Today we’d like to introduce you to Clifton Guterman
Clifton, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in tiny Iron City, GA (population 350), where I expressed my creative self non-stop in community theatre, church drama programs, and school music and drama endeavors. I attended UGA for an undergraduate degree in drama and SCAD (Savannah) for my M.F.A. in acting. Since 2001, I have worked on mutile Atlanta professional theatres’ staffs, performed, directed, produced, and cast over 150 projects for stage and screen and live events. Teaching and coaching actors also has been a much-loved parallel endeavor most of my professional life.
I served as the Alliance Theatre’s Artistic and Casting Assistant from 2001-2005, Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director of Theatrical Outfit from 2012-2020, and Producer in Residence at Actor’s Express for the 2015-2016 season. From 2021-2023, I reignited and led the film and television division of Atlanta’s Big Picture Casting, where I cast multiple film, television, animation, and web projects. In January of 2024, I founded Thrive Acting Hive, a full service acting studio, and went fully independent as a casting director under Clifton Guterman Casting.
I’ve directed locally for Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Opera, Theatrical Outfit, and Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. As an actor, I’ve appeared Off-Broadway and at top regional theatres, including Arena Stage, Berkeley Rep, Barrington Stage, San Jose Rep, The O’Neill Theatre Center, and more. Locally, I’ve performed with Alliance Theatre, Actor’s Express, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre, and Dad’s Garage Theatre. I can be seen in several Atlanta-filmed movies, television shows, and commercials.
My husband, son, and I live in Cabbagetown.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been, thankfullly, a very positive evolution from my college years to one exciting professional chapter after another. My acting work allowed me to visit many cities in the U.S. and work alongside performers from varied communities, and my strong and wide relationships with countless Atlanta creatives over two and a half decades have been very special and meaningful. A great many working pros have mentored me, given me access and opportunities, and supported my journey, and I’m where am today on the shoulders of some truly wonderful storytellers who’ve lifted me up. I’ve had an interest in so many areas of entertainment that, at rare times, it has been challenging to know (or accept) where to focus my efforts most, but experience and age have taught me what want to undertake now and what I’d rather to leave to others to try and to conquer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a true multihypenate in entertaiment – actor, director, producer, casting director, acting coach, and studio owner. I’m known for fiercely supporting and lifting up Atlanta-based talent, many of whom I know to be world class and as skilled and competitive as actors (and directors and designers) anywhere. I’ve spent a career leading with kindness and respect and have always pushed for inclusion and access for all who endeavor to tell stories. I’ve proudly navigated my way through this often-challenging and agnsty industry without getting bitter, mean-spirited, nor apathetic. I purposefully endeavor to rise above difficult personalities and toxicity in our industry by being myself, being positive, and being incredibly prepared and collaborative. I love what I do and try to surround myself with others and meaningful projects that put a smile on my face. Proccess over product has always been my mantra, and my most fond career memories are times when I created something special with a group of others, not the final curtain, final cut, a great review, or an award. To me, the joy is in the making.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Delivering on a promise and doing so positively and promptly. Making myself indispensible to whomever has hired me. Being the guy everyone can count on to deliver work that is rigorous, kind, and compelling. True success to me is when someone or some team wants to work with me over and over again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thriveactinghive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveactinghive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriveactinghive
Image Credits
Clifton headshot – Robert Mitchel Owenby Photography
Thrive Acting Hive photos – by Thrive
