Savannah’s Local Actors

Productions in Savannah wouldn’t get far without local talent. Luckily, Savannah is brimming with performers that have all the experience productions require. Check out these actors’ reels and you’ll wonder why productions look any further than our truly gifted performing community.

Matt & Michelle Meece

Michelle has been a drama queen since she was 4 and she loves the opportunity the Savannah Theatre provides to play so many varied characters, singing so many different songs. After avoiding show business for a long as he could, Matt finally followed in his parents’ footsteps by renovating the Savannah Theatre and performing in its more than 2800 shows.

Age: Matt- 38 & Michelle- 34
Hometown: Matt- Dallas, TX Michelle- Jefferson, WI
How long have you lived in Savannah? Matt: We moved to Savannah in 2002 to renovate the historic Savannah Theatre. We were dating at the time. I mean, talk about a great way to get to know someone; move cross-country, fix up a 200-year-old building… in August, in the south. Not to mention opening the business and producing a new show. We look back on it now and laugh wondering how in the world it all came together. It’s now been 10 years of running the business, 8 years of marriage and we’ve performed in over 2800 shows on this stage. Oh, and we have 3 kids now.

How did you first become interested in acting/theatre? Michelle: I have been a drama queen ever since I can remember. Dancing, singing, acting… carrying on all over the place. I think I did my first show when I was like 4? Everything and anything I could get into, I did. That’s why Matt is such an anomaly to me. He never sang a lick until age 25 and he is phenomenal. I mean, I may be a little biased… but that guy can sing anything.

Matt: I am the product of two show-biz parents so naturally I did what any kid would do and played basketball instead. Ok, ok, I did some commercials. And print ads. And a movie called Eddie Macon’s Run. At age 8, I had to kiss John Schneider on the mouth, but I also got to punch Kirk Douglas in the face so it was pretty cool.

Where did you study?
Michelle- I got a degree in music performance from the University of Wisconsin. I think it may have been ON graduation day when the thought occurred to me “I am never going to get a job with this degree” but there I was BA in hand, ready to sing for someone.

Matt- I have a degree from Texas Christian University in psychology, which I use—daily!

How many productions have you been in/worked on? Michelle- Oh man, over 40 different shows. Over 4,000 curtains up—easily.
Matt- In the last 14 years I think I have probably done like 4,000 performances. I mean, that’s crazy.

What are the top three highlights from your acting portfolio?

Michelle- I have done roles in book musicals that I adore, Sandy in GREASE, Cathy Hiatt in The Last 5 Years. But I have to say the best part of doing our review shows at The Savannah Theatre is we get to do so many different characters, and sing so many different things! My favorite moments right now include “Cabaret,”, singing a great arrangement of “Somewhere” with the Savannah Theatre guys, a kickin’ Judy Garland/Barbara Streisand duet of “C’mon Get Happy” with my bestie Gretchen Stelzer. Not to mention, I get to do Aerosmith’s “Walk this Way” with our phenomenally talented singer/guitar player Josh Holley. See? I get to do everything!

Please describe your biggest project: Matt- shooting that movie and opening this business!

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects:

Matt- I have this memory of sitting in Chippewa Square, on one of the old concrete benches. We were mid-renovation, it was August, I think we were eating our third meal of the day from Parker’s Market. We were exhausted, full of paint and dirt and I suddenly had this fear. I turned to Michelle and said, “what if no one comes to these shows?” We had put in so much time, money, and literally blood, sweat and tears. And suddenly we realized we had no idea if anyone in this community would embrace us. It was terrifying. Thankfully Savannah has supported us wholeheartedly and here we are celebrating our 10th year of shows! It is humbling to have that kind of encouragement from such a great community. We are so grateful to be in Savannah and thankful the shows are still full. We had no idea if we would succeed and thanks to Savannah, we were voted one of the top 5 “Favorite Theatre Shows of 2012” by the National Tourism Association this year. That’s along with the San Francisco Symphony and The Fox Theatre. We are just so grateful to this community!

