April's Roundtable was another first! We’ve talked to casting directors, an actor and we had the chance to chat with our first talent manager! SUSAN ZACHARY sat down with me and Charlie to discuss her time in the Hollywood trenches. She's worked for Universal Studios, worked as an independent producer, moved into being an agent for a few years, but is now a top-flight talent manager! We talk about her upbringing, graduate studies and the current state of affairs in the industry! Take a few minutes and sit a spell!

Our first actor at the Refuge Roundtable was none other than that guy you've seen in a TON OF STUFF...Mr. David Pasquesi. You've seen him in "At Home with Amy Sedaris," "Lodge 49," and "Veep," just to name a few! We talk about his earliest days in Chicago improv with Del Close, as well as Mamet, and how he approaches character work. You like to laugh, doncha???!! Go to the following sites and get ready to pee your pantaloons: https://thegraveyardshow.com/index.php https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Us-This-All-Made/dp/B00GO7AI2I Also...the man is a published author: https://www.amazon.com/Improvisation-Speed-Life-Dave-Book/dp/0977309339 Spread the word! Tell all of your friends! You won't regret it!

Holy mother of pearl! What an AMAZING night of stories and hot sports opinions with the incomparable Bonnie Zane! If you were there then you know what I mean...BUT...if you couldn't make it on the day...here are some highlights for you to enjoy. Free. On the house. (Pause) You're welcome.

So way back when in the final days of 2020 I sat down...virtually, of course...with the one and only, Gayle Pillsbury. In fact...she just so happened to be the guest for the INAUGURAL Actor's Refuge Roundtable. We hashed it out about all manner of industry topics. We laughed. We cried. We solved everything. Hopefully, you were there live...BUT IF NOT...here are the highlights. Enjoy.

We often hear phrases like "don't win the role, win the room," or "be the solution to our casting problem," but do they actually mean anything? Spoiler alert..no, they're worthless bits of nonsense masquerading as "encouragement."

How many have been in bad scene classes? I know I have been over the years. I've said it a million times and I will never stop saying it...if someone is promising that they have the key to the gig...THEY ARE LYING!! There is NO KRY TO THE GIG! There is only the character and the work and care that you bring in breathing life into lines on the page. Not gonna lie...it really is rambling. That's the point, I guess, and the reason why I call it "Refuge Ramblings." Stick with it. See if anything resonants and then reach out. Let me know your experience. Courage.

Here is the scenario that we find ourselves contending with...how does the actor activate the imagination when there is only 2 or 3 pages of text, no full script and a limited amount of time to prepare? My contention is that a few specific, actionable details..,that take the actor out of themselves...is enough to help the actor put the skin of the character on and move freely about the world.

Traditional scene study is great for preparing an actor for a life in the theatre. *cue sad trombone* What about the scenario that is more apropos of film/television auditions...2 or 3 pages of text, no script available, limited amount of time to prepare, and working in the unnatural room? It is time for actors to take back their process and reignite their imaginations!!