Geffen Playhouse Unscripted: Recent Episodes
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Join us back stage for in-depth conversations with some of today's most compelling creative voices. Hosted by acclaimed actor, Rory O'Malley, Unscripted explores the art and craft of live storytelling, the creative process, professional milestones, and personal challenges that have helped shaped an artist's life and career.
Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Tom Viola joins Rory to talk about ways to help support actors, artists, and Broadway during this challenging time. Now more than ever it is vital to help keep those who bring so much light into the lives of other afloat. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit www.broadwaycares.org/help2020.
Producer Eva Price joins Rory to talk about "Jagged Little Pill" the musical, the difficulty of having Broadway close during this trying time, how to stay positive, and how Broadway will inevitably bounce back!
Poet, playwright, author, and lyricist Steven Sater joins Rory to talk about the challenges he faced growing up often sick, how it led to his love of writing and theater, teaching himself ancient Greek, Spring Awakening, and his new book "Alice by Heart."
Writer and creator of "Kidding" on Showtime, Dave Holstein joins Rory to talk about his work on Weeds, writing the "Kidding" pilot a decade ago but keeping it relevant, and the long, arduous, but ultimately worthwhile pursuit of Jim Carrey.
Playwright and co-founder of Vampire Cowboys, Qui Nguyen joins Rory at the Geffen to talk about his new show, "Revenge Song." Learn the challenges of adapting a real life story, starting his own theater company, his geeky influences, and the joy of bending genres for the stage.
Geffen Playhouse Unscripted returns with a very special conversation as Rory talks to longtime friend, South Park co-creator, Book of Mormon co-creator, and all around hilarious and thought provoking writer/producer/director, Trey Parker.
Playwright Larissa FastHorse joins Rory to talk about her show currently at the Geffen, "The Thanksgiving Play." Plus, she discusses the challenges faced in her writing career, "performative wokeness", and her conscious decision to write the play with 4 non-indigenous leads.
Actor William Jackson Harper joins Rory to talk about his time on and off Broadway, his career being changed by landing "The Good Place", the writing process, and his upcoming film, "Dark Waters."
Happy Veteran’s Day! On this special podcast, we feature three monologues from the 2019 Veterans Writing and Performance Project, written and performed by veterans themselves. Learn more about this program here.
Legendary Casting Director Jeff Greenberg joins Rory to talk about the joy of casting plays as he’s cast Key Largo, now running at the Geffen. Plus, groundbreaking casting and changing how audiences view certain people and characters on things like Modern Family, Cheers, and Frasier.
FOX Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier and Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan sit down to discuss trends in the industry and share stories about a friendship that has spanned strikes, spin-offs and the rise of streaming.”
Writer Tim Federle joins Rory to talk about his new Disney+ series, "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" starting streaming November 12th. Plus, his work on the Academy Award nominated Ferdinand and his long career in New York!
Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player and former UCLA standout Kevin Love joins psychology expert Michelle Craske, Ph.D., from the UCLA College for a discussion delving into the causes of and issues related to anxiety and depression.
Actress Jenn Colella joins Rory to talk about her work in "Come From Away" on Broadway, her and Rory's friendship and bonding over Happy Days The Musical, and getting started in the LA comedy scene!
Actress Maura Tierney sits down with Rory to talk about her work on stage at the Geffen right now in, "Witch." Plus, the benefits of working with a female creative team, her early roles, and the malleability of the theater.
Actor Michael James Scott joins Rory to talk about playing the Genie in Aladdin, their meeting during Book of Mormon, how to make a performance feel like the first time despite having done it for a long time, his training, and watching new actors take on roles they've previously played.
Actress Vella Lovell joins Rory to talk about her new starring role in "Witch" at the Geffen. Plus, her time on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, working with Rachel Bloom, attending not one but TWO colleges for the arts, the importance of diverse voices in the arts, and doing shows off...off Broadway.
