I have to face my fears because even though those things scared the hell out of me, I always said yes. And I think that’s where the opportunities came because I found that when I did say yes, it opened a door and somehow I was able to scale the wall and succeed. ~ Veralyn […]
Ep #29: Alberto Isaac (East West Players, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, actor/director/playwright) on the Work of Acting, Handling Rejection, and Not Hiding
Acting is work. I always feel I need to be on my toes, I need to be alert, I need to have my mind open, and be aware of so many things. It’s something enjoyable even though it’s hard to do. That feeling of “yes, I’m doing well” while working has been so rare. ~ […]
Ep #28: James Newcomb (Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Denver Center Theatre, Shakespeare & Company) on Being Authentic, Career Hang Times, and Readiness
“I take great pride in the fact that as a profane clergyman in the theater—I think of the theater as a profane church, a place of worship—we honor the human condition, with all of its warts.” ~ James Newcomb Today’s guest started in the theatre at a very young age, felt adrift and wasn’t exactly […]
New Online Workshop, June 2022 – Acting the Role: The Macbeth’s with Susan Angelo and Bo Foxworth
In their first online workshop together, learn the context, clues, and process for playing The Macbeth duo from two accomplished, professional actors! Details: WHERE: All online, via Zoom WHEN: Mondays, June 6-27, 5-7 pm PT / 8-10 pm ET HOW: Register to be an ACTOR and work on scenes and speeches or be part of […]
Ep #26: Elizabeth Dennehy (Star Trek, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, Guiding Light, and hundreds of commercials) on Being Natural vs. Casual, Propelling the Story Forward, and Saving Your Money
“I think the biggest mistake people make is playing their given circumstances instead of the characters’ given circumstances. Nick Bottom [in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’] is not trying to do a funny death scene. He thinks he’s going to blow your mind with his tragedy and it’s going to be the most heartbreaking death scene […]
New Class, April 2022: The Play’s the Thing with APT co-founders/AD’s Randall Duk Kim and Annie Occhiogrosso
In their first online workshop, these two masters of the theatre will share their lifetime exploration of Shakespeare with students of all ages! The class will be completely VIRTUAL (anyone can register) and will run on Tuesdays from April 5-26, 2022. You can sign up as an actor (open to any age, race, and gender […]
Ep #25: Randall Duk Kim and Annie Occhiogrosso (American Players Theatre founders, Shakespeare actors/teachers, Kung Fu Panda, The Matrix, John Wick) on Pursuing Crazy Ideas, Shakespeare’s Clues, and Your Own Discretion
If you have a dream and you love these plays, don’t let anyone tell you it can’t happen. It will break your back and tear your heart out at times, but if you have that dream, please don’t give up on it because the theatre needs you—we need the people who won’t take “no” for […]
Ep #22: Jeanne Sakata (Actress/Playwright, Hold These Truths, Regional Theatre, Dr. Ken) on the Joy of Discovery, Eagerness, and Redemptive Writing
What fuels it all for me right now is gratitude, because I’m grateful all these things are happening, and that there are so many more opportunities than there used to be, and when I’m tempted to feel overwhelmed as sometimes I do, I really try to go back to that place of gratitude, and I […]
Ep #21: Richard Riehle (Regional Theatre/Broadway, The Fugitive, Casino, Office Space, 400+ Film/TV credits) on Being Open, Dependable, and Watching Everything
I’ve never felt anything personal in terms of rejection about auditions. I know a lot of actors do. I’m pretty good at doing the audition and walking away. I bring the best I can to the audition, and if that’s what they want, and if all the other stars are in alignment, I’ll get it—and […]
Ep #20: Arye Gross (South Coast Rep, Regional Theatre, Minority Report, Castle, 100+ Film/TV credits) on Deep Curiosity, Inspiring Empathy, and Bringing Your Life into the Scene
There’s something that stirs in us when we watch a performance that has something authentic in it, and the best way I know to at least attempt to get to something authentic is showing up with what actually happened to me today. — Arye Gross On the show today is Arye Gross, an actor […]
