509 avsnitt • Längd: 50 min • Veckovis: Tisdag
Film/Television Actress, Producer, Best-Selling Author and Entrepreneur Alyshia Ochse hosts an honest, humorous and inspirational podcast with your favorite on-screen storytellers and Hollywood influencers who reveal their most life changing audition tales as well as the survival skills they’ve collected along the way.
The podcast That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse is created by Alyshia Ochse. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Today's episode features a candid and insightful conversation with actress Arienne Mandi, diving into the highs and lows of her acting journey. Mandi shares the serendipitous story of landing a manager at the mall and the hustle of building a career with guest star roles that led to series regular roles on The L Word: Generation Q and The Night Agent. She discusses the differences between self-taped and in-person auditions, the intense audition process for The L Word, and how she prepares for complex roles by exploring a character’s socioeconomic background and mental state.
Beyond auditions, Mandi gives an inside look at on-set life, from working with guest directors to navigating intimacy scenes in a supportive environment. She shares hilarious audition stories, advice on staying adaptable in Zoom chemistry reads, and reflections on being a multi-ethnic actress in the industry.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Arienne Mandi right here.
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In today's episode, we dive into the incredible journey of David Lim, who went from studying electrical engineering to America's Next Top Model to eventually landing a series regular on the hit show SWAT. Discover how a self-proclaimed shy kid from a non-artistic background in the Bay Area stumbled into the world of modeling and acting through sheer determination. David shares how the years of behind the scenes work and studying in classes helped him land his first recurring role on Quantico. Don't miss his entire journey with SWAT – initially auditioning for a role he wasn't right for, facing rejection, and then unexpectedly being offered a role created specifically for him. Hear about the camaraderie on set, and David's invaluable insights into the acting business, from the importance of continuous learning to navigating the ups and downs of a demanding career.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed David Lim right here.
CREDITS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Get ready for an insightful and candid conversation with Eloise Mumford as she navigates the high stakes of Hollywood. From her early days auditioning in New York to the rollercoaster of booking her first big pilot, Lone Star, only to have it abruptly canceled— Eloise shares the raw realities of the industry, including the crucial, often unspoken, need for "recovery" from both the business and intense characters.
Hear about the "crazy" audition process for the massive Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, which involved a high-stakes table read before she was even cast. Eloise also delves into her audition techniques, hilariously revealing her mother as her steadfast self-tape reader. Discover her reflections on handling rejection, staying grounded in a volatile career, and her pride in impactful projects like The Right Stuff and her new Amazon Prime series Cross.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Eloise Mumford right here.
CREDITS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Dive into an intimate and captivating conversation with actor and director Clayne Crawford as he reflects on his dynamic career — from his breakout role in A Walk to Remember to his upcoming part in the highly anticipated Hulu comedy Chad Powers alongside Glen Powell. His raw honesty and passion for storytelling shine through as he discusses not only his acting career but also his transition into directing, driven by a desire to craft bold, character-driven narratives.
In this episode, Crawford shares a rare dual perspective on the audition process — both as an actor navigating the industry's demands and as a director searching for authentic performances. He emphasizes the power of vulnerability, the importance of connecting with material, and his commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere on set.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Clayne Crawford right here.
CreditsFor exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Get ready for an inspiring and unfiltered conversation with actress Krys Marshall! From her early days navigating non-union commercial gigs and learning tough lessons about exploitative reps, to finding her footing in Los Angeles with supportive representation, Krys opens up about the realities of building a career in Hollywood. She shares the power of self-advocacy, fair pay, and the importance of women uplifting women in the industry. Plus, she drops some golden audition tips — think cue cards, staying present, and embracing the unexpected. You’ve seen Krys commanding the screen as Agent Robinson in Hulu’s Paradise alongside Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden, and as the groundbreaking Danielle Poole in Apple TV+’s For All Mankind. Off-screen, she’s just as impactful, mentoring with the Young Storytellers Foundation to help kids find their voice.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Krys Marshall right here.
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In today's episode, we sit down with actress Lauren LaVera, best known for her breakout role in the Terrifier horror franchise. She shares her journey into acting, the challenges of breaking free from typecasting due to her martial arts background, and her strategic shift toward horror and psychological thrillers. Lauren offers insight into her acting process, from tackling emotionally intense scenes to the crucial role of acting coaches in honing her craft. She also opens up about the physical and mental demands of leading a film and navigating career pivots after major success.
