Ep. 30 - Hey There, Neighbor! Monologue Coaching

Creative Actors Lab

#Theater #Arts #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Comedy #Improv #Max And Kelley Grimm #Kelley Grimm

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

about a year ago 36:22

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Join Max and Kelley as they explore different interpretations of a monologue from the catalog of The Screenwriter's Grimm. Max offers to coach Kelley on different interpretations of Hey There, Neighbor, in which Detective Angela Johnson confronts her neighbor Kurt, who has been abusing his wife and family. She convinces the wife, Gail, to leave with the children to a safe house and is there to tell Kurt that his family has left him and is safe from his violence.
We explore how many interpretations there might be with this piece and what might drive the detective to take this family under her wing. Kelley also shares why she wrote this monologue and her own experience with an abusive boyfriend in college, as well as observing telltale signs of abusive relationships with celebrities and neighbors.
We also discuss the show Found on NBC, which has a protagonist who investigates missing people the press doesn't cover and how she was once kidnapped herself. She abducted her kidnapper and now has him chained in her basement and uses him to help her solve cases.
Thanks again for listing, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com. You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab, Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab, Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab, and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!

57 episodes

Creative Actors Lab

Ep. 30 - Hey There, Neighbor! Monologue Coaching

Creative Actors Lab

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

57 episodes

#Theater #Arts #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Comedy #Improv #Max And Kelley Grimm #Kelley Grimm

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Creative Actors Lab

1
Sophia's Carol 36:13

13 weeks ago36:13

36:13

Send us a text Medium Sophia Gardeen must examine her life choices with the help of Charles Dickens, Bob the Atheist ghost, and the spirits of two hip grandmothers on an especially haunted Christmas Eve. Includes the voice talents of: Kelley Cody-Grimm as Sophia Gardeen and Little Sophia Benja Petty at Bob the Atheist Ghost Max Grimm as Charlies Dickens, Cal Gardeen and a Demon Kim Hart as Laura Gardeen, Nana and Nicki's Mother Damita Parks as Etta and Announcer Eion McCrary as Jess Irene Naranjo as MeMa and Patricia Danielle Grimm as the Demon Written, Directed, and Sound Edited by Kelley Cody-Grimm For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
When a Bell Rings 37:43

15 weeks ago37:43

37:43

Send us a text Join us as ghosthunter Jack Bronson gets some divine intervention on Christmas Eve from Em, an angel who needs to help Jack so she can get back into the good graces of her "boss" with the help of Keith, the ghost. We have a wonderful cast of voice actors, including: Mezi Mulugeta as Em Dean Atkinson as Jack Bronson Brandon Winget as Keith the Ghost Shiyla Gantt as Jack's Mom, Angela Justin Deen as Jack's Father, Ted Bronson Chiron Broderick as Dave Liz Ireland as Jack's Grandmother, Nana Tammi Latela as Mrs. Albury Jaylee Thomas as Frank Jenkins Carlos Tovar as Chris, the Bartender, and Larry Dane Amber Grimm as Bruce Dane Danielle Grimm as Teen Jack Max Grimm as the Demon and Man Kelley Cody-Grimm, as the Nurse and Hostess It's a heartwarming episode with some spicy language, so it's PG-13. For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus! 3:17

15 weeks ago3:17

3:17

Send us a text A special rendition of the classic holiday story and editorial written by New York Sun's Francis P. Church for an editorial on September 21, 1897. The voice talent includes Carlos Tovar, Blerta Xhelili, Estella Love-Rice, and Kelley Cody-Grimm. This is a collaboration between OTC Productions and Creative Actors Lab. For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
The Demonis - The Deadliest Family in America - Part 2 28:28

22 weeks ago28:28

28:28

Send us a text Nero and Malaria hatch a plan to deal with Larry Linberg and his photo development store after a shocking discovery. Manson and Esther befriend Saffronia and her brother Nelson after the Mayor's son and daughter bully them. The Demonis also face heightened scrutiny from their nosey neighbor. Warning: Adult Themes and Content Directed, Written, and Edited by Danielle Grimm Produced by Danielle Grimm and Kelley Cody-Grimm With the voice talents of: Darrell Snedeger as Nero Demoni Katelin Chesna as Malaria Demoni Jade Crosby as Esther Demoni Benja Petty as Manson Demoni Carlos Tovar as Diablo and Sheriff Buckley Billy Barefoot as Larry Linberg and Wilmer Pendergass Danielle Gross as Susanne Linberg Elizabeth Ireland as Wilma Pendergass Kenya Stewart as Saffronia Williams Chiron Brodrick as Nelson Williams Max Grimm as Mr. Everett, the Demon, Mayor Johnson, and Deputy Stewart Kelley Cody-Grimm as Beverley Johnson and Kimmy Danielle Grimm as Local Boy, Vidalia and Falcon Amber Grimm as Chandler Recorded at Atlanta Radio Theatre Company For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
The Demonis - The Deadliest Family in America - Part 1 32:23

