Commune in Peace and Love at HAIR

Serenbe Playhouse has brilliantly bought to life its Season X: America series, particularly with Hair, a musical before—and of—its time, now on stage through August 18. This onstage singing hippie counter-culture and the sexual revolution of the '60s will have you applauding, laughing, and even gasping...all for good reason! 

Casey Shuler, cast of Hair | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Founder of Serenbe Playhouse and Director of Hair, Brian Clowdus said, "For our Tenth Anniversary Season, we will revive the Tony-winning rock musical in a brand new, larger than life production. During Season Four, Hair was a game-changing show for
Serenbe Playhouse, and there is no better time to revive it than in 2019 with the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock!"

Pictured above is Casey Shuler (Sheila) who has—in my humble opinion—the most magnificent voice. I've been a fan of Casey's since she came to Serenbe Playhouse as an apprentice. She has appeared in a wide array of shows and roles, but she shines brighter than ever in Hair. 

Cast of Hair | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Even if you've never seen Hair, you've probably enjoyed the music at some point, but you don't have to know anything about it to fall in love with this show. 

There is the fact that it's an exploration of a divided country in the 1960s, so it may heighten your sense of divisiveness in our country right now, or it may just be the escape from that that you've been looking for. In the end, our cast of characters put forth the importance of taking care of each other, of putting those you love, those in you "tribe", first. 

Peace and love is the ultimate dream for this tribe, but not all dreams come true, but you've never had so much fun questioning authority or the society you live in. These characters truly let their hair down...

Adante Carter, cast of Hair | Serenbe Playhouse | BreeAnne Clowdus

Adante Carter (Berger) is brilliant! The leader of his hippie "tribe", he navigates his incredibly complex role with high energy and perfectly executed humor...he's mesmerizing and wholly unforgettable! Barry and I got to meet him and his dad after the show and they were both generous with their time and Adante is as funny and charming off stage as he is on. I'd say to follow his career, but it's already and going to be so magnificent, you won't be able to miss it!

This is indeed a musical, just one where drug use, sexual liberation, and political activism permeate the entirety of the performance. If you didn't know already, this is not a show for the kiddies. Not only is there everything I just mentioned, there's full nudity, too. That'll of course encourage some of you to attend, but it's noted here for those whose sensitives aren't quite ready for that. 

Casey Shuler, cast of Hair | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

I would venture to guess that nearly everyone, at some point in their lives, has heard any number of the "classics" in Hair, written by Galt MacDermot (1928-2018), and that our feet get to tapping every time we hear one.

You never know who you're going to meet at Serenbe Playhouse. I've run into countless friends and made a number of new ones! At this performance of Hair, we ended up sitting next to Christopher Hampton (Dramaturg for this production of Hair) and his girlfriend. We had a blast chatting with them about all-things-theatre after the show!

Zane Phillips | Hair at Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Hair opens with "Aquarius", vocals by Stephanie Zandra (Ronny), Alexandria Joy (Dionne), and cast—I'm an Aquarius, so I've always loved this song, but I'd never, ever seen it performed so magnificently as it was on stage at Serenbe Playhouse this evening! 

The show closes with "Eyes, Look Your Last", vocals by the phenomenal Zane Phillips (Claude), the incredibly talented Casey Shuler (Sheila), Alexandria Joy (Dionne) and full cast. 

"Let the sun shine in..." to illuminate and celebrate this fantastic cast, as well as shine on the fantastic work that Serenbe Playhouse has done over the last 10 years. As Brian says, "The best is yet to come..."

Ragtime Through the Lens of Vaudeville

Ragtime, The Musical is—as creatively as ever—being present by Serenbe Playhouse through the lens of Vaudeville and it's magnificent! See it under their big top tent now through Sunday, June 9.

Ragtime, The Musical at Serenbe Playhouse  |  Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Ragtime opens with a number called "Ragtime" with the entire company on stage. 

This opening number introduces a story of changing times through the lives of three groups of people in early 20th century New York City. This is a story of trials and tribulations, heartaches and triumphs, of family, ambition, prejudice and compassion.

The three groups are African Americans—you'll meet Coalhouse Walker Jr., a Harlem musician; Eastern European immigrants—you'll meet Tatah, a Jewish immigrant from Latvia; and the white upper-class—you'll meet Mother, the matriarch of a NY family. None of the characters in the upper-class family have names; they're known only as Mother, Father, Little Boy, Younger Brother, and Grandfather.

