03.17.16 • BACKSTAGE.COM YOUR VO NEED-TO-KNOWS: BEN BUILD YOUR OWN WHISHAW IN-HOUSE STUDIO! DOWNLOAD YOUR THE BRIT GOES WAY TO SUCCESS! PURITANICAL IN “THE CRUCIBLE” TAKE TIPS FROM THE PROS! 17+ Pages of Casting Notices! NEW YORK STELLAADLER.COM 212-689-0087 31 W 27TH ST, FL 3 NEW YORK, NY 10001 [email protected] THE PLACE WHERE RIGOROUS ACTOR TRAINING AND SOCIAL JUSTICE MEET. SUMMER APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: APRIL 1, 2016 TEEN SUMMER CONSERVATORY 5 Weeks, July 11th - August 12th, 2016 Professional actor training intensive for the serious young actor ages 14-17 taught by our world-class faculty! SUMMER CONSERVATORY 10 Weeks, June 6 - August 12, 2016 The Nation’s Most Popular Summer Training Program for the Dedicated Actor. SUMMER INTENSIVES 5-Week Advanced Level Training Courses Shakespeare Intensive Chekhov Intensive Physical Theatre Intensive Musical Theatre Intensive Actor Warrior Intensive Film & Television Acting Intensive The Stella Adler Studio of Acting/Art of Acting Studio is a 501(c)3 not-for-prot organization and is accredited with the National Association of Schools of Theatre LOS ANGELES ARTOFACTINGSTUDIO.COM 323-601-5310 1017 N ORANGE DR LOS ANGELES, CA 90038 [email protected] by: AK47 Division CONTENTS vol.57,no.11|03.17.16 NEWS 6 Ourrecapofthe37thannualYoung Artist Awardswinners 7 Thisweek’sroundupofwho’scasting whatstarringwhom 8 7 brilliantactorstowatchonNetflix ADVICE 11 NOTEFROMTHECD Themonsterwithin 11 #IGOTCAST EbonyObsidian 12 SECRET AGENTMAN Redlight/greenlight 13 #IGOTCAST KahliaDavis FEATURES 4 BACKSTAGE5WITH... CarriePreston 10 MEETTHEMAKER DuncanSheik,“AmericanPsycho” 12 SPOTLIGHTON... Holly Taylor 13 INSIDEJOB HaleighRaff,supervisingproducerfor “LateNightWithSethMeyers” 18 GETTINGOVERYOURVOJITTERS ThreeCDsoffertheirtoptipsforactors lookingtobreakintovoiceover 19 MAKEOVERYOURVOICEOVER Whetheryou’reanoviceorseasoned pro,theseappswillhelp 20 MAKE YOURSELFHEARD Howhomemaderecordingstudioscan turntalentintobusiness 40 BACKSTAGELIFE “TheLastManonEarth” CASTING 22 New YorkTristate COVER STORY 27 California page 14 32 National/Regional BROADWAY Ben Whishaw photographed by Matt Doyle at the Walter Kerr Theatre in NYC on Feb. 22. Grooming by Jessi Butterfield for Exclusive Artists Management TRIALS using Kate Somerville Skincare and Oribe Hair Care. Cover designed by Jessica Balaschak. 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OPEN HOUSE Saturday, April 16th 2016 www.toa.edu 1-855-556-6565 [email protected] Financial Aid Available VA-Approved Institute Fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre BACKSTAGE 5 WITH... Carrie Preston In a show as stacked with guest actors as “The Good Wife,” it speaks volumes to Carrie Preston’s talent that she stands out from the crowd as Elsbeth Tascioni. The Emmy-winning character actor recently returned as the irrepressibly eccentric—and brilliant—lawyer for the beloved series’ final season before starring on NBC’s new sitcom “Crowded.” Preston took a break from filming her arc to chat with Backstage about audition advice, acting crushes, and Shakespeare. By Benjamin Lindsay Tell us about return- with Patrick Stewart. heads of the people in the ing as Elsbeth on We did Shakespeare in room, because you can’t “The Good Wife.” the Park and then we know what they’re think- It’s always fun to be back moved to Broadway. ing. That’s just wasted on that show because I made my Broadway energy. But it’s hard to it’s one of the best char- debut doing Shakespeare, know that at the time acters I’ve ever gotten which was a rare thing because it’s all new, so the opportunity to play. I for an American actor. you are trying to figure out always get really excited what it is that they want. to get the script and open How do you typically Looking back, I wish I had it up to see what they prepare for an audition? had the wisdom of the have in store for Elsbeth. That’s always the ques- many years of auditioning They always give Elsbeth tion, isn’t it? Auditioning that I have now to get out some kind of physical is so different than doing of my own way... [to know] challenge, so there’s the work in some ways. that my training and who something fun and funny It’s very much about solv- I was and what I was and very much in line ing the scene, I think, and bringing to the role and with her character that coming in with a strong all of that was enough. we’ll be seeing her doing. take, but not having it And then, as always, they set in stone. Everybody’s What was your most bring her in to solve a just wanting to see you memorable survival job? problem that they don’t be a living, breathing Sometimes I would teach know how to solve. human being who is hav- along the way at a theater ing a fresh, authentic camp for kids. [That was] Which of your per- experience. So I always good because I was one formances has left a try to go in there…pro- of those little theater lasting mark on you? foundly prepared, but kids who had stars in My roots are in the the- being open to letting a my eyes and loved it so ater. I have many fond choice happen to me. much. I was the kid who memories of plays that started her own theater I’ve done in the past that What do you wish company in the backyard have had a lasting impact. you’d known before in the seventh grade. My first experience in you started acting? It’s always fun to pass the New York theater I wish I wouldn’t have tried on what I’ve learned to was in “The Tempest” so much to get inside the the younger people. • Photographed by Shawn Flint Blair “I WATCH A LOT OF TELEVISION. I LOVE DOING IT, OBVIOUSLY, BUT I REALLY LOVE WATCHING IT. I ESPECIALLY LIKE TO SUPPORT AND WATCH ANY FEMALE-CENTRIC SHOWS.” 4 backstage 03.17.16 BACKSTAGE.COM I WAS SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT ROLE. In every great drama, the hero confronts a rising challenge that alters her character. I I My challenge came when I left business school and began a non-profit youth theater program on the streets of New York. With the right education, I knew I could play a bigger part on a broader stage and use my art to break down barriers that exist within At Columbia University School communities. I took a leap of faith and applied to of General Studies, students like Columbia University School of General Studies. My Alejandra take the same courses, Columbia theater professors are inspiring me to direct learn from the same distinguished I professors, and study alongside some my own productions. of the world’s best and brightest undergraduate students. Now, I’m teaching young performers about theater that transcends all the roles we play. Continue your academic, personal, and professional story in the best learning environment possible— – Alejandra Columbia University School of General Studies. To discover how you can continue your story at Columbia GS, visit gs.columbia.edu/stage Continue your story Untitled-2 1 3/16/15 5:07 PM Follow us @backstage Like us facebook.com/backstage Follow us on Instagram @backstagecast NEWS ▶ Danielle Brooks BROADWAY BACKWARDS has added two-time Tony winner Chita Rivera, Danielle Brooks, Laura Michelle Kelly, Tony nominees UPDATE | Stephanie J.