ACT: a new podcast series with host Dawn A. Westbrook about the craft of acting, the art of directing and embracing the process

Frank Wood was raised in Boston, MA and he comes from a family of politicians. His father was a political scientist who served under the Lyndon Johnson administration and his sister, Maggie Hassan was the 81st Governor of New Hampshire from 2013-2017. She was elected to the senate in 2016 and is a junior US Senator.His passion for theatre was ignited during his college days at Wesl

Born in the small town of Lubbock, Texas, Steven Skybell knew at the age of 10 as Pavel the peasant boy in the local theatre version of Fiddler on the Roof that the stage was where he belonged. A graduate of both Yale University's undergraduate and graduate theatre studies programs, in 1988 Steven stepped right off the stage at Yale Repertory and onto the boards at the Neil Si

If you are like me, you've seen this week's guest more than you can even remember. He's a face that has appeared on so many tv sitcoms, dramas and comedy specials it's impossible to name them all. Born in Bay Ridge Brooklyn NY, Brian is a true New Yorker. He was an absolute delight to interview. So funny. So open. So raunchy. Did I mention raunchy? As a stand-up

One of the most talented actors I have ever seen on stage, Dan Ruth is a true showman, a writer, a musician, an actor, a director and a friend. A studied actor, the alcoholism that trapped and spun him into a downward spiral was the one thing that miraculously turned his life around. He singing voice is as powerful and passionate as Mandy Patinkin, his unrelenting comic timing will

I'll let these famous people give comedian, Jeff Caldwell's intro:Dennis Miller - "This guy is incredible!"Craig Ferguson - "Very funny!"George Carlin - "Funny and Smart!"David Letterman - "Very, very funny!"Jeff is such an approachable person. Kind to everyone, this comedian believes that humor is best when commonalities are found

I met Brad in 1981. He was already a star in the theatre department at Virginia Commonwealth University and his commitment to the craft of acting was inspiring and unwavering even back then. He is funny, kind and has become a master (and I don't use that word lightly) on how to manipulate the camera in your favor. His studio in Santa Monica is called Brad's Class and I wo

Dr. Karen Turner Ward and I met back in 1983. She was a force to be reckoned with back then and her energy and creativity still abounds. She adds theatrical expertise, musical prowess, and a kind heart to every production she touches and every person she meets. She has toured nationally with shows such as Mama Dee's Girls that she not only wrote but share the stage with the lo

Jon Kretzu lives in the beautiful pacific northwest and a graduate of Cal State. He bills himself as a director, dramaturge and journalist and is one of the busiest and energetic theatre directors in Portland, OR. He has worked professionally all of the world and was the Associate Artistic Director at ART (Artist Repertory Theatre) for 20 years and directed over 50 shows. His passi

I met Toney Q. Cobb in the mid 1990's and immediately fell in love with not only the actor, but the man himself. As Toney says, he came to this career later in life and feels very blessed to have met some wonderful mentors and friends. His work with the African American Repertory Theatre Company under the tutelage of the late Ernie McClintock and Richmonder, Derome Scott Smith

You know when you meet a woman that just changes the room the moment they step inside? Well...that's Eva DeVirgilis!HER magazine named Eva's TEDxRVA presentation as one of the most inspirational talks in TEDx history and her one woman show IN MY CHAIR has taken her around the world. She is an active member of the ACLU, LGFB (Look Good Feel Better) and Safe Harbor. Eva is