Craft Business Life

My guest is Cooper Shaw who has a very versatile career in acting, improv, teaching, and writing. She has both intensive improv and comedy training from Second City where she still teaches and an MFA in acting. She has lived and worked in Chicago, New York, St. Louis, and now LA. We discuss all this and more and despite the length of our fantastic conversations it feels like we still have plenty of ground to cover and I'm sure she'll be back. References/Links: Instagram: @thecoopershaw https://www.instagram.com/thecoopershaw?r=nametag Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooperShawArtist/ Twitter (@shawflewthecoop): https://twitter.com/shawflewthecoop?s=09 IMDb: imdb.me/coopershaw Process Theatre: (on Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/processtheatre.ca/ Artistic New Directions: (on Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/ANDTheatreCompany/

My guest is actor and carpenter Colin Colford. We discuss many things including how he uses his carpentry skills both backstage and as a day job and how a background in carpentry informs his approach to acting.

My guest is actor Joe Staton, originally from the UK and now based here in New York. We discuss his unique childhood wherein his mother turned a tragedy into something positive for him and his brother including living in France and Spain, his parents' unique career path, his own decision to pursue acting and his discipline to seek out training, mentors who inspired him, and more. References/Links: www.joestaton.org https://www.shakespeareinthewoodsvt.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Snazzy-Tale-Creative-Painting-Children/dp/1912419467

 My guest is actress Jill Jackson who just moved to NYC quite recently. We discuss her decision to do so, how she found an apartment and a whole bunch of day jobs and how she juggles those along with pursuing her acting career, and more. References/Links: IG: @joyfully.jill https://bohemiarealtygroup.com/

My guest is Abingdon Mullin who, among other things, is the founder and CEO of both the female active watch company The Abingdon Company and the nonprofit organization The Abingdon Foundation which helps with education and scholarships for women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. We discuss many things including the beginnings and evolutions of both organizations and how she has approached her life and careers with confidence, discipline, patience, etc. References/Links: https://theabingdonco.com https://www.abingdonfoundation.org/. 

A special interview with the cast, director, and technical director of the Improvisational Repertory Theater Ensemble (IRTE)'s current production, "Go To Sleep, Stupid Kids", which is the final show of their eighth season and has one more weekend of performances. Like all their shows it's fully improvised around a story, in this case a kids' slumber party, and involves many elements including audience interaction and suggestions. It's a truly unique ride and unlike anything you've ever seen. I had a blast. Info, Tickets, Etc. at https://www.irteinfo.com/

My guest is actor and writer Katherine Gage. From a young age she always knew exactly what she wanted and was never afraid to focus completely on it and ignore the rest. She was also always willing to make the bold risky choice, not be satisfied if she didn't feel she was learning enough, and never be complacent, which has led to an already adventurous life which continues to be so. We also discuss how to study and understand Shakespeare text deeply which she learned at RADA in London, the discipline of planning your goals and tasks hours, days, weeks, and even months ahead, and more. References/Links: Grit by Angela Duckworth  www.katherinegage.com insta: katherine_gage1 poetry insta: k_poetry Facebook: Katherine Gage

My guests are Nannette Deasy and Graceann Dorse, who comprise the improv duo "Double D". They not only perform improv live but they have also made several films which have been in various festivals etc. We talk about that, structure and technique for duo improv, the fact that you can make quality films really easily these days, and more. I had a great time with them and you can tell how much they enjoy each other and never miss a chance to be silly. References/Links: www.nannettedeasy.com www.irteinfo.com https://www.doubledimprov.com/ https://thepit-nyc.com/events/nyc-improvfest-2019-kermits-flailing-arms-double-d/ http://www.bonehand.com/bonebatff.html GraceannDorse.com https://vimeo.com/graceanndorse. Twitter/Instagram @pigamuff ChristopherWebb.tv.

My guest is actor Joy Salomon-Corlobe, who is here on a visa from France. She discusses the many and unique challenges of that situation as well as her intense acting training from a young age back home in France and here in New York and the versatile approaches she was thereby exposed to, the culture of taking acting training very seriously, the need to be truly motivated, and more. References/Links: http://www.visapaq.com/ https://www.joysc.org/

My guest is Philadelphia-based spokesperson and actress Lauren Rooney. She gives tremendous insight into the promotional category of the acting business discussing her careers on QVC and in the auto show world, among other things. She also exemplifies being proactive in what you want out of your life and career and making it happen. We also touch on her teaching and coaching work helping people from all walks of life with communication and public speaking skills. References/Links: www.laurenrooney.com Facebook LaurenRooneyForQVC Instagram @LaurenRooneyQVC www.productionsplus.com

Special mini-podcast with the director and cast of the Rogue Players' As You Like It coming up this week! Info/Tickets: https://rogueplayers.com/2019/03/12/as-you-like-it/ http://asyoulikeitrogues.brownpapertickets.com/

