We were lucky to catch up with Amir Korangy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amir, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My strong yearning to be involved in a creative profession emerged in my teenage years. I began to read a lot of literature and dramatic and comedic plays and was completely hooked. I realized I could acutely analyze a play and see how it can be staged, so I took directing courses and began directing at 19. I also changed my major from Pre-Med to Performance. I also attended several acting programs and studio workshops. I was lucky to have some very experienced instructors and mentors. This further increased my appetite for creative work and I set out to do whatever came first. This included acting, directing, and teaching- a range of activities that has continued 40 years on.
Knowing what I know now, I would have focused my training more specifically. I spread myself too wide across many activities, with most of my concentration and time spent on teaching(for the financial security if offered). Although I thoroughly enjoyed teaching and found it most rewarding, my acting work took second place.
I believe the most essential skills for an actor are: 1. The ability to be comfortable with oneself which releases creativity.
2. The ability to integrate the character’s thoughts and emotions with simple yet creative physical and vocal choices.
3. To develop a healthy, realistic, and practical understanding of how the entertainment industry works, so you can navigate your career informed.
4. The only obstacle was having enough time. When you have to work full-time, it is quite difficult to juggle a creative profession. However, I have been lucky enough to raise a family while working as an acting coach, director and actor.

Amir, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a seasoned director, actor, and educator with over forty years of experience working in the U.K and U.S. I attended George Washington University, National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, studied directing at Catholic University and hold an MA with Merit from Middlesex University, London.

I have worked as a visiting professor at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, E 15 Acting School, University of Essex, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, The School of Science of Acting, and was the professor of Theatre History for the London Program at Pepperdine University. During my tenure as the Head of the MA and BA in Performance courses at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, Dame Judi Dench became the President of the Academy, and the Performance programs received the Michael Elliot Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Drama Training.

I was a major contributor to the Standing Conference of University Drama Departments on Teaching Stanislavski in the U.K., co-directed the BAFTA newcomers Los Angeles Showcase, and while the president of Theatre of Arts, directed the Drama U.K. Los Angeles Industry Showcase for three years. I have also been a pre-publication reviewer for Bloomsbury Publishers in London for four years, and an associate faculty member and Guest Director at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles since 2012. I am currently the Academic Coordinator at the academy.

I have produced and directed over a hundred plays ranging from classics to contemporary in the U.K. and U.S. In addition to extensive stage work, my film and television acting credits include guest starring roles for BBC, HBO, Channel Four UK, London Weekend Television, Thames Television, Granada TV, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Netflix, CBS, ABC and NBC. Most recently he has appeared in Scorpion, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Mom, Shameless, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Dead to Me, The Old Man, and as a recurring character in NBC’s primetime sitcom Superstore. I have worked, amongst others, opposite brilliant actors such as Michael Keaton, Anna Faris, America Ferrera, Linda Cardillini, Ben Feldman, Fred Armisen, Larry David, and Michael Caine, from whom I have learned so much about the craft.
I am currently working alongside Hollywood director, Howie Deutch(Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, The Great Outdoors, Grumpier Old Men, Odd Couple II, The American Horror Story) coaching professional actors at Howie Deutch’s Workspace Hollywood.

Professionally I am most proud of my former and current students and their achievements. It is pursuit of excellence that is our hearts’ common ground.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

What drives me to pursue creative projects is the joy of sharing what cannot be expressed in any other way, My goal has always been to pursue excellence in any creative endeavor.
Material that emerges from this level of creative activity is a powerful force in society. I can recall many occasions when a great play or film transformed my thinking and consequently my life. Being a creative artist carries with it a heavy social responsibility. It is a powerful tool that can reach deep into minds and hearts and shift beliefs and attitudes.
In my directing and teaching work, I strive to entertain and hopefully educate and enlighten, avoiding self-righteousness at all times.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Working within a collaborative and creative team is very special and fulfilling. The practical realization of a collective vision provides a rewarding sensation. Sharing in the cathartic experience of the audience, and developing empathy for all things human is the gift of this profession. One also meets many sensitive and caring individuals who elevate and inspire.
What keeps you going is those occasions when you walk into a rehearsal room full of eager actors ready to take risks and explore the play. You get so much value from witnessing epiphanies, sudden realizations, and discoveries. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to enjoy most of my working life for the past 40 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amirmkorangy.com/
• Instagram: @akorangy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amir.korangy
• Linkedin: amir korangy
• Youtube: @amirkorangy9999
• Other: https://linktr.ee/akorangy

Image Credits

David Carlson Photography