Interview with Foley Artist Shawn Goudie | It’s a Wonderful Life Chicago
Creative work is hard work.
The hours are long after those spent at jobs that pay the bills. Add to that the complexities of family, and the life of an artist can seem an impossible reality.
But creative work is attainable.
Even in the small cracks and spaces of the day. Even as a spouse and as a parent. It may take a little more commitment, and a little more discipline, but it is possible to do meaningful creative work.
–
Shawn Goudie is a facilities technician by day and actor by night with the American Blues Theater Ensemble. He’s also a husband and father making the impossibility of creative work a reality through hard work and dedication to his craft.
–
I had the privilege of sitting down with him for an interview in anticipation of the ensemble’s presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! running November 20-December 27, 2015 at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Today he’s talking parenthood and family and how he makes creative happens in the middle of it.
–
Foley artist Shawn Goudie. Photo by Johnny Knight.
CHRISTINE: Thanks for taking a break from performances to join us today.
SHAWN: Absolutely, I’m so excited to chat with you and your readers.
We know you’re part of the American Blues Theater Ensemble from the intro – could you tell us a little more about yourself?
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI and came to Chicago to study acting at Columbia College. Currently, I am a facilities technician during the day and an actor by night. I became a parent almost five years ago when my son, Wiles, was born. My wife and I were recently blessed with a second child, Petra, earlier this year.
How fun! My two youngest boys are right around your kids ages! Being a parent of littles can be exhausting work, but still you find time for your art. How did you come to be part of It’s a Wonderful Life?
I started as an audience member back in 2005 and fell in love with the storytelling format of a radio play. When the Artistic Director, Wendy, offered me the position of Foley Artist, I was thrilled to accept. At the time, I was also performing and hosting with Live Band Karaoke and was excited to bring my musicality to the stage in the foley art form.
Can you explain what a Foley Artist is for those of us who are not familiar with it?
A Foley Artist creates or recreates sounds for movies. In It’s a Wonderful Life, I’m creating sound elements for our live radio broadcast.
What a cool job! We’re going to transition to a couple more artistic questions . . . Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
My love of radio shows and old time movies are my biggest inspiration. I’ve also found that trying to entertain my children and keep life fun for them has helped me grow as an artist.
Who has most inspired your professional career?
My son has been my biggest inspiration. I want him to see me doing something that I not only love, but that I excel at. As a bonus, seeing his excitement about ‘going to the theater’ reminds me that I really do have a cool job.
That is so sweet. I’m sure you can’t wait for Petra to visit you at work too. What is your favorite part of being a parent?
Watching my children play and discover the world is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Their wonder in everything from sun playing through the leaves of a tree, to learning a new skill reminds me daily how lucky we all are to love and be loved.
–
What have you found to be the most challenging part of being a parent?
–
It can be challenging to feel like you are doing enough for your children and finding a balance between the time, love, and attention you give them – to your spouse – and have for yourself.
Balance is definitely hard. How do you find the balance between career and family?
I am lucky to have married a stage manager. She has taken over most of the day-to-day details of our house and this frees my time and focus to be able to practice my art. I try to share as much responsibility in raising the children with her as possible and make sure that I thank her daily for all that she does for this family.
–
Before you get back to the show – what encouragement would you give to parents who have not yet attained their creative and professional goals?
–
Be sure to support your partner’s dreams and goals as much as your own. Goals are more easily obtained if you are helping each other along the way. It takes a village to raise a family and don’t be too proud to ask for help.
–
Thanks so much for sharing with us today. My husband and I are really excited to see It’s a Wonderful Life. We’ll be watching for you from the audience!
–
Awesome! See you then. 🙂
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! is playing at the Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. For tickets or more information visit www.AmericanBluesTheater.com. Review coming soon!
