Class Notes: Amber Reauchean Willams “Amerikin”

Summary

BroadwayRadio Episode Summary: Class Notes with Amber Rashawn Williams on “Amerikin”

Podcast Information:

• Title: BroadwayRadio
• Host/Author: BroadwayRadio
• Description: Broadway's Premier Podcasts
• Episode: Class Notes: Amber Rashawn Williams “Amerikin”
• Release Date: March 21, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of BroadwayRadio, host Lauren Klash Schneider sits down with Amber Rashawn Williams, a talented performer in the play “Amerikin”, presented by Primary Stages at 59E59. The conversation delves into Amber's experiences portraying Chris Lamont, her collaboration with playwright Chisa Hutchinson, her ventures into voiceover acting, and her role as the host of the popular One True Love Podcast.

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Exploring “Amerikin” and the Role of Chris Lamont

Amber Rashawn Williams shares her initial encounter with “Amerikin”, a compelling narrative set in a small town in Maryland. The play centers around Jeff Browning, who joins a local white supremacist group to secure advantages for his newborn son, only to have his plans disrupted by a DNA test. This leads to a complex unraveling of alliances and tensions, especially when a prominent black journalist and his daughter begin probing deeper into the situation.

Key Insights:

• Character Depth: Amber highlights Chisa Hutchinson’s exceptional skill in character development. She notes, “Chisa does a phenomenal job at just, I mean, crafting humans” ([02:29]).
• Personal Connection: Over the years, Amber has grown alongside the play, bringing more of herself into the character of Chris Lamont, whom she describes as “honest and direct and fearless and resilient” ([02:29]).
• No Audition Needed: Due to her involvement in early readings and previous collaborations, Amber was offered the role without auditioning, which she considers a rare and fortunate occurrence ([06:54]).

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Collaboration with Chisa Hutchinson

Amber recounts her long-standing professional relationship with Chisa Hutchinson, the playwright of “Amerikin”. Their collaboration extends beyond this play, including involvement in a playworkshop series focused on different boroughs and a virtual project for Milwaukee Rep during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights:

• Supportive Environment: Amber emphasizes the supportive and nurturing atmosphere Chisa creates in the rehearsal room. “Chisa is just a beacon of light. I love having her in the room,” she states ([04:36]).
• Rehearsal Presence: Chisa’s active participation in rehearsals provided invaluable guidance and emotional support. “We got so many Chisa hugs,” Amber shares, highlighting the playwright’s personal touch ([05:58]).
• Creative Freedom: Chisa’s trust allows actors to infuse their personalities into their roles, fostering a collaborative and dynamic creative process ([02:29]).

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Rehearsal Process and Favorite Aspects

When asked about her favorite part of the rehearsal process, Amber emphasizes the joy of observing and learning from fellow actors. “Watching the other actors work... is the best part,” she explains ([07:33]).

Key Points:

• Collaboration: Amber appreciates the diversity of thought and creativity that each actor brings, enhancing the storytelling experience ([07:36]).
• Learning Opportunities: By watching others solve problems and embrace spontaneity, she continually hones her craft ([07:36]).

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Venturing into Voiceover Acting

Amber expands on her ventures into voiceover work, detailing how it allows her to explore a multitude of characters beyond the physical and age constraints of stage and screen acting.

Notable Highlights:

• Versatility: “I've played toddlers. I've played women in their 80s and 70s. I've played bunnies and dinosaurs,” Amber enthusiastically shares about her diverse voiceover roles ([08:50]).
• Creative Freedom: The anonymity of voiceover work provides her with the chance to experiment and be playful without being limited by visual characteristics ([08:50]).
• Video Game Experience: Amber discusses her role in Horizon Zero Dawn, emphasizing the unique experience of bringing a character to life in a digital medium. “It's really cool to just see, like, myself in other characters,” she remarks ([10:07]).
• Industry Challenges: She touches on the ongoing SAG strike and the push for AI protections to ensure voiceover artists retain ownership of their voices ([10:07]).

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Hosting the “One True Love” Podcast

Amber also serves as the host of the One True Love Podcast, hailed as the number one black romance podcast globally, now in its sixth season. She narrates how this endeavor began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a creative outlet amid limited acting opportunities.

Insights:

• Creative Genesis: “This podcast was one of the children that was birthed from those trials during COVID,” Amber explains, highlighting its origins as a narrative-driven storytelling platform ([11:45]).
• Collaborative Creation: Working with co-host Malcolm Barrett, Amber enjoys voicing multiple female characters, while Malcolm handles the male roles, fostering a dynamic and engaging narrative ([11:45]).
• Community Connection: The podcast provided a vital sense of connection and collaboration during a period of isolation, allowing creators to engage and create together even remotely ([11:45]).

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Conclusion

Amber Rashawn Williams offers a multifaceted glimpse into her artistic journey, seamlessly balancing her stage performances with voiceover artistry and podcast hosting. Her collaboration with Chisa Hutchinson on “Amerikin” showcases her dedication to nuanced storytelling, while her voiceover work and podcast exemplify her versatility and commitment to connecting with diverse audiences.

