Pretend Worlds Real People
Carving your path within the Entertainment Industry takes a lot of guts, passion, and unbeatable optimism. Whether you’re an actor, writer, director, make-up artist, or a production assistant; this business will find a way to push you back. But, every obstacle lays the ground work for an incredible story. A story that Actor and Writer, Tyler Laracca, always sought out to hear while working alongside the incredible artists of Film, Television, and Theater. Each week, he’s joined by industry veterans and newcomers alike, to share their story and connect through the surprisingly common experiences of working in entertainment. Catch new episodes every Tuesday!
Welcome folks!
During the pandemic, most of us in the arts industry were suddenly stuck at home without auditions, workshops, or even our service jobs.
After reaching out to my friends to see how they were holding up, I thought I'd see who else I could grab a digital chat with. Years later, Pretend Worlds Real People has become one of the top entertainment podcasts with new guests every week!
Episodes
Dec 21, 2020
Dec 21, 2020
1hr 26 min
What do you get when you combine an Actor, a DJ, and a Puppeteer? Rob Wight! This week's guest has made a career in entertaining the masses with his wit and physicality. For over ten years he has worked with Imagineers and Star Wars royalty as Push The Talking Trash Can, Tigger, The Grinch; and BOBA FETT. Even gnabbing a role on The Walking Dead! Rob takes us on a journey through is prolific career of taking chances, standing out, and the magic of networking in the arts industry. Above all else, he's a fan and loves what he does. This is the way.Oh and possible spoilers for The Mandalorian season 2... Promotions and Shoutouts:1. Rob's IMDB2. Rob's Instagram - Follow Him!
Dec 6, 2020
Dec 6, 2020
1hr 15 min
"The more eyes you have on your material, the better it gets," and this week's guest believes in that wholeheartedly. Kris Simms lights up this episode from the Screenwriter's perspective. A Colorado native and massive fan of genre-bending storytelling, he chats with us about his Southwest roots, becoming a screenwriter; and what it's like to produce a film independently. Not to mention he published his first book in 2019. An open and honest conversation about screenwriting and independent film that everybody should check out!Shoutouts & Promotions:1. Alien Valley (Amazon Prime)2. Kris' Book: Red Moon Night
Nov 30, 2020
Nov 30, 2020
1hr 22 min
Broadway is where stars are born, and this week's guest is a one of the brightest, though it's likely you've never heard her name. Julia Jones has been a Broadway stage manager for 20 years and has made a name for herself in her own right. Her insights into commercial theater, the responsibilities of stage managers, and how the larger theater community can improve going forward are encouraging and worthwhile. Her sense of humor about it all will keep you laughing too! Shoutouts and Promotions1. Julia's blog: The Tao of Stage Managing
Nov 23, 2020
Nov 23, 2020
1hr 13 min
This week we've stepped slightly outside of the theater and film worlds and into the videogame world! Our guest, Webb Pickersgill, is a performance director with Deck Nine Games, a videogame company that specializes in adventure gaming. Webb tells us all about his job, how a videogame gets created from start to finish, and his winding journey through multiple careers that's landed him where he is today. If you're curious about videogames in any sense, this is the perfect episode for you!
Nov 15, 2020
Nov 15, 2020
1hr 3 min
Our guest this week is a great example of "how to be a boss." Pam Renall has worked in many facets of the film industry and was successful in all of them. Her "go-for-it" attitude and self-confidence was inspiring to witness during this interview. She shares some great insights about the industry, voices her dream of being a "Disney mom," and tells some amazing stories involving some pretty famous names! Shoutouts & Promotions1. Pam's website: https://www.pamrenall.com2. Invisible Virtual Table Read3. Our patreon page!
Nov 9, 2020
Nov 9, 2020
1hr 11 min
"Career-hopper" is one way to describe our next guest, but a more accurate phrase would be "curiosity-follower." Josh Gough has always had a massive list of "things he wants to be when he grows up," and has successfully checked some of those things off of it. Currently a freelance tv producer, Josh tells us about his winding journey to his current gig, other careers he's still considering, and even what his dream job would be. We'll give you a hint: he's definitely not a Tony Robbins fan. Shoutouts & Promotions1. Josh's most recently produced show "Answered" can be found for download here.
Nov 6, 2020
Nov 6, 2020
15 min
This Junket is filled with creative catch ups, national indecision, and a rather horrible idea to make more money using your old audition tapes.
Nov 2, 2020
Nov 2, 2020
1hr 15 min
This episode marks a first for the podcast with an in-person guest interview! Carmen Vreeman-Shedd is a Colorado Springs/Denver actor and one of Steph's newest and dearest friends. After being roped into this interview, Carmen shares with us about her journey into theater, what it's like to work solely in the Denver region, why waitressing is not for the thin-skinned, and gushes about her "hot husband." Shoutouts & Promotions1. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Oct 26, 2020
Oct 26, 2020
1hr 7 min
This week we chat with the intriguing Leah Watson a.k.a. Grace Skinner. Leah is a Denver film actor, but Greyce is well know in the pole and aerial worlds. We discuss her creative passion with pole and trapeze, the importance body positivity and having personal boundries, and our love of crock pot cooking!Shoutouts & Promotions1. Leah's instagram2. Greyce's website3. Steph's favorite winter crockpot recipe from The Pretty Bee
Oct 22, 2020
Oct 22, 2020
13 min
Welcome to Junket! This is our midweek minisode where we chat about current events (in the arts), upcoming projects, and what we're up to in these crazy times! Also, junket is a weird name for a dessert...Shoutouts & Promotions1. Quote Stitch Studio2. Devil Red Films3. Calvin T. Shepherd4. Batman Fan Series5. Brave Little Theater6. Gregor's Very, Very Peaceful Garden