Creative Actors Lab
By: Max and Kelley Grimm
Language: en-us
Categories: Arts, Performing, Comedy, Improv, Education, Self Improvement
Join Max and Kelley Grimm as we explore ways to incorporate creativity into your everyday life. Once we give ourselves permission to feel inspired by allowing our imaginations to flourish, we can reignite that childlike joy to create without being self-conscious.
Episodes
A River Between Chaos & Zen-Ep. 2 -The Proust Questionnaire
Jan 11, 2026Send us a text
In this episode, Max examines The Proust Questionnaire, a list of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust, which is often used by modern interviewers. Max mentions that he and Kelley used this with actors as part of the actors' training to put together a strong intentional character. It relates to the game called Hot Seat, in which an actor gets on stage and must answer questions in character. Max takes the questionnaire and has some surprising answers.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. Yo...
Duration: 00:17:14Yes, Virginia, There's a Magi & Night before Christmas
Dec 22, 2025Send us a text
Join us as we look at three very different holiday tales, including the editorial. Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, the O. Henry short story, The Gift of the Magi, and the Christmas poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas. Kelley discusses the importance of each of these works and how the rendition of Twas the Night Before Christmas was recorded in 2000 as part of a pre-school project that her daughter was asked to do with family members. It's also the night before Kelley and Max's daughter Danielle was born, and highlights the...
Duration: 00:31:18When a Bell Rings - Holiday Rebroadcast
Dec 20, 2025Send us a text
Join us as ghosthunter Jack Bronson gets some divine intervention on Christmas Eve from Em, an angel who needs to help Jack so she can get back into the good graces of her "boss" with the help of Keith, the ghost.
We have a wonderful cast of voice actors, including:
Mezi Mulugeta as Em
Dean Atkinson as Jack Bronson
Brandon Winget as Keith the Ghost
Shiyla Gantt as Jack's Mom, Angela
Justin Deen as Jack's Father, Ted Bronson
Chiron Broderick as Dave
Liz Ireland as J...
A River Between Chaos and Zen - Poetry Episode 1
Oct 09, 2025Send us a text
Join Max as he discusses his poetry, heart spillings, and mind lightning. He explores two of his poems, A Passing of Vision and The Snake. He also looks at The Desiderata, which is an inspirational poem.
Max will explore different poets each week, give his commentary, and open it to other poets who would like their poems read on the podcast.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Facebook pa...
Duration: 00:23:20Ellie in the Closet - audio book
Jun 27, 2025Send us a text
Join Max as he reads Ellie in the Closet, which is the heartwarming story of Ellie, a shy rainbow lizard who longs to be accepted just like any other kid. When her bright scales make her a target for teasing, Ellie hides away in her closet, believing no one could ever see her as beautiful. But everything changes when a kind new friend named Storm offers her comfort, sandwiches, and the courage to step into the light. A gentle tale about friendship, self-acceptance, and the bravery it takes to...
Duration: 00:04:10Shapeshifter & Atlanta Fringe
May 21, 2025Send us a text
Join Max, Kelley and their daughter Danielle as they discuss the production of Max's one man spoken word album, Shapeshifter. It was a labor of love that almost didn't happen when Max got sick in February, and it was due at the end of March. Luckily, Danielle help guide the project and found a recording studio at the local library and sound edited the entire piece. Kelley also got to play an ex-girlfriend with a strange way of showing affection.
To listen to the album, go to Atlanta Fringe Audio. H...
Duration: 00:45:42Sophia's Carol
Dec 25, 2024Send us a text
Medium Sophia Gardeen must examine her life choices with the help of Charles Dickens, Bob the Atheist ghost, and the spirits of two hip grandmothers on an especially haunted Christmas Eve.
Includes the voice talents of:
Kelley Cody-Grimm as Sophia Gardeen and Little Sophia
Benja Petty at Bob the Atheist Ghost
Max Grimm as Charlies Dickens, Cal Gardeen and a Demon
Kim Hart as Laura Gardeen, Nana and Nicki's Mother
Damita Parks as Etta and Announcer
Eion McCrary as Jess
Irene Naranjo as MeMa and...