Ragtime, The Musical is a musical with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. Ragtime is based on the 1975 book by E.L. Doctorow, which was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for more than three months that year!

Ragtime, The Musical at Serenbe Playhouse  |  Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

It's difficult to have a single favorite actor from such a large cast, but I was moved by Jacob S. Louchheim's performance as Tatah, a Jewish immigrant and loving father who recently lost his wife and made his way to the U.S. from Latvia. 

You feel great empathy for Tatah's journey, past and present...it's an emotional roller coaster! His is a life of love and loss, rags-to-riches, profound fatherly love for his daughter (who is absolutely adorable!) and your heart is with him every step and song along the way.

Ragtime, The Musical at Serenbe Playhouse  |  Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Woven into the story are a number of historical figures including Harry Houdini, played brilliantly by Ethan Hall (Don't miss his steamy, theatrical entrance!), and Evelyn Nesbit beautifully portrayed by Niki Badua who won a Best Actress Suzi Bass Award for Serenbe Playhouse's Miss Saigon, and yes, she is "the most beautiful woman in the world". JP Morgan was performed wonderfully by Aaron Schilling who recently gained numerous credits in Serenbe Playhouse shows, including the phenomenal Titanic. 

You'll also see Booker T. Washington, Henry Ford and many more. The character list in Ragtime is not happenstance. In fact, each of the historical figures in the show had a role in shaping 20th century America.

Ragtime, The Musical at Serenbe Playhouse  |  Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

With the backdrop of a fantastic set, superb lighting, brilliant costuming and amazing music, the cast of Ragtime spectacularly tells a mesmerizing, epic story of surprising interconnections of the human heart, discovering the American Dream, and the heartbreak when dreams are unjustly denied. You're going to see an amazing show!

Ragtime, The Musical at Serenbe Playhouse  |  Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Our group, pictured below, had the wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with Marcus Terrell Smith (Coalhouse Walker Jr.). He's a tower of talent, charm, humor, humility and his performance in Ragtime is beyond magnificent! This was his Serenbe Playhouse debut and even though he's not Atlanta-based, I do hope we get to see more of him.

Our Gang at "Ragtime, The Musical" at Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: Jennifer

In our group of eight some had never seen Ragtime and for some this was their first Serenbe Playhouse show and some of us have been coming for years. The thread that ties us all together—some were even meeting for the first time—each and every one of us is a huge theatre enthusiast. I think I can speak for the group and highly recommend that you come to Serenbe Playhouse to see this magnificent production of Ragtime, The Musical.

Robin Hood is a Zippy, Heroic Outlaw

Ronin Hood, now playing at Serenbe Playhouse, part of their Family Series, will be showing through Saturday, August 27, an extension made only weeks into the show when it was realized that demand for this delightful, fast-paced, super-fun show was overwhelming!

Robin Hood | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

If you've been to a Serenbe Playhouse performance, you know to expect the unexpected, to expect the resplendent! This tale of Robin Hood has the renegade knight, and others in this 14th Century tale (with roots perhaps as far back as the 12th Century) zip-lining through The Farmer's Market Hideaway in Serenbe—for the run of this performance known a Sherwood Forest.

This show is as magnificent as the first action 3D film you ever saw! Traipsing through woodland, swashbuckling on platforms, quarterstaff dueling across bridges in the sky, engaging in sword fights, an archery competition, and zipping through the trees, Robin Hood wins the heart of Maid Marian.

Jordan Patrick (Robin Hood) is as energetic as he is handsome, as charming as he is talented. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he shared with I and a fellow theatre-goer that he's very much enjoying his first play in the Atlanta area and excited to be a member of the 2017-2018 Apprentice Company with Serenbe Playhouse.

Casey Shuler (Maid Marian) is as splendid an actress as she is gorgeous, as as brilliant as she is a gifted thespian. A native or Louisville, Kentucky, Casey is also new to Atlanta and is excitedly a member of the 2017-2018 Apprentice Company with Serenbe Playhouse.

Robin Hood | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

"Robin Hood is going to be our most immersive family series to date,” says Playhouse Founder and Artistic/Executive Director Brian Clowdus. "With a set in the air, actors will be zip lining above the audience in a hidden Sherwood Forest in the most breathtaking of Serenbe landscapes."

With the assistance of a wooden crate, the towering Sheriff of Nottingham (Kenny Tran) is forceful in stating the law of the land, and the comic relief when enforcing it. He's absolutely delightful, for one wielding a sword against a hero—the one we know to steal from the rich and give to the poor!