My guest is actor/writer/producer/teacher Lisa Danielle Buch. We talk about her powerful autobiographical solo show, "Simple Math" which is performing at The Tank next Sunday and Monday, and the difficult but important subject it deals with, as well as her love of teaching nonactors acting, her decision to leave NYC after some years to get her MFA, and more. We spent most of the episode discussing the show and related matters so we will have her back for a part two where we can get into much more detail of the rest of her life and career. References/Links: http://www.lisadaniellebuch.weebly.com/ https://www.simplemathshow.com/ Instagram: @lisadaniellebuch @simplemathshow  Twitter: @simplemathshow  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sarahjaneschostack/simple-math-a-workshop?ref=user_menu&fbclid=IwAR1Qb8MKlxjLhz22V2kMNFvVM-eyqf2eOumKw1prrz6DxtzRNevtJM5ETOY https://m.bpt.me/event/4189885 https://www.thetanknyc.org/calendar/simple-math-apr-28 https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/390940 https://m.facebook.com/anyonecanbeanactor/?modal=admin_todo_tour https://www.facebook.com/events/159295544990764/?ti=as

My guest is actor Bobby Mittelstadt who has, among other things, a unique job in the industry as a nonsinging actor with the Metropolitan Opera. We discuss that, day jobs, his journey from music to business to comedy to acting, his strong self-discipline and training, the details and traditions of method acting, and more. References/Links: Instagram @bobbywitha_b and @metoperasupers

My guest is Dawson Moore, playwright and coordinator of the Frontier Theater Conference, a long-running yearly conference in Valdez, Alaska to workshop new plays. We discuss the conference and its history as well as Dawson's own life and career. References/Links: http://www.theatreconference.org http://www.dawsonmoore.com

My guest is actor Mary Sheridan. We discuss keeping her passion for acting in and producing theater alive despite its many challenges, balancing life with a day job and being a parent with being an actor, how she was able to merge her academic study of history with her love of theater for her thesis in college, and more. References/Links: www.marysheridan.net  https://www.facebook.com/mary.sheridan.50 www.jboyett.net https://www.rippleeffectartists.com

My guest is actor/writer/improviser and many other things Claire Kraus. We speak thoroughly about many interesting subjects including her introspection and process while training as an actor, balancing day jobs and your career goals, being self-motivated and self-disciplined, the process of writing and performing sketch comedy, her currently in development solo show premiering this summer, and more. References/Links: IG: @amomentof_claireity FB: Claire Kraus https://www.facebook.com/claire.kraus.33 http://wtalentnyc.com/talent/claire-k-81472 The Crew: https://www.peopleshollywood.nyc/ SOWYP Podcast: https://www.sowyp.com/ Multiple Girlfriends (Next Show 6/6) https://thepit-nyc.com/events/multiple-girlfriends/ IG: @multiplegirlfriends  https://www.irteinfo.com Website to be live soon: www.claireekraus.net Solo show "I Am" 7/31 Details Forthcoming

My guest is Dr. Bethany Miller whose varied life, career, and experience culminated in a doctoral thesis which became a book and a company all called Flux Agents which is about the characteristics of people who crave variety and challenges in their career journeys. We had a superb conversation about that including advice for both employees and owners/managers, her time in the Air Force and being a commercial pilot which she still is as well, helping women succeed in careers they're still tragically underrepresented in and the foundation she works with to do so, the Abingdon Foundation, and much more. References/Links: https://www.fluxagents.com/ https://www.abingdonfoundation.org/ https://www.wai.org/ https://www.girlscouts.org https://shapr.co/

My guest is advertising executive and podcaster Christie Bishop. We had a tremendous conversation about the advertising world, the economic impact of 9/11, being a manager, balancing professional and personal life and relationships, and many other topics. Links/References: Podcast: Commercial Grade www.christiebishop.com Instagram/Twitter: @PardonMyCrumbs

My guest is dancer Meagan Selinsky. Meagan has been in serious dance training pretty much her entire life. We talk about that, a unique physical obstacle she had to overcome along with other challenges, the struggles of being from Canada and on a limited visa, the MELT method which she is a teacher of, why seeing Phantom Of The Opera may have saved her career journey, and much more. References/Links: http://meaganselinsky.com  Instagram/Facebook/Twitter -MeaganSelinsky http://meaganselinsky.com/melt-method-1

My guest is costume designer Genevieve V. Beller. We had an immense discussion all about the costume design and construction field. References/Links: http://tyrannyofstyle.com https://www.instagram.com/suitcasefullofglitter/ www.gvbeller.com

In the first of many group discussion episodes where previous guests come back on together to chat, Lydia Kalmen and Julie McNamara join me for some updates and a conversation on various topics. References/Links: Rogue Players' As You Like It April 25-28: https://m.bpt.me/event/4188104 https://rogueplayers.com Come see Julie in some original sketches at the Magnet Theater’s upcoming “Ringers” on Monday April 1. Featuring many original works, as well as actors and directors: https://magnettheater.com/show/tickets/52737/

