Every day is opening night.

Actor and emerging playwright Eric Ulloa has a boundless passion for the art of theatre. As an actor and singer, he has appeared in New York City as well as regionally at the North Shore Music Theatre, the Signature Theatre, and the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, among others. As a writer, Eric has served as librettist of the musicals The Boardwalk Boys and Molly Sweeney. His background – a first-generation American with Cuban roots – established in Eric a deep curiosity for the human experience, and this manifested itself in his newest work, 26 Pebbles. Focusing on the aftermath of the tragedy that befell the community of Newtown, CT after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, 26 Pebbles is based on real life accounts collected by Ulloa himself. The show will make its one-night-only New York premiere on Monday, December 15 at The Culture Project’s Lynn Redgrave Theatre and will benefit charities chosen by the citizens of Newtown. Eric Ulloa has dedicated his career to focusing on other people’s journeys. Today, he takes a moment On the Couch to talk about his experience.  

What do you consider to be your best asset?

I’m fairly open minded, and I think that allows me to see both sides of most things in life.

What was your proudest moment? 

I think anytime I make my parents proud would be a “proud” moment. They are both immigrants who came from Cuba, built an amazing life without a penny in their pocket and any time I can make them smile with pride is just the best feeling.

What is your favorite drink?

Simple and easy…a good bourbon on the rocks.

What is your favorite food? 

If the executioner offered me one last meal, it would have to be Mussaman Curry and Sticky Rice. So random, I know.

What is your favorite condiment?

Mustard.

What is your current obsession? 

If you haven’t watched “Transparent” yet on Amazon Prime, you are missing out on one of the best new shows out there.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?

That one extra drink that you know might just tip the scales.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most? 

Seeing a play or musical of mine open on Broadway would be absolutely surreal.  

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?

Nightlife…I love a good night out dancing with my friends.

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?

Facebook and all those ridiculous columns within it’s feed of distraction. Did I really need to know “21 Things You Never Knew about The Little Mermaid.” …maybe.  

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health? 

I keep all my stress inside.

What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?  

Perseverance.

What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?

Acid Reflux…and after most meals, my stomach “thanks” them.

What in the world most thrills you? 

Traveling and seeing how people live around this incredible world.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?

I wish people would be able to just enjoy a moment without having to photograph/video it on their phone.

What was the single most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced on the job? 

I can’t think of a single one that strikes me as something terrible, which is horrifying because it means I am due for one ANY day now…

What is your favorite place in the world? 

Funchal, Madeira…hands down. I will honeymoon there, as soon as I find someone to marry.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner? 

That they make me smile when I think of them. There are few things better than when you really love someone.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats? 

My best friend of the past 5 years is a 7 year old named Bastian. The best shitzu-poodle in the land.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life? 

Someone would say, “ I will take care of all your bills and all I want you to do is write and travel for the rest of your life.” If someone out there can make this happen, I give O and M full permission to forward my contact info J

What is your personal motto? 

The only limits there are, are the ones we set on ourselves.