My oldest child, Sarah, and her fiancé, Classic Dan agreed to open the first SallyPAL clip show. This episode features bits of the first 18 SallyPAL podcasts. And I’ll share the second 18 in the next clip show. You’ll hear about the value of reinventing work, and creating new performances with open casting options. We also talk about acknowledging the audience and making choices before and during shows. We also discuss pushing through obstacles to make something new and fresh! The show features Emile Adams, Steve Barker, Sheila Black, Daniel Bower...
My oldest child, Sarah, and her fiancé, Classic Dan agreed to open the first SallyPAL clip show. This episode features bits of the first 18 SallyPAL podcasts. And I’ll share the second 18 in the next clip show. You’ll hear about the value of reinventing work, and creating new performances with open casting options. We also talk about acknowledging the audience and making choices before and during shows. We also discuss pushing through obstacles to make something new and fresh! The show features Emile Adams, Steve Barker, Sheila Black, Daniel Bowers, Jana Hunter, Will Inman, Angie Mitchell, George Nelson, Nicole Perry, Darian Silvers, Lisa Stefanic, Wes Vrooman, Lisa Wilson, Michael Wright, and Nicole Zimmerer. You'll hear about the trend toward inclusion in performing arts as well as the frustration with outdated theatre practices. I know you’ll enjoy hearing these moments again. I invite you to revisit the episodes. I’ve included a show breakdown that lists the times you can find various guests in this clip show episode. That way, you can skip around and listen to the parts you’re most interested in hearing.
Show Breakdown:
Darian & Will take a Selfie with Sally
Will Inman and Darian Silvers had some things to say in Episode 2 about why it’s important to reinvent existing works. They also mention why storytellers need to collaborate. You’ll hear them share about “Animal Farm”. This version of an existing show is a revamped musical performed in Houston in 2017.
(2:33-Will) Reinventing the Work; (3:50-Darian) Making Something New; (4:17-Darian&Will) Collaborating
Daniel at The Folger with the Bard
In Episode 3, Daniel Bowers highlights the fun and excitement of building a reality on stage.
(6:29) Telling a Story on Stage; (7:31) Building a Reality on Stage
Emile, Becket, and Sally Talk about Theatre
Emile Adams confirms that feeling in Episode 4 while discussing her original play, “Fever Dream”.
(8:08) When the Lights Come up on Your Show
TV Writer Jana Sees a Funny World
Jana Hunter is the executive producer with her husband Mitch of the ABC show, “The Middle”. In Episode 10 she talks about storytelling to a broad audience.
(8:45) Storytelling to a TV Audience;In
Angie and The Spontaniacs!
In Episode 14 Angie Mitchell expresses the fun of developing new forms or games in improvisational comedy.
(10:34) Developing new Forms
(10:34) Developing new Forms
George Considers Character
In Episode 16 George Nelson echoes the feeling of creating original characters for both practical and profound reasons.
(11:49) Creating Characters
In Episode 14 Angie Mitchell talks about pushing through her early improv failures. And Jana Hunter from Episode 10 talks about the value of HER improv training with LA’s Groundlings.
(12:48-Angie) Pushing through Failure; (4:05-Jana) Creating Stories on the Fly and Being Comfortable in Your Skin
Wes Has High Hopes and High Expectations
Wes Vrooman in Episode 6 believes telling stories is important. Also, he points out, a new crop of storytellers seems ready to tell stories in exciting ways.
(15:10) Young People Telling New Stories
Lisa Contemplates Educational Theatre
Lisa Stefanic in Episode 8, George Nelson in Episode 16, and Daniel Bowers in Episode 3 encourage actors and directors. They advise artists to be flexible and create characters and stories that resonate with audiences.
Episode 8 (16:52- Lisa) Be Flexible
Episode 16 (17:17-George) Play Characters That Resonate
Episode 3 (18:02-Daniel) Buy in to the Story’s Truth
Nicole's Truth
Nicole Perry from Episode 11 ponders the impact of a dancer portraying the truth of a character.
(19:05) Do Characters Affect Your Spirit?
and Being Seen
Wes Vrooman in Episode 6 introduces a conversation for inclusion. It is echoed by Lisa Wilson in Episode 7.
(20:03-Wes) Plays with Options; (20:41-Lisa) Importance of Representation
Nicole Fights for her Rights
Nicole Zimmerer from Episode 9 opens the conversation up to include physically disabled actors and storytellers. While Nicole Perry from Episode 11 zeroes in on the reality of body-based casting.
(21:37-Nicole Z) First Wheelchair Actor on Broadway; (21:51-Nicole Z) Disabled Characters Played by Disabled Actors; (22:35-Nicole P) Body Based Casting
In Episode 6, Wes Vrooman expands on his earlier comments. He also encourages storytellers to get out there and tell their stories.
(23:39) Relatable Stories Need to Be Told
Sheila Loves Words
Sheila Black from Episode 13 and Michael Wright from Episode 15 both caution writers to set aside worries that don’t have anything to do with the expression of the work.
Michael Values Story
(24:53-Sheila) Don’t Worry about Perfection; (26:13-Michael) Audiences Experience Stories
not Themes
In Episode 10, Jana Hunter shares some memorable advice she got about how best to create with an ensemble.
(27:35) Collaborating: “Be nice and Contribute”
Steve's Big Advice
Also, in Episode 17, Steve Barker gives the best possible advice.
(28:07) Write, write, write!
Lisa Supports Women Playwrights
In Episode 7, Lisa Wilson sums up the value of storytelling.
(29:01) Storytelling Is Culture
In Episode 2, Will Inman points out that an audience is always the final collaborator.
(30:35) A Live Audience Is the Reason to Do Theatre
I hope you enjoy the SallyPAL clip show. You might find an artist who piques your interest. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms. Check out the blog, SallyPAL.com, for articles and also show notes. You, too, can be a Sally PAL! Sign up for a FREE Creator’s Notebook insert at SallyPAL.com/join. Thank you for following, sharing, subscribing, reviewing, and joining. And, by the way, thank you for listening.
If you download and listen on your drive to work, or fall asleep while listening to my NPR-inspired narration like my sister does, let me know you’re out there. Storytelling through plays, dances, music, and other types of performances is the most important thing we do as a culture. That’s why I want YOU to share YOUR stories because you’re the only one with your particular point of view. Also, SallyPAL is here with resources, encouragement, and a growing community of storytellers. I want to help you share your truth. All the stories ever expressed once lived only in someone’s imagination. Now… go tell someone who you are!
