Check Out Andy Shultz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Shultz

Hi Andy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I sort of got into theatre by accident. I was going to Moorpark Community College and I needed an art class to transfer. Of course with my luck, all the art and music appreciation classes were full, so the only class that was available was beginning acting. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the greatest actor. I can get by in a scene. The thing that really caught my attention was that every semester the theatre department put on “The Original One Acts”- a series of short one act plays that were written and directed by the students. I thought it was a cool concept and I wrote and submitted my very first play, “The Worst Date Ever.” The professor running the program, Dr. Katherine Lewis, liked the piece I wrote and accepted it. Originally, another student was supposed to direct the show, but they dropped out and, since I wrote it, I was asked to direct it. Now, at this point, I had never directed anything, so it was an interesting experience. Luckily, I seemed to have had a knack for directing and the audience liked the play. And from that, I was hooked on writing and directing. I really fell in love with it. I did it for a few more years in college, and then I ended up getting a job and that became a focus.

In 2015, a buddy of mine was a company member at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre in North Hollywood, and they were looking for some new material. I submitted a play, and Zombie liked it. I wrote and directed several plays that year. Shortly after that, I joined another theatre company in North Hollywood, where I eventually became their General Manager of the company. The role of General Manager allowed me the freedom experience to learn more of the behind the scenes and business aspects of theatre.

Eventually, in 2019, I felt it was time to move on and look for a new challenge. It was time for me to do my own thing. I started my own company, Worst Ever Productions (named after my very first play) and I haven’t looked back since. In fact, we just celebrated our five year anniversary this past August.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say that the first year of Worst Ever Productions was definitely an interesting and bumpy road. Obviously, with anything new, there’s always nerves and so many plates you have to spin and many different hats to wear. When I did my first show as the producer, I didn’t have that safety net anymore. I had become the safety net for everyone else, and that does create a lot of pressure. I don’t think I slept for the whole week leading up to our first performance. I was fortunate that the first show, “Lonely At The Top” went well, and that gave me the encouragement to keep on producing.

After 2019 being such an incredible roller coaster, I thought 2020 was going to be even better. We had booked our first two shows that were supposed to open in April of that year. Then the pandemic happened. And everything went up in the air. Like most of the theatre community and the world, we cancelled everything and began waiting. That was definitely bitter pill to swallow and it hurt that all the hard work and momentum we had, just went nowhere.

Like many, after several months of waiting, that itch to create grew and I turned to do zoom theatre. We did several different shows, including a live 72 hour play festival that was done entirely online. Zoom theatre allowed us the opportunity to be creative, have fun and be safe. Though, in all honesty, we couldn’t wait to get back in the theatre.

Fortunately in Fall of 2021, theatres were reopening and we performed our first show back. It been 649 days since the last time we had performed on stage in front of a live audience and I can’t even begin to describe how good it felt.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Worst Ever Productions is a theatre company that focuses on collaboration to bring ideas and imagination to life. We provide a safe and encouraging environment where artists have the freedom to explore, experiment and have new opportunities. As I’m grateful to those who have took a chance on me and gave opportunities to create, I feel I have an obligation to do the same and I love working with first time writers and directors.

I’m extremely grateful that I get to run Worst Ever with my two best friends- Vincent Miller and Tyler Bianchi. Vincent is the General Manager of Worst Ever Productions and Tyler Bianchi is our Head Writer. I met them both 20 years ago in college and we’ve been stuck together ever since. I couldn’t do any of this without them.

What I’m most proud of though is the fearlessness that writers, directors and actors have with every production. They go out there and leave it all on the stage.

Like many the entertainment industry, I have a regular 9 to 5 job. I’m grateful that my job allows me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passion of theatre. But as soon as I clock out, I switch to full producer mode. I’m usually heading to a rehearsal or production meeting right after work.

There are definitely times when things get hectic and I have so much going on, but I really do love it and wouldn’t want it any other way.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My view on risk taking is simple- Do It! Take the risk. Especially if it’s scary. It’ll be worth it. I would rather live with the fact that I took a risk, tried and failed, rather than not taken a risk at all. Then you’re not living. It’s like what Hunter S. Thompson said- “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!”

If it is something that you’re passionate about, take the risk. Do it!

Pricing:

• N/a

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Worsteverprods.com
• Instagram: @worsteverprods
• Facebook: @worsteverprods
• Twitter: @worsteverprods