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Contrary to what some people believe, Zero Mostel says that being an actor is not that easy of a job. Everything one knows, Mostel explains, becomes apart of who you are. The more one knows, the better his/her work will be.
While performing some of their original material, comedians Vic Greco and Fred Willard talk about how they come up with their ideas for their shows. Always the entertainers, and while talking over one another, Greco and Willard explain that most of what they do on stage is improvisation.
Being able to use one's own life experiences should be used when playing a part is something Uta Hagen teaches in her book, "Respect for Acting". Hagen also points out the importance of keeping the audience engaged. Should someone on stage do something out of the ordinary, it's an incredible moment, as it's where the audience has placed their attention.
Language is the main theme of the play, "Translations." Cast members from the play, James O'Reilly, Tom Amandis, and Lucy Childs reenact various passages from the production. They all agree that the play is about the history of Ireland and its politics.
In the play, "The Value of Names," Shelley Berman plays Benny Silverman, a role which he says is him, an actor from the Hollywood black list. Berman said being in Chicago, acting the role and working with the cast has been THE best experience of his life and when the show closes, it will be the saddest day of his life. The director of the play, Sandy Shinner, said she knew of the Hollywood black list but didn't know about all the personal stories. There is an excerpt of Vic Navasky.
Rilla Bergman, Lou Fant, and Bill Reese converse with Studs about The National Theater for the Deaf and the production they are presenting. Two of the actors Ms. Bergman and Mr. Reese discuss what it took to learn, as hearing people, the best ways to express themselves with sign language. They all talk about how much more expressive the actors in the Deaf Theater have to be to convey the message of the piece they are presenting.
Actor Robert Morley discusses his career and autobiography, "Robert Morley: A Reluctant Autobiography;" part 2.
Actor Robert Morley discusses his career and autobiography, "Robert Morley: A Reluctant Autobiography;" part 1.
Cast members Philip Anglin, Ken Ruta and Penny Fuller talk about their roles as John Merrick, Mr. Treves and Mrs. Kendal, respectively. They also talk about having great appreciation for their roles and being able to see audience's reactions to their performances.
Peter Ustinov discusses his wide-ranging career in the arts as an actor, author, director, and dramatist.
Studs speaks to actress Peggy Nelson, playwright Arnaud d'Usseau, and student Olivier Bernier while he is in France. [Part 2 includes Yves Montand.]
Melvin Douglas and Frank Lovejoy discuss their roles in Gore Vidal's play "The Best Man", politics, and their careers.
Actor Maureen O'Sullivan discusses her role in the play "Philadelphia, Here I Come!" and her career; excerpt from play "Philadelphia, Here I Come!" and "Riders to the Sea" recited during interview.
Maroussia Frank analyzes Paul Scofield's performance as King Lear in the theater production as well as life in a theater company and her experiences as a member and a wife of a member.