Acting in Plays, Singing/Expert Profile


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Expertise

Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!)

Experience in the area

I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.

Organizations

Theatre Puget Sound Magical Mystery Troupe Centerstage Theatre Conservatory Board of Trustees (former) Express-Theatre Northwest (former) Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater

Publications

Unrelated trade publications

Education/Credentials

B.A. in Theatre Arts, Gonzaga University M.Ed. in Education and Technology, Western Governor's University (in progress)

Awards and Honors

Mutiple awards (ask for specifics), Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Valley Community Players, Best Supporting Actor

Past/Present Clients

C's Animation Studio Productions, LLC

What do you like about this subject?

Kurt Vonnegut once said "you know you are a writer if for you to not write is to die." That's how I feel about acting.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

To start to formally teach theatre in a recognized (preferably widely-respected) theatre program at a post-secondary institution.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

To succeed in the professional arena, it is absolutely *ESSENTIAL* to land an agent (not an easy prospect, either).

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Whether a prospective actor should learn the Method (Strasbergian or modified) or pursue the Meisner Technique.

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Recent Reviews from Users

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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Stephen08/19/0910101010Thanks very much for the great advice!
margaret08/11/0910101010 
Jessica05/03/0910101010thank you,oklahoma is where i live .....
Tracy12/01/0810101010Thank you so much for both of .....
jane12/01/0810101010 

Recent Answers from J. Spyder Isaacson

2009-11-14 Is it possible for a tenor to hit baritone A?:

As the saying goes, "anything is possible" (it's just that some things are less likely). Less whimsically, though: the human voice is an amazing thing, capable of amazing possibilities. The key thing

2009-08-13 Thanks a lot:

The main idea is to be pushing the diaphragm down at the same time you're pushing air up through your relaxed larynx. Eventually, the air will be pushed up *by* the diaphragm. This is where your power

2009-08-01 help:

Probably the simplest is the following: Tighten your belt one notch tighter than usual. Breathe in pushing at your belt (this pushes your breath down to the diaphragm). Relax your throat completely

2009-07-27 My career:

Great career goal! I would suggest one alteration, though - don't lock yourself into only one channel (for instance, film work pays considerably better than TV#. The only real way to break into the

2009-07-22 help:

Actually, my answer was intended to apply to *any* situation where you need to be heard in a loud voice. Projection works equally well with small groups (even two people if you need to speak loudly) or

 

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