Michelle- I’ll never forget holding my son Cam onstage in our 2008 Christmas Show while Matt sang “Mary Did you Know”. I got to do it again in 2010 with our daughter Sutton! Little Maryn missed out I think, a May birth date might keep her out of the running this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VEvboJuiwY

What is the best part of acting in the South? People are so good to us! Helpful. Considerate. Hospitable. We cannot say it enough times. We adore Savannah. The arts community here is flourishing. There is so much amazing talent here and so much great theatre happening every single week. The absolute best part is that all of the artists support each other. You don’t find that everywhere.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere?
Matt: This gig is clearly different for us because we have ownership in it. There’s no leaving at the end of the night not thinking about work, and that’s great on some levels and tough in others. When things break (and in a building this old… they do) it’s on us. And then there is the pressure to create new shows and keep the schedule interesting. The reason we succeed and love doing this is because we have such an amazing team at the theatre! God has blessed us with the smartest technical crew, most talented cast and musicians, and a fantastic front-of-house staff. Not only are they great at what they do, they are phenomenal people. We have really become a family at the theatre. It sounds cliché but it’s totally true. And it’s certainly not like that at other theatres. We have a really cool thing here and we are just so thankful.

Chelsea Cardwell

A recurring character in the upcoming Cinemax/HBO show Banshee, Cardwell loves the opportunity the South provides for her to fulfill her dreams while remaining close to home and her friends and family.

Age: 23
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
How long have you lived in Savannah? I have lived in Savannah for a year.
How did you first become interested in acting? I first became interested in acting at a very young age and it only grew with schooling and practice. I loved the idea of being able to accomplish a universal empathy for mankind by walking a mile in someone else’s shoes—understanding their choices, and their personal struggles, even if only for a moment.

Where did you study? I have studied at the University of Alabama, the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Savannah College of Art and Design, and primarily with my private coach, the renowned Shannon Eubanks.

How many productions have you been in? Film/TV/theatre? I would say 15-20

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio? My top three highlights to date would have to be playing Maddie in Showtime’s Homeland, playing Beaty in the upcoming Cinemax/HBO show, Banshee, (premiering January 2013), and getting to work with Kirk Jones and Dennis Quaid in What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

Please describe your biggest project (“claim to fame”): My biggest project thus far would have to be Banshee. As a series recurring, I have had the ability and privilege to grow with the cast and watch our characters mold and move each other. It’s a family that I am honored to play a small part in.

What is the best part of acting in the South? I would have to say the best part of acting in the South is two things—the ability to remain close to family and friends while living out my dreams, as well as the ‘right to work state’ clauses. These clauses stipulate that we as actors in the southeast can work as SAG/AFTRA members without having to become a member. It’s an amazing gift for young actors because they have the ability to work in a SAG film or show and then be able to obtain their card when they desire. It’s also an amazing opportunity for our cities to expound upon the extra jobs and rising economy provided from the projects.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? I think the culture and cities really embrace the industry. They love the excitement and the opportunity to play a part. Its so fun to watch their thrill in helping out, because it makes what you do feel that much more special.

Anthony Paderewski

Having lived in Savannah for 20 years, Paderewski’s impressive body of work includes TV series, feature films, indie films, commercials and theatre productions.

http://redemptionofthecommons.com/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2378471/combined

Age: 35 years old
Hometown: San Diego, CA
How long have you lived in Savannah? 20yrs.
How many productions have you been in? 4 Television series / 7 feature films / over 20 indie films / 15 Commercials / 20+ Theater productions

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio? My recurring role on the CW’s One Tree Hill, landing the lead villain role in the upcoming feature film Redemption of the Commons, and landing a principle role in a SAG National commercial with NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon.

Please describe your biggest project (“claim to fame”): I don’t feel famous. I just feel lucky getting to do what I love. All I want to do is make good movies. I set a goal each year and have obtained it every time. This year my goal is a Recurring role on a TV series. So far this year I booked a national commercial and 4 feature films but … still I’m not happy till I reach that TV series goal.

What is the best part of acting in the South? The best part is the local crew and actors I get to work with. The local crew seems to really love what they do. Most are locally trained and schooled and love that they are able to work close to home. This is also true with the local actors. The actors have a sense of being humbled by the chance to get to be a part of the production. You see a light in their eyes. I can see they love what they do as much as I do.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? In the south there is more opportunity for the “Indie Film” in the south. Since we are in the “Right to Work States” such union restrictions don’t exist here. Giving much more opportunity to the up and coming talent and crew to break into the industry.