Beyond the performances audiences see on screen, Lauren delves into the business side of acting—building a strong team, maintaining stamina on set, and making career choices that align with long-term goals. She discusses the challenges of being typecast, the importance of continuous skill development, and the validation that comes from connecting with fellow actors. Plus, she teases details about her upcoming film The Monster and the exciting next steps in her career.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Lauren LaVera right here.
CREDITS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Get ready for an exciting conversation with Emmy-nominated and SAG Award-winning actress Sharon Lawrence, whose career spans iconic roles in NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless, Joe Pickett, and more. From auditioning on fire escapes to commanding the stage and screen, Sharon shares invaluable insights on mastering auditions, navigating crucial one-on-one meetings, and making bold choices in a competitive industry. She reflects on landing her breakout role on NYPD Blue, the cultural phenomenon it became, and the transition back into the audition game afterward.
Sharon also dives into the power of authenticity in storytelling, how saying "yes" to new filmmakers can lead to unexpected opportunities, and the importance of collaboration and respect on set. She opens up about navigating nudity on screen, tangible tools for script analysis, and how embracing vulnerability can be a source of power. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming theater performances and the ever-evolving phases of her career.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Sharon Lawrence right here.
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Today's episode is an inspiring example of how to take control of your acting career through strategic thinking and unwavering self-belief. Rob Morgan emphasizes the importance of having a survival job to gain financial stability and the confidence to approach auditions with the mindset of "you need me more than I need you". He encourages actors to own their auditions, presenting their authentic selves and focusing on their understanding of the material rather than trying to fit a mold.
Morgan also discusses how his career shifted when he became "offer only" after his role in Mudbound. He stresses choosing projects for their potential for long-term impact, working with established actors to become part of a market that supports a lasting career. He values building a team that understands and supports his vision, and approaches director meetings as a two way street, to see if there is a genuine connection and potential for collaboration. Find out his full circle moment of working as an extra on his first movie with Matthew McConaughey to starring opposite him 30 years later.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Rob Morgan right here.
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In this episode, Skye P. Marshall shares her remarkable path from serving in the Air Force to becoming a Series Regular almost 15 years later on CBS’s Matlock. She details how a corporate job in New York left her unfulfilled and pushed her to pursue her dream of acting. Alyshia describes Marshall as a "Wizard" of manifestation and the business side of Hollywood.
Marshall offers actionable advice on building genuine industry connections, approaching auditions with confidence, and embracing nerves as a sign of growth. She also reveals how she’s thriving without an agent and how she manifested her role on Matlock through intention and focus. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone who feels like they’re starting “too late” to chase their dreams.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Skye P. Marshall right here.
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Today's episode features actor Devin Kawaoka discussing his career trajectory, from competitive ski racing to acting, and his experiences landing roles in Slave Play, Chicago Med, and Shrinking. He details how his athletic training fed into his acting training, the challenges of transitioning from theater to film, and the importance of self-belief and preparation. Kawaoka emphasizes the collaborative nature of acting, particularly in ensemble television shows, highlighting the importance of supporting fellow actors and understanding the dynamics of a set. He shares insights into the audition process, including self-tapes and chemistry reads, and reflects on the unique opportunities and challenges of recurring roles. Finally, he discusses his approach to improvisation and his professional growth, emphasizing incremental progress and the value of continuous learning.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Devin Kawaoka right here.
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On the Season 6 opener of That One Audition, Sullivan Jones shares his journey from struggling actor to series regular. Jones emphasizes the importance of technique and preparation, what he's learned from self-taping, and the role of an acting coach in his success. He shares why he was "bad" at auditioning for many years and how working with a coach changed everything.
He describes his unique approach to auditions, focusing on visualization and embodying the scene— and shares what specifically helped his tape stand out for "Interior Chinatown." Finally, Sullivan reflects on the impact of fatherhood on his career, and shares what he's manifesting next for his career.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Sullivan Jones right here.
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In this episode, we explore the balance between inspiration and dedication in a creative career. Alyshia shares how making space for inspiration to strike is essential for actors and writers, but true growth happens when you turn that spark into measurable goals. With practical tips for 2025 and a game-changing opportunity like Script Anatomy’s Pilotpalooza, this episode is your guide to transforming inspiration into action and making the new year your most productive yet.
