In part 1 we heard vivid stories of how Alex found his way to theater, developed his directing style, and launched Quintessence Theater in Mt. Airy.

Now in part 2 we take a lively trip through building the Quintessence production of Christopher Marlowe’s challenging “Dr. Faustus” — finding a “charismatic and dashing” actor for the lead role, convincing a nationally-known designer to create a blockbuster experience with a tiny budget, figuring out how the devil can set off fireworks when it’s prohibited by the Fire Marshal, walking home after opening night, and more.

And we hear what’s behind the stellar performances Alex gets from actors — looking for humanity, facility with language, and body ease in auditions, and crafting just-right feedback in rehearsals to help actors get to places they haven’t gone before.

Along the way we see how his enthusiasm, vision, and sense of adventure build a great experience for the actors and the audience as well as for himself.

Podcast website: https://nwphillypodcast.net

More about Alex Burns and Quintessence Theater Group:

• Alexander Burns website
• Quintessence Theatre Group
• Bios - AlexBurns.com, Broad Street Review 
• Quintessence’s "Doctor Faustus", with links to reviews
• Articles
  • Classics Now and Forever: Interview with Quintessence Theatre’s Alexander Burns (Phindie, 2011)
  • “I was born into Shakespeare, the American Shakespeare”: Alex Burns on directing MACBETH (Arden) (Phindie, 2015)
  • Mt. Airy director stirs up toil and trouble at Arden (Chestnut Hill Local, 2015)