EP 25: Stephanie Wilson Anderson: Triple Threat (Actor/Dancer/Singer), Choreographer & Improv Performer

On this episode, I’m talking to the wonderful ‘first act’ actor Stephanie Wilson Anderson. Stephanie grew up in a creative, artistic family and was always singing and dancing, so she decided to go to theatre school and has been working as a professional actor, choreographer and voiceover artist ever since.

Stephanie tells me about her time at theatre school and what her training involved. She then lists the skills that she’s learnt since leaving theatre school, like being able to relax into auditions and to cope better with rejection. We also discuss techniques that actors learn in theatre school about how to portray emotions authentically and Steph gives advice on how to let go of your logical mind and get lost in the character, particularly during high-stakes live theatre. She tells me about a bizarre on-stage moment when she had to maintain her ‘show must go on’ attitude, which is sure to stick in your mind!

This episode of Second Act Actors is a beautiful meeting of first and second act actors, showing the best of both worlds and with plenty of insights into the technical side of acting. If you enjoyed it, please rate and review the podcast and don’t forget to subscribe.

Timestamps

[0:13] How Stephanie started acting

[2:35] Were Stephanie’s parents always supportive of her career choices?

[5:09] “It’s crazy”: Stephanie on her experience at theatre school

[7:48] What has Stephanie learnt since she left theatre school?

[11:05] Stephanie’s new-found confidence

[13:12] Booking a musical, choreography and booking voice work: Stephanie’s life since theatre school

[18:25] The ‘choreography brain’: How Stephanie learnt to choreograph

[24:28] So, working with me… How was it for you??

[29:08] Building up trust with your fellow actors

[34:13] How actors-in-training learn to emote

[38:33] A haunting on-stage moment that Stephanie witnessed and other live theatre moments