The A24 Podcast Center Stage with John Early & Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Nov 25, 2025
Da'Vine Joy Randolph, a Tony-nominated actress and singer with a rich background in musical theatre and opera, joins John Early for a lively discussion filled with insights. They explore the importance of finding rest amid chaos and reflect on their time at Interlochen. Da'Vine shares her unique experiences, including her challenges on Broadway after her Tony nomination. The duo dives into the blending of opera and acting, touching on Audra McDonald's remarkable performance and the nuances of contemporary musicals versus traditional styles.
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Episode notes
Value Of Real Breaks
- John Early says breaks shake you out of being comfortable in chaotic success and reveal whether you're actually fulfilled.
- Short pauses refuel creativity but need longer rest to reset appraisal of productivity.
Writing Fast To Stay Blind
- John Early wrote his directorial debut quickly on set for a wild premise to preserve creative blindness.
- He deliberately worked fast in trailers to capture spontaneous ideas for his film.
Use Boundaries To Liberate Performance
- Da'Vine prefers memorizing lines early to free herself to play within broad boundaries.
- She likens prepared rails to a wide playground that still allows banging against the walls.