Brady Dunn (Little John), who's not 7-feet in stature but is in charm and personality, is fantastic! The hilarious costume-change sequence with Kendra Johnson (Scarlet Will) had all the kids laughing and giggling. And Madison Welch (Captain of the Guard), who had perhaps the most 'serious' role in this production, performed brilliantly!

I highly recommend watching the acting careers of all the members of this cast...they're leaving the forest and going places! 

Robin Hood | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

While I've not read every story or seen every production or film of "Robin Hood", I've seen a number, and I believe this one to be an amalgamation of the original story and at least a few the films...a smart move for the modern day audience, don't you think?

In this new adaptation by Serenbe collaborator Rachel Teagle and under the direction of Broadway's Paul McGill (who was in Broadway's Spider-Man musical!), characters will "fly through Serenbe's magnificent forest on a zip line, redistributing wealth as they go!"

Robin Hood | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

This under-an-hour production is high-spirited, super-fun for kids and us grownups who are kids of many ages. There's a seating area up front for the little tykes. For the best viewing, arrive early and get a seat up front. Otherwise you'll see all the platform, bridge, and aerial performance just fine. And a fine performance it is! 

PERK ALERT: If you've been to a Serenbe Playhouse performance, you know that they're often more immersive than expected. The same goes for "Robin Hood"...theatre-goers have the opportunity to play games, engage in (safe) sword fights, and even have a chance to zip line themselves! How's that for awesomeness!

Robin Hood | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Patrick Jordan (Robin Hood), Casey Shuler (Maid Marian), and Kendra Johnson (Scarlet Will) are all members of the 2017-2018 Apprentice Company with Serenbe Playhouse. They were also cast and crew at the recent Serenbe Playhouse blockbuster "Macbeth". 

AND all six cast members of "Robin Hood" are in the highly anticipated, currently running Serenbe Playhouse show "Cabaret" starring Serenbe Playhouse Founder & Executive/Artistic Director Brian Clowdus!

Remember, Ronin Hood is playing at Serenbe Playhouse, part of their Family Series, through Saturday, August 27...you'll want to take the youngsters in your life to see it and those of us who are kids at heart will enjoy it, too! I certainly did.

Get your super-reasonably priced tickets here: TICKETS!

Serenbe Playhouse notes a few of their favorite renditions of Robin Hood in the program. Allow me this opportunity to share with you some trailers/clips of those incredibly diverse versions of Robin Hood. Enjoy...

Walt Disney's "Robin Hood" (1973)

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner.

Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men in Tights starring starring Cary Elwes.

Kermit the Frog as Robin Hood on a 1979 episode of "The Muppet Show".

Don't miss Robin Hood at Serenbe Playhouse!

Grease is the Word!

When was the last time you went to the drive-in? NOW is the time to resurrect that long-lost tradition or treat yourself to it for the first time. Grease, now playing at Serenbe Playhouse, is a most magnificent rendition of the beloved musical and movie by the same title...it's the one that you want!

Grease | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

I'd never seen the musical on stage, but I love the movie. In talking with friends who have seen both, this production, as I understand it, follows the movie more closely...thus the magnificent drive-in set design. 

Upon arrival—when parking your car—you're enthusiastically welcomed to the first day of school at "Rydell High". 

One of the things that I love about Serenbe Playhouse is that the "support" staff you meet before the show and during intermission are the actors you'll see onstage. If it's your first time to a Serenbe Playhouse performance you might not get that—I didn't—but the giveaway is that they're in costume and in character. Such great fun!

This show felt like a family reunion! So many of the cast I've met and seen perform at Serenbe Playhouse and other Atlanta theatres. The show has a huge cast, and is a colossal collection of talent! 

Opening the show is a personal favorite, Julissa Sabino (Rizzo), who gives a rhapsodic performance of "Grease is the Word". Rizzo is my favorite character in the movie, so it was super exciting to see Julissa in that role! 

"Oh, double doo-doo! One of my diamonds just fell in the macaroni." - Marty

Grease | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Hands down, the best numbers in the show were the group numbers. This cast performs like greased lightning! The show is fast and their energy high...pay attention or you might miss an important line, or worse, you might miss a punch line! 

Also, they're family...theatre family, which is a bond unlike any other that I've ever seen. The whole of the Atlanta theatre family is close.

"Men are rats, listen to me, they're fleas on rats, worse than that, they're amoebas on fleas on rats." - Frenchy

Grease | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

If you've not been to a Serenbe Playhouse performance before, know that it's an outdoor theatre, and each new play is in a different location. Grease is set in a "drive-in", the front row being classic convertibles and a truck! Those VIP "seats" get car-side service, too! 

