GNY EP.159 | Joe Cunningham & Laura Stisser from The Syracuse Actors Studio
In this episode of Good News York, host Noah Chrysler sits down with Joe Cunningham and Laura Stisser, the co-founders of Syracuse Actors Studio (SAS) — a thriving monthly collective bringing together actors, directors, writers, producers, and creatives of all kinds right here in Central New York.
Joe and Laura share the origin story of SAS, which started with just 17 people in a small room and has since grown to 45–50 attendees per session at the Palace Theater in Eastwood. Their philosophy is simple and powerful: no audition, no fee, no barrier to entry. Just a community of passionate people showing up to learn, grow, and create together.
The conversation dives deep into their upcoming event, SAS Fest — a full-day independent film festival on Sunday, April 19th, from 12PM to 9PM at the Palace Theater. With 21 films from local Central New York filmmakers on the roster — including short films, music videos, and one feature — SAS Fest is shaping up to be a landmark moment for the Syracuse creative community. Admission is free, with donations appreciated to support the festival, SAS, and the Palace Theater.
Joe and Laura also open up about their most recent film collaboration, "Mariah" — a CIA thriller Joe wrote in a single night, with Laura in the lead role. Joe draws inspiration from grounded spy films like Syriana and A Most Wanted Man, and the result is a 38-minute short film shot entirely on location across Syracuse — from Cafe Cabal to Destiny Mall’s parking garage. Laura reflects on the challenge and reward of carrying every scene of the film, and the two discuss what makes their creative partnership — equal parts structure and organized chaos — work so well.
Joe also shares his ambitious long-term vision: Cinema City, an independent film studio and incubator for Syracuse creatives, inspired by the legacies of Robert Redford’s Sundance and John Cassavetes’ DIY filmmaking ethos. The goal? A full-blown renaissance of independent film right here in Syracuse.
The episode closes with an incredible story: SAS’s own PR person, who had never acted before joining the group, went on to win a role at American High out of 200 auditioners. That’s the power of community.
Chapters:
0:00 – Welcome & Introductions
0:35 – What is Syracuse Actors Studio?
1:22 – What happens at a SAS event?
2:43 – Introducing SAS Fest
4:35 – How SAS Fest grew from a basement screening to a real festival
5:45 – The vision: Sundance, Cassavetes & independent film in Syracuse
9:06 – Their new film "Mariah" — a CIA thriller written in one night
13:55 – What Laura discovered about herself playing the lead
15:08 – The yin & yang creative partnership
17:02 – Why take one is usually the best take
19:17 – No barrier of entry: Joe’s personal story & the founding philosophy
20:40 – The future of SAS: 501(c)(3), Cinema City & a film incubator
22:02 – Where to find SAS Fest info & social media
23:17 – Never acted before → won an audition against 200 people
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