Interview: Scott Sheldon Chats Brilliant Traces, Opening in Culver City 6/19

The Chromolume Theatre in Culver City will soon be home to a new production of "Brilliant Traces" by Cindy Lou Johnson starring Scott Sheldon and Jennifer Hall, directed by Elina Santos.

I had the fortune to sit down with actor, Scott Sheldon, about his upcoming play, "Brilliant Traces" by Cindy Lou Johnson. A long-time actor, first time producer, Mr. Sheldon first saw a production of the play years ago and it always left an impression on him. When he decided to take the reigns to produce a play himself, this was the first that entered his mind. A two person play set in the middle of nowhere in the wilderness in Alaska; one a self-proclaimed hermit hiding from the outside world after a personal tragedy and a runaway bride who has been driving for days to escape her wedding, her life and reality. These two lost souls have to come together to find themselves in each other. Sheldon loved the idea of delving in to such a dialogue heavy, character-driven production and set about finding a way to make that idea a reality.

Sheldon, a New York native out of Saratoga Springs, moved to Los Angeles nearly 10 years ago. He has done some small parts in film, but remains true to his love of the stage. When he came up with idea of producing his own play, he found a few investors to assist with the financial aspect of the production. From there, he took to the virtual streets and began a Kickstarter campaign asking for a modest amount to help get the play up on the stage. He really had no idea what to expect or even if it was feasible, however, support came pouring in out of the woodwork. Local friends, fellow thespians and theatre tech people jumped in to assist, people he hadn't spoken to in years contributed and wished him well. It was at that point that he knew he not only had support with no questions asked, but he was also inspired. He chose Kickstarter specifically because it was an all or nothing prospect. If the show was fully funded, he knew it would be significant that he was moving in the right direction. He was fully funded to his goal well before the deadline with the final total of donations exceeding the original amount for which he had asked. Friends, family, colleagues and long-ago acquaintances had come together to make Sheldon's concept a reality.

Enter Director, Elina Santos and co-star, Jennifer Hall, both well known and respected in the LA community and beyond and add in the dynamic pair, David and Amanda Mauer of Phantom Owl Productions and the production was on its way.

Sheldon confessed that the dual role of producing as well as acting had taken much more concentration than originally anticipated, but it wasn't intimidating, it was invigorating. With so much love and support, there is definitely pressure felt. Sheldon put himself out there and people showed up and all he wants to do now is show his supporters that it was all worth it.

One thing he has learned is that how he originally saw the production in his head, even how he had seen his own performance has completely changed since inception. With the aid of his director and co-star, he has been able to explore different aspects of his character and open his mind up to alternative options. Describing himself as a "Director's Actor," Sheldon was thrilled to work with these two strong women in finding the right path for these characters and this story. It has been an extraordinary exercise in keeping an open mind and always striving to further his craft. In the final week of rehearsals before previews, Sheldon has had to put the Producer hat aside as he lets co-Producer, Amanda Mauer take the reigns. He admits it is never easy to relinquish controls, but knows that in order to get his onstage job done, it is the next step. Thankfully he is surrounded by a remarkably professional and talented group of people that his worry can subside. Not to mention his newly founded online support base who are still constantly sending messages of support and well wishes for this production. It is a testament to how people can surprise you, when, as it turns out, all you have to do is ask.

"Brilliant Traces" by Cindy Lou Johnson is presented by Nippy's Acre & Phantom Owl Productions at the Chromolume Theatre at 5429 W Washington Blvd in Los Angeles. Performances begin June 19 - July 19, 2015 with previews beginning June 12 - 14. Friday shows are at 8:00pm and Sunday shows are at 3:00pm. The play runs 80 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets are available at https://www.artful.ly/store/events/6088

http://brillianttraces.com/

Photo Credit - Elina Santos