S02 E13: The Consummate Professional with Jennifer Van Dyck

Author: Daniel Lamb & Anna Rosa Parker / Jennifer Van Dyck
Published: Mon 13 Sep 2021
Episode Link: None

“Let’s not make any bones about it — the highs and the lows of our profession are crazy.”

— Jennifer Van Dyck

At 3 years old, Jennifer Van Dyck wanted to be a tightrope walker.

While that dream may not have come true, she still found many different ways to entertain audiences. Rather than join the circus, Jennifer has developed a thriving acting career that has spanned over 3 decades.

From All My Children to Across the Universe, Law & Order to The Good Wife, Jennifer has flourished in a variety of roles on the small and big screen, and is an accomplished stage actor. She’s also done voice acting and narrated audiobooks (including Monica Lewinsky’s memoir!) — a great side hustle for actors during their quiet periods.

Jennifer believes in the importance of being nimble, especially in an industry as unpredictable as entertainment.

In this conversation, Jennifer talks about why you should always be willing to try new things when it comes to your projects, how to stay motivated during quiet moments (or pandemics), and why ALL actors should befriend a playwright or two.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

Jennifer’s insights on how to succeed as a stage actor — and how she survived the New York hustle
How to keep your brain stage-and-screen-ready during periods without work
What disappeared from entertainment when the necessary social distancing procedures were put in place (but also what was gained!)

About Jennifer Van Dyck: Jennifer Van Dyck is an actor, narrator, and voice-over artist based in New York City.

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Highlights:‌ ‌

00:17 Introduction

00:58 Meet Jennifer Van Dyck

05:01 New York theater experience

05:58 Voiceover & audiobooks

10:07 Being nimble & adaptable

12:19 Roles & relationships

14:53 Step outside of your box

16:18 Quiet moments

19:45 Keeping your brain trained