Quarantine Q/A: SHAUN MICHAEL MCNAMARA

Shaun Michael McNamara

by Gil Benbrook

Our series of interviews that focuses on individuals involved in the Phoenix theatre community and their reaction to our current stay at home mandate continues today with a conversation with actor, writer, director and All Puppet Players founder and Artistic Director, Shaun Michael McNamara.

COVID-19 has affected us all in many ways. The theatre community has been harshly impacted with show closures and postponements. We hope this series of daily interviews will be a way to provide some personal insight to what people are doing during this period of time while highlighting familiar individuals from the theatre community in town.

Was there a show you were in or involved with or preparing for when the stay at home order started?

"We were in the first week of rehearsals for Reservoir Dogs and closing Shrek. Everything happened so fast, I remember thinking we weren't going to be able to finish Shrek. When I pushed the rehearsals for Reservoir Dogs back, I think I always knew we weren't coming back for this season. "

How have you been personally impacted by our current situation?

"Live theater is my not just a hobby, but my livelihood. Ticket sales make up the bulk of our business. So we were impacted pretty hard when shows were canceled. Not to mention, it is an outlet to be social. "

How has your daily routine changed?

"I now get up and decide what digital content I'm going to create. I never would have been motivated or had the time to create videos or go through our old shows if not for the fact that I wanted to stay connected to our fans. They are the only thing keeping me sane and happy... And 'sane' is debatable. "

What do you feel will be different when theater restarts?

"It's hard to say. It took us 10 years to build to the audience we have now. I have a feeling it will be like starting over. We will have to work harder at enticing people into our space. I think some people are going to be willing to come back right away. I think my cast is itching to get back. But I think we are going to lose the casual fan. The person who wasn't planning on going to the theater but was convinced by a friend to see naughty puppets. I think that "friend" might not risk it for a night's worth of puppet shenanigans."

When do you think that’ll happen?

"I'd like to think it will be sooner than later. But I think it's gonna take a while. I'm slightly worried we can't perform for a large audience until next year. Most of the local theater's rely on December to get them through the coming months. I can certainly say Die Hard helps us through a lot of the year. We are planning on returning in September - fingers crossed people will be ready. Hell, fingers crossed the world will be ready. "

Shaun Michael McNamara in Shrek - Mesa Encore Theatre / All Puppet Players
photo by Justin McBride

What have you been doing to stay creative during this time?

"We are working on our weekly sketch show every Monday at 8pm. All week we are filming pieces or pitching new pieces or writing for it. Every Friday night we dig into our 'vault' and show one of our old shows on Facebook and Youtube live. I'm working on a kids book with one of my artists, Tanner Stuff. I'm trying to maintain sanity by working. I knew I wasn't going to be able to sit back and wait. So it's helped break up the monotony. "

Any binge tv shows you’ve watched?

"Better Call Saul. It's better than Breaking Bad-- convince me I' m wrong!"

Any new hobbies you’ve taken on?

"Porn. I'm getting into the porn business. Just kidding... or am I?"

How has this experience changed you?

"I truly miss and love my cast-mates. They are my family.  I think we have all been in constant contact since all of this. Not just working on the shows, but eating digital dinners with each other, playing video games together, talking on the phone. When you see someone everyday it's very easy to take them for granted. Boy, do I miss my misfit friends but it has been nice to get to to know them on a different level as well. I normally hide socially, but they won't let me and I love them for it.

I also miss the fans. The true life blood of APP. This is not blowing smoke, but truly, they have sent emails, posted words of encouragement, checked in on us, generously supported us and they have done so in a way that makes me love them even more than I did. We would not be able to get through this without them. They have made me believe that we will be alright. I owe them everything for that. "

What is the one thing you’re most looking forward to when the stay at home order is lifted?

"The moment our theme song plays and I get to walk out to see the audience. I can't wait. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it. It will be like seeing an old friend for the first time. "