💪 Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
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Alyshia chats with Steve Coulter, an award-winning actor, writer, and director, about his fascinating journey in the entertainment industry. From writing and directing the Sundance Channel-selected The Etiquette Man to supervising over 100 episodes of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Meet the Browns, Steve shares how his creative pivot from acting to writing shaped his career. They explore his experiences working on iconic projects like Brockmire and Oppenheimer, while diving into the evolution of the acting industry and the importance of confidence, authenticity, and learning from mistakes. Packed with personal stories and practical advice, this episode highlights embracing the joy of acting and bringing yourself to the material.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Steve Coutler right here.
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Join That One Audition Podcast as Alyshia chats with Tawnya about her inspiring journey from acting to becoming a successful writer and the founder of Script Anatomy, a renowned writing program. They dive into the unique, structured approach offered by Script Anatomy, emphasizing its ability to help writers hone their skills and break into the competitive TV industry. They also highlight the exciting progress of participants in a January writing challenge and discuss the impact of the Pilot Palooza course—a 30-day program designed to guide writers through crafting a complete pilot script. Listeners are encouraged to join Pilot Palooza starting January 1st at a special discounted rate and take advantage of the robust Script Anatomy curriculum and community resources to elevate their writing careers. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with actionable insights for aspiring TV writers!
💪 Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
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In this episode, Alyshia sits down with Luke to dive into his multifaceted career as an actor, writer, producer, and director. They explore the origins of Luke's viral short film, The Crossing Over Express, inspired by a poignant story involving a lost VHS tape and his personal experience of losing his mother. Luke shares how the film's concept—centered on a woman who claims to raise the dead in the back of a truck—took shape and resonated with audiences.
The conversation also highlights Luke's recent acting projects, including his lead role in the indie thriller Teacher’s Pet, his work on AppleTV+'s For All Mankind, and his varied film credits, like his starring role in Faith Based. They discuss the evolution of the acting industry, the rise of self-tapes, and the increasing necessity for actors to become multi-hyphenates to thrive. Luke shares how he didn't book his first Network TV credit until age 39. Together, Alyshia and Luke offer candid insights into the perseverance required to succeed in entertainment and the enduring importance of authenticity in storytelling.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Luke Barnett right here.
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In this episode, we explore the power of authenticity in the acting industry and why owning your unique voice is essential for creating compelling stories. Using Dot-Marie Jones’ unconventional journey from professional wrestler to acclaimed actor as a powerful example, we dive into how embracing your individuality can open unexpected doors. From redefining roles to breaking stereotypes, this episode reminds actors that the world doesn’t need copies—it needs you. Tune in for inspiration on finding your lane, staying true to your voice, and making your mark in the industry.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
In this episode, Alyshia sits down with the incredible Dot-Marie Jones, a three-time Emmy Award nominee best known for her iconic role as Coach Shannon Beiste on FOX’s Glee. With an impressive career spanning drama and comedy, Dot shares insights into her diverse journey, from her early days as a world champion arm wrestler to her standout performances in projects like the Indie Spirit-nominated Greener Grass and Universal's Bros.
The conversation dives into Dot’s inspiring transition from shot put and arm wrestling to acting, highlighting her tenacity and courage to forge her own path in Hollywood. Dot opens up about the challenges she faced along the way, including pay disparities, navigating the audition process, and staying true to herself by turning down degrading roles. Alyshia and Dot also explore the financial realities of award submissions, the toll of negative experiences on creativity, and the value of resilience in a demanding industry. Dot gives a sneak peek into her upcoming film, set to premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival, and shares her wisdom on staying authentic and fighting for what matters.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Dot-Marie Jones right here.
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🎭 Alyshia dives into the cyclical nature of an acting career, exploring the difference between being in development—the learning and growth phase—and being relevant—the mastery and recognition phase. Using Matthew McConaughey’s transition from rom-com star to award-winning dramatic actor as a case study, Alyshia highlights how these phases are not opposites but interconnected steps in every artist’s journey. Whether you’re building your craft or riding the wave of success, this episode reminds you that both stages are vital and inevitable. Tune in to embrace the process, find value in where you are today, and keep moving forward in your career.
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
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🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
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Teddy Sears, a talented actor known for his dedication to his craft, has built an impressive career across numerous hit television series and films. Currently starring in NBC’s medical drama Brilliant Minds opposite Zachary Quinto and set to appear in season two of Netflix’s The Night Agent, Sears has amassed an eclectic resume.
