A Look Back at Ann Harada and Finding Longevity as an Actor

About this episode

The episode features a conversation with Ann Harada about her four-decade Broadway career and the pursuit of longevity as an actor.

No matter what it is that initially motivates someone to be in the arts, it could be the craft or the people or the fame, there is one thing I think we all strive for: longevity. Besides finding consistent work, which is certainly no small task, the foundation of a long career is figuring out what it takes to personally stay motivated, energized, and still be yourself over the years. Some days it can feel like you’ve got a handle on it, while other days it’s a scramble to keep priorities straight and maintain direction. I sat down with Ann Harada in 2024 to talk about Broadway career that has spanned 4 decades, from the original production of M. Butterfly and the most recent revival of Into the Woods to her current Broadway show, Schmigadoon. But Ann would be the first to tell you that finding happiness and satisfaction in the acting business didn’t come quickly or easily for her. In our conversation, she talked about some lean years before Avenue Q made her a Broadway star as well as how she continued working hard and pushing herself both on and offstage. Follow Ann: Schmigadoon / Facebook / IMDb / IBDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Oliver Jones

Guest: Ann Harada

Topics covered

• longevity in acting
• Broadway career
• motivation in the arts
• personal growth
• theater history

Keywords

• Ann Harada
• Broadway
• acting career
• longevity
• theater
• motivation
• M. Butterfly
• Into the Woods
• Avenue Q

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: M. Butterfly, Into the Woods, Schmigadoon, Avenue Q

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