When a Bell Rings
Dec 11, 2024Send us a text
Join us as ghosthunter Jack Bronson gets some divine intervention on Christmas Eve from Em, an angel who needs to help Jack so she can get back into the good graces of her "boss" with the help of Keith, the ghost.
We have a wonderful cast of voice actors, including:
Mezi Mulugeta as Em
Dean Atkinson as Jack Bronson
Brandon Winget as Keith the Ghost
Shiyla Gantt as Jack's Mom, Angela
Justin Deen as Jack's Father, Ted Bronson
Chiron Broderick as Dave
Liz Ireland as J...
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus!
Dec 09, 2024Send us a text
A special rendition of the classic holiday story and editorial written by New York Sun's Francis P. Church for an editorial on September 21, 1897. The voice talent includes Carlos Tovar, Blerta Xhelili, Estella Love-Rice, and Kelley Cody-Grimm. This is a collaboration between OTC Productions and Creative Actors Lab.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab, Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab, and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our w...
Duration: 00:03:17The Demonis - The Deadliest Family in America - Part 2
Oct 23, 2024Send us a text
Nero and Malaria hatch a plan to deal with Larry Linberg and his photo development store after a shocking discovery. Manson and Esther befriend Saffronia and her brother Nelson after the Mayor's son and daughter bully them. The Demonis also face heightened scrutiny from their nosey neighbor.
Warning: Adult Themes and Content
Directed, Written, and Edited by Danielle Grimm
Produced by Danielle Grimm and Kelley Cody-Grimm
With the voice talents of:
Darrell Snedeger as Nero Demoni
Katelin Chesna as Malaria Demoni
... Duration: 00:28:28The Demonis - The Deadliest Family in America - Part 1
Oct 16, 2024Send us a text
After going on the run after a botched murder, the Demoni family settles into the simple small town of Simpleton, a perfect vision of 1960s suburban utopia–or so it seems! As they learn more about the unsavory characters in town, they know that they have their work cut out for them, which includes cutting down those who exploit the innocent.
Warning: Adult Themes and Content
Directed, Written, and Edited by Danielle Grimm
Produced by Danielle Grimm and Kelley Cody-Grimm
With the voice talents of:
<... Duration: 00:32:23Ep. 51 - A Clean Slate
Aug 05, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Kelley discusses what you need to do in a slate and do it correctly for an audition. A slate is a basic introduction before you submit your sides or monologue to a casting director or agent. It helps them see who you are before you delve into your character. Mostly, they want to see that you are easy to work with. Here is some of the essential information you need to include, but check with the specifications in the email or casting instructions to make sure you're including the correct i...
Duration: 00:25:21Ep. 50 - Life's a Pitch and Then You Try
Jul 15, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Kelley discusses the fine art of pitch decks for authors, screenwriters, and filmmakers. She looks at the basic structure of about 12 to 15 slides that can be in Google Slides or PowerPoint which includes:
Cover ArtLoglineComps - other works that you can compare it to. Character Descriptions - only for your to 6 to 7 charactersSynopsis of the plot - one page or slide.The inspiration for the projectThe Tone - what visuals to use. The marketing potential - Who is your audience? About the author/screenwriter/or production crew (director or wri... Duration: 00:31:41Ep. 49 - The Notebook
Jul 08, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Max talks about how he left art school to pursue acting and how much he learned in the process. At one point, he was in the best and worst productions he'd ever been in. He's looking back at his history to plan for the future which is a great exercise for anyone, no matter your age.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab, Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab, an...
Duration: 00:35:43Ep. 48 -The Write Stuff - Part 2 -Writing with AI
Jun 24, 2024Send us a text
This week, Kelley talks about using AI to help you cut down on your writing time, whether it's helping you write a synopsis based on your Save the Cat Beat sheet, crafting a logline, or doing research for your pitch deck. What AI doesn't do well is writing comedy, and we discuss that, too.
