Brenda Bass, Actress Justin Been; Director at Stray Dog Theater

2:30 may 4th

Arthur Wilson was the author of "The history of Great Britain being the life and reign of King

James the First, relating to what passed from his first access to the crown, till his death" born in

the county of Norfolk in 1596.He knew French and even wrote some comedies and poetry. He

was a well bred gentleman with a great command of the english tongue. The writting about King

James was critisized for having some prejudices and having been written with an air of

Romance.

How did you get into your field?

B: Did it as a kid, first playing Alice in Wonderland. Scholarship to Lindenwood.

Dropped out junior year and started to do work in St. Louis

J: Started building and painting highschool sets, then stage managing, then directing. Liberal

Arts Degree from Truman. Applied for Cruise ships, not enough exp. SM @ Stray dog until he

was doing so much that he became director.

How long have you been working in the field?

B: Been working in Stl as an actress for 5 years.

J: ???

What would you say are the best and worst things about your job?
B: Best, making people laugh. Worst, not knowing the next gig. But you get lots of work you

would never have thought to get.

J: Best, People trust you enough to make a thing bigger than everyone. Watching actors making

discoveries. Can't do everything on your own. Doing little tasks. Not about me

Worst, Being in charge can be overwhelming, having an answer and not. Being okay to say “idk”

Pros and cons of being in the entertainment business in StL?

B:She knows a lot of people who are in it. Likes when people know who she is at an audition.

J: Pro: insular community, kind of con though, strong relationship.

Con: audiences don't have great respect for obscure. Can’t do all the shows you want.

(Rep has multiple stages) Hard to get into places like rep and work a lot.

Advice for someone just starting a career?

B: Take classes, learn all you can, know what you are doing, have another skill.

J: put face out there, get involved. School nice overview but learned by doing. Emails, anything

to get into the world. Be there when you don’t need to be. Many small companies. Build up

credit.

MISC

B: Actors Access. Books 80-90% herself, Other places other than big cities we know.

J: Coronavirus