The GIANT movie screen was part of the performance. In many scenes there were graphics, classic drive-in animation, or pre-recorded scenes that nestled perfectly into scenes playing out on stage. The choreography and editing between live actors and on-screen performance is truly brilliant.

Oh, and there will be a full "moon", or two, every performance.

"My 25-cent insurance policy." - Kenickie

Grease | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

Michael Stiggers (Danny Zuko) is brilliant! He's not only a wonderful actor, his voice became exponentially impressive and wholly magnificent throughout the performance. I met him at an industry event earlier this week...what a delightful human being!

Randi Garza (Sandy Dumbrowski) sings as beautifully as she is gorgeous. Of the solo performances, Randi's mesmerizes the audience...she's spellbinding. I also had the pleasure of meeting her and she too is delightful.

"You’ll find it hard to resist breaking the rules with Rydell High’s spirited class of gum-chewing, hub-cap- stealing, hot-rod- loving boys in leather jackets and their wise-cracking girls in poodle skirts. Step back in time in a unique setting that will evoke memories of a drive-in movie..."

"Why, this car is Auto-matic. It's System-matic. It's Hyyyyydro-matic. Why, it's Greased Lightning!" - Danny

Grease | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

I've had the great pleasure of seeing more than half the cast perform in other shows, many of them award-winning! I've also met quite a few of them—at opening night receptions, industry events and at the theatre seeing each other's shows—and every single one of them is personable, friendly, appreciative...wonderful people! 

Grease will be playing at Serenbe Playhouse through Sunday, April 16, and there's an American Sign Language interpreted show on Friday, April 14. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday at 8:00 p.m.

"Tell me about it, stud." - Sandy

Don't Lose Your Head at The Sleepy Hollow Experience

When I was telling a friend about The Sleepy Hollow Experience at Serenbe Playhouse and I said that they have a real "headless horseman" in the show, she stopped me and with a quizzical expression asked, "Wait...What?!" 

It's true...they do in fact have a headless horseman on a GIANT horse in the play, but more on that in just a moment.

The Sleepy Hollow Experience | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

I've never experienced outdoor theatre like this. Well, I have at other Serenbe Playhouse shows, but this one moves around...rather, the audience moves around. 

After the short 40-minute drive from downtown Atlanta, you drive down a dirt road, purportedly to a small town having trouble with people losing their heads. Believe me, it's not as bad as people in traffic losing their minds! 

You're promptly greeted and directed to the "gathering area"—and you can grab a cocktail on your way, being tended by characters in the play. You get to return here during intermission, a great time for another cocktail, to meet fellow theatre-goers and there are a number of games to play!

The Sleepy Hollow Experience | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

This is the fourth year that Serenbe Playhouse has presented The Sleepy Hollow Experience, but this year's The Sleep Hollow Experience has been re-imaged by Brian Clowdus, Founder & Executive Artistic Director of Serenbe Playhouse. 

Returning as Ichabod Crane, for the fourth consecutive year, is Chris Mayers. Also returning is Blake Burgess (who I saw in Of Mice and Men) as Brom Bones, and Brandon Patrick as Male Storyteller. New to the show this year are Jennifer Alice Acker (Director of Education at Serenbe Playhouse and recently seen in 'Da Kink in My Hair) as Female Storyteller, and Erin Burnett as Katrina. 

The entire cast is phenomenal!

The Sleepy Hollow Experience | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

If you've not read Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, don't worry. I'd not read it (we moved around a lot, so I missed a few of the classics) and thoroughly enjoyed the performance! I was quite surprised to learn that the story was first published in 1820, yet many elements within the story continue to be relevant to the "human condition" today.

The Sleepy Hollow Experience | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

There's new dialogue and new songs! While Brian was in New England launching yet another unique version of The Sleepy Hollow Experience, Ryan Olivetti, also of Serenbe Playhouse, served as Director of this year's local show. 

Everyone I've encountered at Serenbe Playhouse has been remarkable. I'm grateful for how kind they've treated me, and how kindly I see them treat others.

The Sleepy Hollow Experience | Serenbe Playhouse | Photo: BreeAnne Clowdus

I was serious about there being a "live" headless horseman searching for his lost head in the show. Actually, the headless horseman is a woman. Anna Lanier. And the horse, Thunder, is treated as a full fledged cast member! Thunder is HUGE! Quite the impressive steed...and a beautiful one at that. [ArtsATL article] 

This is a truly remarkable experience. One that's not to be missed!



