Actors on Actors: Northwestern – Interviews & Insights

by Sofia Alvarez

NorthwesternS Student Actors to Take Centre Stage in New Interview Series

A new video series launching this quarter at Northwestern University aims to provide a deeper look into the lives and craft of student actors, inspired by the popular “Actors on Actors” format. The series promises to move beyond the performance and explore the dedication and experiences that shape these emerging talents.

Northwestern University has long been recognized as a breeding ground for entertainment industry stars. Alumni such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus,Stephen Colbert,and Kathryn Hahn have achieved widespread success after graduating from the institution. Currently, a vibrant theater scene flourishes on campus, with upcoming productions including “Footloose,” “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” and “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” offering ample opportunities to witness the talent firsthand. Beyond student productions, some Northwestern students are already gaining professional experience, appearing on Broadway or in Emmy-winning television shows.

however, a genuine understanding of an actor’s process often requires going beyond observation. “Sometimes you have to go straight to the source,” one observer noted. This sentiment mirrors the inspiration behind the new series: Variety’s “Actors on Actors.”

The “Actors on Actors” series, which gained prominence over the Winter Break, features intimate conversations between two performers discussing their work. Past pairings have included high-profile names like Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin farrell, and even unexpected combinations such as Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lopez. These discussions often reveal the unique challenges and rewards of the acting profession.

What sets “Actors on Actors” apart is it’s authenticity. “Watching two people share their passions sparks conversations that feel deeper than just an interview, like you’re seeing the actors for who they truly are, and understanding why they care about their work,” a fan of the series explained. The format recognizes that the experience of being an actor is so specific that certain questions are best posed by fellow performers. The series has demonstrated that even seemingly disparate pairings,like Ariana Grande discussing her role in “Wicked” with Adam Sandler,can yield surprisingly insightful conversations. Another memorable exchange featured Jamie Lee Curtis opening up about her sobriety and its impact on her acting.

reader question– The “Actors on Actors” series prioritizes peer-to-peer interviews. This approach allows for more nuanced questions and a deeper exploration of the acting craft than customary interviews often provide.

Building on this model, The Daily at northwestern will launch its own iteration of the series this quarter. The new videos will feature two actors from different winter productions interviewing each other, focusing on their craft, experiences as student actors, and their respective roles.

The goal is to offer audiences a more nuanced understanding of the actors on campus. “I hope it helps you understand the actors on campus beyond the stage and appreciate all the effort they put into making our winters more entertaining,” one of the series’ creators stated.

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