People have become so literal because they're used to reality-based television.

When I was growing up, there were a lot more arts in the public schools. Politically, America has screwed up on that.

One of the reasons why I love to do Shakespeare is that this great artist was able to talk to a wide variety of audiences. He could do the bawdy plays and the humor and the clowns-as you know, because you're a wonderful Stephano-that speaks to the populace, the masses, the groundlings, whatever.

I'm a firm believer in the idea that theater excels over film and TV in its ability to let people play with poetry.

I have directed good actors and have gone through the process which is more detailed in theater in a way. You have to get people to stay for two or three hours in a performance. They need more talk and rehearsal than in films.

A performance can have amazing visuals and special effects, but it has to tell a good story, even if that story isn't original.

Children have an easier ability to tap into the surreal than adults do, in a funny kind of way.