If you did miss this year's The Sleep Hollow Experience, don't loose your head over it, just be sure to get your tickets now to the season finale, "The Snow Queen", which opens December 1 (tickets).

Serenbe Playhouse will soon be hosting their second annual "Friendraiser", which is part silent auction, part performance, part indulgence (food and drink) and it's when they'll announce the lineup of the next season, "Season 8: Rebellion"! I can hardly wait!

The Friendraiser event will be on Thursday, November 17 at 7:00pm at 2300 Defoor Hills, across the street from Red Brick Brewing! Get you tickets and join me for the fun! 

INTERVIEW: Actor Jonathan Horne

The first time I met Jonathan Horne we played horseshoes. But that was another time and another place.

When I learned that there might be a possibility of interviewing one of the actors in Freed Spirits, the now-showing world-premiere at Horizon Theatre, I immediately thought of Jonathan. I'd seen him act before and and was genuinely impressed. And he's also brilliant in Freed Spirits. 

Jonathan graciously agreed to an interview and I found myself blown away by his insightful answers to my questions. He's humble, articulate, and totally loves his craft. There's a considerably interesting and complex human being underneath his meek demeanor...

Jonathan Horne (Photo courtesy Jonathan Horne)

wanderlust ATLANTA: Where are you from? Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

Jonathan: I'm originally from Asheville, North Carolina, but my family moved to Atlanta when I was eight; I'm a transplant, but consider myself a "naturalized" Atlantaen. I live in Smyrna with my wife, Laura!

wanderlust ATLANTA: When did you first begin acting? Was it purposefully or accidentally?

Jonathan: I was forced into it, actually. I had to participate in a school system-wide "oratorical recital" in sixth grade. My fear of being in front of people was bested by my fear of getting a bad grade. 

My dad suggested doing the "St. Crispin's Day" speech from Shakespeare's Henry V—the argument that students can't understand Shakespeare is bunk, by the way—and my mom directed me. 

I had a real "Aha!" moment while doing the speech. Henry's bravery became mine and I felt the awkward sixth grader with a wooden sword and homemade tunic fade away. I went to a small Christian high school, so I always kept getting thrown into productions when kids dropped out due to grades or sports, and it wasn't until I played Hamlet my senior year that I knew this was what I had to do with my life. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What was the catalyst that led you to a career on stage?

Jonathan: I had been teaching English and theatre for three years after college in the hopes that I could still be tangentially connected to acting while making "real people money". I was completely miserable. I finally just reached a point where my desire to act trumped any desire to "stick it out." I saved up money for a year to help subsidize my year long apprenticeship with the Shakespeare Tavern and have been incredibly fortunate to be working fairly steadily ever since!

wanderlust ATLANTA: What's been the biggest "Wow!" moment of your acting career?

Jonathan: By far it has to be playing Joseph (John) Merrick in 'The Elephant Man' at Georgia Ensemble Theatre. It was the most physically, spiritually, and emotionally demanding, as well as transformative, experience of my career and will be incredibly difficult to top—though I can assure you it won't stop me from trying! 

There are so many things that can go wrong with a show, so when everything just gels in a transcendent way, you can't help but go "Wow!" The show really helped me break into the larger Atlanta theatre community, for which I will always be thankful! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What have you enjoyed most about working on your current project, "Freed Spirits" at Horizon Theatre?

Jonathan: The ensemble! This cast became close knit stupidly fast. They are such an amazingly giving group of actors and we all mesh with each other so organically! Sometimes the fun you see on stage is pure acting, this show is mostly real fun crafted into a story!

wanderlust ATLANTA: "Freed Spirits" is your Horizon Theatre debut. What have you enjoyed most about the experience so far?

Jonathan: I was brought on to read my character—Byron—for a twenty-minute presentation at the Decatur Book Festival three years ago. Lisa Adler kept bringing me back for more workshops and readings, so I was fortunate enough to see and be a part of the show and character's evolution over the past three years! 

Lisa has also been incredibly gracious and kind to me, especially bringing me on when she had never worked with me before! I also have tried to make it a point this year to branch out and work at new—for me—theatres; so I'm thrilled to get to work with new people, directors, designers, etc.! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: Are there any similarities between you and Byron White, your "Freed Spirits" character?

Jonathan: As Daryl kept tweaking the script, Byron and I became closer to the same person. I had the opportunity to keep jumping into this world over the period of three years as the play was developing, and each new draft felt eerily closer to reality—early in the process, I was dating my future wife who I had mercilessly pestered to go out with me ala Byron.