Legendary composer Danny Elfman joins Rory to talk about his recently joining social media, how negative reviews early in his career helped create his success, beginning as a street musician, how he went from rock star to film composer, and his recent classical work and new violin concerto, “Eleven Eleven.”
Tony winner Lindsay Mendez joins Rory to talk about their working together on a project that never quite made it to Broadway, the differences between being on a stage and a set, working jobs before the big break, and her new CBS show "All Rise".
Criminal Minds star Kirsten Vangness sits down with Rory to talk about the challenge getting started in the Los Angeles theater community, the importance of LA actors knowing their value, loving the art in yourself and not yourself in the art, the serendipity of how Criminal Minds came about for her, and writing for the show.
Actress Cynthia Erivo joins Rory for a special interview from Atlanta where she talks about her brand new serialized podcast "Carrier", her growing film and TV resume, her feelings when she first came to Broadway, and whether or not she's planning a return!
Will Roland joins Rory in New York to talk about his new show, "Be More Chill" and the reception its received. Plus, they talking about how being a native New Yorker influences his work, his Broadway history, and working on "Dear Evan Hansen."
Broadway and West End veteran Gavin Creel joins Rory to talk about the career journey and different perspectives you have with each age milestone, teaching, the challenge acting in film/tv versus on the stage, his many Tony noms, and seeing yourself within your characters.
Kerry Butler, currently starring in Beetlejuice on Broadway, sits down with Rory to talk about the show, her big break in Hairspray, and her very successful Broadway career. Plus, working with students and teaching the patience to have on the way to succeeding.
Actor Alan Tudyk sits down with Rory to talk about his new show, “Mysterious Circumstances”, now running at the Geffen. Learn his background in the theater, his journey to New York, his voice acting career, the surprise of landing a role in “Spamalot!”, and his web-series “Con Man.” Plus, hear his HUGE Firefly prediction!
Actress, writer, and show-runner Jamie Denbo joins Rory to talk about her new show, "American Princess" currently airing now on Lifetime on Sundays at 10/9c. Plus, learn how her own personal history with Renaissance Fairs influenced the authenticity of the show!
Actor Will Chase talks to Rory about his role in "Kiss Me Kate" opposite Kelli O'Hara. Plus, how he got his start and his extensive Broadway career and returning to the stage after a successful career in front of the camera.
Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara joins Rory to talk about her nominated role this season in "Kiss Me Kate", her acting career in front of the camera, Emmy nomination, and her family.
Noah Galvin joins Rory to talk about his long theater career, starring in Waitress on Broadway, his role in the upcoming film Booksmart, and being an out gay actor from a young age.
Two time Tony nominated actor Brandon Uranowitz talks with Rory, from New York, about the revival of “Burn This” he’s currently starring in on Broadway, working with Keri Russell and Adam Driver, the lightning in a bottle of “Falsettos”, the differences playing a gay character in 2019 vs 1987, and dealing with rejection.
Glee stars Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz join Rory to talk about the show that launched their careers, Jenna's love of the theater and possibly forcing Kevin to do Broadway, the blossoming of their friendship, and, of course, their new podcast!
Rory gets a little nervous talking to theater legend Fiona Shaw! She talks about the latest season of “Killing Eve” and working with creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge and co-star Sandra Oh. Plus, how her career got started, the challenge of taking on a male role for Richard II, and what it was like to be a part of the Harry Potter phenomenon.
Writer Inda Craig- Galván talks to Rory about her new play at the Geffen, “Black Super Hero Magic Mama.” She discusses how she decided to tell this story, dealing with the loss of a son and using comic books as an escape, her background in sketch comedy writing, and how, when you something to say, it will come through for you.
Colman Domingo sits down with Rory to talk about balancing writing, acting, success, and life, his new show “Lights Out: Nat King Cole” at the Geffen, and the importance of centering it’s story around Nat’s TV show. Plus, learn about the show that saved his life…and how he and Rory were nominated for the same Tony...that they both lost.
Actress Heléne Yorke talks with Rory about her new Comedy Central show, The Other Two, her long career on Broadway and major influences, making a character your own, and working on Bullets Over Broadway and American Psycho.