Notable Quotes:

• “Chisa does a phenomenal job at just, I mean, crafting humans.” — Amber Rashawn Williams ([02:29])
• “I've played toddlers. I've played women in their 80s and 70s. I've played bunnies and dinosaurs.” — Amber Rashawn Williams ([08:50])
• “This podcast was one of the children that was birthed from those trials during COVID.” — Amber Rashawn Williams ([11:45])

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Final Thoughts

This episode of BroadwayRadio provides an in-depth look at Amber Rashawn Williams' contributions to contemporary theater and beyond. Her insights into character development, collaborative creativity, and the evolving landscape of voice acting offer valuable perspectives for actors, playwrights, and enthusiasts alike. Whether bringing complex characters to life on stage or exploring new dimensions through voiceover work and podcasting, Amber exemplifies the dynamic and resilient spirit of modern performers.

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End of Summary

Transcript

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[Lauren Klash Schneider]

Hi, I'm Lauren Clash Schneider with Clash Notes for Broadway Radio. I'm here with Amber Rushon Williams, cast member in American presented by primary stages at 59E59. Hello and welcome.

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Hello. Thank you so much for having me.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

Oh, of course. We're so excited to talk more about this small town, Maryland, where Jeff Browning resolves to give his newborn son every possible advantage by joining a local white supremacist group. When his attempt to join is thwarted by a DNA test, the line between us and them gets blurred. Jeff's story starts to unravel when a prominent black journalist and his daughter start asking questions. And you, Amber, play the role of Chris Lamont, the question asking daughter of the journalists.

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Oh yes, I ask a lot of questions.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

My first question to you is upon reading the play the first time, what were your thoughts about it and the role itself?

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

It's so interesting because I was first introduced to the play at a very, very early reading. I believe it was still being workshopped. And this was about, I want to say, around like 2018. And it's been a really interesting process, having been introduced to the play years and years ago and then being reintroduced to the play this many years later as a, you know, a person who's grown and lived a little bit more life. And I remember when I first read the play as an actor, I was just astounded at how Chisa crafts character. She. As an actor, you don't gotta work very hard to find the stakes of the piece because they're there, they are on the page. And it's such an honor to embody a character that Chisa has so meticulously. And I'm a huge fan of her work, period, and have been for many years. And I fell in love with Chris, which is the character that I play, Chris Lamott. She's an honest and direct and fearless and resilient human. And I've had the honor of bringing a little bit of myself to it. And the thing I love about Chisa's writing is, particularly when she writes characters, is that she writes complex, full bodied characters. They make mistakes, they contradict themselves, they lie, they love. They're fully realized on the page. So when we get to, you know, jump in when rehearsals begin, you know, we get to add our little sauce to the character to bring it to life, but it's really, it's really on the page. So Chisa does a phenomenal job at just, I mean, crafting humans. And that was my first impression. I was like, whoo, it's on the page. I'm ready.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

And of course, the playwright you're referring to, Chisa, is Chisa Hutchinson.

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

And have the two of you worked together in the past?

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

We have actually. We did a play. It's so funny, it's all jumbled, but we did a play. This was years and years and years ago. I believe it was with a New York theater workshop. They were doing a series where people had to make plays about different boroughs. And I was in an early piece there. And then, of course, I was able to be brought in for the early reading of American. And I also got the opportunity to work with Chisa and Jade, who's the director, on a virtual project, I believe it was for Milwaukee Rep. Chisa wrote a monologue that the character also gives Chris energy. But that was. That was also. It was just an amazing process and it was amazing to be working during COVID But I have worked with her a few times and every time it's just. I mean, Chisa is just a beacon of light. I love having her in the room. She's always there to, you know, answer questions and help us, you know, find things if we're having a tough time really grasping a moment. And she's just a light, and she gives the best hugs. I wish everybody could have a Chisa hug. She just. It's amazing, and I'm very grateful that I get to get so many Chisa hugs. They're great. Chisa's amazing, and I've had a blast working with her.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

Nice. Now, while American is not a new play for this process, was Chisa in the rehearsal room much giving hugs and otherwise?

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Absolutely. We got so many Chisa hugs. Chisa was in the rehearsal room for the majority of the process. She does do other things outside of this rehearsal, so there were a few days she wasn't there, but she was there for the majority of the process, so she was. It was really amazing to have her in the room with us. It's always useful, I think, to have playwrights in the room, especially when you're working on new, you know, quote, unquote, new plays, new ish plays or plays that, you know, haven't had very many productions because, you know, the playwright knows the world better than we do when we first start. So it was really amazing. And she's also just so light and supportive, so it was amazing to have her in the room as much as we did. I feel really just grateful and a little spoiled that we got to have so much Chisa time.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

American was directed, as you had mentioned, by Jade King Carroll. Did you have to audition for this role?

