The Farm Theater's Bullpen Sessions

Bullpen Sessions Episode 11: Trevor Long

Our good friend Trevor Long stopped by the studio to talk with us about his journey in building a career, who helped him along the way, and how he approaches the work. Trevor is a long time company member of LAByrinth Theater Company, just finished a two season run as Cade Langmore on Netflix's Ozark, and co-produced and stars in the film Seeds which is on Amazon. It was such a joy talking with Trevor - very honest, open, and fun conversation. 

Bullpen Sessions Episode Ten: Rick Steiger

Stage Manager on some of Broadway's biggest hits, including An American in Paris, War Horse, Come Fly Away, Spring Awakening, Mother Courage, Frost/Nixon and many more, Rick Steiger has some entertaining stories to tell -- including that time when Meryl Streep bought him lunch -- and lots of valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the theater. We hope you'll join us for our tenth and final episode of our first season of the Bullpen Sessions. 

Bullpen Sessions Episode Nine: Judy Bowman

Casting director Judy Bowman's two passions are theater and film, always with diverse casting. She stopped by the studio recently to talk about how she got her start, what she enjoys most about casting sessions and her advice for success in the audition room. Judy was nominated for an Artios Award for Best Webseries Casting for "Karl Manhair: Postal Inspector" and her theatrical collaborations include recent work with Dorset Theatre Festival, New Jersey Rep, Merrimack Rep, Jewish Plays Project, Partial Comfort Productions, San Francisco Playhouse & Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. ​​She is an Adjunct Asst. Professor in the MFA Film School at Columbia University, and was on faculty at Harlem School of the Arts for 3 years. She also teaches at One on One in New York, and leads workshops at universities around the country.

Bullpen Sessions Episode Eight: Megan Kingery

Check out our conversation with producer Megan Kingery, whose notable projects include Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Co-Producer / Tony nomination). She is also the Creative Producer of Blue Man Group’s first book, Blue Man World and has brought financing to Fun Home (Tony Award) and Hand to God (Tony nomination). Megan's latest projects include The Subject, a feature film by Chisa Hutchinson, directed by Lanie Zipoy and starring Jason Biggs and Aunjanue Ellis, and Adam Mann (Not His Real Name) a new play by Marin Gazzaniga. She is also the lead Producer of the Broadway-bound PARTICLE FEVER (in development: book and lyrics by David Henry Hwang, music by Bear McCreary), and NEVER BETTER (in development: book, music, and lyrics by Preston M. Allen). 

Megan stopped into the studio to tell us about how she got her start in producing, the value of preparedness and how an episode of South Park figures into every project she does.

 

Bullpen Sessions Episode Seven: Portia

Portia stopped by the studio to talk with us about her journey from growing up in Niagara Falls to the moment when she dedicated her life to creating as an artist. We discussed her spiritual approach to her craft and her career and the importance of knowing who will be there in her times of need. Portia recently played Cynthia in a production of Sweat at the Mark Taper Forum, Jackie Zinner in Artney Jackson at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Mrs. Dickson in Intimate Apparel at the Bay Street Theatre and Flora in The Rose Tattoo in Williamstown. She's appeared on numerous television shows (including Madam Secretary, Bull, and The Blacklist) and in films (including Skin, St. Vincent de Van Nuys, Silver Tongues and The Greatest).

Bullpen Sessions Episode Five: Raúl Castillo

After playing Richie on HBO's Looking and earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his work on We The Animals, Raúl Castillo is playing the title role in the new feature film, El Chicano. He joins us in the studio to talk about getting his start in Austin, Texas, how he made his way to New York and the importance of taking courageous steps in his career.

Bullpen Sessions Episode Four: Lisa Arrindell

Born in the Bronx, New York, Lisa Arrindell attended the High School of Performing Arts and the Juilliard School in New York City. Her filmography includes appearances in Livin' Large, Trial by Jury, The Second Chance and Medea's Family Reunion. She is currently performing in Jubilee at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. She took time out to talk with us about her recent foray into writing and producing her own work, what she learns from watching classes at Juilliard, her advice to her younger self and much more.

Bullpen Sessions Episode Three: Kristoffer Diaz

Kristoffer Diaz is an American playwright who lives in Brooklyn, New York. His play The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity was nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It also won 2011 New York Times Outstanding Playwright award, Lucille Lortel Award, Obie Award, Drama Desk nomination, and Jeff Award for Best Production and Best New Work. He received his Bachelor of Arts from New York University's Albert Gallatin School of Individualized Study, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from NYU's Department of Dramatic Writing, and an MFA from Brooklyn College’s Performing Arts Management program.

Bullpen Sessions Episode Two: Susie Pourfar

Susie began her career in NYC, gathering substantial stage credits. In 2012, she was awarded the Obie Award, the Clarence Derwent Award from Actors Equity and a Theater World Award, all for her portrayal of Sylvia in the Off-Broadway production of "Tribes," by British playwright Nina Raine, directed by David Cromer. She has worked with the writer-directors Kenneth Lonergan, Woody Allen, Ethan Coen, and Antonio Campos. In this session, Susie talks about how she got her start, why regional theater was essential to her growth and the importance of keeping your eye on the elevator door. 

Bullpen Sessions Episode One: Aaron Roman Weiner

In our very first bullpen session, Aaron talks with us about how he went from working as a J Crew employee in Chicago to being introduced to Meryl Streep on the set of "The Post." It's a very honest discussion about what happens when people start to see you on the screen, surviving what feel like devastating career moments and the importance of taking time to be with friends and family.