Actor Dulé Hill talks with Rory about his role as Nat King Cole in, “Lights Out: Nat King Cole” at the Geffen. Plus, his extensive career going all the way back to being a young dancer. And, how working on West Wing and Pysch strengthened his craft as an actor.
It’s just friends catching up as Megan Hilty and Rory O’Malley talk about their long friendship, their time at Carnegie Mellon, getting called up to Broadway at a young age, her career changing role in Wicked, and, of course, Smash!
Host Rory O’Malley sits down with actress and comedian Julia Sweeney about her upbringing in, specifically, the Pacific Northwest, her career beginning in accounting, discovering the Groundlings, landing SNL, creating the icon of Pat, and not being afraid to take your focus off of acting to focus on family.
Director Steven Robman talks with host Amy Levinson about how he got bit by the theater bug, having a few reunions in his work at the Geffen, how he works and collaborates with playwrights, pitching his passion to those he works with, and the differences between directing for the stage, film, and TV.
Tony nominee and “Book of Mormon’s” Rory O’Malley joins Gil to talk about his time with such a unique show, his work on the “Belt the Vote” campaign, his current show “Pub Crawl”, which focuses on his real-life story growing up in Cleveland amidst the Irish pub crawl community, and his podcast! Plus, his trip to Ireland that had him accidentally running into a father he had not seen in many years.
Supergirl showrunner Jessica Queller and Executive Producer Greg Berlanti join Daniel Beaty to talk about their all-star casting, one night only reading of “Terms of Endearment” at the Geffen to benefit Stand Up to Cancer. They discuss the difficulty of losing a mother to cancer and how it fuels their desire to fight the disease and give back.
Actress Rosemarie DeWitt joins Gil Cates Jr. at the Geffen Playhouse to talk about her new film "Arizona", the challenges of dark comedy, the journey and research being a fun chapter in the creative process, and her first acting experiences.
The Geffen Playhouse's artistic director Matt Shakman returns to talk with Gil about what audiences can expect and what to be excited for in their upcoming season.
Actress and writer Amanda Peet sits down with the Geffen's Amy Levinson to talk about her new show at the Playhouse, "Our Very Own Carlin McCullough".
Actor Harry Hadden-Paton joins Gil to talk about his work currently starring in “My Fair Lady” at the Lincoln Center Theater, the immensity of a 30 piece orchestra backing a cast of 30, the challenge of doing his first musical, his work on “The Crown”, and what attracts him to a script.
Actress Judith Light sits down with Daniel to talk about the homework and process of her work, the importance of the arts in culture, going back to the theater after "Who's the Boss?", and being your authentic self.
Actress Jenifer Lewis joins Daniel to talk about her career, addressing taboo topics in her new book, and the one woman show art form.
Director Michael Mayer and producer Tom Hulce and actors Annette Bening and Jon Tenney join Daniel Beaty for a special Q&A following a screening of their new film, "The Seagull" at the WGA theater. Hear why they made the time to make the film and the process of adapting Chekhov.
Guest host Dana Delany sits down with Josh Radnor about his new show “RISE” on NBC, how teaching is in his blood, performing music with his band, his Jewish upbringing informing him as a story teller, working so that your craft meets your taste, and finding his present-day spirituality.
Roma Downey joins Daniel to talk about her book, "Box of Butterflies", how the loss of her mother at a young age influenced her, working on "Touched By an Angel", its role on her faith, and remaining faithful in an industry where it seems unpopular.
Actor John Ross Bowie joins guest host Dana Delany to talk about his performance in “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” running at the Garry Marshall Theater, coming from UCB, his show “Speechless” on ABC opening his eyes to accessibility, writing a Deep Focus on “Heathers”, and his theater and acting background.
Actress Kimberly Hébert Gregory and Daniel discuss her work on “Kevin Probably Saves the World”, constantly looking for representation in the arts, toppling the patriarchy, women in Hollywood needing to stand together, the difference between “leaf” and “root” conversations, and how she takes care of herself.
