lot tougher than I initially thought. I obviously want to get ripped, but I also love food—a lot.
8. What have you missed the most?
Spontaneous movie date nights with Eryka. Going to Landmark Cinemas, sitting in the big seats with the leg rests, a bucket of popcorn, and peanut M&M’s. The smells, the sights, the sounds. All of it. Even the annoying teenagers. Actually, scratch that. I don’t miss the teenagers.
9. Your #1 pandemic survival tip.
WEAR A MASK. IDIOT.
10. Your biggest indulgence since the pandemic started.
Ice cream. Breyers, Drumsticks, Magnum bars, Gelato, Halo Top. ALL. OF. IT.
11. What have you stockpiled?
Your typical non-perishables. Canned food, rice, beans, frozen vegetables, and fruit. Also, some supplies and seeds for the garden we built outside. Gardens are pretty sweet! Nothing like a fresh organic salad straight from your backyard.
12. What have you been reading?
I love my graphic novels. Currently reading Gideon Falls. I also bought a collection of H.P. Lovecraft’s works, which I will eventually get to.
13. What have you been watching?
Lots of Parks and Recreation and Modern Family for the heavy days. I recently binged The Exorcist, which I just signed a petition to save. That show being cancelled after only two seasons is criminal!
14. What have you been listening to?
The Off Camera Show with Sam Jones. Love, love, love, love it. I am looking for more podcasts to keep me stimulated.
15. What are you doing for exercise?
Steel mace like I mentioned earlier—also, kettlebell workouts, pushups, pull-ups, sit-ups. Eryka and I love going for a bike ride when it’s nice out. Should be doing more core and leg workouts, though.
16. The one thing you haven’t been able to live without?
The internet.
17. Do-it-yourself haircut or the natural look?
DIY. Even if you mess up real bad, at least you got a story to tell. Even if the story is, “I cut my own hair, and I biffed it.” Still hilarious.
18. Night owl or early riser?
Night owl. I am trying to change that, though, to be more productive throughout the day.
19. Will you be the first out as restrictions are gradually lifted or taking a wait-and-see attitude?
Definitely wait-and-see. Can’t trust people to be responsible out there.
20. What’s the first thing you will do when this is all over?
Wait and see if it’s actually over. Can’t trust 2020.
Meet Lou Ticzon
You might know Lou as the guy who locked his keys in his car in that BCAA commercial, or David Chin on Arrow. Maybe you’ve seen him on Colin Thomas’ list of top three talent to watch in 2019 for his run in A Vancouver Guldusta by Paneet Singh, and Soul Samurai by Qui Nguyen. Perhaps you caught him in Tetsuro Shigematsu’s latest piece, Kuroko. Or maybe you’ve never heard of Lou Ticzon.
One thing is certain. His passion for filmmaking and theatre is driven by his eagerness to provide the audience with stories that explore the human condition, push boundaries, and incorporate diversity.
You can find out more about Lou’s film & television work on his IMDb page or follow him on Twitter.