Jennifer Hagan

Hagan has performed in so many film, television and theatre productions she has stopped counting, and she’s very thankful for the opportunity to do what she loves while living her life in the South.

http://www.jenniferbhagan.com/

Age: 31
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
How long have you lived in Savannah? 22 years
How many productions have you been in? Too many to count! I would estimate more than 50 professional film/television productions and more than 15 professional theatre productions.

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio? Based on national viewing, it would have to be America’s Most Wanted, Army Wives, and a PGA Commercial.
Based on personal highlights and biggest projects with the most demand, highest pay, etc., it would be the Linx Educational Series (This is shown in all public school systems. I play the host and am in every scene throughout the hour-long video), U.S. Navy industrials (where they gave me the name “One Take Jenn”), and the PBS series Southern Haunts, where I played a prostitute ghost!

Please describe your biggest project (“claim to fame”): Probably America’s Most Wanted because it aired twice since they caught the guy, and so many people saw it, including my dad in Tennessee, who thought it was funny when they zoomed in on the last close-up of me while John Welsh said, “This could be your daughter.” Also the national PGA commercial I did was great because the principal actors were each assigned three extras to their scene, and one of my extras was my old college professor! My line in the commercial is, “And they helped take care of me while my husband served overseas,” while I am holding hands with a large black man in a military uniform, so the hundreds of emails I received asking when I got remarried, showed that people really do believe everything they see on TV.

What is the best part of acting in the South? One advantage of acting in the South is the competition pool is much smaller, which really helps an experienced actor with booking roles and gaining confidence. And even though many casting directors aren’t from the area, they all seem to appreciate the Southern charm! Acting in the South is definitely not quite as great as living in the South. I have always wanted to go to L.A. to experience the life of getting to audition every day—sometimes twice a day—but my family is here, and the South is the best place to live, so I make the most of the acting life.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? Based on my experience, I feel that casting directors in the South are interested in the actor’s talent and personality over the “look” a little more than other places. I have had casting experiences where the actors were selected based on height and hair color. You get the sense of being treated more like a “number” in other areas.

Joe Hoffman

Hoffman’s most memorable acting lesson came in the form of scenes filmed with Daniel Day-Lewis, but fortunately his experience and love of acting hasn’t prevented him from also writing, producing and directing his own recently completed sitcom pilot.

Age: 9 dog years
Hometown: Indianapolis
How long have you lived in Savannah? since 1998

How did you first become interested in acting? My parents were members of a serious amateur theatre group and I started out doing lighting, props, scenery, and music when I was in elementary school. I performed in their productions, school plays, piano recitals, and competitions.

Where did you study? Jordan Conservatory and DePauw University

How many productions have you been in? I lost count a long time ago.

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio?
Doing film scenes with Daniel Day-Lewis (what an acting lesson)
Being a promo announcer at ABC and CBS in LA
Landing my first professional job at my first audition in NYC not knowing that it was an audition. It was a national commercial voice-over that first aired on SNL.

Please describe your biggest project: writing, producing, directing, and acting in my sitcom pilot last March.

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects: My daughter went to a fabulous performing arts high school in LA. I produced Jesus Christ Superstar and it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Those kids were terrific and some of them have gone on to work on Broadway and in features.

What is the best part of acting in the South? No suits.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? Obviously Savannah is no LA, but the opportunities here increase every year.

Elizabeth Brewster

Elizabeth loves the community the local Savannah film community provides as well as the opportunity SCAD offers her to get involved in award winning student films.

Age: Really? You’re gonna go there right off the bat! OK, I’ll tell you, I’m 50. I just turned 50 so I’m still adjusting, but honestly, I feel 24 on the inside!
Hometown: I’m an Army brat so ‘hometown’ is a bit challenging to claim but I can tell you I was born in Fayetteville, NC. Fort Bragg Army Base actually.
How long have you lived in Savannah? We moved from NY to Savannah about 8 years ago.

How many productions have you been in? Strictly talking film? I’d have to say about 15 or so. I’ve also done numerous stage productions, several commercials, TV, voice-overs, industrials,yada, yada, yada. Not to mention the productions I’ve done for family & friends (whether they liked or not.)

