The Creative Chicago Podcast

Developing Authentic Worlds and Characters ft. Theater Artist Erin Bonham

Episode Summary

On the latest episode of the Creative Chicago Podcast, host Jacob Badagliacco is joined by Theater Artist and Actress Erin Bonham, who shares her experiences on finding her way as an artist, what it means to develop authentic characters that audiences can relate to, and how she began using her acting knowledge to run professional Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.

Episode Notes

On the latest episode of the Creative Chicago Podcast, host Jacob Badagliacco is joined by Theater Artist and Actress Erin Bonham, who shares her experiences on finding her way as an artist, what it means to develop authentic characters that audiences can relate to, and how she began using her acting knowledge to run professional Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.

About Erin:

Erin Bonham is a vibrant, multi-hyphenate theatre artist and strategic storyteller whose work lives at the intersection of creativity and community. A co-founder of the Cincinnati Changelings, she is a director, actor, educator, and advocate for innovative, accessible theatre. With dual degrees in Theatre Performance and Public Relations from Xavier University, Erin seamlessly merges artistic vision with strategic communication. Erin is driven by a commitment to fostering empathy, wonder, and connection through every curtain call.

Connect with Erin:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_bonham._/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bonham-5324b1344/

Backstage: https://www.backstage.com/tal/erin-bonham/

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

2:30 Finding Your Path as an Artist

5:10 Acting and Theater as Erin’s Vocation

7:55 Distinguishing Theater and Acting

12:20 Erin’s Calling Moment as an Actor

15:55 Dungeons & Dragons and World-Building

20:50 D&D and Connecting to the Real World

22:33 Corporatization of D&D and Playing Professionally

29:40 Creating Original Worlds for Your Campaign

32:38 What’s Next for Erin’s Career

34:50 Erin’s Final Advice to Chicago Creatives