Here are some of the AI resources that Kelley talks about:
Ep. 47 - The Write Stuff
Apr 15, 2024Send us a text
This week, Max and Kelley talk about their creative journey through writing, with Max's being mostly in poetry and writing a blog for a year and Kelley's journey with writing scripts, short stories, and novels. Max also talks about a time in the early 90s when a short film that he wrote and produced called The Red and the Black was banned in New Zealand. Kelley talks about learning from Table Reads for her work and those of others like Brandon Winget. She also talks about how reading pilot scripts and first drafts of...
Duration: 00:39:29Ep. 46 - Reflections on "Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV"
Apr 08, 2024Send us a text
This week, Kelley and Max discuss the documentary series Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV from the perspective of acting coaches and people who have also faced sexual assault. They discuss how important it is to listen to your gut instinct and how their experiences have helped them help others. Please note that this episode discusses sexual assault.
It's not an easy topic, but it needs to be discussed because toxic and manipulative people exist beyond TV and movie sets. Max and Kelley talk about how they ide...
Ep. 45 - The Creative Brain
Apr 01, 2024Send us a text
Max and Kelley discuss the importance of creativity and how it affects your brain when you do or try something new. They also discuss some of the scientific findings and a podcast by Dr. David Eagleman called The Inner Cosmos. Max also talks about different problem-solving approaches, such as the SWOT analysis, Business War Games, and Brain Storming and Brain Writing. We also discuss how important it is to seek out new adventures and skills and how your brain lights up like fireworks on the Fourth of July when it is challenged by s...
Duration: 00:53:36Ep. 44 - Taking a 20 Year Pause
Mar 18, 2024Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as they discuss why someone like Max might need to step away from acting for a few decades. In the interim, he found a new love of writing poetry, cooking as a chef, and expanding his painting ability. Kelley talks about leaving an improv company after some bad experiences and finding the love of her life (spoiler alert - it's Max).
Thanks and have a great week.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our...
Duration: 00:37:44Ep. 43 - Private Detective Work for Characters
Mar 12, 2024Send us a text
This week, Kelley and Max explore how to act like a private detective when you're creating or playing a character. They explore the process of researching a character's motivation by pretending that you were hired to follow the character around. They delve into various aspects, such as how the character would cross the street, how they would perform household chores, or how they would get ready for work.
Kelley and Max also discuss a play they did for Florida International University (FIU) called Mad Forest by Caryl Churchill. The play revolves...
Duration: 00:42:17Ep. 42 - Meditations for Creatives
Mar 04, 2024Send us a text
This week, Max and Kelley discuss the importance of meditating and reflecting on your art and what creativity you can accomplish. We discuss different meditation techniques, including Yoga Nidra it is considered sleep yoga, non-sleep deep rest,, and it's meant to reset your nervous system.
If you want to check out some of the practitioners, here are a few that Max suggests:
Ayla Nova - Yoga Nidra - here is a link to a YouTube intro video.
Ally Boothroyd - here is a link to a 10-minute YouTube video.<...
Ep. 41 - Godmother of Improv - Viola Spolin
Feb 26, 2024Send us a text
This week, Kelley and Max look at the person who has influenced Kelley's acting journey the most: Viola Spolin. Viola Spolin was an actress, educator, director, author, and the creator of theater games, a system of actor training that uses games she devised to teach the formal rules of the Theater organically. Her groundbreaking book Improvisation for the Theater transformed American theater and revolutionized how acting is taught. Here is a link to the website. Her son, Paul Sills, founded the legendary Second City improv group.
Kelley uses many of her m...
