Taylor Misiak – Dave

By starrymag | March 4, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I’ve most recently worked on Season 2 of “American Vandal” on Netflix and NBC’s “I Feel Bad.” I also co-host a podcast called Table Flipping with Alyssa and Taylor. But of, course, production for “Dave” has taken up most of this past year. In terms of just general projects in my life I’m also reorganizing my bathroom cupboards right now. And I started a book club!

 

Q) Please tell us the premise of “Dave.”

A) The show follows Dave Burd – played by Dave himself – as he pursues a career as a professional rapper. He is, of course, not your typical rapper – he’s a neurotic, white Jewish kid from the suburbs of Philly with an incredibly unique sense of humor. Dave is convinced he’s the world’s next Kanye, even though he’s only released one satirical rap video on YouTube. His parents, his friends and his girlfriend are supportive but a little bit skeptical…

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the series?

A) I’ve always been a Lil Dicky fan! When I first moved to Los Angeles, he dropped his video “Lemme Freak” and I was so blown away by every part of it. Years later when a casting director reached out to me to audition for the next LD next music video, I was over joyed and so motivated. I felt in my bones it was my part to lose. I rehearsed the audition material SO much, my friends became so sick of it – I even practiced my audition at my sister-in-law’s baby shower the day before. After the initial auditions, there were three rounds of call backs until I finally won the part!

It was not only such a dream come true to be cast in a project I was giving my all to, but it was so lovely to discover that Dave was so wonderful and fun to work with. And it was on that set for “Pillow Talking” that Dave explained to me his dream was to make a TV show about his life! It sounded so funny and unique and I made him pinky promise to let me audition. Lucky for me, years later, Dave was a man of his word and let me come in and read for Ally! And I was again in a situation where I really tried to kick butt in every audition, because I wanted to play her so very badly.

 

Q) How was Ally originally described to you?

A) I remember the original breakdown said “Dave’s girlfriend, kindergarten teacher, odd, cute and fiery.” I will simply say that Ally is (among many other things) smart, patient and loves a good laugh – all of which make her a great fit for Dave. Dave’s character is neurotic and particular and out spoken – not unlike Larry David in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” – and in moments where his direct honesty or general awkwardness can get him into trouble it’s helpful to have Ally there to remind the audience that Dave is still lovable.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the show?

A) I had met Gata through Dave before working with him on the show because Gata is, in fact, Dave’s best friend in real life, which is pretty cute. Gata is so sweet and such a fun presence to have on set. He has such an infectious energy that always got me pumped up. But aside from Gata I wasn’t familiar with any of my co-stars before filming. Christine Ko (who plays Emma) has become one of my closest friends. She’s an incredible talent and such a kind soul. We’ve watched “The Bachelor” together since wrapping! That’s real friendship.

 

Q) Was there much room for improvising on set?

A) There was quite a lot of improvising, which was daunting to me at first. I didn’t think I would be able to keep up with such sharp and experienced comedians – my scenes with Dave and Andrew Santino were especially intimidating at first. They’re so mind bogglingly funny. But Dave and our showrunner Jeff Schaffer really made the set feel like a safe space to play. Risk taking was encouraged – nothing was too silly or outlandish.

The writing is so strong – whenever we did improvise it was within the framework the script provided. The character of Ally was also so well crafted by the writers. Once I read all the scripts, I felt like I had such an understanding of who she was and what she would say that I soon became really comfortable with all of the “winging it” that we would do. And, in general, I felt that the whole cast had such a strong hold on who their character was that we really could run with any situation we were thrown into, especially by the end of the shoot.

 

Q) How hands on was producer Kevin Hart with the show?

A) You can feel Kevin’s influence all over the show. It’s really cool (for lack of a better word) to see arguably the funniest man alive really believe in and support Dave. Both the person and the show!

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming “Dave?”

A) Oh goodness, this is a tough one. I really had so much fun working on this show. Calling it work even feels dishonest in some ways. To make a very long answer a bit shorter I can do a quick list off the top of my head:

We shot at several locations in LA, but I really freaked out when we shot several scenes at the Hollywood Paladium. I really love that venue and we got to shoot on stage (and go backstage!) and I was such a nerd about it. I have obnoxious selfies to prove it.

The hardest I acted on set was when I was playing it cool around the celebrity cameos. Hiding my hyperventilating from Kourtney Kardashian took some real acting chops.

There were very few times I made Dave laugh in the middle of a scene – but I did! Those few breaking moments so rewarding and fun I’ll never forget them.

Oh man – speaking of laughing – I made Kevin Hart laugh one time. I can’t tell you much about it. I saw him laugh then intermediately blacked out for the next time minutes. I was so overwhelmed and happy.

I really loved working closely with the writers on set. Every one of them is so incredibly talented and sharp. One of my favorite memories was collaborating with writer Vanessa McGee and showrunner Jeff Schaffer on a big Ally/Dave scene. We were shooting the scene later that day but everyone wanted to make sure the dialogue was just right. We got together bright and early before our call and worked on the scene over pancakes and coffee. It was truly such an honor – not only to see the them in their element – but to have them include me in conversations about what Ally would and wouldn’t say. I learned so, so much. And they made me laugh quite a bit! And the pancakes were delicious!

I also had the chance to work with my boyfriend Tony Yacenda. He directed three of the episodes and really clicked with the whole cast. I gotta mention that as one of my favorite things because honestly it was! Now you have to interview him and see if he mentions me.

I looking back there’s so many little memories I cherish I could truly go on for days. I’m so lucky to be starring on a show I believe in and find so funny – it’s truly an embarrassment of riches that I made so many new and very real friends while working on it.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the show that is going to make it a fast fan favorite series?

A) I mean, I think Dave himself, really. Dave is truly a singular sensation. He’s great TV! More specifically – I’m really excited for fans of Lil Dicky to see this show. I think it’s going to really satisfy the crowd that’s been looking forward to the show for a long time. There is so much of that quintessential Lil Dicky humor. At the same time, I think the show – and the first episode especially – is such a hilarious introduction of Dave to those who aren’t LD fans. Honestly, I’m a little jealous of those people – I do think the show is gonna be that much funnier to people who don’t know what to expect.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to the show?

A) Truthfully, I’m a little frightened by the “instant feedback” social media will provide.  Not everyone will be kind – it is the internet after all. But I do hope it will give me a chance to connect with people in a positive way! Fingers crossed!

 

Q) How do you plan to celebrate the premiere of “Dave?”

A) My friends and I are going to have a little viewing party! It sounds cheesy, but since moving to LA I’ve made some really special friends who have truly become a second family. And they’re so excited for me and chomping at the bit to see the show. So, we’re all going to gather and watch at someone’s apartment and I’m sure they make me wear a tiara or sash or something of that nature.