23 weeks ago32:23

32:23

Send us a text After going on the run after a botched murder, the Demoni family settles into the simple small town of Simpleton, a perfect vision of 1960s suburban utopia–or so it seems! As they learn more about the unsavory characters in town, they know that they have their work cut out for them, which includes cutting down those who exploit the innocent. Warning: Adult Themes and Content Directed, Written, and Edited by Danielle Grimm Produced by Danielle Grimm and Kelley Cody-Grimm With the voice talents of: Darrell Snedeger as Nero Demoni Katelin Chesna as Malaria Demoni Jade Crosby as Esther Demoni Benja Petty as Manson Demoni Carlos Tovar as Diablo and Sheriff Buckley Billy Barefoot as Larry Linberg and Wilmer Pendergass Danielle Gross as Susanne Linberg Elizabeth Ireland as Wilma Pendergass Max Grimm as Mr. Everett, the Demon, Mayor Johnson, and Deputy Stewart Kelley Cody-Grimm as Beverley Johnson and Kimmy Danielle Grimm as Local Boy, Vidalia and Falcon Amber Grimm as Chandler Kenya Stewart as Saffronia Williams Chiron Brodrick as Nelson Williams Recorded at Atlanta Radio Theatre Company For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

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Ep. 51 - A Clean Slate 25:21

33 weeks ago25:21

25:21

Send us a text In this episode, Kelley discusses what you need to do in a slate and do it correctly for an audition. A slate is a basic introduction before you submit your sides or monologue to a casting director or agent. It helps them see who you are before you delve into your character. Mostly, they want to see that you are easy to work with. Here is some of the essential information you need to include, but check with the specifications in the email or casting instructions to make sure you're including the correct information, such as: Name Location Age - but only if they ask for it - otherwise, omit. If you are under 18, you have to slate your age. Height If you have representation, include the name of your agent or agency. Union Affiliation - if you have one or if you are SAG-AFTRA eligible. Say what the part you're auditioning for Thank them for the opportunity Include a full-body shot. Regular slates with a full-body shoot should be about 10 to 15 seconds. The audition notice will state if they want you to include more and how to label the files before you upload them. To view the Mr. Show video with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross with the audition sketch - click here . For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Ep. 50 - Life's a Pitch and Then You Try 31:41

36 weeks ago31:41

31:41

Send us a text In this episode, Kelley discusses the fine art of pitch decks for authors, screenwriters, and filmmakers. She looks at the basic structure of about 12 to 15 slides that can be in Google Slides or PowerPoint which includes: Cover Art Logline Comps - other works that you can compare it to. Character Descriptions - only for your to 6 to 7 characters Synopsis of the plot - one page or slide. The inspiration for the project The Tone - what visuals to use. The marketing potential - Who is your audience? About the author/screenwriter/or production crew (director or writer) Contact information Here's a link to the Christmas Carol Pitch Deck in Google Slides if you want to examine its structure and learn how to create one for yourself. Maybe as a creative prompt, create a pitch deck for a classic book or play. Thanks, and remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get creative! For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

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Ep. 49 - The Notebook 35:43

37 weeks ago35:43

35:43

Send us a text In this episode, Max talks about how he left art school to pursue acting and how much he learned in the process. At one point, he was in the best and worst productions he'd ever been in. He's looking back at his history to plan for the future which is a great exercise for anyone, no matter your age. For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Ep. 48 -The Write Stuff - Part 2 -Writing with AI 26:45

39 weeks ago26:45

26:45

Send us a text This week, Kelley talks about using AI to help you cut down on your writing time, whether it's helping you write a synopsis based on your Save the Cat Beat sheet, crafting a logline, or doing research for your pitch deck. What AI doesn't do well is writing comedy, and we discuss that, too. Here are some of the AI resources that Kelley talks about: Claude AI is good for doing literary research and asking about characters or authors or creating loglines, but not comedy. ChatGPT is good for creating Save the Cat Beat sheets, cover letters, and research. Bing AI Chat is Microsoft's version of AI. It can generate images but doesn't write comedy well. Some of the resources that we talked about in the last podcast include: The Script Lab - You can register on their website with your email, but you won't get spammed and will have access to thousands of movie and TV scripts. Studio Binder - This site helps you find resources for creating your film, templates for pitch decks, call sheets, and tons of other helpful advice. For Save the Cat - You can get free Save the Cat Sheets from Jessica Brody's website. You can contact us at kelley@creativeactorslab.com if you want to have us send you the sheet directly. Thanks, and when the going gets tough, the tough get creative! For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Ep. 47 - The Write Stuff 39:29

