Are Your Parents Proud Of You? is a conversation among artists. Interviewees discuss their process, their inspiration, and how their parents felt about their career paths. Conversations with some of the Chicago area’s most highly active artists in the Chicago area range from the humorous to the serious to the informational.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/4/24/19/5d199a00-49fa-4f18-b23b-422ea828b240_proud_of_you__episode_6-5_-_ayanna_bria_bakari.mp3

Matthew talks with actor Ayanna Bria Bakari. Currently in Purpose at Steppenwolf Theatre, Ayanna talks about being directed by Phyliciaphotot Rashad, growing up in Washington D.C, and her time at Depaul.

It's All About Family With Ayanna

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Matthew talks with actor Mikha&#39;el Amin. They talk about Mikha&#39;el&#39;s production of Topdog/Underdog with Invictus Theatre Company, working with other actors, the journey in acting.

The Long and Beautiful Road With Mikha'el Amin

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Matthew talks with comedian and actor Ron Popp. They talk about storytelling, movies, and writing jokes.

Before Going To Judy Garland's House; Find Ron Popp

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Matt talks with director and new-play developer; Laura Alcalá Baker. They talk about Laura&#39;s directorial work on the Steppenwolf production; A Home What Howls (Or The House What Was Ravine). They also talk about Chicago, rehearsal rooms, and theatre for young adults.

Laura Feels The Story In Her Gut

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Matthew talks with Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre; Michael Weber. They talk about Candlight Theatre, picking shows, and Porchlight&#39;s current production of Anything Goes.

Michael Weber: Bust-boy By Day; Director By Night

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Matt talks with actor and Steppenwolf and Steep Theatre Ensemble Member Caroline Neff. Currently being seen in Another Marriage, Caroline talks about her time at Columbia, workshops, and moving around as a child.

Caroline Almost Didn't Graduate....Twice!

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Matthew talks with two tine Tony Nominee Gavin Lee. They talk about Mary Poppins, the rules of playing Squidward Q. Tentacles, and Gavin&#39;s upcoming production of The 39 Steps

Gavin's Mustache Is For A Role

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Matthew talks with director and teaching artist Dana Anderson. They talk about Dana directing Aston Reps final production The Language Archive, Dana career in teaching, and why Aston Rep is ending.

Dana Has A Room Of Creativity Behind Her

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Matthew talks with the artistic director and the founder of The Artistic Home Kathy Scambiatterra. They talk about the origins of the Artistic Home, ISU, and the current ensemble members.

All Kathy Needs Is A Classroom

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Matthews talks with actor and improviser Tyler DeLoatch. They talk all things improv, tennis-ball, and The Friends Experience.

Tyler Is Very Good At Everything (Gilbert Would Be Proud)

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Matthew talks with actor Erica Stephan. At the time, Erica was finishing up her run in the acclaimed production of Cabaret and talks about her time during the production as well as growing up and being a teacher and starting her own camp.

You Can Trust Erica! She's A Teacher!

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Matt interviews comedian St. James Jackson at The Second City. They talk about St. James growing up in Georgia, his show Chill A.F, and the first time he&#39;s done comedy.

St. James Jackson Was The Cool Kid That Smoked Weed

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Matt interviews actor Jonah D. Winston. They talk about being actors who are tall, siblings, and Jonah&#39;s time in Australia.

Jonah D. Winston; 90's Kid

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Matthew talks with actor and fellow friend Rose Leisner (In Person!). They meet for coffee and talk of how they met, Rose&#39;s time in Los Angles, and other wonderful stories.

Glenview Grind Time With Rose Leisner

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Matthew talks with playwright Cal Walker. They talk about rehearsal spaces, writing, and therapy. EVERYONE SHOULD BE IN THERAPY.

Cal Leaves The Room

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Matt interviews the Artistic Director of the Second City&#39;s training center; John Hildreth. They talk about teaching at Columbia, movement work, and John&#39;s playwriting.

John Hildreth Watches You Like A  Hawk On Top Of A Barn

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Matt interviews Chicago Tribune&#39;s Chief Theatre Critic; Chris Jones. They discuss the importance of critics, Chris&#39;s views on it and how theatre are coming back in the middle of a pandemic.

If You're On a Date With Chris Jones, You're Going To The Theatre

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Matt talks with actor and voiceover Brenda Scott Wlazlo. They talk about Florida, accessibility, and Brenda&#39;s coaching in voiceover. They were also married for two holiday seasons.

Matt and Brenda Only Talk When Covid Is Involved

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Matthew talks with theatre maker Madeline Sayet. They talk about touring, Madeline&#39;s show Where We Belong, and the Mohegan Tribe.

Madeline Belongs

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Matthew talks with actor and friend Rachel Livingston. The two laugh........a lot.

Rachel Livingston: Most Average Women In America (Her Words)

Are Your Parents Proud Of You? is a conversation among artists. Interviewees discuss their process, their inspiration, and how their parents felt about their career paths. Conversations with some of the Chicago area’s most highly active artists in the Chicago area range from the humorous to the serious to the informational.