In this episode, Sears reflects on his unexpected journey from a business school student in Virginia to a successful actor in Los Angeles. He shares pivotal moments like a chance trip to Hawaii, an early modeling job that led to a soap opera role, and the instrumental support of a casting director who helped him secure an agent. With humor and insight, Sears discusses the challenges of pursuing acting, the importance of persistence, and the value of networking, offering anecdotes from his career and relationships with actors like Jon Bernthal. Find out why Sears says he crashed and burned in his audition for "AVATAR." The conversation also highlights the non-linear nature of success in the entertainment industry, the adaptability required in a changing landscape, and the role of tools like self-tapes and social media in modern acting careers.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Teddy Sears right here.
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In this episode, Alyshia meets with Aya Cash, the unapologetically bold actor and producer currently lighting up HBO Sunday nights in The Franchise.
Aya’s journey is packed with industry-defining roles: from her hilarious breakout in FX’s You’re the Worst, which earned her TCA and Critics Choice nominations, to powerful turns in Fosse/Verdon with Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, The Girl From Plainville opposite Elle Fanning, and The First Lady with Michelle Pfeiffer.
Aya talks theater beginnings, not fitting into Hollywood's beauty standard, and seeing herself as an underdog in Hollywood. She shares invaluable advice for aspiring actors, including why she chose not to memorize her lines for her Newsroom audition with Aaron Sorkin—a bold move that turned into a career-defining moment. Tune in for an inside look at Aya’s path from romantic beginnings on the New York stage to unintentionally becoming "offer only."
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Aya Cash right here.
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In this episode, Alyshia and Kat Foster delve into their shared journey in the performing arts, from their early days in training to the rigors of professional acting. Alyshia admires Kat’s path, noting her transition from NYU’s Tisch School to booking her break-out role in 'Til Death to being 50 minutes late to her first network test. They explore the craft of script analysis and auditioning, the necessity of staying present, and the industry's shift toward self-created content, with Kat emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and trusting one's inner compass over external validation. The conversation wraps with a shared passion for embracing the unknown, a vital force in their ongoing creative journeys.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Kat Foster right here.
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Welcome to That One Audition! Today’s guest is the multi-talented John Patrick Amedori, a musician turned actor, writer, director. In today's episode Amedori talks about how he approaches acting similar to jazz music. He discusses how he booked his first 2 roles as an 11 year old in Almost Famous and M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable by trusting his instincts. Find out why Brad Pitt left production of Almost Famous after watching Amedori's original audition tape for the movie.
From acting opposite Blake Lively in Gossip Girl to his breakout role in Netflix’s Dear White People, Amedori has made a name for himself. Now, you can catch him every Friday on STARZ in Three Women, where he’s stealing scenes as Jack alongside Shailene Woodley.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed John Patrick Amedori right here.
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Alyshia and Eme Ikwuakor explore his remarkable journey from a seven-month dry spell in acting, during which he feared his reps might drop him, to booking MOONFALL and THE GRAY MAN within just two days. Eme reflects on how a childhood poster of Will Smith in Independence Day inspired him to manifest his dreams of working with industry icons like Roland Emmerich and Halle Berry. He also shares how he nearly turned down an audition for On My Block and how Joe Dispenza’s book Becoming Supernatural transformed his perspective on the industry. Eme recounts unforgettable on-set moments, including an incident where he fell out of a Humvee moving at 30 mph. Additionally, he reveals how he kept his cool during a Zoom callback for Matlock, conducted from an airplane—an experience Alyshia ranks among her top five favorite audition stories.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Eme Ikwuakor right here.
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Welcome to That One Audition! Today’s guest is the multi-talented Stephanie Koenig, a Michigan native who got her start in performance through dance competitions before earning an acting degree from Michigan State University. A comedy veteran, she sharpened her skills at Upright Citizens Brigade and Groundlings, frequently collaborating with some of their biggest names.
Koenig’s acting credits span from starring roles in English Teacher and Lessons in Chemistry to notable appearances in The Flight Attendant and The Offer, where she portrayed casting executive Andrea Eastman, helping to assemble the iconic cast of The Godfather. Behind the camera, Koenig has made waves by writing, directing, and starring in projects like A Spy Movie alongside frequent collaborator Brian Jordan Alvarez, as well as her hit short-form series Stupid Idiots, which was in development at Paramount TV.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Stephanie Koenig right here.
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In 2024, Brian Thomas Smith continues to enrich his acting portfolio with notable roles in both television and commercial projects. He's taken on a recurring role in the popular series "United States of Al," adding depth to the character Freddy, Vanessa's new boyfriend. On the commercial front, Smith's presence remains strong with over 100 advertisements to his name, featuring brands like DIRECTV and Budweiser, reflecting his versatility and appeal across different media. His comedic talent, well-loved in roles such as Zack Johnson from "The Big Bang Theory," continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing his ability to blend humor with character depth across his projects.
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Today’s guest fits the perfect + poignant mold for our 50th episode -With thick-skin, an optimist’s heart and a realist’s mind, the incomparable Michelle Monaghan will tell us how being championed by her parents in a town of 700, mentored by Frances McDormand in the North Country and ending up on Constantine’s cutting room floor gave her the courage, confidence and opportunity to make every mission…possible.
She stars in the Apple TV+ series "Bad Monkey," premiering in August, and is set to appear in the third season of HBO's acclaimed series "The White Lotus," filmed in Thailand. Additionally, Monaghan has ventured into horror with a supporting role in the film "MaXXXine." Her career, which began with performances in projects like "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" and "Made of Honor," now sees her revisiting comedy and embracing roles that challenge and excite her creatively
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BONUS EPISODE with Casting Director Jennifer Cooper. A true peak into one of the biggest television casting directors. Currently casting over five major network television series. Casting over 500 episodic shows, Jen knows a two or thing about a good audition or a bad audition. Acting is what got her in the game, casting is what won her heart over. Jen casts for talent and truly spends the time building a partnership with the actor, producer and director.
This is the unforgettable journey into Jennifer Cooper's rise in shaping and pushing the boundaries on the revolutionary medium of Television.
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Actor Tom Nowicki hasn't stopped working since the late 80s. With nearly four decades of experience and 160 film and television credits to his name, you've seen Tom in "The Blind Side," "Reptile," "Mr. Mercedes," "Bloodline," "Remember the Titans," "The Punisher," and countless more. You can also catch him in Apple TV+'s recently released series, "Bad Monkey." Based in Florida, Tom shares how he's built a successful career outside of the industry's major markets. We discuss how Tom approaches script analysis on short turnaround auditions, and he shares lessons learned from celebrated actor and director Paul Newman about what to do when things go wrong on set. Finally, Tom reminds listeners that it's never too late to get started as an actor, no matter your age.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Tom Nowicki right here.
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For actor Amanda Righetti, her way into character has changed over time. With credits in some of television's biggest hits including "The O.C.", "The Mentalist", "Reunion", "North Shore", "Entourage" and film credits that include "Friday the 13th", "Captain America" and more, Amanda says that she's grown in her craft right alongside this ever-changing industry. In today's episode we discuss holding deals, self-tapes, and how Amanda prepped for her historical role in "Reagan" in just four days. While her approach to character has shifted and deepened over time, she reminds us that technique is ultimately whatever works for you.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Amanda Righetti right here.
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How do you build a historical character? How do you approach an accent? What do you wear in a period piece audition? These are questions actors face when building a real life character from history. Cast as Queen Berenice in Peacock's original series "Those About to Die," actor Lara Wolf shares her thoughts on all of these topics and more. Her credits include "Quantico," "Roxana," "The Performance," "Blindspot," "Blue Bloods," and the upcoming autobiographical film "Reading Lolita in Tehran." In today's episode we discuss short turnaround auditions, self-confidence as an actor, and the value in not just keeping an audition log, but a working log.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Lara Wolf right here.
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First landing himself in the Marvel Universe 20 years ago, actor Aaron Stanford has had the rare opportunity to revisit a character at different stages of his life and career. You've seen Aaron in "Deadpool & Wolverine," "12 Monkeys," "Nikita," "Perry Mason," "Fear the Walking Dead," "The Hills Have Eyes," and much more. You won't want to miss Aaron's story of how he went all in improvising his superhero audition scene, how he transitioned from New York to Los Angeles, and how he balances preparation with letting go of his actor homework. We also discuss how actors can beat the Hollywood name game by making their own work, and the importance of capturing casting's attention in the first few seconds of a self-tape.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Aaron Stanford right here.
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Nora Zehetner has built an impressive resume over the course of her 25+ year career. Leading with intuition in her craft, Nora's film and television credits include "Boneyard," "Brick," "Grey's Anatomy," "Madmen," "Heroes," "Grimm," "Everwood," and many more. Today we do a deep dive into the peaks and valleys of this career, from Nora's experience testing for "Mean Girls" to her recovery process after being fired from a table read. We discuss how the industry has changed over the years, and how Nora was able to rebuild her confidence after a difficult on set experience with a director. Today's episode is a much needed reminder that there are no "weird" takes, just different instruments.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Nora Zehetner right here.
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🎭 In this episode of Wednesday Wisdom, I dive deep into the current challenges facing talented, hardworking actors in today's evolving entertainment industry. With fewer opportunities and more competition, it's crucial to maintain your passion and stay proactive. I share insights on navigating the lack of appointments, dealing with discouraging feedback from agents, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for yourself.
💪 Discover how to stay relevant and motivated, even when the industry feels constricted. Learn about the significance of staying in practice, joining a community of like-minded actors, and finding inspiration from within. I'll also share a powerful story about world-class violinist Joshua Bell and how the right environment can make all the difference in how you perceive your talent.
Tune in for practical advice, encouragement, and strategies to keep your creative spirit alive. Join us at The Bridge for Actors to stay engaged, inspired, and ready for your next big opportunity.
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Actor Sylvester Powell always knew deep down that he would be a movie star. Driven by a dream for his family to see him do what he loves on screen, Sylvester shares how his 10 second appearance on "Criminal Minds" changed his life early on in his career. After booking one scene on The CW television series "All American," Sylvester went on to carry his character of Jessie “JR” Raymond, Jr. for three seasons on "All American: Homecoming." On today's episode Sylvester disccuses the art of communicating with directors, how he breaks down a script to track his character arc, and shares how showing up as his authentic self helped him land representation even when he had no credits to his name.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Sylvester Powell right here.
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Are you just shy of qualifying for SAG health insurance? In this episode, Alyshia shares valuable tips and strategies to help you cross that threshold and secure your insurance coverage. Tune in to learn practical steps to stay insured and protect your health!
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
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Having spent nearly three decades in the industry, actress Claudia Ferri booked her first role in the feature film "The Assignment", where she learned invaluable lessons from the late Donald Sutherland that have stayed with her throughout her career. You've seen Claudia in AMC's "The Killing", USA's "Queen of the South", and in Apple TV's new period comedy-drama series "Palm Royale." Today, Claudia shares her experience in the industry as an actor of multi-ethnic background, how she approaches characters in positions of power, the challenges of having minimal dialogue within an ensemble cast, and gives listeners permission to allow their artistry to begin in what she calls, "the awkward phase."
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Claudia Ferri right here.
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Today’s guest is the one and only Noomi Rapace. She’s an actress and a producer. A shatterer of limiting beliefs. She achieved international fame originating the role of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish adaptation of the Millennium Series: “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl Who Played with Fire,” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” This woman digs into the mind, body, and soul of every character she plays. Just watch her portray septuplets in “What Happened to Monday.” It’s masterful. And from the beginning of her career in Sweden, she’s taken a unique approach to auditioning that might unravel some of your ideas about this industry.
Noomi’s worked with everyone from Guy Ritchie's in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” to Ridley Scott in “Prometheus,” to Tom Hardy in “Child 44,” to John Krasinski in “Jack Ryan.” She opens up about producing and starring in her latest film, “The Secrets We Keep,” and shares how much she enjoys peeling back the layers of truth in her own life and in the stories she tells. Her career is an example of the depths you can go when you master your fears, and the connections that unfold when you create the work you want to create.
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Over the course of a 40 year career, Ron Cephas Jones has built a beautiful body of work ranging from theater in New York City with the Labyrinth Theater Company, to an award winning performance in the NBC television hit, This is Us . Today’s guest has learned the craft purely through experience and now teaches the art of breaking down the script to students at the California Institute of the Arts.
His credits include the role of William Hill in This is Us, Truth Be Told, The Get Down, Luke Cage, Looking for Alaska, Mr. Robot, Low Winter Sun and many more. Today, Ron breaks down his technique for building dynamic characters by shedding light on all those actor terms like “beats”, “transitions”, “specificity” and everything in between. Through it all, whether it was taking odd jobs in New York, or his two Emmy award wins, Ron Cephas Jones has never forgotten what is most important to him: being a father to his Emmy award winning daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and being happy as an artist.
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Today, I welcome Malin Akerman into the hot seat. Not only has this fearless beauty starred in countless blockbuster films like WATCHMEN, 27 DRESSES, and RAMPAGE, she also has explored- and conquered- the indie film world and is now producing her own content.
But how did this modern-day movie star really get her start? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it’s like to go from- within a year- being broke and sleeping on a futon while fronting a rock band, to booking a series regular role on HBO’s The Comeback. Find out how she handled being asked to improvise on the spot in a chemistry read with Ben Stiller (for the lead in the Farrelly Brother’s THE HEARTBREAK KID) and her fight to be considered for deeper, more nuanced roles like Annie, a woman with alopecia in HAPPY THANK YOU MORE PLEASE and Lara, a strong mother amidst the chaos in HBO’s BILLIONS.
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Host and fellow actress, Alyshia Ochse sits down for a solo-conversation all about what to expect on the following episodes of That One Audition.
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
For years, actor Flula Borg has kept audiences laughing with his unique brand of humor. As a firm believer in making your own content, Flula landed his breakout role in the "Pitch Perfect" franchise after a comedic YouTube video of his went viral and captured the attention of Hollywood. Since then, he's appeared in numerous hit comedy series including "The Rookie," "Ghosts," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "The Good Place," and many more. As a voice actor, Flula also has a long list of animated film and television credits to his name. Today, Flula shares what it means to be a smart improviser, how he prepared to go take after take on James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad" and how he's navigated the transition from comedy to drama with his role in the upcoming World War II biopic "Bonhoeffer" set to be released later this year.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Flula Borg right here.
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From horror to action to romance, actor Michael Beach has done it all. With an endless resume across both television and film, you've seen Michael in "Aquaman," "Monster," "Mayor of Kingstown," "ER," "Saw X," "S.W.A.T." and countless more projects over the years. Starting out in football, Michael went on to graduate from Juilliard and is now four decades into his thriving career. In today's episode, he shares early audition stories, including how he landed on three seasons of "ER." He discusses how he factors in compensation and creativity when it comes to choosing studio projects versus indie films, and reminds us all to not let Hollywood shake our self-confidence.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Michael Beach right here.
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Starting out studying math and economics, actor Ivan Shaw knows how to blend the analytical with the creative. You've seen Ivan in hit television series including "Dear Edward," "The Cleaning Lady," "That Dirty Black Bag," "Casual," "Insecure," and many more. Today, we do a deep dive into the world of contract roles, and break down the skill and stamina required of soap actors. Ivan shares lessons learned from sitting in on the casting process and watching star Sarah Paulson deliver a fully lived-in audition. Ivan also discusses how he prepared for an emotional audition scene for a Zoom screen test, and reminds actors why we shouldn't pressure ourselves to always get it right.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Ivan Shaw right here.
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Alyshia walks through the audition process and the breakdown of the audition.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to IMPROV in a scene. This is week four in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist, etc.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
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Between 2012 and 2013, actor Amir Arison worked on 13 different shows, a handful of which were recurring roles. His career has only grown from there with an impressive list of credits that includes "The Blacklist," "The Dropout," "Ramy," "Billions," "Girls" and many more. As a director, Amir emphasizes the importance of lifting up everyone around you, and shares how he is able to apply his directing skills to his own self-tapes. In today's episode we also discuss the pros and cons of requesting a live Zoom audition over a self-tape, an option we now have as actors following the strike. Above all else, Amir encourages actors to remember that all we have control over are what he calls the Four Ps: Preparation, Positivity, Patience, and Punctuality.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Amir Arison right here.
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In what might be one of our favorite audition stories in "That One Audition" history, actress Jameela Jamil takes us step by step through every honest and hilarious moment leading to her bookig the role of Tahani on NBC's hit comedy "The Good Place." From her first ever audition with renowned casting director Allison Jones, to improvising on the fly during her network test, Jameela says that when you live for the funny story, you ultimately can't lose — no matter the outcome of the audition. Some of her additional credits include "Poker Face," "Marry Me," "She-Hulk Attorney at Law," and "DC League of Super-Pets." In today's episode, Jameela shares techniques for staying present in an audition, lessons learned from her co-stars including Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, and the importance of finding reps who support you in the kinds of characters you want to play. Whether it be leading roles, villans, or comedic supporting characters, there truly are no small parts.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jameela Jamil right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to selftape vs tape somewhere else OR choose the Zoom. This is week four in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist, etc.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
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As one of ten series regulars on CBS' hit comedy series "Ghosts," actor Asher Grodman knows that the true magic of the show lies in collaboration with the ensemble cast. Along with "Ghosts," his impressive list of credits includes roles on HBO's "Succession," NBC's "Chicago Med," Netflix's "House of Cards," as well as writing, directing, producing and acting in his own award-winning short film "The Train." In today's episode, Asher discusses the learning curve that came with working in an ensemble cast and explains how the job involves so much more than just hitting the jokes. He reminds actors that we ultimately need to leave our homework at home, and shares his personal experience of bouncing back after getting fired, saying that the key is learning how to fail and to instead see those moments as valuable lessons.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Asher Grodman right here.
