Podcast by Finding Matt Damon
In this episode, we got to chat with the amazing Susan Booth. Susan is the Artistic Director at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta Georgia. She gave us her fascinating take on the Atlanta Theater Scene, and how Atlanta's special mix of people impacts the shows they choose and the programming they commit to. We discussed the powerful role a regional theater can have in such a diverse community. We also chatted about some of the ins and outs of moving a show to Broadway! *This episode was recorded prior to the Delta Variant.
In this episode we spoke with the absolutely brilliant Artistic Director at Trinity Rep, Curt Columbus. Curt chatted with us about how his job as an artistic director has changed throughout the pandemic, starting out in Chicago, and fostering a creative community. We had such a wonderful time talking with Curt, we hope you enjoy this episode!
In this episode, we chatted with the spectacular John Judd. John started his career in improv in Chicago studying under Del Close himself! He moved into acting and has never looked back! With a wealth of stories and a fascinating journey, John's perspective brought new light to what being an actor can look like especially during the times of Covid!
In this episode, we talk to acclaimed Broadway director David Cromer, who recently directed The Sound Inside and won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for The Band's Visit. David chatted with us about the beginning of his career in Chicago, other productions he's directed and acted in, transferring a Broadway show to an audio-only format, being an artist during the pandemic, and much more. Please enjoy this episode of Finding Matt Damon with David Cromer!
In this episode, we chat with the wonderful Austin Pendleton. You may know Austin from his illustrious career in the theater from originating the role of Motel in "Fiddler on the Roof", or perhaps from his original plays, "Uncle Bob" and "Orson's Shadow". He has directed, written, and starred in countless shows, movies, and now podcasts! It was such a pleasure to chat with such an American legend. Please enjoy this episode of Finding Matt Damon with Austin Pendleton!
In this episode, we chat with wonderful Ken Melamed about his career as an agent. Ken breaks down what an agent does, how he finds talent, and how this mysterious business of theater functions. Ken is such a kind and thoughtful person and we so enjoyed chatting with him!
In our 13th episode, we talked to stage and screen legend, André de Shields. We discussed André's phenomenal career, including his start in The Wiz and his recent Tony-winning performance in Hadestown. We also talked with him about the Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality and racial inequality, and the recent murder of George Floyd. Following the recording of this episode police in Kenosha, Wisconsin shot Jacob Blake seven times. He is still fighting for his life. If you would like to donate to the fund his family set up, or the Milwaukee Freedom fund, which is supporting protestors in Kenosha by paying bail funds and providing legal assistance, you can do so here: Justice for Jacob Blake GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justiceforjacobblake Milwaukee Freedom Fund: https://supportwomenshealth.salsalabs.org/mkefreedomfund/index.html
We're back from our COVID-19 hiatus with a fresh batch of Zoom episodes, the first of which was with the lovely and absolutely fascinating Kristen Sieh! Kristen is all over the map, but you may know her from the original Broadway cast of The Band's Visit, or perhaps you'll recognize her voice from your favorite audiobook.
In this episode, we interview the fantastic Brenda Withers. She is a playwright, an actor, a producer, and she runs her own theater company. She gave great insight into the working world of an actor from equity to getting your ideas on stage. She is such a warm and genuine person and we had the greatest time interviewing her! Please enjoy Episode 10!
In this episode we interview the Artistic Director of WP Theater, Lisa McNulty. We talk about everything from her career background to what it's like to be at the helm of a theater with a feminist mission. This is an excellent episode for anyone interested in the fascinating world of Off Broadway theater!
In this episode, we chat with Laura Eason! She was a writer and producer for House of Cards and The Loudest Voice. She wrote one of the most widely produced plays in the world, "Sex with Strangers" and was the Artistic Director at Looking Glass Theater Company out in Chicago. We had the chance to discuss the pitfalls of writing, the struggles of producing, the joys of parenthood and making all of that come together! Truly an awesome lady, give it a listen!
In this episode we chat with the fantastic Kimberly Senior. We discuss Bella Bella, Career Suicide, and starting a career in Chicago. Kimberly shares her inspiring thoughts about theater as an invitation and what leadership can look like versus what we are raised to believe it is. We had such a blast talking with Kimberly, and she has the perfect voice for radio, so please enjoy Episode 7!
In this episode we chat with the gorgeous, talented, caring, and awe-inspiring Karen Pittman. We discuss grad school, film and tv acting, families, and traveling. Give it a listen and follow Karen @thekarenpittman on instagram!
In this episode we chat with David Ryan Smith. David is a very talented actor, having performed not only on BROADWAY- thats right. but also all over NYC and lets be honest, the whole darn country. He has done movies, he has done theater, he is truly a jack of all trades and a sincerely wonderful person. Follow him on instagram @davidryansmith
In this episode we sat down with Stephanie Ybarra the current Artistic Director at Baltimore Center Stage. We discuss how she is liking Baltimore, her work as an activist, her history with the Mobile Shakespeare Unit and plays that have shaped her life. Please check out her upcoming season at Baltimore Center Stage by clicking the link below! Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! https://www.centerstage.org/plays-and-events/2019-20-season-announcement
In this episode, we chat with Kevin Laibson, a true renaissance man in the theater and comedy world. Kevin has done it all: improv, directing, producing, teaching, and was even the Artistic Director at the People's Improv Theater. You can check out Kevin's website here: http://kevinlaibson.com/ Kevin's show, XPlus1 here: https://xplusonetheshow.com/ and Alive in Plastic Land here: https://medium.com/alive-in-plasticland Also, check out his band, Easily Amused, on Spotify and GooglePlay!
In this episode, we chat with the amazing and inspirational Leah Evans. This fantastic lady founded the Tank, a community-based theatrical home for emerging artists. She has spearheaded countless hilarious shows including one featuring a not-so-present Dan Akryod. As the queen of creating communities in NYC Comedy, follow the amazing Facebook page Leah created: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1489427164653422/ Also, check out @thetank on instagram, their website: https://www.thetanknyc.org/
In this episode, we chat with Dominique Salerno, co-founder of Feminarchy (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdzyeKA6H0ByrJnlYmKFhg) and creator of The Box Show. We discuss failure and overcoming failure, Game of Thrones, End Game (no spoilers, we promise!) and casting in this day and age. Please check out Dominique's website (https://www.dominiquesalerno.com/) and follow her on instagram @thedominiquesalerno.
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