Creating Behavior with Charlie Sandlan

Do you have an idea of how you think your career is going to go? Most of us do, but the actual path is rarely what we envision. Charlie talks with actress Jessika Williams, who has been carving out a regional theater career for almost 15 years, traveling the country and living out of her van. She was featured in a NYTimes article discussing the tough career decision she made during this pandemic. Jessika relinquished her Equity card in order to play Othello at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.  Jessika shares making that tough call, working in regional theater across the United States, living and traveling in her van, and the journey of taking on one of the most iconic roles in the English language.  You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

In this episode Charlie talks with one of the stars of the Netflix hit show Ozark, Trevor Long.  A versatile character actor who has been carving out a solid career for over 25 years, Trevor talks about the role of Cade Langmore and his approach to one of Ozark's most talked about bad guys.  Charlie and Trevor also share some personal anecdotes from their time in grad school, his first on set experience working with Mark Strong in AMC's Low Winter Sun, and what he learned about acting from being directed on the stage by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Do you have an idea of how you think your career is going to go? Most of us do, but the actual path is rarely what we envision. Charlie talks with actress Jessika Williams, who has been carving out a regional theater career for almost 15 years, traveling the country and living out of her van. She was featured in a NYTimes article discussing the tough career decision she made during this pandemic. Jessika relinquished her Equity card in order to play Othello at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.  Jessika shares making that tough call, working in regional theater across the United States, living and traveling in her van, and the journey of taking on one of the most iconic roles in the English language.  You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Do you struggle with auditioning?  It's a specialized skill, and a process that can depress even the most talented actors.  In this solo episode Charlie shares some audition advice from Oscar winner Brie Larson on how to navigate the audition experience so that you can bring your best self into the room.  He also discusses the conservative uproar over the Netflix film Cuties, and why its a movie you have to see. Listen to the full episode to hear some insights from Steve Jobs and best selling author and motivator Simon Sinek. Charlie also spotlights the German-Korean photographer Heji Shin. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Charlie reconnects with his former student, the self-described non binary, trans, queer, Asian-American stand-up comedian Jes Tom.  Coming off a fantastic feature article in the NYTimes about their career, Jes and Charlie talk about the challenges they confront as an artist, and also their time in his classroom.  They both address a pivotal moment for both of them as teacher and student, and confront Charlie's blind spots when dealing with race and gender issues.  If you are an artist looking to gain more insight into navigating a non-binary world in a more sensitive and thoughtful way, then this episode will resonate. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Charlie shares his conversation with two time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz.  One of the most versatile and transformational actors working, with a career that now spans over 25 years.  The star of Broadway shows such as Rent, Wicked, Catch Me If You Can, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, My Fair Lady, and gritty television shows such as FX's Fosse/Verdon and Netflix's Bloodline, shares his views on the power of storytelling, how he approached his last theater gig My Fair Lady, and the advice he got from is friend Sam Rockwell.  Charlie and Norbert have been passionate about acting their entire lives, and this episode celebrates the joy and passion of a wonderful art form. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Charlie shares a conversation with his first college mentor from Purdue University, master teacher and artist Rich Rand.  For over 30 years now, Rich and Charlie have sustained a personal and artistic relationship that is rooted in what is best about the mentor/student relationship. Rich is an incredibly fascinating and insightful artist, and in this wide-ranging episode with Charlie, they discuss the work of Sam Shepard, racism and the theater, and what it was like studying with Stella Adler in NYC. Rich also shares his advice on how to approach a character, and the kind of valuable homework and research that can be done in order to unlock a part and create something truly transformational.  You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Charlie goes solo in this weeks episode, and clears his desk, reflecting upon some important and inspirational current topics.  Charlie talks about the artist Luchita Hurtado, the upheaval in Belarus, and some lessons to be learned from the Ellen Degeneres saga.  He offers a recommendation on a wonderful new book by Nicole Tersigni, and some thoughts on Michaela Coel and her groundbreaking HBO show I May Destroy You. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Charlie continues his conversation with mentor and master teacher Maggie Flanigan. Picking up from episode #012, Charlie and Maggie discuss how actors should handle emotion, how to approach character, and how to understand more deeply an artistic approach to the craft of acting. Maggie continues to talk more specifically about the Meisner Technique, and what it offers the serious actor. Charlie also shares a personal experience as a student in Maggie's class, and recommends a book that all of you should start reading. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Charlie talks with his mentor, master teacher Maggie Flanigan.  Charlie and Maggie have a unique relationship which now spans over two decades, beginning as teacher/student and evolving into a deep, artistic mentorship. This journey lead Charlie in 2012 into becoming the owner and caretaker of one of the best acting studio's in the United States, the Maggie Flanigan Studio.  They discuss Maggie's path to NYC to pursue a career, and her eventual transition into becoming one of the greatest acting teachers of her generation.  Maggie talks about being brushed off by Sandy Meisner, her mentorship under Bill Esper, and her unwavering commitment to the craft of acting.  You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

Charlie has a vulnerable and honest conversation with actress Sea Shimooka, who most recently appeared in season eight of the CW show Arrow, playing Emiko Queen.  How do you cope with feeling overwhelmed and insecure in your first major part? How do you struggle through low self-esteem, loneliness, and coming out as gay all while showing up each day to set?  Charlie and Sea discuss these personal issues, along with a frank discussion about the whitewashing of Asian American actors, which has been a stain on our business for a hundred years. Charlie also reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by  https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com