My guest is actor and singer Megan Rae Little. We cover quite a few subjects including budgeting, living with roommates, balancing life and money when you work at a restaurant, taking care of your voice, out of town theater and specifically the large number of theaters in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, background work, her blog to help other actors, and more. References/Links: www.rochesteroperahouse.com www.meganraelittle.com Instagram: Meganraelittlenyc www.centralcasting.com

My guest is actor Thomas Daniels. We had a great conversation about many topics including catering serving as a survival job, Meisner training, portraying villains, and much more. We also discuss his theater company, Tantrum East, which is devoted to getting new work out there. References/Links: facebook.com/flomasito ig: @flomasito_80 tantrumeast.com facebook.com/tantrumeast http://www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org/insignificance.html  https://camdenshakespeare.org/plays/

My guest is actor and improviser Nannette Deasy. Among other things she is the founder and director of the Improvisational Repertory Theater Ensemble (IRTE), a unique improvised theater show series now in its eighth season. We discuss that, how improv can be undervalued as a legitimate art form, balancing being an actor with day jobs and other aspects of life, and much more. References/Links: www.nannettedeasy.com www.irteinfo.com https://www.doubledimprov.com/ https://thepit-nyc.com/events/nyc-improvfest-2019-kermits-flailing-arms-double-d/ http://www.bonehand.com/bonebatff.html

My guest is actor/singer/cabaret performer and producer/dialect coach Amy Jo Jackson. We delve into the dialect coaching aspect of her career for most of the episode but also touch on the difference in lifestyle when she's home in NYC vs out of town doing a show, how to stay focused and present when playing a role that requires you to be on stage the entire show, advice on how and when to join Equity, and more. I hope to have her back at some point for a part II as there is so much more ground to cover about her life and career. References/Links: amyjojackson.com AJJ on YouTube  Instagram/Twitter - @amyjojackson www.patreon.com/amyjojackson

My guest is dancer/actor/singer Haley Ostir. She was born and raised in Canada, trained at the Boston Conservatory, and is now based in New York. She discusses the challenges of being an international on a limited visa and how that pushes her to extra focus and drive, her extensive dance training and experience and work as a teacher and choreographer, the craziness of auditions and open calls (and how one company does it better), balancing career with social life, taking care of yourself and your instruments, how one teacher she had was particularly instrumental and meaningful in her life, and much more. References/Links: www.haleyostir.com Instagram HaleyOstir

My guest is actor Jennifer Breslin who has a very unique tale in that she's now based in Ireland just because she wanted to live there and is applying for acting work there and still everywhere remotely. She discusses how she realized you really can do this from anywhere to an extent these days, being true to what you really want, how different many aspects of life are over there, as well as shares great tips and insights from her time in New York, the importance of community and actors helping and supporting each other, her journey from being a visual artist to unexpectedly getting into acting after college, and much more. References from episode - Instagram JRaquiB

My guest is actor and classically trained singer Julie McNamara. We cover a range of topics including practical advice for actors, choosing to live a somewhat nomadic lifestyle, creating your own content, yoga, and many other things. References/Links: www.julieannemcnamara.com https://youtube.com/channel/UCwD8tjK8Sq8n44WqQJ5OPcQ www.facebook.com/JulieMcNamaraactress Instagram @julie.anne.mcnamara Seattle Spaceman (indie improv team) https://facebook.com/SeattleSpaceman/?tsid=0.4399625360727295&source=result

My guest is actor Ella Smith. We discuss a variety of things including her notable work teaching acting to inmates at Riker's Island and a great discussion about actor training which unfortunately we had to cut short but we will have a part two soon and continue it and get into more. Technical note - Please disregard when I say the episode is divided into two parts, long story, but it just continues after that, the whole thing is here in one segment as normal. References/Links: ellanicolesmith.com Instagram ebell9292

My guest is actor Rachel Romack. As of the recording she's only been in New York City about 5 months so we discuss finding an apartment, jobs, etc and transitioning to life here, as well as finding auditions etc. We also talk about smaller markets with quality regional and community theater and many other topics. She gives a lot of helpful advice and caution about being careful about scams etc with regard to finding apartments and auditions and even shares a difficult but poignant personal experience that demonstrates why actors have to be aware of red flags when dealing with audition listings. She also discusses a great resource for actors, a temp agency that specializes in truly flexible temp assignments to accommodate the randomness of actors' schedules. Links to items we referenced: Real Estate Agent Marshal Li - https://www.compass.com/agents/nyc/marshal-li/ Rachel's upcoming show - Enoptromancy, a premiere of a brand new play, 3/22 8 pm at the Muriel Studio, Triskelion Arts,106 Calyer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222. One night only as of now.

My guest is Actor Lydia Kalmen. We go in-depth on what it's like to be an actor in New York City, her work, her training, how she balances life, etc. Her website is www.lkalmen.com.

My guest today is Casting Director Lori Malkin. Lori has been in the business a long time and shares her story as well as insights and advice from both the CD side and the Actor side.