Ep. 40 - Character Descriptions for the Actor & Writer
Feb 19, 2024Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as we look at iconic character descriptions in screenplays from Rick Blaine in Casablanca to Annie Wilkes in Misery to Apollo Creed in Rocky and Rose Maxson in Fences, and many other characters in between. We discuss the impact these characters had in their films and why writing good descriptions is vital for both the actor and the writer. You get to hear the actual description as it was in the script and how an actor would interpret that character.
For more on Creative Actors La...
Duration: 00:54:41Ep. 39 - What to Know about Set Etiquette
Feb 12, 2024Send us a text
Max and Kelley discuss the importance of Set Etiquette whether you're on stage or on a TV or Movie set. They use personal examples of the do's and dont's such as:
Do be kind and show good manners. Don't ask for a selfie with a lead. Do be on time. Don't try to manifest by telling a lead you will be their co-star one day. (Yes, we saw that happen)We also talk about how being professional and nice to the Assistant Directors and Production Assistants might land you in a sce...
Duration: 00:48:34Ep. 38 - A Special Interview with Hersh of The HERshyt Show Podcast
Feb 05, 2024Send us a text
This week, Max and Kelley interview fellow podcaster and the person who gave us great advice on starting our own show, Hersh from HERshyt Show. She's a retired combat veteran and also a FEMA hero who helps people and families get the help they need during a disaster. One huge suggestion, keep an inventory of what you have in your home and put special documents in safe place, either a fire proof box or safe deposit box or have big receipts scanned and kept in the cloud. She gives great advice on handling t...
Duration: 00:50:29Ep. 37 - Voice Over & Practice Scripts with Max
Jan 29, 2024Send us a text
Max is flying solo in this episode as he talks about doing something he's always wanted to do - voice-over work. He'll take you through his journey and even cold read a few scripts from Edge Studio, which specializes in voice-overs and has a library of over 6,500 free voice-over commercial scripts, narration, and animation. It's a great place to practice your voice-over skills. Here's the link to the Edge Studio script library so you can try it out for yourself.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com...
Duration: 00:29:27Ep. 36 - An Interview with Brandon Winget - Actor & Screenwriter
Jan 22, 2024Send us a text
This week, Kelley and Max interview their student, Brandon Winget and talk about the acting and writing process. Brandon recently played Keith the Ghost on When a Bell Rings as well as also doing work with Brett Newton of LA Reels for a short film as well. We also put Brandon in the Hot seat and ask him probing question like his favorite sandwich, favorite action movie and we learn more about the love of his life, his wife, Jessie who he met in high school.
Join us as we learn m...
Ep. 35 - Make Room for New Ideas
Jan 16, 2024Send us a text
Kelley is flying solo this week and talks about how to make a resolution to allow yourself to be more creative and not block ideas that might some when you're working on another project. It's those creative detours that can often produce amazing results because you didn't plan them. We're also looking at having guests on to discuss their creative process and how they get to where they're going.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_ac...
Duration: 00:19:46Ep. 34 - When a Bell Rings - Holiday Edition
Dec 22, 2023Send us a text
A ghost hunter whose life seems to be in decline learns what the world would be like without him with the help of a fallen angel and a ghost on a fateful Christmas Eve.
We have a wonderful cast of voice actors, including:
Mezi Mulugeta as Em
Dean Atkinson as Jack Bronson
Brandon Winget as Keith the Ghost
Shiyla Gantt as Jack's Mom, Angela
Justin Deen as Jack's Father, Ted Bronson
Chiron Broderick as Dave
Liz Ireland as Jack's Grandmother, Nana
Tammi Latela as M...
Ep. 33 - Evi in the Hot Seat!
Dec 11, 2023Send us a text
This week's special guest is Queen Evi who talks about a wide range of subjects from first loves, how to govern, and favorite sandwiches. She talks about her kingdom and how to teach her daughters how to stand in their power.
It's also a good way to explore any characters by asking them questions and then answering as that character. The questions include:
It helps you deep dive into y...