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio?
1. I was recently chosen as the new face of Coastal Chevrolet here in Savannah which I’m very excited about.
2. Being in the film “Untouched” probably because it’s a local success story. I had the privilege of watching it go from a short to a feature film and all that it took to make a fellow actor and friend’s dream become reality.
3. The third highlight is actually the answer to the next question so….

Please describe your biggest project (“claim to fame”):
For me so far, playing the role of Patricia, in the feature film “Destiny Road.” It was one the best film experiences I’ve had. I instantly connected with the character and the cast and crew were wonderful to work with. It opens November 2012 in movie theaters throughout Brazil, South America and then World-wide.

What is the best part of acting in the South? I love being an actress in the South. The film community is outstanding. We’re all very supportive of one another. There is an air of eagerness to constantly be better as individual artists but also as a community of professionals striving to carve out a name for ourselves in this industry. Auditions are more like family reunions. I love being connected to SCAD; it’s thrilling to work with these up and coming film industry leaders. I just worked on a film that won 4 awards and can’t wait to see the careers these young people (I’m actually old enough to be able to use that term) make for themselves. I’ve also been extremely fortunate to meet and audition for well known directors that I might not have been able to if I lived out in LA or back in NY.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? I believe acting has its challenges no matter where you choose to pursue it and while the internet has made more available to Southern actors, there are some real costs to count specifically to this area. You better be willing to spend a great deal of time on the road, have plenty of gas money or get creative at carpooling. When I first made the decision to pursue acting again here, you had to drive everywhere, often, long, long drives. Hardly anything professionally happened in town. You had to travel a minimum of 2 hours one way for everything: training, representation, auditions, networking, headshots, etc. Driving 10 hours in one day for a 5-minute audition was typical (and still can be!) I remember the pure joy of my first Skyped callback audition. My friend Chip Lane and I were thrilled to actually meet the director without having to make the 8-plus hour drive. You have to be a visionary to live here and pursue a professional acting career. People have this preconceived idea that you have to be from LA or NY to be any good. I know lots of actors who went out to LA or up to NY only to come back south. Great personal vision is a must in this region. We don’t have the same resources as bigger markets do therefore you are forced to think outside of the box; what’s possible, how can I continue to work on my craft, build my skills, get my career noticed…work! Someone once asked me what the toughest part of being a working actor here was, I told them…Getting to the Work!

Bronson Adams

CBGB is the biggest project this SCAD graduate has had to date and he loves the chance Savannah is providing him to get his foot in the door with roles that give him great camera time while introducing him to Hollywood greats.

Age: 22
Hometown: Madisonville, Kentucky
How long have you lived in Savannah? 4 years

How did you first become interested in acting? I first became interested when I was a young kid, I use to watch a lot of movies and for me acting was the only thing that allowed you the opportunity to be anything. I always felt a strong connection to movies and film acting because we see things on the big screen that we should be seeing in real life such as people helping others and standing up for what is right and doing something about everything that is wrong.

Where did you study? Savannah College of Art and Design

How many productions have you been in? 15+ student films, 1 TV pilot, 2 Major Motion Pictures, 1 play.

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio? First would be playing Johnny Blitz from the Dead Boys in CBGB. Second would be a Senior Thesis I did at SCAD called “A Fresh Start”. The third project would have to be the TV pilot I did while at SCAD as well called Reigning Men.

Please describe your biggest project: My biggest project by far as to be my role as Johnny Blitz of the Dead Boys in CBGB. It was the first major film I did where I played main character and received a lot of camera time. It was interesting playing Blitz because he’s a real person and he was a drummer. I had never played the drums before in my life so the role came with a lot of difficulty but once I got it down it was a blast.

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects: Once again my most memorable project has to be CBGB mainly because I got to met and work with so many different actors like Alan Rickman, Rupert Grint, Justin Bartha and Stana Katic. There were several times Justin, Rupert and myself went out and just watching how people reacted to us was rather amusing.

What is the best part of acting in the South? Its like a giant family everyone knows each other. If you know one person chances are they know someone else. Its easier to find work and get your foot in the door.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? I wouldn’t know I’ve only worked in Savannah, I’m still getting my start.

Desiree Markella

Travel and competition are the differences Desiree has noticed working as an actor in the South, but she put those differences to good use in a book she wrote for actors that helps them to log their acting expenses for tax purposes.

