MICHAEL SMALLWOOD
A Conversation with Actor & Director Michael Smallwood
The conversation begins with Smallwood discussing his early love of storytelling and how he connects it to the concept of humanity. He refers to narrative as an important human evolutionary tool and how it played a significant role in his career, from his earliest acting experience playing Santa Claus in second grade to creating narratives as a writer and filmmaker. Smallwood also shares his experience transitioning between theatre and film, comparing the immediate audience feedback in theatre to the long-haul reactions in film. In addition, he talks about teaching and mentoring young artists, expressing the joy and pride he feels when seeing his students succeed in their artistic pursuits. Looking forward, Smallwood expresses his excitement and nerves about his upcoming role in Lehman Trilogy, a play recounting the history of the Lehman family and American capitalism.
Photo: David Mandel Photography
Music from ARTLIST:
The conversation begins with Smallwood discussing his early love of storytelling and how he connects it to the concept of humanity. He refers to narrative as an important human evolutionary tool and how it played a significant role in his career, from his earliest acting experience playing Santa Claus in second grade to creating narratives as a writer and filmmaker. Smallwood also shares his experience transitioning between theatre and film, comparing the immediate audience feedback in theatre to the long-haul reactions in film. In addition, he talks about teaching and mentoring young artists, expressing the joy and pride he feels when seeing his students succeed in their artistic pursuits. Looking forward, Smallwood expresses his excitement and nerves about his upcoming role in Lehman Trilogy, a play recounting the history of the Lehman family and American capitalism.
Photo: David Mandel Photography
Music from ARTLIST:
ORKAS - You Know What You Want
Yarin Primak - Driving on the Moon
00:06 Introduction and Love for Stories
00:36 Guest Introduction: Michael Smallwood
02:18 Michael's Early Acting Experiences
03:34 Michael's Early Love for Reading and Writing
04:43 The Power of Narrative and Storytelling
05:46 Michael's Journey into Professional Acting
07:36 Michael's College Years and Introduction to Playwriting
09:11 Michael's Theater Career and Favorite Moments
13:00 Life as an Actor and Writer
13:26 Transition into Screenwriting and Directing
13:56 Working with Emerging Artists and Teaching
14:32 Stumbling into Education and Mentoring
15:40 The Impact of Theater on Young People
16:24 The Unpredictability of an Acting Career
16:29 The Role of Narrative in Shaping Experience
17:28 The Journey of Teaching and Impacting Students
17:57 The Difference Between Summer and Year-Long Programs
22:20 The Power of Theater and Working with Educators
26:26 Transitioning Between Theater and Film
29:16 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
30:22 Closing Remarks and Preview of Next Episode