Cady McClain Shares Rehearsal Moment with Eric Conger
Actress invites fans behind the scenes of a charity stage reading supporting L.A. artists.
Image: Instagram
Soap Star Turned Stage Director
Emmy-winning actress Cady McClain, best known for her work on daytime dramas like All My Children and As the World Turns, stepped off the television set and into the rehearsal room this week. In a fresh Instagram post, she snapped a candid moment alongside playwright and director Eric Conger, captioning it “Beats working for a living!”
After two Daytime Emmy Awards and decades in front of the camera, McClain has quietly built a second career as a stage director and producer. Her recent focus is a charity staged reading of Conger’s newest play, The Park, set to raise funds for the Entertainment Community Fund in West Hollywood.
Behind The Scenes With Eric Conger
In the featured Instagram image, McClain and Conger perch on folding chairs, scripts in hand, surrounded by rehearsal notes and water bottles. McClain wears a relaxed smile as she listens to Conger outline the next scene. It’s a glimpse at the collaborative energy that drives their creative partnership—and proof that even heavy lifting in theater can bring joy.
“I’ve always believed that your art lives where you make space for it,” McClain wrote in an earlier post about blocking, referencing a sunny California day when she completed a full four-hour run of Act One. That same energy is on display here, as the team powers through pages of dialogue ahead of opening night.
From Page To Stage
Day One of rehearsal covered 50 pages in just four hours, according to McClain’s Instagram update. The Park, which unfolds over two acts, explores themes of community, loss and renewal. Conger’s writing balances humor with heart—qualities McClain has championed since stepping behind the scenes.
McClain’s handle, @cadymcclain, has been steadily sharing glimpses of the process. One previous post celebrated the hustle of blocking: “Not a bad gig! Blocking is a shit ton of work, but on this beautiful California day I’m feeling like one of the lucky ones.” Fans can scroll through her feed to follow every milestone, from initial table reads to tech rehearsals.
Giving Back To The Community
The staged reading takes place Saturday, June 21 at 7 PM inside the Marilyn Monroe Theatre on Santa Monica Boulevard. All ticket proceeds benefit the Entertainment Community Fund, which supports artists affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. McClain has emphasized the fundraiser’s importance—many colleagues and friends are still rebuilding their lives.
Joining McClain and Conger on stage are a roster of familiar TV and film names, including James Patrick Stuart from General Hospital and Sophia Vassilieva of The Little Things. Executive produced by Amanda Quinn Olivar in partnership with Axial Theatre and the Lee Strasberg Creative Center, the evening promises powerful performances and a clear message of solidarity.
With rehearsals humming and excitement building, McClain’s latest venture underscores her versatility. From soap star to stage director, she’s turned creative labor into something she’s proud to share—and it truly beats working for a living.
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