Duration: 00:24:20Ep. 32 - Long-Lost Play for Voices about Self Talk
Dec 04, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley discuss a long-lost performance piece Max wrote over twenty-five years ago when we first moved to Atlanta. The piece examines our inner voice and how important it is to give grace to ourselves even if things are not going as well as we hoped. He found it recently and wanted to perform it for our podcast audience for the first time.
We also talked about our history of doing radio theater, including for a public radio station, WLRN in Miami, where we performed on the Pandamonium Midnight Uprising in...
Ep. 31 - Consent
Nov 27, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, Max and Kelley discuss the importance of having consent from your acting partner before doing a romantic scene or a fight sequence. Too often actors might feel pushed into doing something that they are not comfortable in doing. If you don't have the experience to see if something doesn't pass the smell test, it can be daunting and you can be told you're not being a team player or helping the project.
Max takes a few examples on his own career as caustionary tells. We discuss the importance of a...
Ep. 30 - Hey There, Neighbor! Monologue Coaching
Nov 20, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as they explore different interpretations of a monologue from the catalog of The Screenwriter's Grimm. Max offers to coach Kelley on different interpretations of Hey There, Neighbor, in which Detective Angela Johnson confronts her neighbor Kurt, who has been abusing his wife and family. She convinces the wife, Gail, to leave with the children to a safe house and is there to tell Kurt that his family has left him and is safe from his violence.
We explore how many interpretations there might be with this piece a...
Ep. 29 - The Marriage of True Minds
Nov 13, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as we coach on a Shakespearean Sonnet 116 entitled Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds. Max is launching a series of The Bard's work on TikTok and would like to work on some sonnets. We look at the poem from different vantage points: as a sermon, a proposal, with different emotions, and from the POV of a wolf. This sonnet was the favorite of acting legend Laurence Olivier.
For an actor, it's essential to understand Shakespeare even if you don't plan to perform it. Breaking do...
Ep. 28 - More Ghost Stories with Dean Atkinson
Nov 06, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as we discuss more ghost experiences with Paranormal Investigator and fellow actor Dean Atkinson. They first met Dean while doing coaching for Acting Out Studios (now 541 Productions) and learned about his fascination with ghosts and otherworldly experiences. Dean talks about how his wife has been so supportive and even purchased some of his paranormal equipment. We also discussed a few of his acting jobs and working with Nightshift Paranormal Events. We discuss scary ghost experiences, life, death, power outages, and what makes a good sandwich.
If you wan...
Ep. 27 - Theater Ghosts & Other Haunted Places
Oct 30, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley talk about their experiences with ghosts in a Miami theater, Underground Atlanta, and seeing holiday lights at a park in Tallahassee, where we actually got photo evidence two years in a row of a ghost with a tri-corner hat and his friends. What we learned from those experiences is that respecting the spirits is crucial, and when you do, they will often leave you alone and maybe jump in for a photo op.
If you'd like to read about the ghosts we mention, this link to Kelley's blog...
Ep. 26 - Acting Superstitions & The "M-Word"
Oct 23, 2023Send us a text
Join Kelley and Max as we explore a few well-known and not-so-well-known acting superstitions. We explore what they are and offer logical explanations for why they came to be and include:
Whistling backstage Ghost lightsNo blue costumes on stageNo mirrors on stageBad dress rehearsalsNo peacock feathersWe also discuss the origin of wishing someone luck by telling them to "break a leg" and how that came into our modern lexicon. Finally, we address the Scottish Play (Macbeth), how it has an unlucky and sometimes deadly history, and how to combat the cur...
Duration: 00:43:58Ep. 25 - Good Manners with Polly the Polite Possum
Oct 16, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, Max and Kelley welcome their special guest, Amber Grimm, a fellow writer and one of the sweetest people on the planet. We discuss her children's book, Polly the Polite Possum, and the importance of manners in a world that seems to value rudeness.
We explore how being kind helps you feel better and that sometimes rude people might have issues we're unaware of. As teachers, we've had our share of challenging students, and Max shares one poignant story of a young man named Bobby, who he describes as...
