Season 1 / Episode 2
Melanie Hoopes & Ed Herbstman:
Inspiration for writers, performers and producers
Show Notes
Working as a performer in the midst of Covid is challenging, but even with the Covid pandemic, the show must go on!
In today’s episode our host, Mike Benson is joined by two incredible performers, producers and writers: Melanie Hoopes and Ed Herbstman. Tune in as they share their experiences as performers in the age of Covid, creating a community and connecting with the audience in the era of social distancing as well as some of the artists and work that inspire them the most.
Melanie Hoopes is an award-winning writer, actor and director who often collaborates with her equally talented husband and fellow guest, Ed Herbstman who spends his time working as a comic actor, writer and producer of theater and film.
A warm, intelligent and illuminating conversation with two amazingly talented and funny performers. No fluff, no filter - straight from the horse’s mouth!
In today’s episode, we cover:
[01:02] Melanie and Ed share their perspective on working in performing and recording arts in the U.S. in the age of Covid
[:04:13] The story behind Melanie’s new innovative play “Six Feet” performed live on Zoom; working with peers and connecting with audience as a performer
[09:18] Melanie and Ed go into detail about their latest projects which include filming a commercial, forming a Zoom dance troop, co-writing a feature script and participating in United Nations Mobile Film Festival
[14:47] Ed’s incredible contribution to his local community as a volunteer firefighter
[17:15] Acceptance and amplification as a collaboration tool to build a community
[24:01] Most memorable dialogues and the power of podcast as a way of connecting with your audience
[31:41] Melanie and Ed give their answers to “If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?”
[36:32] Melanie and Ed share their favorite podcast, documentaries and movies
Notable Quotes:
Find the thing that you do, that you love and then combine it with a problem in the world and get into that sweet spot where you can actually feel good about what you’re doing and love what you’re doing at the same time. I think that’s the dream.
Melanie Hoopes [13:54]
I think the most fundamental collaboration tool is an attitude of acceptance and amplification. When I hear what you say and I build upon that, it’s not about me or you anymore, it’s about the idea.
Ed Herbstman [20:59]
Resources:
United Nations Mobile Film Festival
Lethal Lit: A Tig Torres Mystery
Best Friends Forever
Tune in to Sounds Like… for authentic and insightful conversations with industry leaders and creators. No fluff, no filter - straight from The Horse's Mouth.
Transcript
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