On today’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tony Savant, one of the most respected acting teachers in the country and the Director of Playhouse West Philadelphia.

He’s helped train some of the most successful actors working in the industry today, including: Ashley Judd, Scott Caan, Jim Parrack, Jean Elie, Charisma Carpenter and many, many more.

Along with Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum, Tony is one of only a handful of teachers to observe Sandy Meisner teach after his move to Los Angeles. Tony also served as the Artistic Director of the Playhouse West Theater Company in LA for over 20 years.

Tony created, directed, and co-wrote the critically-acclaimed production, “Welcome Home, Soldier,” which ran for 25 years in Los Angeles and for a time, was the longest-running drama in the country.

In August of 2012, Tony moved from Los Angeles and founded the east coast branch of Playhouse West—Playhouse West-Philadelphia, where he now trains a new generation of actors.

We cover so much ground in this episode, including Tony’s journey to becoming an actor and teacher as well as the importance of betting on yourself. Whether you’re an actor or not, the wisdom Tony shares in this episode is valuable no matter what industry you’re in.

I hope the conversation inspires you as much as it inspired me. Enjoy!

For more on Tony Savant and Playhouse West, visit: playhousewest.com/philadelphia.

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00—Introduction

3:15—On loving life and learning

6:21—Tony’s early life in Pottstown, PA

9:09—Getting his start with acting

10:29—A life-changing flight from Orlando

12:37—Tony’s “moment of madness”

16:33—The steps Tony took to become an actor

19:27—Finding Sanford Meisner and Playhouse West

21:12—”Become the kind of person everyone is dying to work with.”

26:20—Getting his start as an acting teacher

34:40—Tony’s favorite memories from LA

38:00—The story behind “Welcome Home, Soldier”

47:00—Sandy Meisner’s response to the play

48:04—Tony’s definition of creativity

1:05:00—Taking risks and betting on yourself

1:13:00—It takes bravery to be an artist.

1:18:00—You have to have a higher purpose as a teacher.

1:23:56—Launching Playhouse West Philadelphia

1:28:32—The greatest challenge

1:29:59—The greatest reward

1:31:51—What’s next for Playhouse West?