Ep. 24 - Keeping a Healthy Mind and Spirit
Oct 10, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley discuss the importance of taking care of yourself mentally, whether you're an actor or a creative dealing with rejection (creatives do get a lot of rejection) or someone in the business sphere. We talk about our experiences dealing with people and places that were less than kind and how important it is to reach out if you are feeling down or depressed. We also talk about anxiety, whether you're on stage or on the job. Practicing self-love is essential, and stepping back if you feel anxious or overwhelmed.
If...
Ep. 23 - The Trials of Auditioning
Oct 03, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, Max and Kelley explore the world of auditions, the ups and downs, and how it's changed from being in person to doing demo reels. We also look at some of the not-great experiences we've both had. We talk about our own mistakes auditioning and how to beware of scams, i.e., if someone wants you to audition at their home or apartment, don't put yourself in that position and ask to audition at their office during business hours. We also talk about Jenna Fisher's experience from her book, The Actor's...
Duration: 00:44:52Ep. 22 - Book 'Em, CAL!
Sep 24, 2023Send us a text
This week, Max and Kelley discuss three books that have helped shape their lives as creatives and actors. The first is An Acrobat of the Heart by Stephan Wangh, a physical approach to acting. This is a link to Stephan Wangh's website, which includes more on his most recent projects. The second is Games for Actors and Non-Actors by Augusto Boal, which includes more games about acting and the origins of the Theater of Oppressed. This is a website that goes into more detail about Augusto and his methods. Lastly, Kelley reads from a bo...
Duration: 00:37:12Ep. 21 - A Tale of Two Booths
Sep 18, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, Kelley and Max discuss one of the most famous true crimes that took place in a theater: the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. We discuss the infamous John Wilkes Booth and his world renowned brother Edwin who were both actors. In fact, the brothers actually did a benefit performance of Julius Caesar to put a statue of Shakespeare in Central Park which is still there today. We also learn more about John's plot to kill the president and how in a twist of fate, Edwin Booth saved Robert Lincoln on a train pl... Duration: 00:32:34Ep. 20 - Unpacking Your Creative Toolbox - Part 2
Sep 12, 2023Send us a text
In this week's episode, Kelley and Max look at more tools in the creativity toolbox including the use of Lateral thinking which is a manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via reasoning that is not immediately obvious. It involves ideas that may not be obtainable using only traditional step-by-step logic. The term was first used in 1967 by Maltese psychologist Edward de Bono in his book The Use of Lateral Thinking.
We also discuss the Six Thinking Hats which is a tool that allows you to c...
Ep. 19 - Unpacking Your Creative Toolbox - Part 1
Sep 04, 2023Send us a text
In this week's episode, Max and Kelley look at different techniques of using creativity for problem solving from using randomization like bibliomancy (opening a random text and pointing to a word or sentence for inspiration) to techniques use by Carl Jung and Salvadore Dali for dream interpretation. Max explains the difference between intuition and intellect and that in problem solving you can't use the same mentality that created the problem to solve it. The creative prompt for this week is open a book and point to a word or sentence and see what so...
Duration: 00:43:04Ep. 18 - The Art of Commedia
Aug 28, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, Max and Kelley look at Commedia dell'arte stock characters and how an Italian improvisational art form from the 1600s still influences what we watch today, from sitcoms like The Office, Friends, and Brooklyn 99 to cartoons like Sponge Bob Squarepants to shows like Succession. We also look at how Commedia was the first theatrical art that allowed women to perform and that it was used as a form of political protest against Napolean. Its influence is seen in Shakespeare and the silent movie era.
For more on Creative Actors Lab...
Duration: 00:38:29Ep. 17 - The Power of Yes And.....
Aug 21, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as we discuss the Improv and Teambuilding Game - Yes And... It's a technique that keeps you in the affirmative and is something we've used in both acting as well as in our business training. It's so easy to go negative, which takes less energy on the front end but robs you of energy on the back end. Yes And... teaches you how to build on other people's ideas so no one feels like their contribution will be diminished. When people don't feel like they'll be judged, they're more li...
