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

Timothy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I began my learning journey doing theatre in High School; I very much learned as I went along, mostly by watching actors older than myself practicing their craft and trying to figure out what/how to employ in my work.

My true learning journey began at Whitman College, in Walla Walla WA. It is a liberal arts college that, at the time of my attending, had a fantastic theatre program headed by my mentor, Jack Freimann. Here I was able to learn SOO much by doing; I was in 11 plays in my junior year, and 10 in my senior year, doing a wide variety of styles and forms of theatre, while getting my degree. I absolutely fell in love with theatre, acting and our program; I lived, ate and breathed it for 4 years. However, there wasn’t a deep exploration/excavation of the craft of acting; we certainly identified core concepts (objective, given circumstances, relationships, environment, listening and responding, etc), but it was once again integrated most strongly through the practice and DO-ing of the work; there was a lot of imaginative work that was a part of our process.

I immediately followed undergrad by going to a graduate acting program to truly deepen my understanding and the practice of the craft. Here I learned PROCESS…a deep dive into the journey, learning script scoring techniques and inquiry that helped deepen the “mining” of text, the understanding of ACTION in relationship to objective, as well as a deep dive into the physical/vocal opportunities that I could/can tap into. This training was Stanislavsky based, and was taught by a number of different teachers so that we were able to utilize a “take what works for you” approach from each of them. We also had a fantastic movement instructor, Charlie Oates, who was instrumental in my journey of body/physical work and imagination.

I truly think any idea of “speeding up” is not recommended. I know that I continue to learn so much today, after 30 plus years of applying my craft as an actor, director, and teacher; I learn so much from my students and our work together!!

Most essential skills: It’s hard to identify a single one or two!! Stanislavsky says (and I whole heartedly agree!!) that “every movement you make on the stage, every word you speak, is the result of the right life of your imagination…so, the first in order (of all things) should be imagination.” I think learning to BREATHE, to take your time in your process/journey, (even if you think you have so little time!!), is essential. Being an “investigator”, mining the script and inviting your imagination into your process. Choosing positive energy around the work and your journey, whatever the context may be, to the best of your ability; being open and excited to collaborate…!!! Understanding/knowing the givens/context of your work, i.e., is it theatre, film/tv, etc…and letting that help you understand your “how” in telling the story.

Obstacles: I think a “result” oriented mindset, be it in a rehearsal process, in consideration of your career, etc, can be a huge obstacle. Letting fear or doubt lead your choices/journey can be an obstacle. Not breathing into your work can be an obstacle! :)

Timothy, 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?

In regard to the industry, or the business of acting, I think it’s super helpful to remember that this is often very distinct from the creative, artistic elements of our work. Building a career is work, and having clarity about what your wants or goals are is very helpful…AND knowing that this can change in your journey! I was fortunate to be in a graduate program that did showcases in LA, Chicago and NY, to help us potentially connect with agents and casting directors. This was very helpful in getting some doors open on my journey, as I signed with commercial and legit agents. However, for most actors, there is a long process of meeting casting directors, theatre/film/tv producers, writers and fellow actors that ALL contribute in helping you find opportunities and do work. You might do a informal reading of a new play where a casting agent or agent is in the audience listening because they are friends with the writer, and who then decide to call you in for an audition, that starts a long relationship with a terrific theatre company! You might book a commercial that is seen when airing by a TV producer, who calls you in for a specific part, that you don’t get, but because you auditioned well, you are called in numerous other times and then you book a role! Etc., etc. The point is that it is a journey and it is hardly ever an “overnight” success for actors, and that is absolutely okay!

What am I most proud of? Truly, it’s my marriage and my son. Choosing, wanting to have a life that is a part of my journey as an artist has been a GIFT…and they are easily the most important people and elements in my life. AND…having them in my journey has opened possibility in different and unique ways. My wife/partner Tara Falk (who is an incredible actor/artist), and I decided to produce a play that I wrote in NYC, called “There’s The Story” (later called Composition)…we learned a ton about producing, lost our shirts financially, AND had one of the most rewarding artistic experiences I’ve ever had. It ended up getting picked up by a regional theatre in CT, that we both were able to do as well. I am grateful, honored and proud of the many roles/plays I have done over the decades in NYC, and across the country. Being in Denver led me back to connecting and collaborating directly with one of my closest friends (and now my creative partner in film), Kelly McAllister. Just over a year ago, we decided to produce our own short film, and the process/journey of creating the work (stemming from a play, Burning the Old Man, that Kelly wrote that I was in 20 plus years ago in NYC), both to live on its own as a narrative short, as well as a proof of concept for an upcoming feature, has been one of the most exciting recent opportunities in my career.

Finally, I believe in building COMMUNITY in the work and it is something I am most proud of; I run an acting program at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, where we have a fantastic community of students/actors and teaching artists who enrich my life and the lives of others each and every day. We build community in everything we do! Kelly and I recently completed production for our second short film, Line Dance, which will once again be a narrative short on its own, but also the second of five shorts that will be woven together as a feature film!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

One of the strongest things that comes to mind for our society to support is twofold: Go SEE artist’s work OUTSIDE of your home!!! Go to a movie theatre, a play, a gallery, a music venue, etc etc. and EXPERIENCE it in that element. Your actual physical and financial support by going to see work is VITAL, as we continue to have access to everything under the sun (including terrific filmed productions of live theatre) on our screens at home. Don’t isolate! Seeing and celebrating art is also a community based, lived experience…remember how good it feels to want to clap at the end of a film, even though the artists can’t “hear” you…you’ve shared an amazing experience!!!

AND financial support is always increeeedibly helpful. Whether it’s $15 to see a film, $50 to see a play or band (or much more, unfortunately), or giving money to a crowdfunding campaign…it is essential. Our country (US) does not support art governmentally much at all, and it’s in danger of diminishing even further…each and every person’s help is essential!!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I create and support creativity because I looove and believe in the power of storytelling, in whatever form it may be; it is as old as recorded time knows, and it has immense positive impact on our community and society!!! One of my core goals is to create, support, and enhance art and the work of artists in any medium. AND…I believe in the power of creating community on these journeys. Every film crew, cast of a show, acting class, etc, is a community waiting to be nurtured and invited to celebrate and grow!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.timothymccracken.net
• Instagram: @tfordmcc
• Facebook: Timothy McCracken
• Linkedin: Timothy McCracken
• Other: Coming soon: www.mcsquaredproductions.co

  Insta: @burning_the_old_man_film

Image Credits

Photo from Stones in His Pockets on wooden cart: Rep Theatre of St. Louis, Timothy McCracken (l), Joe Hickey (r)
Photos from Burning The Old Man written by Robert Kelly McAllister, directed and produced by Robert Kelly McAllister and Timothy McCracken
Photo on rock: Timothy McCracken (l) and Drew Horwitz (r)