Alan Mandell from 2019

**This is our FINAL episode of Season 10; we'll pick back up with Season 11 (and Act 3 of HAMLET) in January 2027! Thank you for being part of it all. 🙌   🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ Reading all of Act 2 and tracing how its moments set the stage for what's to come ➤ Exploring Hamlet's relationships with Ophelia, Gertrude, and his friends beyond one-note character interpretations ➤ Unpacking the play's "rotten" world and how its corruption affects every character    📷 cover photo: Jessica Gibbons --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We review all of Acts 1 and 2 - all the scenes we've covered so far! https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_F1/scene/index.html The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ Going beyond Polonius as a "bumbling old man" to explore his status, motives and journey ➤ Examining Ophelia's fear and loyalty as she describes Hamlet's strange visit ➤ Unpacking the court's competing explanations for Hamlet's transformation   Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.  📷 cover photo: Sara Giacomini --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We review all of Acts 1 and 2 - all the scenes we've covered so far! https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_F1/scene/index.html The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

From 2019, here's my interview with actor Richard Riehle (pronounced Really!), who took his final curtain call on October 15, 2026 at age 78. Richard had a 50+ year career with 400+ onscreen credits (plus decades of theatre). We discuss being open to possibilities, how he does the audition and then walks away, exciting projects that don't work out, a speech from Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, and much more. It's very likely you saw Richard in a movie or show (or two or three) - he was a prolific actor. Hope you enjoy the conversations - it's a great chat!

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ A deep dive into Hamlet's first act and the pivotal scenes we've revisited ➤ Exploring the ghost's complex role with regard to Hamlet's journey ➤ Feedback and reflections from the cast on their performances   Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.  📷 cover photo: Tom Farber --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We review all of Acts 1 and 2 - all the scenes we've covered so far! https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_F1/scene/index.html The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

From 2019, here's my interview with theatre manager, philanthropist, consultant, director and actor Alan Mandell, who took his final curtain call on October 13, 2026 at age 98. We discuss radio drama and theatre in Toronto, being part of The Actor's Workshop through volunteer office work, collaborating with Samuel Beckett on the San Quentin production of Waiting for Godot, what success means to him, and much more. I was honored Alan appeared on the podcast and humbled that he took part in the livestreams I produced. Here's the full New York Times obituary for Alan (free version here), which just happens to use multiple quotes from our chat - unbelievable!

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ Piecing together all the previous insights ➤ The evolving relationships between characters ➤ The significance of the ghost's appearance and its implications   Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.  📷 cover photo: Ava Burton --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We review all of Acts 1 and 2 - all the scenes we've covered so far! https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/Ham_F1/scene/index.html The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session (the 12th and final session on just this scene!), highlights include: ➤ Hamlet's introspection following the Player's performance ➤ The themes of conscience and motivation in Hamlet's journey ➤ An exploration of acting and its emotional depth   Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.  📷 cover photo: Adriana Roze --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We explore... Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death. The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ Hamlet's interactions with Polonius and the Players ➤ The importance of the Players in Elsinore ➤ Exploring the themes of performance and authenticity   Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.  📷 cover photo: Ben Farrow --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We explore... Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death. The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ Hamlet's reflections on the Players and their significance ➤ The themes of memory and performance in the context of revenge ➤ Hecuba's mourning and its impact on Hamlet's journey   Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.  📷 cover photo: Sara Giacomini --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We explore... Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death. The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ The Players and their significance in Hamlet's journey ➤ Hamlet's relationships with Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Polonius ➤ Analyzing the themes of deception, truth, and the art of acting   Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room for this season (10!) as we continue our HAMLET Project.  📷 cover photo: Terry Kerr --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next rehearsal session. *** These sessions are free for all to enjoy; your support helps us keep this space creative, accessible, and high-quality. Many thanks to our recent supporters! *** 🙌 Help us continue our work in the Rehearsal Room with a TIP: https://cksn.workingactorsjourney.com/products/the-rehearsal-room  🤗 Or become a MONTHLY PATRON with additional benefits (starting at $5/month) with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wajpodcast Get early access to sessions (before they go public on YouTube and the podcast), priority with asking questions, and more! 🙏 THANK YOU to our patrons at the Co-Star level and higher: Sandy, Joan, Michele, Jim, Magdalen, Claudia, Clif, and Jeff!  --- 🎭 CREATIVE TEAM for this month: DIRECTOR: Annie Occhiogrosso ACTORS: Randall Duk Kim, Benjamin Reigel, Nick Bettens, Michele Schultz, Liz Swain, Sarah Mabes, Jim Stubbs, Alexandra Mitchell, Sharon McCune, Terry Kerr, Ben Farrow, Adriana Roze, Jessica Gibbons and Aaron Mendelson AUDIENCE: Steven Helmeke, Frank Tobin, Cindy Griffith, Robert Duerr, Marc Wolf and Ava Burton A big welcome to the many new participants with this project! --- We explore... Act 2, Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude set Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him. As Hamlet and his "friends" talk, a company of touring actors enters and Hamlet persuades one of them to deliver a speech. Hamlet hopes that when the players stage their show for the court, he can determine whether Claudius is guilty of King Hamlet's death. The link above will take you to the Folio version, which we use heavily here.   #hamlet #workingactor #rehearsal #shakespeare #textwork #acting #actor #director