My website is www.desireemarkella.com
My IMDB page is: www.imdb.me/desireemarkella

Age: I’m as old as I look
Hometown: Prosperity, SC
How long have you lived in Savannah? 2 years

How many productions have you been in? 56 total – a mix of feature length films, short films, TV commercials, web commercials, TV episodes, industrials, music videos theater, and print modeling gigs.

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio? My most recent big commercial was for 5 Hour Energy. It’s a national spot that is currently playing on the Golf Channel. The first feature film I ever did was called Death Sentence and I had a scene with Kevin Bacon and Garrett Hedlund. I also had a role in an episode of the second season of Lifetime’s hit TV Series Army Wives

Clips of all of the above can be seen at: http://800casting.com/profile/26376/0/#view=Videos
I am with 2 different agencies – First Coast Talent in Jacksonville, FL and Coastal Talent in Charleston, SC. Last year, I was First Coast Talent’s TOP female producing talent.
I also have recurring work with Gulfstream. I do all of their egress videos.

Please describe your biggest project (“claim to fame”): Well, I am one degree from Kevin Bacon. I feel like I’m in some exclusive club for that reason That film, Death Sentence, is what got me the invite to join the Screen Actors Guild very early on in my career. Kevin is great to work with and super nice. Garrett Hedlund (from “Country Strong”) was also in the scene with me and a pleasure to work with.

What is the best part of acting in the South? I would say the best part is our community of actors here. For the most part, everyone is friendly and will help their fellow actors out – whether it’s carpooling to an audition, putting each other on tape or offering other services at an affordable price such as headshots. I offer website services to actors by creating actor websites so they can market themselves better. My company is www.fishnetcreations.com. I also wrote a book for actors that helps them log their auditions, mileage, and expenses for tax purposes: www.actorlogbook.info
Another perk to working in the South is you can form some great relationships with local production companies here and they will use you often if you do your job right and are dependable.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? As actors in the South, we travel a lot or put each other on tape for an audition and then email it in. We don’t really have a localized center like NY or LA. I have driven all the way to Orlando for a 10-minute audition and then turned right around and came back. I feel we also have more competition for bigger roles here. A lot of major motion pictures that come to Savannah have already cast their lead roles in LA or NY. What is left are the dayplayer roles that offer fewer lines. However, with that said, the independent film market I feel is great in the South and offers some great opportunities for starring roles for actors.

Mark Tymchyshyn

Since leaving college, Tymchyshyn has rarely stopped working and in addition to his theatre work in New York and LA, he has guest starred in over 50 different television shows.

Age: Speed Limit (55)
Hometown: Champaign, Illinois
How long have you lived in Savannah?
We (wife and 2 children) moved her 5 years ago.

How did you first become interested in acting?
My father taught theatre at the University of Illinois and when they needed a kid for a production I was able to do it. I fell in love with acting and the whole process of putting together a production.

Where did you study?
I studied acting at Illinois State University and received my MFA from Wayne State University. ISU, though in the middle of nowhere, was filled with extraordinary talent. My classmates there included John Malkovich, Jane Lynch, Gary Cole, Laurie Metcalf, Terry Kinney, and the majority of future Steppenwolf Theatre co.

How many productions have you been in?
After leaving college I started working in television, and never stopped working until I moved to Savannah. I’ve guest starred on over 50 different shows. I also did theatre in New York and LA.

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio?
The last acting job before moving to Savannah was playing Mel Powers on the George Lopez Show. I was a regular on the Gregory Hines Show, and played Gavin Kruger on As the World Turns.

Please describe your biggest project:
My biggest project since coming to Savannah has been as a director. I directed a production of Macbeth in the Lucas theatre for SCAD’s Performing Arts department, where I’m a professor. It was a huge undertaking. I used Orson Well’s adaptation and placed the time of the play in the future. The students did a fantastic job and it was well received.

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects:
As an actor I loved working on the Gregory Hines Show. We only did 22 episodes, but working on a sitcom is fantastic. You make strong friendships; and being surrounded by such talented people you grow so much as an actor.

