we are continuous: Eli Wood

Please introduce yourselves?
My name is Eli Wood and I am playing the role of the Husband in the Diversionary Theater’s production of we are continuous.

Give our readers a bit of history?
I grew up in Pennsylvania and lived there until I left for college. I attended to the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as a Surface Warfare/Intelligence officer after graduation. I served on active duty for about two and a half years after graduation, being stationed in Washington, D.C. and Japan before landing in San Diego at the end of 2019. I retired from the Navy in 2021 and then, after some time off, started pursuing performing and booked my first professional show at the end of 2022.

When did you discover your passion for acting?
I started performing as early as I could (probably around age 5 or 6) in small church plays. In second grade, I auditioned for the high school’s production of The Music Man and from that moment on, I had the “bug.” I stopped performing for about 8 years once I got to college but then decided to pursue it professionally about two years ago.

Tell us about being part of Diversionary Theater’s we are continuous production?
This is my first time working with Diversionary. They are so wonderful to work with/for. And this specific project is really a special one for me because I relate to the story in a great many ways. Getting the chance to bring this story and these characters to life has been both a challenge and also so rewarding. 

What is the importance of pieces like we are continuous?
In a world that continues to be increasingly polarized, this story so beautifully explores the complicated dynamics of individuals who love each other even when they do not see eye to eye. I also think there is something beautiful about depicting queer stories. There is so much that we all can learn from the message of this show.

Can you give us your take on your character?
Throughout the show, the Husband is an ever-present observer and supporter for the Son. There are times that he steps in almost as a mediator between the Son and the Mother, but ultimately I think he represents choosing to love and to hope. Through the whole show, even in times of conflict with both characters, the Husband never wavers in his choice to love, to support, and to hope that things can be made better and that relationships can be mended.

How can folks connect with you?
The best way would probably be on Instagram: eli_wood7