Embracing the Power of Creativity in All its Forms with Teddy Margas

01/09/24 • 65 min

As part of our mission to reinvigorate the NOT REAL ART Podcast schedule in 2024, we’re not only introducing you to new artists every month but we’re also revisiting the archives to bring you creative conversations that you might have missed! In this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with Teddy Margas, a charismatic actor, writer, comedian, and performer who shared an uplifting message about embracing the power of creativity back in Episode 170. As we say in Hollyweird, Teddy is a “working actor” who has his fingers in many pies and continues to grow and branch out, always taking on new challenges and art forms to stay inspired. Tune in as we discuss Teddy's upbringing, moments from his childhood that left an impression on him, how he welcomes his trauma into his comedy performances, and why connecting with an audience is such a powerful thing. We also touch on some of his incredible character work, particularly his fascination with the ‘Karen' stereotype, and his insightful advice for approaching auditions. As you’ll discover, Teddy is a shining example of creative talent and dedication, who believes that allowing space for the magic of play and creativity can bring so much joy and fulfillment into our lives. If you missed this conversation the first time around, here’s your chance to soak up the wit and wisdom of the one and only Teddy Margas!

Key Points From This Episode:

Insight into Teddy's upbringing, birth in North Carolina, and formative years in Philadelphia.
Benefits of growing up in a cultural melting pot like Philly.
His two-part move to LA and what it was like to leave a small pond for a big city.
Free your mind and the rest will follow: how he learned to marry all of his creative talents.
Teddy's belief in the importance of nurturing the artistic impulses of young children.
The bravery it takes to get up on stage and why he thinks everyone should try it!
Thoughts on the connection between comedy and trauma.
When Teddy found his voice and learned to truly connect with an audience.
How Teddy describes his work and skillsets depending on the context.
What goes into the development of Teddy's characters and his fascination with Karens.
From studying acting in Philly to scene study in LA: important lessons from Teddy's journey.
The art of auditioning: key elements of successful auditioning techniques.
How Teddy has used silence in his routine to great effect.
Surprising roles and places that Teddy has found himself in thanks to his love for creating.
Why he encourages everyone listening to do something creative today.
Hurdles he faces at this point in his career (and why we should all face challenges head-on).

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/teddy-margas

Key Points From This Episode:

Insight into Teddy's upbringing, birth in North Carolina, and formative years in Philadelphia.
Benefits of growing up in a cultural melting pot like Philly.
His two-part move to LA and what it was like to leave a small pond for a big city.
Free your mind and the rest will follow: how he learned to marry all of his creative talents.
Teddy's belief in the importance of nurturing the artistic impulses of young children.
The bravery it takes to get up on stage and why he thinks everyone should try it!
Thoughts on the connection between comedy and trauma.
When Teddy found his voice and learned to truly connect with an audience.
How Teddy describes his work and skillsets depending on the context.
What goes into the development of Teddy's characters and his fascination with Karens.
From studying acting in Philly to scene study in LA: important lessons from Teddy's journey.
The art of auditioning: key elements of successful auditioning techniques.
How Teddy has used silence in his routine to great effect.
Surprising roles and places that Teddy has found himself in thanks to his love for creating.
Why he encourages everyone listening to do something creative today.
Hurdles he faces at this point in his career (and why we should all face challenges head-on).

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/teddy-margas

Previous Episode

Sean Grant - Laugh Gallery

If our hosts were going to exploit anyone, they’d choose Sean Grant. During this episode, you’ll find out why. Sean might be unsure about whether or not he’s an artist, but he certainly doesn’t kick off his set with nearly as much violence as the comic he once saw using the term ‘pussy boy’ in his opening line. He knows a thing or two about how hard the Mexican community can party and he’s here to remind listeners that Will Smith is not the inventor of slapping comedians on stage. He also shares his perspective on what a mother’s love can and can’t cure, fertility and family planning, the secret to a long-lasting marriage, and breaking the stereotype that Black men take surveys. Tune in today to hear all this and more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sean Grant

Sean Grant on YouTube

Sean Grant on Instagram

Laugh Gallery

Laugh Gallery on Instagram

Scott "Sourdough" Power

Katie Love

Next Episode

Artsville: Looking at the World Differently with Kenn Kotara

You might already know this, but here at Crewest Studio, we produce several different podcasts. One of these podcasts is Artsville, which celebrates American contemporary art and craft from Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond. If you’re looking to discover world-class artisans, artists, craftspeople, and makers, Artsville has it all: from painting and pottery to weaving, woodworking, glass blowing, and more! Today, you’ll hear from contemporary mixed-media abstract artist, Kenn Kotara, as we share an interview from the Artsville archives. Based in Asheville, Kenn’s practice is shaped by his lifelong fascination with architecture, philosophy, and literature, and he masterfully expresses himself across canvas, paper, mylar, polaroids, site-specific installations, and even Braille. In this episode, we explore Kenn’s transition from representational to abstract work and the impact that Asheville has had on him as an artist. Tuning in, you’ll find out what working with Braille taught Kenn about being present and mindful, why he believes in the power of art to bridge divides in a world where so many seek to widen them, and how he has devoted his career to looking at the world differently by embracing a myriad of inspirations. We also touch on the paramount importance of education, how artists can practice the art of listening, and so much more. For a fascinating conversation with a side of inspiration and a fresh perspective on life (and art), don’t miss this episode of Artsville with Kenn Kotara!

Key Points From This Episode:

Kenn’s upbringing, his French Cajun heritage and the Polish origins of his name, Kotara.
The story of what brought Kenn to Asheville more than 25 years ago.
What he loves about living and working in the nurturing environment of Asheville.
The evolution of his work and the impact Asheville had on his practice as a painter.
Understanding the influence of architecture, graphic design, and technology on his work.
How Kenn cultivates discipline as an artist and navigates what he calls the chaos of creation.
Kenn’s work with Braille and the perspective it gave him on empathy and perfection.
The relationships he has built within the visually impaired community as a result.
What wearing a blindfold to emulate blindness taught him about being present in the moment.
Insight into the process of writing Braille and the tools and methodologies that he uses.
One of the major literary influences on Kenn’s work: Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
Reflecting on the significance of his Braille work for those who aren’t visually impaired.
The power of art to bridge gaps rather than create them, like so many politicians seek to do.
How Kenn’s site-specific installations encourage conversation and facilitate education.
Listening as an art form: how Kenn came to be so articulate about his artwork.
Why Kenn is so devoted to his work in education, even as he formally retires from teaching.