Atlanta Theatre Life

Wherein Shelli takes her mother to her first Shakespeare play, learns the ropes as a producer, and shares the truth behind the rumors. Shelli Delgado is an Atlanta-based actor and producer. A former member of the Weird Sisters Theatre Project, she has also performed at the Alliance Theatre, Actor's Express, Aurora Theatre, and the Atlanta Shakespeare Company.

Wherein Ibi talks about growing up in Kennesaw, dealing with bullies, and using unconventional ways to express human connection. Ibi Owolabi is an Atlanta-based theatre director. She has worked with Actor's Express, Alliance Theatre, Theatre Emory, and is a member of the newest cohort of producers with the Weird Sisters Theatre Project.

Wherein Galen considers a future in animation, shares the benefits and pitfalls of living in a two-artist household, and directly addresses the infamous AJC review of "Bad Jews." Gwinnett born and bred, Galen York has performed with Actor's Express, the Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, and Theatrical Outfit. 

Wherein Gina gets as weird as she wants, dives deep into mental health, and shares her reason for living. Atlanta-based actor Gina Rickicki has been seen in productions with Dad's Garage, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Horizon Theatre, and the Atlanta Shakespeare Company. She is also a professional Clown Doctor with Humorology Atlanta, an organization dedicated to empowering hospitalized children through playful distraction.

Wherein Jeff becomes a zookeeper, dreams of "Bewitched," and counsels us all on the necessaries of visiting Disney World. Jeff McKerley is an Atlanta-based actor/director/singer/choreographer. He has worked with Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Horizon Theatre, and many more. He has been nominated for 10 Suzi Bass Awards, and has won for acting and choreography.

Wherein Ann-Carol provides superhero armor, learns a lesson from her own words, and changes her thinking about what she's looking for. Co-Founder and Associate Producer of Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, Ann-Carol Pence has won five Suzi Bass Awards for Outstanding Music Direction. She worked nationally with the Kennedy Center, Goodspeed Opera House, and Pasadena Playhouse.

Wherein Paul teaches me how to pronounce "Quincy," tells a Fabulous Story, and reveals how he judges people. Paul Conroy is the Founding and Producing Artistic Director of Out Front Theatre Company in Atlanta, the southeast's only theatre dedicated to telling the stories of the LGBTQIA experience. Previously, Paul worked with the Alliance Theatre, Serenbe Playhouse, and was the Artistic Director of Newnan Theatre Company in Newnan, GA. Today's episode is sponsored by Dad's Garage Theatre Company.

Wherein Freddie auditions with his eyes, makes late-night calls with his grandmother, and shares his thoughts on the Artistic Director/audience relationship. Freddie Ashley is the Artistic Director of Actor's Express. He won a Suzi Bass Award for his performance in "The Whale," and has been nominated several times for directing, including nominations for his work on "RENT," "End of the Rainbow," "Spring Awakening," and "Grey Gardens." Today's episode is sponsored by Dad's Garage Theatre.

Wherein Eric shares a poem with his Big Mama, loves immediate surprises, and differentiates between work ethic and will. 5-time Suzi Bass Award Nominee Eric Little has been seen onstage with True Colors Theatre Company, Horizon Theatre, and Aurora Theatre. He is currently a part of the Reiser Lab Team for the Alliance Theatre, and is an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University.

Wherein Karen pilfers from her father, experiences culture shock in college, and shares her Suzi Bass impersonation. Karen Howell is an Atlanta-based actress who's work has been seen at Aurora Theatre, Stage Door Players, Theatre in the Square, and Horizon Theatre. She is the Executive Director of the Suzi Bass Awards and serves as an Atlanta area liaison for Actor's Equity Association.

Wherein Danielle visits strip clubs, recovers from a burnout, and gives a huge shout-out to a fellow Atlanta actor. Danielle Deadwyler was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She has been seen on-stage at Synchronicity Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Horizon Theatre, and Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre. She is also the creator/artist behind MuhfuckaNeva(Luvd)Uhs: Real Live Girls, BustItOpen, and dispossessed.

Wherein Bill travels with his dad, endorses a local watering hole, and becomes a father. Decatur born and bred, Bill Murphey has been an Atlanta-area theatre mainstay for over 30 years. He has appeared onstage with Horizon Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Theatrical Outfit, where he is an Artistic Associate.

Wherein Courtney loves Spongebob Squarepants, works best within parameters, and confuses her dad by being a lifeguard. Courtney Patterson is an Atlanta-based actress. She has performed with Alliance Theatre, Georgia Shakespeare Festival, Actor's Express, and Theatrical Outfit.

Wherein Jaclyn bounces from home to home, learns a harsh lesson about the judgment of children, and considers her personal mission statement. Jaclyn Hofmann is the Director of Education with Aurora Theatre in Lawrencville, GA. She has worked as a director at Atlanta Shakespeare Company and Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and is a founding member of the Weird Sisters Theatre Project.

Wherein Heidi develops vocal chords of steel, collects trading cards from bags of Wonder Bread, and defines Magical Realism. Heidi Cline McKerley is an Atlanta based actor-director-teacher, and has worked extensively throughout the area, having worked with Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Serenbe Playhouse, Horizon Theatre, and Actor's Express. Her most recent work is directing "Freaky Friday" for Horizon Theatre.

Wherein Clifton angers his Nannie, inoculates prisoners, and recounts an audience interaction that stirs the soul. Clifton Guterman is the Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director for Theatrical Outfit. He has previously worked in several adminstrative jobs for Alliance Theatre and Actor's Express. He can currently be seen in the Theatrical Outfit production of Topher Payne's "Perfect Arrangement."