What is the best part of acting in the South?
I have yet to really take a role here in Savannah-but I’m looking forward to hitting the boards again. But as a teacher, teaching acting, I am rewarded everyday with helping young actors become better actors.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere?
I look forward to seeing if there is a difference. I have a feeling there wont be a big difference in terms of on stage work. The audiences in Savannah are wonderful-enthusiastic and eager for good theatre.

Hannah Bryan

The moment Bryan realized she could feign illness and convince her parents to let her stay home from school, Bryan realized acting was her calling so, she studied at RADA in London and has been working in professional Southern productions ever since.

Age: Old enough to know how to do things well – young enough to learn how to do them even better.
Hometown: McComb, MS
How long have you lived in Savannah? 1 year

How did you first become interested in acting/theatre? I saw how effectively I could pretend to be sick and convince my parents to let me stay home from school – they fell for it every time. That’s when I realized that maybe I had a knack for this. I started writing and performing little skits and scenes to practice with my sisters and friends. When I was 14, I wrote and directed a 10-minute modern adaptation of the assassination of Julius Caesar, assembled the cast of main characters from my friends, with myself as Mark Antony, and then videotaped it. After that I started doing some local theater, then commercials and eventually branched into film.

Where did you study? I’ve studied with a few private coaches and attended workshops throughout the years, but I’m probably most proud of my opportunity to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, the school which boasts an alumni consisting of Anthony Hopkins, Alan Rickman, Timothy Dalton and one of my personal idols, Vivian Leigh.

How many productions have you been in/worked on? Four full-length independent features as a main actor, three major studio films on which I worked as a double or stand-in, and probably more than a couple of dozen smaller projects, which include short films, book trailers, industrials, training videos and commercials.

What are the top three highlights from your acting portfolio? Studying at RADA, doubling for Megan Fox on Jonah Hex, and having two movies released for distribution to cable network and DVD – Rites of Spring and Abraham Lincoln vs Zombies. I walked my first Hollywood carpet inside the legendary Graumann’s Chinese Theater at Screamfest last year.

Please describe your biggest project: In terms of production value and budget, definitely Year One, which had a greenlit budget of $150 million. I was a stand-in for Olivia Wilde, which was the first I’d ever seen or heard of her, and it was the first time I’d seen a big studio picture being filmed on that kind of scale. The set was unbelievable, and it had hands down, the best food on set of any film I’ve ever worked on, large or small. As an actor, probably the two movies that I mentioned above which were released to DVD. And when I got Dixie Melodie, it was being promoted around the New Orleans area as a new pilot being pitched to networks like Showtime and HBO, so that publicity landed me a couple of local newspaper interviews. There’s another movie I recently had a supporting role in currently locked in post-production that when released is going to pay homage to the style of 1980s teen blockbuster films, like The Goonies. I’m pretty excited about that one.

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects: It’s hard to pick just one. As far as the bigger Hollywood studio pictures go, tossing prop knives back and forth with Michael Fassbender and then getting a kiss on the cheek from him for helping coordinate his fight scene with Megan Fox on Jonah Hex and singing Johnny Cash songs with Harold Ramis on Year One were a few of the cool moments from working on those kinds of productions, but then there are the smaller productions that have a special place in my heart because of the camaraderie I shared with the cast and crew who worked on them and what it meant to us at the time…productions like Dixie Melodie, my first starring role which got an IMDb credit and Blindsided, the short film which got my best friend and partner, Opie Cooper, selected by Steven Spielberg for his show On The Lot. Abraham Lincoln vs Zombies, filmed here in Savannah this past year held some unique and unforgettable experiences for me as well.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? People are still very excited about films happening around the Southern film markets, so they sort of treat you like you’re already an A-lister, even if you’re on a low-budget film. They’re not as jaded or “over it” as people perhaps in the bigger markets, such as NYC or L.A.

Sheldon Pinckney

After his debut performance, vomiting in Problem Child 2, Pinckney has been a stand-in for Matt Damon and Kenneth Branaugh in addition to television work he has done for Disney.

