CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST

In episode 4 of the Apple TV Original Series WIDOW'S BAY, I play the role of Deputy Kent.  It is a brief appearance, but here I go talking about it for way too long!

A little behind the scenes insight into one of the craziest stage shows I've ever been a part of.

A clarification about me performing as "Retired filmmaker George Lucas" at the soon-to-be-opening Lucas Museum Of Narrative Art

NYC vs L.A.?  Which is better?  Which is right for me?  Which is right for YOU??

A question about mixing up words, flubbing lines, etc!

A question about whether or not I have any HOPE regarding the future of The Entertainment Industry PLUS 2 MORE BONUS QUESTIONS!

Some thoughts about traveling with my CRpTAC show, and some related DIFFICULTIES and FEARS!

A question about really successful and famous ppl doing appearances at fan conventions when it SEEMS like maybe they wouldn't/shouldn't need to do such things

A question about inappropriate utterances and awkward interactions with audience members or monologists

The first of what may end up being an ongoing series of episodes about Meryl Streep

A long episode where I unpack my entire current situation, i.e. why I do the Acting Class shows, etc

Since 2014, I've been talking about the Lucas Museum Of Narrative Art -- it has been one of the core topics on The George Lucas Talk Show since long before it found its permanent home in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.   Now that the museum is set to open on September 22nd, 2026, do we have plans for GLTS?  Yes, we do!  And beyond that, we have a ton of vague ambitions that won't find their shape until we find out what is possible!  It is an exciting time to be alive!

About acting with animals!

I've been recording and deleting episodes before posting them!

Connor's regular Sunday night improv gig, Raaaatscraps, heads into its final 7 shows, while a new TV series, a movie premiere, and another live NYC edition of CRpTAC are all happening this week!

The next in-person CRpTAC guest is Zach Cherry (4/30/26 at UCBNY), so here are a few thoughts about Zach in anticipation of him doing the show!

Longest episode yet!  A question about the live kids' TV show my dad used to host leads to me talking about a couple of past projects and my ideas regarding "all ages" entertainment.

A viewing of the 1998 very strange comedy/thriller FREE MONEY starring Marlon Brando leads me to think about the final decade+/chapter of the legendary actor's filmography

Some musings on the old Stanislavski quote, "there are no small roles, only small actors."

Does "Connor's Pizza" belong in a MUSEUM?

A suggestion, considered.

A lovely shout-out from Seth Meyers on the Lonely Island podcast leads to a small CRpTAC quump (bonus: several minutes of "Space Olympics" defense at the end of this one)

Musings on the nature of any current audience for my various projects...

A very long answer to a question about the status of Connor's Pizza, the feature film that Tom Levin & I shot in 2019 which has only ever screened ONCE, in Toronto, at a midnight film festival screening.  Will it ever come out?  What does the future hold for Connor's Pizza?

Another question about an obscure thing I did!  I acted in a low budget pilot that Seth Green produced which (I think) will never see the light of day?

A complicated question that I probably give an unsatisfying, rambling answer to.

A pretty detailed answer about The Baron & The Junk Dealer, the GLTS "Beckett Play" we did in Edinburgh and for 2 West Coast dates a few years back.

A disappointing development, alas.  But with hope for the slightly distant future!

Who should do improv?  Just actors and comedians?  Or is there room for everyone?

How do I respond to criticism, constructive or otherwise?  Listen to me react to a piece of constructive criticism IN REAL TIME!

A question about how to deal with sometimes very long wait between acting jobs.

The most obscure question yet!  I talk a little bit about "Spare Change," the 10-episode "TV show" I made with my friends when I was in high school.

Answering a question about my weight issues.

A question about the potential for embarrassment when learning how to do improv.

I am asked about my fondness for older films, TV shows & music and if I have recently "discovered" anything old that I like.  This brings me to The Beverly Hillbillies and, specifically, to the actor Raymond Bailey.

I have been very strict about limiting applause during CRpTAC shows -- why did I allow it during last weekend's Cleveland show with special guest James III?  The answer might surprise you!

I'm asked a specific thing related to a hypothetical KFC ad campaign and the recent remarks by Quentin Tarantino

A question about the benefits and drawbacks of doing low budget projects 

Part 2!  A question about my preferences w/r/t interactions with fans/listeners/etc whenever I'm out and about.

Another (sort of) 2-parter!  This question is about interacting with famous people in various contexts, both as a performer and as a person.

A 2nd episode where I talk about The Spirit Of Ratliff, my YouTube holiday special and its accompanying soundtrack.  This episode veers in a few different directions from the previous one.

A question about Future Music Projects, and a brief history of the 3 vinyl records I have willed into existence -- The Spirit Of Ratliff, The GLTS Soundtrack LP and the Aimee Mann "Dead Eyes" single.

I ponder the way that my projects tend to use the popularity of more famous people in order to attract an audience.

A long episode!  With an answer to a complicated question!  I have certainly talked about this topic elsewhere, but there may be a few details here that I haven't talked about publicly before.  Who knows?  The prelude to my quitting acting has been well-covered on the Dead Eyes podcast, but this answer is mostly about what happened between 2002 and 2015, the time when I was working at Barnes & Noble Union Square and not really trying to be an actor anymore.  There will be a fair amount of Bookstore Content in this episode!

A grim question to ponder about the future of The George Lucas Talk Show, including a near-death experience at SF Sketchfest in January 2026.

Some rambling thoughts about current Oscar nominee Delroy Lindo and what a great actor he is, and a few viewing recommendations.

Some random thoughts about shows I've auditioned for that I'm *still* hoping to eventually get cast on!

I answer 3 different questions that are all sort of related to "branding"

A question about how a lot of my projects and comedic endeavors are really long and why that is.

A question about the podcast, Tiny Dinos, specifically: will the TINY DINOS LIVE! show ever be released online in some form.