Duration: 00:35:29Ep. 16 - The Play's the Thing!
Aug 14, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, Max and Kelley talk about doing a play and script writer's festival and how they actually met at the Florida International University Playwright's Festival doing a play ironically called Whoredogs. As the Fates would have it, they kept on meeting randomly in other productions, including a children's theater version of A Midsummer's Night Dream.
They also discuss good and bad behavior on sets and two great experiences with Bruce Greenwood and the Farelly Brothers. Sometimes those bad run-ins on sets or with people in theater can redirect you into...
Ep. 15 - Brevity is the Soul of Wit
Aug 07, 2023Send us a text
Kelley and Max discuss the famous quote from Polonius in Hamlet, "Brevity is the Soul of Wit," and how it can translate to your creative projects (check out NoSweatShakespeare - Making Shakespeare Easy & Fun✔️ to find cool ways to learn about the Bard). So often, procrastination is not about being lazy; it's because you have so many ideas you don't know where to start.
We discuss the heavy metal band Tool and its many influences. There's a quote from Tennessee Williams and discussions on meditation, elevator pitches, slates, and how one little...
Ep. 14 - Show Don't Tell!
Jul 31, 2023Send us a text
In this episode, Max and Kelley explore the best way to show what you mean rather than telling. In acting or business, it's a vital skill to have. For example, if someone acts up at a wedding, rather than mention it as a line of dialogue, do the scene where the mother-in-law has a meltdown - that's much more interesting. Max also uses examples from the acting guru. Jerzy Grotowski, on using an exercise in which you use animals to show what your character would be in the wild.
Kelley also ta...
Ep. 13 - Your Business is Show Business
Jul 24, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as we discuss how similar the process is for casting a play or movie to trying to find the right "actor" or employee to fill the role in your company. We also look at how important acting is when dealing with the public and keeping that drama mask in place.
Of course, we discuss the Writer's, SAG-AFTRA and possible Teamster's strike and how important it is to advocate and not undervalue yourself. Then there are the CEO's who make more in a day then one or two o...
Ep. 12 - So, I Could Be Wrong
Jul 17, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley talk about knowing when you're wrong. Being able to admit that you might not see all the aspects of a situation is the key to emotional intelligence and makes you a better artist and leader. Many times, we've been delighted to be wrong.
We also examine the difference between a sincere apology and a non-apology that pivots to the fault of the people who "might have been offended."
Acknowledging that you made an error makes you human; your team will respect you more by admitting it.
F...
Duration: 00:25:27Ep. 11 - The Theater of Food
Jul 10, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley discuss how working in restaurants and the theater have overlapping premises. You have the front of the house, which functions as the actors in a restaurant; the back of the house, which is similar to the backstage, and the chefs and managers are the producers and directors. It might explain why so many actors work as servers. We also discuss how the structure of the meal works as different acts are similar to a play and how managing both with respect and honesty is the key to success.
Fo...
Duration: 00:34:01Ep. 10 - The Fine Art of Failure
Jul 03, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley look at why using failure as a learning tool is important. So, yeah, failure is an option. We use examples of our own life from a pilot they tried to produce in 2016, which later became a blog, a novel, and now back into an award-winning screenplay. Max talks about the time he tripped and face-planted in front of a theater audience that was waiting to go in and see him in a play. Kelley also uses examples of how successful people like Einstein, Steven Speilberg, Oprah, and Michael Jordan learned to...
Duration: 00:38:29Ep. 9 - Making Interesting Choices
Jun 26, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as they talk about how to make interesting choices when creating a character or scene. It's important to know why the character does what they do, but more importantly, what are the choices that a performer can make to their character real and interesting. Kelley shares a time when a group of children in the audience taught her improv players how to work on a whole new level, and Max cautions about using things from your real life if you are not ready to.
