Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Magarian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andrew , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

In fourth grade, I went to school in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The fourth graders were taught in what was once Cape Elizabeth’s town hall. A great old wooden building with these huge steps in and out of it.
Now, this was the time of Apollo. America was going to the moon, and we couldn’t get enough of it. So one day on the back steps I saw two of my classmates in deep discussion. I asked what was up? They explained that they wanted to do a skit on the Apollo astronauts for class, but they were only two and the Apollo program had three astronauts. I offered that maybe I could help and they welcomed me in.
Recesses and before school we met and planned and shaped our skit.
It was pure joy.
We performed it for the class to great laughter and applause. I was hooked. The performing was fun, but the process, talking, brainstorming, play, trial and error, the craft.
It didn’t happen by accident, plan, practice, playing and perfecting.
We were invited to do more skits, but my family moved.
I find myself years later in Ottawa, Canada, a grade 9 acting class. Which led to children’s theater. Again, people together, creating a show, collaborating, playing through practice and patience.
Again we moved, Los Altos, California. I see a young long haired teacher building a set.
He gives me a hammer. Again people together creating, playing, practicing and putting on a show.
I realized this was the place for me, this craft, storytelling. It’s happening in Maine, Ottawa, California.
In pursuit of that craft, it takes me to Junior college, to NYC, To Providence, Rhode Island and eventually to Los Angeles.
The journey taught me to observe, listen, learn from history, museums, and the streets.
To seek out other points of view. To find the stories behind the stories. The tiny pieces, that make it work, that make it matter.
I chose to help pass that on.
I found a way to share, that was always there.
It’s what we’re about, our stories.

Andrew , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been coaching and teaching acting for 42 years now. I’ve worked on numerous

movies and television shows, which has taken me to Europe, Asia and Canada.

I’ve specialized in working with young actors, many of whom have continued training with me for years

as they’ve grown up. I’ve been very fortunate in that most teachers and coaches

only have their students for a short time. I’ve had the privilege of guiding many my students through childhood, adolescence,

and into adulthood—and now, in many cases, into parenthood.

Some have even entrusted me with coaching their children, which I consider the highest compliment to my work. I’m proud

of them all. It’s been and continues to be an honor to be chosen to aid and

assist them in realizing their passion.

It all starts with the moments and stories and play.

I’ve endeavored to find ways to keep it fun, engaging, competitive in a healthy way.

To be people who know how to communicate, collaborate and contribute to team and

story. What sets me apart is that singular focus on being involved in all of it. The

moment to moment, each beginning, middle and end. Then on to the next now. Do the

work, all the work, no shortcuts.

I’ve named my business Simply Acting Inc. That springs from one of my early acting

poems – “Keep it simple, Keep it clear. But most of all, be sincere.”

Followed by “Sincere, honest and true in all that you do.”

That works.

Let me say once more that I’m proud of my actors, but I’m also proud of the many

who’ve taken their skills to other professions and excelled.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’ve been chasing that question my whole creative life.

Because acting was so engaging and frankly fun for me, it didn’t seem like work.

It was play, in the best sense, storytelling, working and playing with others, coming

together and putting on a show.

But the question, what does it mean, what’s the mission, the goal, persists.

It comes down to three things, first truth and the search for truth.

One of my favorite sayings, especially now is “Truth still matters in the Land of Pretend.”

So in our interpretation, our playing of the story, seeking, finding and sharing truths

matter.

Truth telling earns us credibility with our audience, which creates trust.

Trust is very important in relationships and storytelling.

It’s why if Denzel Washington, Aaron Sorkin or Steven Spielberg are involved, I’m

interested, I trust them.

Second, play is very important, the exploration, discovery, walking in someone else’s

shoes.

Seeing the world from a new perspective. Developing understanding and empathy,

values and principles.

My students have often asked if I would ever write a book on Acting, and I tell them “The

title is the book and the book is the title, which is “Play for Real.”

In that contradiction, is what I believe is the answer.

If it’s play, it’s not real, but safe, engaging and when done well, dynamic. When you

commit to truthful play or to play truthfully, real things happen inside you, between you

and your partners, on set, on stage, in front of the camera.

It’s this creative zone you work for, pursue and hopefully capture on film.

Once you been there – you can’t do it enough.

And third, it’s all about communicating, getting others to hear and understand what

you’re saying.

That works in all situations, not just acting.

I call it, the three E’s.

First we entertain. If we do that well and our story matters, then we can educate.

If we do that well with truth, beauty and principles.

We can sometimes enlighten.

That’s a creative journey worth attempting.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’ve always had a hard time seeing myself as an artist or creative.

At the same time, I’ve always been very attracted to talent and beauty.

So I prefer to see myself as a craftsman, one who aids and assists artists and

creatives in pursuit of their art.

So I help them in doing what they do.

By giving them structure, assist them in understanding of the story being told.

What they can offer that story, how to play it moment by moment.

Help them create habits so they are free to play truthfully.

To offer another set of eyes so as to gain different insights or benefit from my years

of experience.

I help the creative and artist realize their potential.

So when I see Taylor Handley doing beautiful work on “Mayor Of Kingstown” and then

he writes, directs, stars and produces his wonderful small film “Rev” wow. I see Sydney

Sweeney and Glen Powell just blowing up and really making the most of their

opportunities, based on their really excellent work. Sarah Michelle Gellar collaborating with other creatives and storytelling.

Not to mention so many others, it’s such a treat to know I was a

contributing part of their creative process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplyactinginc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyactingstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyActingInc