Written by Haley Engen
Klara Eales, a proud alumna of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and recipient of the Fall 2023 Eleonora Duse Scholarship, has taken her passion for storytelling to inspiring new levels. A graduate of the One Year Conservatory program, Klara recently made her Off-Broadway debut as an Artistic Director, producer, and actor with Are We In Love Productions, a female-driven theatre and film company. Their production of Brilliant Traces by Cindy Lou Johnson ran at Playhouse 46 from December 6-8, 2024, under the direction of Shira Behore. This debut was a defining moment in Klara’s journey, rooted in her passion for connecting people and her unwavering love for the craft.
A Journey of Resilience and Creativity
Klara’s story begins in Yemen, where her childhood was filled with imagination. She created home videos, casting her brother as an actor and her cousins as stage managers in makeshift productions. “Acting was always a part of me, ” Klara recalls. However, her creative outlet shifted when her family moved to South Africa due to conflict. Facing the challenges of culture shock and a new environment, Klara found solace in writing, which became her primary mode of expression.
After high school, she stood at a crossroads to either pursue a conventional career in medicine or follow her artistic dreams. Opting for the latter, she enrolled in a screenwriting institute in South Africa. This decision was prompted by asking herself, “What is one thing you have never lost? Something that you have always loved? Writing.” It was there that Klara rediscovered acting, a medium she realized gave her depth and confidence. Determined to immerse herself in theater and continue her craft, she made the bold decision to move to New York City, where the art form thrives in its purest, most alive form.
Discovering The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
Klara’s introduction to The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute came serendipitously. While staying in a hostel that offered free yoga classes, she struck up a conversation with an instructor who happened to be a student at The Institute. Recognizing the name Lee Strasberg, she was thrilled to learn that his work still continued within The Institute. This chance encounter led Klara to visit LSTFI, where she learned of its scholarships and knew instantly it was the place for her.
Klara’s time at LSTFI proved transformative. “The training gave me the confidence to trust myself,” she explains. “There’s a line you cross in acting where you discover how you can really go for it.” Performing every day in class provided her with that invaluable gift and the constant presence of an audience. Despite inevitable nerves and self-doubt, Klara learned to trust in her ability to do the work — a lesson she still carries with her. Now continuing part-time at The Institute, Klara remains devoted to her craft, recognizing that growth as an artist is a lifelong journey.
Are We In Love Productions
At The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Klara met Hannah Doherty, founder of Are We In Love Productions and Klara’s future creative partner. “Wherever you go to school, you meet people like Hannah, people who push you, inspire you, and believe in the impossible,” Klara shares. Hannah brought an audacious energy to their partnership, the kind of determination necessary to overcome doubts and make things happen. “She’s the person who pushes you to go beyond your limits,” Klara says. Finding someone who embraced the logistical challenges of producing while sharing a love for problem-solving was a gift.
The heart of Are We In Love Productions lies in its mission to combat isolation and foster connection in an increasingly polarized world. “We live in a time where everyone feels the need to pick a side,” Klara explains. “But we believe in doing everything with love.” The company’s name reflects this ethos, inspired by Klara and Hannah’s infectious energy and their uncanny ability to turn everyday interactions into moments of genuine connection. “Hannah can talk to any stranger, and after a great conversation, she’ll laugh and ask, ‘Are we in love?’” Klara reveals.
Their debut play, Brilliant Traces, encapsulates this mission. Set in a remote Alaskan cabin during a blizzard, the story explores themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the universal desire for connection. “What I love about human nature is that we are never just one thing,” Klara reflects. “You can run away from life but still have the strong desire to connect.”
Looking ahead, Are We In Love Productions is preparing for future projects and has received significant interest from emerging creators. Klara is eager to foster opportunities for young artists, creating a platform for new voices in both theater and film.
Finding Joy in Creation
For Klara, the shift from experiencing art to creating it has been profoundly fulfilling. Inspired by works that celebrate connection and joy, she is reminded of the Book of Joy by Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “Become a reservoir of joy, an oasis of peace, a pool of serenity that can ripple out to all those around you.” This belief fuels her work, motivating her to craft stories that resonate deeply and bring people together. As Klara continues her journey, she carries with her the lessons and inspiration from her time at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Her story is a celebration of resilience, the power of human connection, and the enduring ability of art to unite and uplift.
