It Takes a Lunatic

Wynn Handman, acting teacher and co-founder/director of the American Place Theater, which upon its opening in 1962 helped establish the Off-Broadway theater community, is a champion of the unheard. Known for bringing voices worth hearing to the American stage, through his words and others’ we learn how he became such a profound influence on some of today’s best-known actors and playwrights (such as Sam Shepard). In Billy Lyons’ heartfelt and inspiring profile, Wynn delves into his personal life story, while comments from former students such as Richard Gere, James Caan, Joel Grey, Michael Douglas, Frank Langella, and Chris Cooper show just how deep-seated an impact his work has had on American theater. Today, at the age of 96 Wynn still teaches as many classes as he did in the beginning, as genuine, outspoken, and intolerant of BS ever, as he continues to push his students to find their truth and their voice - both onstage and off. (Tribeca Film Festival)