Gil Cates Jr. fills in for Daniel to talk with actress Melanie Field about her upcoming show at the Geffen, “Significant Other”. She also discusses when she decided to pursue acting, her favorite playwrights and dream projects, what LA is like as a theater town, and the upcoming “Heathers” reboot.
Legendary actor and political activist Tony Goldwyn joins Daniel to talk about the emotional week of finishing Scandal, the evolution of his career amongst movies and television, directing for the show, the importance of being an ally, engaging people with different mindsets into conversation, and trying to live in a polarized society.
Actress Loretta Devine sits down with Daniel to talk about hobbies to help her stay focused when acting, working with Michael Bennett on Dreamgirls, working on “Chapter and Verse” with Daniel, the impact her mom had on her, and the role artists have to play in our country today.
Actor Tituss Burgess joins new Unscripted host Daniel Beaty to talk about his love of cooking, the challenge of working with an impatient world, being in couple’s therapy with the theater, landing a part on 30 Rock when he was facing eviction, and making a promise with God that later turned into landing “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”
Actor, writer, singer, activist (and your next Unscripted host!) Daniel Beaty joins John to talk about selling only one ticket to a show, moving an audience mentally and emotionally, giving a voice to the voiceless, his non-profit “I Dream”, and working hard to see a diverse America represented in art. You can find Daniel on instagram @danielbbeaty.
Actress Heather Graham joins John to talk about her new film “Half Magic”, the difficulty in making a female focused film, its importance today, and what's coming up.
Charlize Theron and House of Mandela Family Foundation Co-Founder Kweku Mandela talk with guest host Soledad O'Brien to kick off a yearlong series of events in honor of Nelson Mandela. They discuss #MeToo, equal pay in Hollywood, the importance of millennials in the future, and that 2018 will be a year of love and not division.
Actress Saffron Burrows comes straight from rehearsal to join John and discuss her new one woman play, “Jackie Unveiled”, what a wonderful challenge it is, how to discover new challenges, and understanding that the joy of acting isn’t just portraying devastation.
Actor Judd Hirsch joins John to talk about his long acting career, the hilarious limits of working on TV in the 70’s, doing voiceover, acting as living truthfully and not lying, not being right for anything but acting, going from Broadway to England, and working consistently for 56 years.
Actress Marin Ireland sits down with John to talk about her current play at the Geffen, “Ironbound”, developing HR for the Arts to help deal with harassment in the industry, misrepresentation in entertainment, and the feeling of coming in to save a show at the last minute.
Actor Paul Sparks sits down with John to talk about the challenge of the TCA’s, the new miniseries “Waco”, accidentally falling in love with acting, working and his upcoming play “Zoo Story”.
Actor Harry Lennix joins John to talk about meeting his wife during his critically acclaimed Broadway debut, directing for the theater, the relevance of black playwrights today, the importance of agitating the status quo, and his exciting upcoming projects.
Geffen Playhouse Unscripted brings you its 2017 year in review. The best of the best of our guests including Matt Shakman, Alfred Molina, Bryan Cranston, David Copperfield, Josh Gad, Lisa Lampanelli, Rainn Wilson, Jason and Yvonne Lee, Anna Chlumsky, Ginnifer Goodwin and Allen Leech, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Matt Walsh, and Lois Smith.
Hulu’s “The Path” creator and showrunner Jessica Goldberg joins John to talk about what life is like as a writer, her beginnings as a playwright, seeing her first Broadway play, the writers that have influenced her, and how her show has affected its real-life viewers.
Actor Omar Metwally joins John to talk about the shocking finale of Mr. Robot, beginning his film career with Steven Spielberg, his time on Broadway, performing a 35 minute monologue, and how he prepares for a role.
Actor Michael Emerson joins John Horn via Skype to talk about his young departure and rediscovery of acting, finding himself in Shakespeare, the excitement of acting challenges, working on LOST, Arrow, and figuring out how to do theater vs television.