Wherein Kevin pops and locks, considers a future in the rodeo, and learns to cope with a terrifying giraffe. Originally from Maryland, Atlanta actor Kevin Harry has worked with Aurora Theatre, Actor's Express, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, and Theatrical Outfit. He recently directed "Fences" for Independent Artists' Playhouse, and will soon be seen in the Actor's Express production of "The Color Purple."

Wherein Julie contributes to the delinquency of the elderly, devises a very important senior capstone, and has a most memorable train ride. Julie Skzrypek is an Atlanta based director and stage manager, having worked with Synchronicity, Atlanta Shakespeare Company, and Essential Theatre. She is also a co-artistic producer for the Weird Sisters Theatre Project.

Wherein Topher learns about mentorship, researches Thursday night television, and hears a familiar voice.

Wherein Topher writes about Phish, loves the gift of paper, and never talks to girls named Jenny. Topher Payne is is an Atlanta-based playwright, screenwriter, actor, and director. His works have earned numerous awards, including the M. Elizabeth Osborn Award from the American Theatre Critics Association and several trophies from the Suzi Bass Awards. He has also been named Best Local Playwright from a wide array of Atlanta area publications.

Wherein Kathleen dabbles in la vie Bohème, reminds someone of their mama, and engages in a handmade craft. New Orleans native Kathleen McManus has called Atlanta home since 1982. She has worked with Theatrical Outfit (with whom she received two Suzi Bass Awards nominations for Outstanding Ensemble), Actor's Express (where she earned a Suzi Bass Awards nomination for "Grey Gardens") and was the Education Director with Georgia Shakespeare Festival.

Wherein Stephen performs as President Barack Obama, creates false memories of his sister, and definitely does NOT attend Florida State University. Decatur raised Stephen Ruffin has worked with Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Alliance Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, and Actor's Express. He was a member of the Suzi Bass Nominated Best Ensemble Cast of "Too Heavy for Your Pocket" with Alliance Theatre.

Wherein Travis meets a mystic, dances on cars, and receives a most unique autograph. Atlanta actor Travis Smith hails from Winston-Salem, NC. He has worked with the Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, and Aurora Theatre. TV audiences may recognize him as Rex Evans from USA's "Necessary Roughness."

Wherein Jessica tattoos her rib cage, considers the theme of loss, and dances on tables. Jessica De Maria is an actor, writer, performer, and arts administrator in Atlanta. She has performed with many theatres across the city and is the Marketing and Development Coordinator with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. She and her writing partner Chase Peacock are currently working on their third musical. To learn more, visit jessicademaria.com and chaseandjessica.com.

Wherein Diany almost dies in a German snowbank, plans a career on the federal bench, and always takes the bullet for others. Diany Rodriguez is an Atlanta-based actor, and has performed with Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, True Colors Theatre, Actor's Express, and Horizon Theatre. She was also in the national tours of "Rent" and "Dora the Explorer."

Wherein Bethany makes weird choices, balances strength with vulnerability, and lives the most accidental of lives. Atlanta-based actor Bethany Anne Lind has appeared onstage at the Alliance Theatre, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Georgia Shakespeare Theatre, and Aurora Theatre in Atlanta, as well as appearing in numerous television programs, including "Ozark," "The Walking Dead," and "Stranger Things." She is a Ten Chimneys Foundation 2017 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow.

Wherein Jonathan obsesses over dinosaurs, finds the courage of Henry V, and considers acting as a "calling." Atlanta actor Jonathan Horne has performed with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Actor's Express. He won the 2017 Outstanding Leading Male Actor in a Play Suzi Bass Award for his portrayal of John Proctor in the Actor's Express production of "The Crucible."

My conversation with Suehyla was too long to fit into one episode, but it was too much fun to leave on the cutting room floor. Enjoy this special bonus episode with Suehyla El-Attar.

Wherein Suehyla grows up in Mississippi, is inspired by The Twilight Zone, and gives voice to romance. Suehyla El-Attar is an Atlanta-area actor, director, and playwright. She has worked with the Alliance Theatre, Horizon Theatre, Georgia Ensemble, 7 Stages, and many others, and has been nominated for several Suzi Bass Awards for acting and ensemble.

Wherein Jennifer faces her own mortality, shows off her Australian accent, and considers Penny Trolley Day. Jennifer Alice Acker is the Director of Education at Serenbe Playhouse. She has performed with Georgia Ensemble Theatre, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, and Actor's Express, and is nominated for a 2017 Suzi Bass Award in the Outstanding Featured Female Actor in a Musical category for her performance in "Nobody Love You" with Horizon Theatre.

Wherein Enoch talks about his love for Atlanta, portraying Emmett Till on-stage, and the importance of the phrase "Yes, Baby." Atlanta-based actor Enoch King has performed with the Alliance Theater, Horizon Theatre, True Colors Theatre Company, and the Atlanta Shakespeare Company. He has been nominated for multiple Suzi Bass Awards for Outstanding Featured Actor and Outstanding Ensemble.

Wherein Lee lives all over Georgia, fights for equal representation on-stage, and considers a career in politics. Lee Osorio is an Atlanta-based actor and has worked in theatres from Seattle to New York and place in-between. He is a nominee for the 2017 Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Featured Male Actor in a Play for his role in "Ugly Lies the Bone" at the Alliance Theatre. Learn more about Lee Osorio at www.leeosorio.com