Interview: Catching up with Bree Shannon, Georgia's Pinch n’ Ouch Theatre’s Co-Artistic Director

Bree Shannon didn't always want to become an actress. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in interior design and worked for firms in Atlanta and New York City before finally committing herself to the Pinch n' Ouch Theatre as a Co-Artistic Director following the recession in 2008. "I thought what better time than now to follow my heart," says Shannon. "I was scared and didn't know what the [acting] industry had to offer, but I knew I was ready."

Shannon studied the Meisner technique with co-founder Grant McGowen, where their professional relationship flourished and the Pinch n' Ouch Theatre was born. "Bree never withheld an opportunity to demonstrate true raw emotion in class" McGowen says. "She was refreshing and intimidating at the same time. We were two very different actors. I was doing stand up and writing these sitcoms and comedic short plays, and she was keen to dramas. The only thing we had in common, at the time, was an exceptional standard of work ethic and a dedication to truthful theatre."

Shannon and McGowen worked together on three productions before founding the Pinch n' Ouch Theatre in 2010. Their most recently production was the regional premiere of Reasons To Be Pretty by Neil LaBute on the ALLIANCE THEATRE's Hertz Stage. After receiving stellar reviews for their first Atlanta production, Shannon and McGowen are gearing up for Lobby Hero by award-winning playwright Kenneth Lonergan, performing October 6th through November 7th, 2010 at the 14th Street Playhouse.

Bree shares what sets Pinch n' Ouch Theatre apart from other organizations and their exciting inaugural season.

What's the biggest difference between New York and Atlanta theatre?

There is vitality, a tradition of theatre in New York. Atlanta is fresh and new like many of its theaters. We really want to bridge the gap between Atlanta and New York and create opportunities in both cities.

What kind of plays are you most interested in?

I look for plays that I can emotionally connect with, plays that move me, and challenge me to be a better person and actor. Meisner said, "The first thing you have to do when you read a text is find yourself- really find yourself." I look for plays that are emotionally true to me.

How is it to working with Grant as a Co-Artistic Director?

I love working with Grant because of his passion and respect for the theatre. He is so charismatic and has a very clear vision not only for the Pinch n' Ouch Theatre, but for the community of Atlanta. He is so detailed oriented; nothing escapes his notice, so he keeps me on my toes.

Have you experienced anything along this road that you didn't expect?

I never realized how many hats I would be wearing at one point or another. It's pretty amazing that I've been able to adapt to so many different jobs being thrown at me. It's kind of a paradox to be working on both the business and the art simultaneously, but I'm learning how important it is not to neglect one or the other.

Tell me about Sanford Meisner and why his method is important.

Sanford Meisner believed firmly in truthful acting or as some call it "method" acting. He believed that good acting was rooted from the heart. He would say to his students, "A composer doesn't write down what he thinks would be effective; he works from his heart!"

Meisner created one of the most influential acting exercises called "repetition", which became a foundation for such actors as Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Christopher Lloyd, Sydney Pollack, and Jeff Bridges (to name a few). It involved one actor spontaneously making a comment based on something living in the other actor, and the comment would be repeated back and forth until it changed organically. The idea was not to take the words literally, but to respond based on those little impulses you would get from your partner (or the "pinch"). When done right it resembles an emotional match of tennis, and allows actors to get in touch with their instinctual feelings (or the "ouch"). His technique has opened me up tremendously as an actor and a person.

What are you most excited about the upcoming inaugural season?

We are offering more than 100 professional job opportunities for stage artists in 2011. There is nothing more rewarding than that. I'm also excited about getting a chance to play some very challenging roles this season.

Can you give us an idea on what's in store?

We're going to be offering new plays from some of the hippest contemporary playwrights. Works that are emotionally true, and offer challenging dynamic roles for our actors. Hilarious comedies and powerful dramas. I'm so pumped!

Co-founded by Atlanta natives Grant McGowen and Bree Dawn Shannon, Pinch n' Ouch Theatre brings contemporary and relevant works of American theatre to the Atlanta stage. "Pinch n' ouch" is a phrase coined by legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner as a way to teach actors how "to respond truthfully under imaginary circumstances." Pinch n' Ouch Theatre made its Atlanta debut presenting Reasons To Be Pretty in June 2010. For more information, visit PnOTheatre.com.

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