42: "Confessions from a Working Actor" with Alison Becker, Writer/Comedian/Actor
When asked what they want to be when they grow up, many kids quickly respond with “Actor”. Most people picture the life of an actor as those of A-list celebrities, appearing in blockbuster films, rubbing elbows with their fellow rich and famous friends, and getting to play pretend for a living. In reality, it’s a whole lot of auditions, rejection, pounding the pavement, and waiting for the next gig (if it ever comes.)
Writer/Comedian/Actor/Producer Alison Becker, aka “Parks and Recreation’s” Shauna Malwae-Tweep as you may remember her, knows the highs and lows of Hollywood all too well. Although she’s had lots of success throughout her career, Alison is transparent about the realities of being a working actor in the age of Netflix, decreasing commercials, and the unpredictability of the industry. On this episode, she gets real about how she stays optimistic, diversifies her work, and turns daunting auditions into a game we can all enjoy with her #AuditionLooks on Instagram.
About Alison:
Alison Becker is a writer/comedian/actor/producer best known for playing Shauna Malwae-Tweep, the longest running guest star on NBC's "Parks and Recreation." She has appeared on Showtime’s "Californication," FX’s "The League," HBO's "The Newsroom" from Aaron Sorkin, "New Girl" on FOX, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Kroll Show,” “Lucifer,” two of the "Law and Order" series, and many more. You may also know her as Xandra Dent from Adult Swim's “Newsreaders.”
Alison has also starred in some of the most popular web series ever made, including "Dating Rules from My Future Self” with Shiri Appleby, College Humor’s Batman series with Pete Holmes, and ESPN’s "Mayne Street" with Kenny Mayne. Becker's comedic talent has also been showcased in many other classic videos from Above Average and Funny or Die, including playing opposite Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy's girlfriend. You may remember her from her hosting days on Fuel TV's "The Daily Habit," several shows on Fuse, and as the VJ of the weekly "Top 20 Countdown" on Vh1.
Alison has produced pilots for TruTV and My Damn Channel, is currently developing three feature scripts, and just wrote, produced and starred in a film that is fast becoming a festival darling. Alison has been involved with the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre for over 15 years, and she has been a member of four house teams, both improv and sketch. Alison graduated from Georgetown University, cum laude, and she is a member of the high IQ society Mensa.
Website: alisonbecker.com & www.accessimprov.com
Twitter: @thealisonbecker
Instagram: @thealisonbecker
