Meet Geoffrey Scheer | Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Geoffrey Scheer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Geoffrey, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There’s a line in the movie “Rounders” where Martin Landau’s character, a respected judge in New York, is describing how his decision to leave the Yeshiva and pursue law instead of becoming a rabbi devastated his family, bringing his relationship with his parents to an end. Matt Damon’s character asks him if, knowing how things turned out, he would make the same choice again, to which Martin Landau responds, “What choice?”

I don’t know if I had a choice in pursuing a creative career. I’ve tried working in non-creative fields, only to find myself lost in a sense of despair. It’s an integral part of who I am.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My first taste of success — if that’s even the right word — as a writer came when I was in middle school. I was selected from a pool of maybe a thousand students to be part of a young playwrights group at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and even had one of my plays performed there by professional actors. That love of the stage eventually turned toward performing, and I ended up going to school for musical theater and working in New York for many years. But the urge to get back to writing resurfaced time and again, and I eventually started writing plays and putting them up in venues around the city.

I now live in L.A. where I write full-time for a company called Pocket FM, writing an audio series that has over eight million plays and an average daily listenership of ten thousand people.

Nothing about it has been easy, and I have trouble envisioning a time it ever will be. But the ability to make a living solely through writing is a gift that I don’t take for granted.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My first extended visit to L.A. I stayed in the NoHo Arts District. The area is still a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of what gives it its vibrance. I love all the little theaters and arts venues around there (and a visit to Pitfire Pizza is always a must). Also a big fan of the bars and clubs over in Highland Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the love and support of my wife. And my life wouldn’t have nearly the depth of meaning it has were it not for my son.

I also have to acknowledge the support and mentorship I received from my high school music teacher Mel Batten. He changed the course of my life for the better, and I am forever grateful.

Website: www.geoffreyscheer.com

Instagram: @geoffreyscheer