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

I did not. I think because I had been involved in a lot of the early readings, and we also did have a reading with Primary Stages this past fall. I didn't have to audition, so I got the offer right after I had the. Right after we did the reading this past fall. I think it was around November.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

Oh, great. Great. Good for you.

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Very lucky. Doesn't happen often, but I'm very grateful throughout rehearsal.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

What's your favorite part of the rehearsal process?

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Easy. Watching the other actors work. I. Listening is so important in our craft, and I get to do it, and I get to watch other actors solve problems and think on their feet and, you know, tap into their impulses. It was a phenomenal cast, and everyone is so talented, and I just had so much to learn. So my favorite part of the rehearsal, you know, if I was called and my scene wasn't up yet, I got to just watch and be a part of the room and be a part of, you know, artists Collaborating, which, you know, is just such a. It's such a. Just a rare, amazing, unique thing that we get to do in the way that we collaborate. So I just. I just really enjoy seeing different humans with different brains from different walks of life coming together to try to tell a singular story and how we all do that together. Collaboration is. It's the best part. And just again, watching other actors work, I learn so much, so much.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

Now, to your own repertoire, you've added voiceover artist where. Different type of collaboration. What do you like about voiceover acting?

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Well, the thing I love the most about voiceover acting is that I can be anything when it comes to stage and film and television. Not that it's a limitation, but I am limited by the container that I'm in. I'm limited by what I look like, my size, my age. And when it comes to voiceovers, I mean, I've played toddlers. I've played women in their 80s and 70s. I've played bunnies and dinosaurs. I just get to have a lot of fun exploring characters and even exploring just the instrument of my voice. And I've learned so much more about even just the depths and heights of my own voice just by creating and crafting so many different characters. My favorite thing to do as a voiceover artist is when I get to do, like, more than one character in a project. It's just fun. It's just a lot of fun. And, you know, I also get, you know, the safety and comfort of anonymity where you don't see me. You know, I'm in my little closet, and I just get to really just play around and be silly, and there's such a freedom in that. So I. I love. I love, love, love doing voiceovers. It's just a blast.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

Tell us about doing a voiceover for a video game.

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Yeah, well, I'll tell you now, video games are the best. The video game that I was a part of, it was Horizon Zero dawn, and I was cast in that project. I think it was. It was definitely during COVID so we weren't able to do the motion. Most of the motion capture they had to do with other actors. And we came in for the. To add in the voices, but, you know, you get the little dots on your face, and it's. It's kind of. It's really cool to just see, like, myself in other characters because they always change how the character looks and just see those characters brought to life. It's. And you get, like, these big, cool helmets, and you get to, like, See the video game as you're, you know, sometimes, not all the time. You get to see the video game as you're working on it, and it's just like a really. It's just cool. It's really cool. And we're working right now, unfortunately for video games, SAG is still currently on strike. We're trying to get some more AI protections. So I really hope that we come out and we're able to work through it, because voiceovers are a blast, and we just want to make sure that voiceover artists are protected and that our voices remain ours. But, yeah, they're a blast. Absolutely. Love, love, love video games. They're so much fun.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

Well, and thank you also for bringing that up. And everything that you're talking about is so impressive. I'd like to do a bit of a plug. You're the host of the number one black romance podcast in the world, One True Love podcast, now in its sixth season. So how did this come about and what's your favorite thing about hosting it?

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

That podcast came about. I really got into voiceovers really heavily during COVID I started doing voiceovers, it was around 2018. And, you know, during COVID there wasn't a lot of other work, so I was just working really, really hard to get those bookings. And this podcast was one of the children that was birthed from. From that, from those trials during COVID And it was. It was my first podcast, but it was a narrative driven podcast that was all about storytelling. We got to tell different stories, and it's kind of like a podcast version of, like, a saucy romance novel, but black. And it was an amazing, amazing, amazing process. And we got to be really involved with even how the stories were crafted. And I got to do, again, my favorite thing where I was able to voice all of the female characters for the show, and my co host, Malcolm Barrett, was able to host all of the male characters. So I just got to have a lot of fun playing different characters and doing new, interesting things with my own voice. And, yeah, it was also really great at the time to connect and create with people during COVID because as an actor, it was a huge void. We connect with people, we're in rooms, we touch each. We're making contact with each other. We're face to face. So not having that, it was tough. It was really tough. So being able to, even just through my mic, connect with other people and collaborate and create, it's a process that I'm really grateful to have been a part of and wondery was wonderful. They were wonderful. They were very supportive, and they allowed us, again, to have input into the story and just gave us a lot of freedom to craft the characters.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

How great. And I'm thrilled about more that we get to hear you and see you on stage and just with our ears. Thank you so much, Amber.

[Amber Rashawn Williams]

Thank you so much. Thank you for having me.

[Lauren Klash Schneider]

I'm Lauren Klash Schneider with Amber Rashawn Williams, performer in American Presented by primary stages at 59E59. Thank you.