For non-actors, think ab...
Ep. 8 - Heroism - It's Bad to be Bland
Jun 18, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as they explore what makes an intriguing hero. It's more than being brave in the face of danger; it's having the complexity to overcome obstacles, both physical and mental. They explore Batman, Sherlock Holmes, Scarlet Witch, Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs, Mulder, and Scully from The X-Files, and Mookie from Do the Right Thing, along with some personal stories.
For this week's creative prompt, create your own hero and ask yourself what would their flaw be? How did they grow up?
Spoiler Alert...
Ep. 7 - Villainy - It's Good to Be Bad
Jun 12, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as they discuss the psychology of villains and why it's so much fun to play them. Max discusses some of his favorites, including Scar from The Lion King,
villains from DC Comics, Syndrome from The Incredibles, and Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs. Kelley talks about her favorite villains, including Annie Wilkes from Misery, Norman Bates from Psycho, and Darth Vadar from the Star Wars series.
This week's creative prompt - create a supervillain and decide what made them go from good to bad. Al...
Ep. 6 - Taming an Inner Shrew
Jun 05, 2023Send us a text
In this podcast, Kelley and Max talk about taming insecurities, whether it's about a stutter which Max had as a kid, presenting to a group of people, and how to develop a love and understanding of Shakespeare. They even do a key scene from The Taming of the Screw. For actors or anyone, trying your hand at Shakespeare is key to helping you tackle other ways to stand up in front of a group of people and tell your story. #shrew #Shakespeare #language #stutter
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Duration: 00:31:11Ep. 5 - Be Aware!
May 29, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley discuss some of the pitfalls they've experienced in the early days of their careers, including choreographers and improv actors behaving badly, a bad high school production of A Midsummer's Night Dream, and some stories from the set of a TV show set in Miami. Be aware, and if your gut instinct is telling you something's not right - listen! And sometimes those painful or embarrassing things that happen can be a celestial redirect to take you on a better path.
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Duration: 00:47:54Ep. 4 - Boo's Zoo Adventure & Other Stories
May 22, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as they talk about the importance of cold reading and how reading children's stories out loud relieves stress and helps strengthen your acting muscles. The stories are all written by Amber Grimm and include Boo's Zoo Adventure, Rapunzel Pup, The Moon Chases Boo, and Ellie in the Closet. Each story has its unique voice but also looks at the importance of acceptance and opening up conversations of inclusion for people on the Spectrum, who are disabled, or struggling with feeling different. Thanks again for listening.
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Duration: 00:35:41Ep. 3 - Fun and Games
May 15, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley as they discuss some of their favorite improv and acting games to help create a more dynamic performance. But these exercises are not just for actors. Anyone can use them to help them feel more comfortable talking to groups or presenting and increase their creativity. The games include Yes and..., Machines, Emotions, Nature and Weather, and The Library.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab, Linked-In - C...
Duration: 00:38:18Ep. 2 - Get to Know Us - Part 2
May 08, 2023Send us a text
Kelley interviews Max about his creative process, the things he likes to do when coaching and directing actors. Max also offers a very passionate rendition of Shakespeare's Richard III and the best directors he's ever worked with, and how he and Kelley met at those years ago.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab, Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab, and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our w...
Duration: 00:39:21Ep. 1 - Get to Know Us - Part 1
May 01, 2023Send us a text
Join Max and Kelley Grimm as we both get out of our comfort zone and do something we've never done before - interview each other. In this episode, we get to know Kelley 's background and creative process including her background doing improv and how to do Shakespeare on the spot. We also talk about our process as acting coaches and how we encourage our student's imagination.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Fa...
Duration: 00:24:40Creative Actors Lab Trailer
Apr 29, 2023Send us a text
Max and Kelley Grimm explain how Creative Actors Lab can help anyone incorporate creativity and imaginative problem solving into their everyday life.
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab, Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab, and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!
Duration: 00:00:51