49 weeks ago39:29

39:29

Send us a text This week, Max and Kelley talk about their creative journey through writing, with Max's being mostly in poetry and writing a blog for a year and Kelley's journey with writing scripts, short stories, and novels. Max also talks about a time in the early 90s when a short film that he wrote and produced called The Red and the Black was banned in New Zealand. Kelley talks about learning from Table Reads for her work and those of others like Brandon Winget. She also talks about how reading pilot scripts and first drafts of movies can help you realize that your first draft is a good beginning but that you'll often have to make changes before you get a final product. She also suggested finding a good critique group that can read your writing and offer suggestions, and you get to review other writer's work and offer suggestions as well. Some of the resources that they recommended included: The Script Lab - you can register on their website with your email but you won't get spammed and access to thousands of movie and TV scripts. Studio Binder - This site helps you find resources for creating your film, templates for pitch decks, call sheets, and tons of other helpful advice. For Save the Cat - You can get free Save the Cat Sheets from Jessica Brody's website. You can contact us at kelley@creativeactorslab.com if you want to have us send you the sheet directly. Thanks, and when the going gets tough, the tough get creative! For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Ep. 46 - Reflections on "Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" 49:50

50 weeks ago49:50

49:50

Send us a text This week, Kelley and Max discuss the documentary series Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV from the perspective of acting coaches and people who have also faced sexual assault. They discuss how important it is to listen to your gut instinct and how their experiences have helped them help others. Please note that this episode discusses sexual assault. It's not an easy topic, but it needs to be discussed because toxic and manipulative people exist beyond TV and movie sets. Max and Kelley talk about how they identify if a person is trying to insert themselves into the lives of people they're trying to control. The #MeToo movement was a tipping point for adults, especially women; perhaps Quiet on the Set can do that for kids in the entertainment business. They also talk about a nonprofit in Atlanta called Revved Up Kids, which teaches children and teens how to defend themselves against predators and trains their parents to discover the signs. Here's a link to their website. All five episodes of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV are streaming on Max. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Ep. 45 - The Creative Brain 53:36

51 weeks ago53:36

53:36

Send us a text Max and Kelley discuss the importance of creativity and how it affects your brain when you do or try something new. They also discuss some of the scientific findings and a podcast by Dr. David Eagleman called The Inner Cosmos. Max also talks about different problem-solving approaches, such as the SWOT analysis, Business War Games, and Brain Storming and Brain Writing. We also discuss how important it is to seek out new adventures and skills and how your brain lights up like fireworks on the Fourth of July when it is challenged by something new. If you want to do a deeper dive, you can look at Rick Ruben's book The Creative Act , which is more than just a book about creativity; it's a manifesto for embracing the boundless potential within ourselves. Here's a link to the book on Amazon , if you're interested in learning more. For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Ep. 44 - Taking a 20 Year Pause 37:44

1 year ago37:44

37:44

Send us a text Join Max and Kelley as they discuss why someone like Max might need to step away from acting for a few decades. In the interim, he found a new love of writing poetry, cooking as a chef, and expanding his painting ability. Kelley talks about leaving an improv company after some bad experiences and finding the love of her life (spoiler alert - it's Max). Thanks and have a great week. For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

1
Ep. 43 - Private Detective Work for Characters 42:17

1 year ago42:17

42:17

Send us a text This week, Kelley and Max explore how to act like a private detective when you're creating or playing a character. They explore the process of researching a character's motivation by pretending that you were hired to follow the character around. They delve into various aspects, such as how the character would cross the street, how they would perform household chores, or how they would get ready for work. Kelley and Max also discuss a play they did for Florida International University (FIU) called Mad Forest by Caryl Churchill. The play revolves around two families thrust into political and social turmoil before, during, and after the Romanian Revolution of 1989. Kelley also discusses a character sheet that includes ways to flesh out a character, including: 1. If your character has a job, is they good at it? Do they like it? 2. What are your character's bad habits? 3. What would your character tell you if you asked about their greatest dream? 4. What's a secret dream he or she wouldn't tell you about? 5. What kind of person does your character wish they could be? What is stopping them? 6. What is your character afraid of? What keeps them up at night? 7. What does your character think is their worst quality? 8. What do other people think your character's worst quality is? 9. What talent does your character think he or she has but is very wrong about? 10. What did their childhood home look like? 11. Who was their first love? 12. What's the most terrible thing that ever happened to them? 13. What was their dream growing up? Did they achieve this dream? If so, in what ways was it not what the character expected? If your character never achieved the dream, why not? 14. In what situation would your character become violent? 15. In what situation would your character act heroic? Thanks, and stay creative! For more on Creative Actors Lab, check our website, www.creativeactorslab.com . You can always find us at our Instagram page, @creative_actors_lab , Facebook page, @CreativeActorsLab , Linked-In - Creative Actors Lab , and YouTube Channel - @CreativeActorsLab . If you would like to support our work - this is our Patreon Page. Thanks so much for listening!…

Creative Actors Lab

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Ep. 42 - Meditations for Creatives 41:24

1 year ago41:24