John talks with actor Michael Cerveris about his getting started in second grade in a Brecht play, falling in love with acting, going to Exeter, picking up the guitar, and taking a chance on "The Who’s Tommy". Plus, why he's donning a pig mask for Fox's "Gotham".
John Horn sits down at the Geffen Playhouse with Lin-Manuel Miranda to talk about relief for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, some of his recent work to raise awareness for the people of Puerto Rico, as well as field questions from the audience.
Take a look back at our top three favorite conversations this year. We heard about Josh Gad's inability to remember his lines and music cues in Book of Mormon, Bryan Cranston's view and advice on how to persevere as an actor, and Dana Delany's perspective on choosing jobs based on want versus need. All that coming up on Geffen Playhouse Unscripted.
Wayne Brady joins John over Skype to talk about getting started as a performer in a theme park, the difference between focusing on the celebrity as opposed to the craft, being the Wayne that everyone knows vs. the Wayne he really is, how improv changed his career, auditioning for Hamilton, and the importance of breaking the rules.
Broadway, film, and TV producer Scott Sanders joins Gil in studio to talk about his new art of recreating Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes, working for Peter Guber, casting celebrities on Broadway, the upcoming "In The Heights" movie, and working with Oprah to co-produce The Color Purple.
American Housewife's Carly Hughes joins John in studio to talk about the challenges of working as an understudy, working as part of an ensemble cast, seeing her first Broadway play, the importance of being honest and real on the stage, and not knowing she was making her debut until 2 hours before curtain.
Actress Beth Behrs joins John in studio to talk about her time at UCLA and working at the Geffen Playhouse, booking 2 Broke Girls while working there and what the show experience was like, showing Gil Cates Sr. a copy of American Pie 7, and writing her book The Total ME-Tox.
Actress Ahna O'Reilly joins John to talk about "Herpes Boy", one of her favorite projects, dealing with rejection, the danger of reading reviews, what happens when your scene partner isn't giving you enough, and working alongside powerhouses in "The Help."
Actress Geneva Carr joins John to talk about her beginning on Wall Street, getting started on Broadway, her work in Hand to God, the thing that sustains you if you want to act, and her work in shows like Law and Order and Bull.
Actor Mark Jackson talks with John about his recent life living in LA, his new show The Orville, going to Comic Con for the first time, growing up on the island of Borneo, how he decided to become an actor, and forgetting his lines in War Horse.
Geffen Playhouse artistic director Matt Shakman joins John Horn to talk about the plays hes directed there, his TV directing work, starting as a young actor, working with actors, and the difference between working in TV and working in the theater.
Queen of the mean and lean Lisa Lampanelli joins John Horn to talk about her new play, doing something other than comedy, the difficulty of writing characters who are not herself, being inspired by comics like Don Rickles, and making fun of Donald Trump.
Wife and husband team Yvonne Huff Lee and Jason Delane Lee join John Horn to talk about Yvonne's new film Lucky, investing in projects by looking at it through the actors lens, giving a voice to actors of color, and how the power of the art of story can change our present day political climate.
Gil and actor Tate Ellington sit down to talk about his new show The Brave, when he knew he wanted to pursue acting, his work as a painter, his love for the theater, and the joy in independent films.
Actress Lois Smith discusses her storied career from making her debut next to James Dean in East of Eden to her current work alongside John Hamm in Marjorie Prime, making the transition from the screen to the stage, and her advice for young actors looking to get their graduate degree in acting.
Actress Anna Chlumsky joins John to talk about the food writing career that didn't stick, rediscovering the passion for acting, hitting actor rock bottom, finding her way back to the stage, and her work in VEEP.
Hamilton star Joshua Henry joins John to talk about the plays run at the Pantages in Hollywood, his elementary school choir teacher opening the door for him to be a stage actor, how he got involved in Hamilton, his work in Violet and American Idiot, and combatting racism and prejudice with our art.
