CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST Podcast
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS is an ongoing series of live and filmed performances which pretend to be real acting classes. This companion podcast features professional actor/comedian CONNOR RATLIFF talking about the show and about acting in general. As the creator as one of the most acclaimed podcasts of the past decade -- Dead Eyes, cited by TIME Magazine & Left Of Dial Media's lists of the "best 100 podcasts of all time" and featured in the book The Podcast Pantheon, published by Chronicle Books in 2025 -- it should be clear that this podcast will not attempt to achieve the same level of quality or acclaim as that one. This podcast is going to be a sloppy mess. It was conceived in desperation, as a way to attract attention to an ongoing series of live shows and online videos while struggling to maintain a consistent level of employment as a working actor in desperate times. It is possible that almost no one will listen to this podcast, or that a small number of people might sample it once and never listen again. Minus the celebrity hook of Dead Eyes, it may be that the appeal of this endeavor will be as low as double or single digit listenership. Which is fine. It's 2025 and time is marching on, and life is rapidly slipping away from all of us. Thank you for engaging with CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST in any way. We realize that you have an overwhelming amount of options for entertainment, education and simply passing the time. You could be listening to the works of the greatest composers or musicians of all time, enjoying the finest works of cinema or literature, or even listening to a better class of podcast. Every second that you waste listening to this one is an unfathomable choice and greatly appreciated. I will try to be interesting and apologize if I am not.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Making some plans for the show -- maybe returning to Chicago? Maybe elsewhere?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I am about to do a bunch of shows in a bunch of different places! And I have some thoughts...
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Just some odds & ends, ramblings about The Odyssey, etc
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
After 5 years, the lower east side improv show, Raaaatscraps, has come to an end! Built from the ashes of ASSSSCAT (which died with the 2020 lockdown but has since been reborn at the new UCB), this show was created by Shannon O'Neill and gathered together a crew of some of the world's best improvisers to do shows every Sunday night. And now, as of last night, it's over. Which has left me in a rambling, melancholy mood. I turn 51 this month and each chapter that comes to and end now feels like I am inching towards that final big ending. Here's 30 minutes of NYC improv talk which may contain things I've said previously on this very podcast.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I've noticed a teeny-tiny trend where people are fundamentally misunderstanding the concept of "Yes, And..." in improv, and then confidently wading into the comments section to give notes on online clips from improv shows. A minor annoyance, which I rant about for nearly 20 minutes. Hello!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Retired filmmaker George Lucas has opinions about A.I. that have recently been a source of controversy -- I answer a question about those views and about how new information about George Lucas affects the way I approach my "Retired filmmaker George Lucas" character...
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about the writing process for the Disney comics I've been writing with my friend James III
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about the unknown future of Deputy Kent on the smash hit, Emmy-nominated Widow's Bay, which you should watch on Apple TV if you haven't already!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Just some light musings on the film performances of Tom Hanks
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about "Special Editions" (i.e. when artists revisit their old works and change them)
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Today is Tom Hanks' 70th birthday, and a listener has a birthday-timed pair of questions
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A specific question about my character process when doing Comedy Bang! Bang! live shows
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about which singer/songwriter I would select to create a jukebox musical based on my life (I give a detailed but disappointingly evasive answer)
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
There's a book! 1st edition limited to 100 copies. Also: a question about the voices in the Peanuts TV specials & movies
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Should I keep doing this podcast? Maybe not!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about my process for devising characters for Comedy Bang! Bang! live touring shows
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Thoughts on interacting with famous ppl
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about George Lucas returning to CINEMA as the voice of one of the Minions in this summer's MINIONS & MONSTERS
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Asked to rank the Toy Story films, and I more-or-less do, while also suggesting what I hope will at some point be done with the first one. I also talk about the way that people wish for good things to end before they go downhill, including thoughts on Widow's Bay and The Wire.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Am I **not funny**? Well, it depends on who you ask!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
New Steven Spielberg movie I auditioned for... and I did **NOT** book the role! But there is always HOPE for the FUTURE! Allow me to unpack the process a teeny-tiny bit...