I have two amazing parents and an amazing wife, but that's about where the differences end. I may or may not have just pulled clothes out of my car for the promotional photoshoot...

wanderlust ATLANTA: Horizon Theatre has a long tradition of inviting theatre-goers to meet and speak with actors after the show. What's your personal philosophy for the most rewarding actor/theatre enthusiast interaction?

Jonathan: Oh man, as an introvert this is always difficult. Honestly, I think the adage "they're more scared of you than you are of them" applies to a lot of us! Whenever I see a show, I always try to say something specific I enjoyed—a particular scene that was emotionally impactful, the way the actor dealt with a difficult scene, etc.—something that shows I was engaged and appreciative of the work that went into that evening. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What's a show or project that you're working on that we'll see in the near future?

Jonathan: I'm getting the chance to live out one of my longest running theatrical dreams by playing John Proctor in 'The Crucible' at Actor's Express. I also recently got to work with Dan Bush (of Atlanta classic 'The Signal' fame) as the lead in an upcoming episode of 'Your Worst Nightmare' which will air sometime in November! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: Where do you hope your acting career will eventually lead?

Jonathan: I really want to stay in Atlanta. I'd definitely love to work in Los Angeles or New York, but I really hope to be a part of helping make Atlanta a world-class artistic city. Honestly, If I can continue to make a living acting; I'll be content. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What advice would you give to aspiring actors, young or well-seasoned, wanting to act for the first time? 

Jonathan: There's no reason not to go for it! As far as theatre is concerned, there are several really great community theatres in Atlanta, as well as a vibrant independent film market here with tons of opportunities for aspiring actors! 

You don't have to be a "professional" to be professional though. Whether your goal is to act for the fun of it, or as a career, take it seriously. Also, always challenge yourself; you won't grow if you're comfortable.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What do you see as the greatest challenge AND the greatest success for the Atlanta acting community?

Jonathan: I think Atlanta is still finding its voice. We have so much opportunity and talent as an artistic community as well as a lot of national attention on us because of all the film and television being produced here. I want to see Atlanta actors/writers/directors become as well-known as our city.

Our biggest obstacle to that is that we have to fight the perception, sometimes earned, that we're unprepared and untrained, and a lot of people are helping to combat that. Drama Inc. in particular is a real force for training and community building.

Theatrically speaking, it's fantastic seeing, and now being a part of, all these newly produced plays that really speak to our unique culture. Our local playwrights are killing it! 

wanderlust ATLANTA: If you could act with any three actors, local or international, living or not, who would they be and why? 

Jonathan: I'm going to choose young Orson Welles, Gary Oldman, and Liv Ullmann. I have absolutely no idea what the show would be about, but I don't think it would matter. 

Welles because he was a visionary of startling proportions and his acting always feels so thoroughly ahead of its time. Oldman because I think he is the greatest living actor. Ullmann because her face contains universes of experience in the simplest of expressions...plus she could probably get Ingmar Bergman to direct us.  

wanderlust ATLANTA: I see "Soli Deo Gloria!" on your website and in playbill bios. Why is this important to you?

Jonathan: It's a constant reminder of why I do this, and whom I'm doing it for. Not every acting opportunity is going to be "missional," but when you get those opportunities to be a vessel for a larger truth, you pray that your work transcends the theatre. 

Tom Waits (and Jimmy Stewart in Harvey) said, "no one ever brings anything small into a bar." I think it's also true for theatre...you never know what the pain, doubt, or fears of someone might be when they come to see a show. 

It's casting a wide net, but sometimes you can touch someone's life in a spiritual way and help them on "the search", as Walker Percy called it. Also, it keeps me from believing both extreme ditches of "you're the greatest" and "you're rubbish." 

wanderlust ATLANTA: Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers/your fans?

Jonathan: Support Atlanta theatre! You can also visit my website for new and upcoming projects! 

Jonathan Horne Acting Reel from Jonathan Horne

Thank you, Jonathan, for the interview!

In case you were wondering about the horseshoes, Jonathan was in the Serenbe Playhouse production "Of Mice and Men". The contrast of Jonathan against the character he played was alone enough to convince me that he's a brilliant and wonderfully talented actor, and I look forward to following his career. I encourage you to, as well.

Readers, you can see Johnathan now in Freed Spirits at Horizon Theatre (on stage through Sunday, October 30, 2016) and follow his website and social media for other upcoming projects!