In this episode of Her Process, I'm chatting with writer and director, Sandra Payne. Sandra began her writing career working on Wishbone and Barney and Friends...yes, that Barney. She has written short films, award winning web series, and commercials.
Some fun facts about Sandra: When she lived in Indonesia, her family rescued a hornbill and he used to follow them around camp, honking for them. He was given to the Jakarta zoo when her parents left the country to move back to the United States. She is an Alaskan State Fair champion apple pie baker. When she was eleven, she won a purple ribbon! Sandra has been to six of the seven continents. She's got her eye on Antarctica to round out her collection. She's jumped out of an airplane. Twice. And, she is a tea aficionado. She's attended the World Tea Expo. Twice.
During our chat, we talk about Sandra's journey back to writing after losing confidence in her ability at a pretty pivotal age. We talk a bit about how, and why she entered into the world of directing. She shares what motivated her to finally write that novel. And, let me tell you, after hearing her talk about this, you're going to feel motivated to do that thing that you've been putting off, or waiting for the perfect time to start working on.
So, pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee). Here is Sandra Payne.
For show notes and photos, please visit herprocess.com.
The last time we chatted (episode five), Heather said something that I just couldn't get off my mind. That something was that she went to college, got a job in the field in which she studied, and was sad. Something was missing. On the advice of a friend, Heather tried her hand at stand-up comedy, and eventually acting and improv. She found the thing that had been missing from her life. So, as an adult, Heather started over.
In this episode, Heather gives great advice for beginners of all ages. She tells some encouraging stories about things that happened along her path that let her know she was going in the right direction. I think it's important to note that things didn't fall into her lap, she was constantly studying and working so that when opportunity arose, she was prepared. Heather also talks about the truths of the process to becoming a working actor; she lays out what performers need to know about coming from a small market to a larger market. And we hear what it's like, as an adult, to take improv classes with eighteen year old kids who are just starting out in the industry.
I'm so grateful to Heather for coming back on the show and sharing her experience with us. There are so many people out there who don't make their passions their life's work. Most of us, probably. I hope Heather's story reaches at least one person who needs that bit of encouragement to get out there and shake things up.
For photos and show notes, please pop over to herprocess.com.
In this episode of Her Process, I'm chatting with actor, improviser, and comedian, Heather Horton. Heather started her stage career at the tender age of three, as a dancer. She continued to shine on stage as a comedian. That parlayed into a career as an actor and improviser. Heather didn't always know she wanted to be an actor. In fact, there was quite a gap between her time on stage as a dancer and her time on stage as a comedian...and all the rest. More on that in a future episode, which as they say, is coming soon.
During this interview, Heather talks about how she came to the field of acting. We discuss the ever evolving improv schools here in Los Angeles. We talk about her love for stand-up comedy. And, Heather shares a story about why a recent national commercial she shot was pulled after just eleven days of being on air, and what that experience was like for her.
Heather is so funny and so down to earth. And, she is probably the most improv/sketch-knowledgeable person I've ever met. Talking with her really makes me want to dive back into improv class just so I can be as witty as she is. Give this episode a listen, and you'll hear what I mean.
This week's chat is with voice actor, Kay Bess. Kay has been in the voice over business since the 1990's, and when you listen to this episode you'll hear not just a beautiful voice, you'll also hear the grace, wisdom, and heart behind that voice which has kept Kay working in a profession she loves for over two decades.
In this episode of Her Process, Kay and I discuss what's behind the voices that book the work, different genres of voice acting, and how she feels about the fact that many areas of voice acting are still male dominated. We talk about the "up-speak" and "vocal fry" trends, about a very personal post she wrote on her blog, and how, in putting the truth out there, we are able to help one another not to feel so alone.
For show notes and photos, pop on over to www.herprocess.com.