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Longest episode yet! The first half is deep-dive stuff about the Del Close Marathon, the multi-day, multi-stage improv festival which just returned to NYC for the first time in close to a decade! Then I pivot to the recent controversy about who can call themselves a "New Yorker." I talked too long! But then again, what is the point of this thing, anyway, if not to talk too long?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
how my brain work?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I just finished a week of touring with Comedy Bang! Bang! and somebody asked me a question about how that whole thing works!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
As promised: expanded rambling thoughts regarding one of my favorite characters of all time: Miles Drentell. I recorded this one while very tired, so I don't remember all the different things I veered off-topic about!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I saw a clip of Melissa Villaseñor talking about her post-SNL experience, and it got me thinking.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
2 mostly unconnected concepts: will I ever perform in Australia, and are there ways for people to support my various creative endeavors?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A re-record of an episode I recorded 2 days earlier (walking through London) which proved unlistenable. This is me talking about the same things in the quiet of my Earl's Court hotel room late at night. Buckingham Palace & St James Park are the central topics, though of course I ramble.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
100TH EPISODE!!! Contains a brief section about the fictional character Miles Drentell, which is a topic I will likely return to in a future episode.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about "Nepo Babies" leads me to several other terms that rattle around in my head sometimes
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
2 questions! One about D&D and another about Doing Dialects!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I am about to cross The Brimley/Cocoon Line, which is the moment in life when a person is the same age that actor Wilford Brimley was when the film COCOON was released in theaters.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
My thoughts about "non-actors" doing acting!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Someone asked about Griffin Newman and these are my thoughts about him!
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!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A little behind the scenes insight into one of the craziest stage shows I've ever been a part of.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A clarification about me performing as "Retired filmmaker George Lucas" at the soon-to-be-opening Lucas Museum Of Narrative Art
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
NYC vs L.A.? Which is better? Which is right for me? Which is right for YOU??
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about mixing up words, flubbing lines, etc!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about whether or not I have any HOPE regarding the future of The Entertainment Industry PLUS 2 MORE BONUS QUESTIONS!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Some thoughts about traveling with my CRpTAC show, and some related DIFFICULTIES and FEARS!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about inappropriate utterances and awkward interactions with audience members or monologists
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
The first of what may end up being an ongoing series of episodes about Meryl Streep
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A long episode where I unpack my entire current situation, i.e. why I do the Acting Class shows, etc
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
About acting with animals!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I've been recording and deleting episodes before posting them!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Some musings on the old Stanislavski quote, "there are no small roles, only small actors."
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Does "Connor's Pizza" belong in a MUSEUM?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A suggestion, considered.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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)
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Musings on the nature of any current audience for my various projects...
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A complicated question that I probably give an unsatisfying, rambling answer to.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A disappointing development, alas. But with hope for the slightly distant future!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Who should do improv? Just actors and comedians? Or is there room for everyone?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
How do I respond to criticism, constructive or otherwise? Listen to me react to a piece of constructive criticism IN REAL TIME!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about how to deal with sometimes very long wait between acting jobs.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Answering a question about my weight issues.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about the potential for embarrassment when learning how to do improv.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I'm asked a specific thing related to a hypothetical KFC ad campaign and the recent remarks by Quentin Tarantino
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about the benefits and drawbacks of doing low budget projects
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Part 2! A question about my preferences w/r/t interactions with fans/listeners/etc whenever I'm out and about.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Another (sort of) 2-parter! This question is about interacting with famous people in various contexts, both as a performer and as a person.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I ponder the way that my projects tend to use the popularity of more famous people in order to attract an audience.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
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.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Some rambling thoughts about current Oscar nominee Delroy Lindo and what a great actor he is, and a few viewing recommendations.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Some random thoughts about shows I've auditioned for that I'm *still* hoping to eventually get cast on!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
I answer 3 different questions that are all sort of related to "branding"
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about how a lot of my projects and comedic endeavors are really long and why that is.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about the podcast, Tiny Dinos, specifically: will the TINY DINOS LIVE! show ever be released online in some form.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Would I? The short answer is "probably not." The longer, more rambling answer is this episode.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Answers to MULTIPLE questions!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Some questions about the nature of my solo improv shows.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about maintaining character consistency in improv and in filmed work that is shot out-of-sequence
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
For my 40th episode, I answer a question about whether or not my various podcasts have a lot of unused audio on the cutting room floor.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about how being seen in one kind of role can affect the way audience members view you in other roles.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
My opinion about "self-tape" auditions vs. In-persom auditions! Which do I PREFER???
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
There are no surprise guests in this episode! But I do talk a little bit about the philosophy behind having surprise guests on the show.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Considering the possibility of a CRpTAC Patreon, and seeking suggestions about what it should/could/would involve...
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about finding the balance between personal/family/home life & one's artistic pursuits
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about whether my improv work gets in the way of doing scripted projects
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about some memorable "happy accidents" in shows. I think I do a not-great job remembering things like this, and this episode is maybe the worst one yet!
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A question about whether or not there are certain types of archetypal characters I return to again and again as an improviser.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Apart from one or two references to it in episodes of Dead Eyes (the Rian Johnson/Holmes Osborne ep + a callback in the Tom Hanks episode), I don't really talk about this subject very often. But somebody asked, so I answered.
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Why do they call craft services "Crafty"? I don't know! My guess is it is just an affectionate nickname?
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
A long answer to a question about surprises from the audience and whether I ever think about what might have been (w/r/t improv shows)
CONNOR RATLIFF presents THE ACTING CLASS: THE PODCAST
Late night rambling thoughts about Tom Noonan's passing.