Age: They tell me I’m 44. I don’t believe them.
Hometown: Savannah, GA
How long have you lived in Savannah? Born and raised but moved away after high school. Orlando, Nashvile, NYC, Osaka Japan…Lived here off and on from 94-97 and have been back full time since 2003

How did you first become interested in acting? During my first trip to Disney World when I was 4, I tried to run on stage to meet Mickey Mouse. It was pretty scary for my parents because the elevated stage was sinking into the ground and I came close to being crushed to death but it ended up being a prophetic meting with Mickey. I ended up doing shows with him for many, many years at Disney later on.
When I was a kid I watched a lot of classic television. I loved variety shows, especially like the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby specials. I knew these actors more from TV as song and dance guys than I did from their movies. I looked forward to those and never missed them. I think they called them “specials” for a reason. They were events, completely different from anything else on TV. I would do impersonations of all the actors on those things. Everyone from Elvis and Johnny Cash to James Cagney and John Wayne. I would put on shows for my family all the time. The musical numbers on these shows performed by actors I had seen in movies was really exciting to me. I still love the classics. There are very few actors today who are as versatile as these guys were. You’d never see the “Al Pacino Christmas Special” or “Tom Cruise Sings For The Troops.” Kind of funny I ended up doing tv specials like this for Disney as well.
I learned at a young age that actors on TV were “pretending”. I will never forget seeing Carol O’Conner (Archie Bunker on “All In The Family”) on a different show and thinking, “why isn’t he talking like Archie?” I was an only child so I had to make up a lot of stuff to entertain myself.

Where did you study? Truett McConnell College/ Cleveland, GA & University of Central Florida in Orlando

How many productions have you been in? Depends on what you call productions. Traditional stage shows? Probably around 30. If you count TV specials, movies, theme park shows, and parades etc? Probably over 100

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio? People have different opinions of what a “highlight” is. I’ve performed for and with a lot of celebrities throughout the years. I was in a New Kids On The Block video and I even sang back up for Celine Dion on a Universal Studios TV special when she was just breaking out in America. I’m a huge baseball fan, so getting to sing The National Anthem at the Major League Baseball versus The Japanese Professional Baseball All Star Game in Osaka, Japan in 2002 was very cool. Also, speaking of baseball, I was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle at Disney and was hired to perform at one of Roger Clemens’ kid’s birthday party once. I was playing Michaelangelo. His kids were asking for my autograph and I was asking for his. But my real highlights are performances that have really become part of who I am and met people who have become part of my life. Hometown boys Trae Gurley and I were in a production of Forever Plaid here in Savannah in 1997. We became roommates in New York City and have remained the best of friends. One of my favorite highlights was getting to sing at my mom and dad’s 50th wedding anniversary. It’s little things like that that get into your heart and mean the most to you.

Please describe your biggest project: I was a performer at the Opening Ceremony parade and show for the opening of the Disney MGM Studios theme park in 1989. We had to walk through the back lot of the studios with hard hats on to get to rehearsals because the park was under construction until the minute the park opened. The night before opening there was a huge press event and parade for this “Hollywood World Premier” It was televised all over the world and there were celebrities everywhere I looked. Some of them were just as interested in what we did as we were of what they did. Lauren Bacall walked right up to me after the show. She congratulated me and told me how much she enjoyed the show. Pretty thrilling to have a legend say she enjoyed your performance. The next morning before the opening ceremonies, I found myself in the studio commissary with Bob Hope who was a big influence on me, and got to escort Annette Funicello on stage.

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects: I was in the opening cast for the Beauty and the Beast show at the Disney MGM Studios. We worked with animators, writers, some of the actors as well as some creative staff that went on to be a part of the Broadway version of it a couple of years later. We even got invited to the animator’s Academy Award party when it was nominated for Best Picture

What is the best part of acting in the South? Smaller audiences. The Savannah Theatre only has 525 seats. It’s very intimate. You never feel disconnected from your audience. That can be good or bad depending on the audience. Most of the time it’s great because you feel like they are all right there with you. When you don’t feel like they’re there, it can be pretty painful. That and being close to my family.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? My time at the Savannah Theatre has been the best part of my career so far. Actors can be a lot like gypsies. You move around and whoever you’re with becomes your family but eventually you move on to another family. I’ve been in show business for 25 years and been around the world. I can tell you that the family dynamic we have at the theatre doesn’t exist anywhere else. it’s something very special. We have been seen 4 weddings and 10 babies born. You can’t help but feel like family you’ve been through all that with.

