Acting Classes, Actor Interviews

Michael Kostroff Talks Going from “The Wire” to “Sonny with a Chance”

Michael Kostroff did an interview with LAist and talked about what it was like going from a show like “The Wire” to the Disney Channel in “Sonny with a Chance”. Here’s what he has to say:

I love it, especially because it confuses people. The Wire was probably the best show I’ll ever be on, but actors do more than one kind of role, and I wanted my next project to be something totally different, so people would know I can play more than just slimy lawyers. On Sonny with a Chance, I got my wish. The show is really funny, I play a nervous TV producer, and I love the kids in the cast. They’re all really great people. Nothing will ever be The Wire, but this is a great departure. And I like having a new, and very different, group of fans. Instead of grown-ups coming up and saying “Wow, are you sleazy!,” I have smiley little kids running up and hugging me.

The actor also teaches a class called Audition Psych. 101. Here’s what he had to say about the class:

My class — it’s actually a one-night seminar – is unusual in that it deals with the mental challenges actors face when they audition. Auditioning is hard. It’s weird. And actors do all kinds of things to themselves that make it worse. “Audition Psych. 101” offers actors alternative ways of approaching the process, both mentally and philosophically. And I am really overjoyed when those who’ve attended tell me that it changed their careers. What an amazing thing to be able to do for my colleagues.

Kostroff’s next Audition Psych. 101 seminar will be held in Hollywood on Saturday, September 19th. For more information send an email to auditionpsych101 @ aol.com.

To read the rest of the interview, click here.