Actress Ann Dowd sits down with John to talk about the importance of what you want as a performer, the seriousness of the Russian rehearsal process, the importance of listening, when in an actors career can they say no, and how to stay grounded and in touch with yourself.
Actress Betty Gilpin talks about her acting career, her new show GLOW, and some very unorthodox college training.
TV and Film Legend and now fellow Podcast One host Norman Lear joins guest host Gil Cates Jr. from the Geffen Playhouse to talk about the lesser spoken of Fried Green Tomatoes, Americas biggest product being the product of excess, the overwhelming landscape of television today, re-working One Day at a Time for modern day Latino sensibilities, and his feature in If Youre Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast.
Actor and Writer Paul Dooley joins John to talk about his one man show Movie Dad. Plus, how his career got started, working with Robert Altman and John Hughes, playing so many Dads in TV and movies and what that means to audiences, and his creating the electric company for PBS.
Actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Allen Leech talk with John Horn about their show at the Geffen Constellations. How long does it take before they know they've hooked the audience? Do they ever tailor their performances to audience members? Plus, learn how they build the foundation for their characters and whats the best way to get back on track if you forget a line.
Actor Alfred Molina joins John in studio to talk about fooling the audience with his accent, some of his early lessons learned in becoming an actor, finding the joy in acting, when to say yes and when to say no, doing your homework vs using your imagination, working on Long Days Journey Into Night at the Geffen, and the intricacies of performing in a radio play.
This week we are backstage at the Geffen Playhouse to talk with writer Ted L. Nancy aka Barry Marder, and actors Beth Kennedy and Sam Kwasman about the production of "Letters From a Nut by Ted L. Nancy". Learn their backgrounds and inspirations that go into this very funny show.
Actor Michael Harney joins John Horn to discuss his enjoyment of the acting process, breaking boundaries, speaking the truth of our experiences, and his work as a play write and a teacher.
Actor Ron Cephas Jones joins John to talk about his work on Luke Cage and streaming platforms, the importance of a good director, not being able to imagine anything outside of acting, and what the future holds.
Comedian Demetri Martin joins John Horn for a discussion about how he got started in stand up, what his previous life plan was, life's difficulties informing his present, the audience being part of his stand up presence, and the patience it takes to do stand up.
Actor and Musician Keith Carradine talks about his acting career starting with Hair on Broadway, moving back to Hollywood, working with Robert Altman, how film, TV, and theater acting crossover, and how actors can stay sharp. Plus, how does Madame Secretary seem to translate to our current political climate?
Actress Dana Delany and host John Horn talk about her first feature film role, taking jobs on want vs need, her work as a voice over actress, the dream of playing Lois Lane, finally tackling Tennessee Williams, and where shes headed.
Actor Bryan Cranston discusses being attracted to Police work prior to acting, not falling for the same acting trap as his father, his first junior college acting class, and when his love affair with acting first struck him. Plus, how Breaking Bad was a catapult for him, storytelling as his true occupation, and how fear motivates him.
Actor Max Minghella joins John Horn to discuss his work on the new series Handmaid's Tale, growing up with parents in the industry, the play that made him fall in love with acting, learning to humiliate yourself to be an actor, and the importance of choosing your parts.
UCB co-founder and Veep actor Matt Walsh joins John Horn to recollect on bad auditions, getting his career started, good vs. bad acting classes, the difficulty of stand up, and working on Veep.
Broadway and film star Josh Gad joins John Horn to talk about his time in Book of Mormon, the challenge of voice acting, learning from other actors, not allowing yourself to be forced into a type, and forgetting his lines.
Host John Horn and playwright, screenwriter, and director Neil LaBute talks about his life on and off the stage in both his past and present.
John Horn and guest David Copperfield discuss his early influences, what drives him to perform hundreds of shows even at the risk of personal injury, the Islands in Copperfield bay, and his hidden museum.
On the premiere episode of Geffen Playhouse Unscripted, host John Horn sits down with actor Rainn Wilson to discuss his theater education and career, his work at the Geffen, and embracing his natural persona as opposed to trying to be someone he isn't.