Jenn Doubleday

Hailing from a family of entertainers, Doubleday got the performing bug watching her parents as they traveled and worked with entertainment greats around the country.

Age: 27
Hometown: Savannah, GA!
How long have you lived in Savannah? Most of my life.
How did you first become interested in acting/theatre? I was born into a family of entertainers. My first memories are of sitting with my dad in a recording booth or playing with my mom’s headset backstage at a show.

Where did you study? On the road! My parents were fortunate enough to work with everyone from Carol Channing to Tyler Perry, and I was fortunate enough to travel with them.

How many productions have you been in/worked on? It sounds absurd, but I’m going to guess somewhere around 800+. At Savannah Children’s Theatre alone we offer 45 shows a season.

What are the top three highlights from your acting portfolio? I really enjoying character-acting, so I would have to say Babette from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Schwarzy from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and the Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Really, anything that involves a silly voice or a rubber chicken.
Please describe your biggest project: The Savannah Children’s Theatre, of course! With the amazing guidance of our Artistic Director, Kelie Miley, I have had the privilege of helping our fledgling company grow into one of the largest children’s theatres in the southeast. It is the most challenging and rewarding project I have encountered – and it just keeps getting bigger and better!

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects: My favorite project is the Let’s Put on a Play field trip program at SCT. We guide young students through each step of putting on a musical comedy in just two hours! We’ve done this field trip for over 47,000 students from Georgia and South Carolina, and each performance is a new adventure.

What is the best part of acting in the South? We get the southern accents right!
How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere? Southerners are known for our hospitality, and for sharing our customs and talents with each new generation. In the South, theatre isn’t just a hobby; it’s a tradition.

Christopher Stanley

Age: 31
Hometown: Westford, MA
How long have you lived in Savannah?
A total of 10 years. I lived here from 2000 – 2005 while at school, and moved back in 2009.

How did you first become interested in acting?
In 8th grade, some of my friends convinced me to try out for the school play, Annie. I wound up playing Daddy Warbucks, and was hooked from that point on.
Where did you study?

Savannah College of Art and Design (B.F.A. – Media & Performing Arts, 2005)
How many productions have you been in?
Since I returned to Savannah in 2009, I’ve been in about a dozen plays and musicals. I’ve also directed two plays, and musically directed four, including Bay Street Theatre’s upcoming production of Rocky Horror.

What are the top three highlights from your portfolio?
Clifford Bradshaw – Cabaret (Bay Street Theatre, 2011)
Roger – RENT (Bay Street Theatre, 2012)
Nicky – Avenue Q (Bay Street Theatre, 2012)

Please describe your biggest project:
My biggest undertaking would have been my senior project at SCAD. I wrote, scored, and acted in a 30-minute short film, which then became the senior project for two film students. I was fortunate at the time to have Annette Heywood-Carter (director of the 2012 film Savannah) as a professor. She gave me a great deal of insight on the writing process. It won me two awards at the SCAD senior film showcase (now know as the SCADDY awards), and was showcased with other SCAD work at the 2004 Savannah Film Festival. Having Hollywood actors, writers, and directors recognize me and compliment my work at the after parties was a truly remarkable experience.

Please describe one of your favorite or most memorable projects:
This past May, I had the chance to play one of my dream roles. I was cast as Roger in the Bay Street Theatre’s production of RENT. I worked with an amazingly talented cast, as well as an amazing director (JinHi Soucy Rand of Muse Arts Warehouse). Members of the cast still meet up for lunch every week.

What is the best part of acting in the South?
Particularly in Savannah, people seem hungry for theatre, and being able to provide that for them is my passion and joy. From the Bay Street Theatre, to Muse, The Collective Face, The Savannah Theater, and more, I love being able to work in a city where local theater is able to thrive.

How is it different from acting experiences you’ve had elsewhere?
I lived in New York City briefly after college. On top of being outrageously expensive, it’s really hard to break into the industry there. You’re a very small fish in a gigantic pond. You can make money as an actor, but you’re often stuck doing extra work and internet commercials, which isn’t very satisfying for an actor.
Here, theatre is constantly a part of my life, instead of a fleeting dream I’m searching for in a big city. I’m able to work with some of the most talented people I’ve ever met, and put on productions that are just as good as what you’d find on Broadway!