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Nadine Crocker started her career with a passion for acting, but later found her calling in writing and directing. Drawing from her own lived experience, her award-winning feature film "Continue" is currently in the film festival circuit and shines a light on the topics of suicide prevention and mental health. To elevate the voices of others, Nadine formed Continue On, a non-profit focused on providing financial support for fellow storytellers and creating a subsidy for youth in need of mental health services. In today's episode, Nadine discusses the unique challenges of indie filmmaking, creating a family dynamic on set, and how when it comes to choosing her actors, it's all in the eyes. Ultimately, Nadine explains that directing is a beautiful, intricate dance between collaboration, problem-solving, and knowing when to step out of the actor's way.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Nadine Crocker right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to get an entertainment lawyer on your team. This is week four in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist, etc.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
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For years, actor Billy Burke showed up on our screens playing either the cop or the criminal role, he says. Over the course of his decades-long career, however, his characters and list of credits have expanded to include "Mafia!", "Dill Scallion", "Gilmore Girls", "Twilight", "Zoo", "Maid", and "Fire Country", just to name a few. In today's episode, Billy shares how having a bold confidence in himself led him to a sense of fearlessness in his career. He discusses the blessing of self-tapes, not taking the business too seriously, and what he thinks is good direction to give actors on set. When it comes to the craft, Billy lets his instincts guide him and his work speaks for itself.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Billy Burke right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to fight for a role. This is week four in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist, etc.
Also, #SelfTapeMay Class is back. Make sure to reserve your seat now. $88 for four weeks!
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
CREDITS:
Actor Taylor Handley booked his third audition at the age of 13. With nearly three decades of experience in the industry, you've seen him in hit projects including "The O.C.," "Southland," "Vegas," "APB," and most recently, "Griselda," and "Mayor of Kingstown." But Taylor explains that it was't until "Mayor" where he got the chance to play a character with a multiple season arc. In an unforgettable audition story, Taylor shares how he was almost passed over for the role until he decided to fight for it. Today, Taylor and Alyshia discuss the importance of managing your money as an artist, why actors shouldn't take getting cut personally, and what it means to have the X factor.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Taylor Handley right here.
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Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to not freak out.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
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Actor Jamie-Lynn Sigler grew up on the set of HBO's acclaimed crime drama "The Sopranos," playing the role of Tony Soprano's daughter, Meadow. She has since gone on to appear in hit projects including "Entourage," "Ugly Betty," "Big Sky" and is the co-host of the newly-launched "MeSsy" podcast alongside Christina Applegate. In today's episode, Jamie-Lynn discusses how the responsibility placed on child actors has a lasting impact, and she shares the valuable advice she first got from James Gandolfini about acting coaches. Today, Alyshia and Jamie-Lynn also speak openly about navigating a career in the entertainment industry, which doesn't always hold space for those living with a chronic illness. Diagnosed with MS, Jamie-Lynn shares her story, proudly stating that she will never not represent herself on screen again.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jamie-Lynn Sigler right here.
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For nine seasons, households across the country spent Thursday nights with actor Sarah Drew as the beloved character Dr. April Kepner on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." Today, she shares how she emotionally prepared for some of the show's most memorable, high-stakes scenes and what her self-care methods are for debriefing afterwards.
From stage to screen, Sarah can be seen in hit projects such as "Mad Men," "Private Practice," "Glee," "Cruel Summer," "Amber Brown," and many more. She emphasizes the importance of leading with your strengths by sharing a story of how a last-minute gut decision to perform a monologue instead of a musical number at a casting director workshop launched her career. You won't want to miss this episode as Sarah discusses how she approaches text, what makes for a dynamic self-tape, and the love she's found for producing, writing and directing.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Sarah Drew right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to get new headshots. This is week four in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist, etc.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
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With more than three decades of experience in the industry, award-winning actor Judy Reyes has delivered incredible performances across all genres of film, television and stage. She spent nine years on NBC's Scrubs and has earned countless recurring and guest star roles on hit projects including Claws, Dr. Death, Better Things, The Horror of Dolores Roach, and has several upcoming projects in the works.
In today's episode, we get deep into the craft and the business side of the industry. We discusses when publicists can be beneficial in an actor's career, the need to advocate for ourselves in our contracts, and Judy offers valuable lessons by sharing stories from her Scrubs screen test and a Claws table read. Above all else, Judy emphasizes the importance of speaking up for your character's story, as well as your own.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Judy Reyes right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to get a PUBLICIST. This is Week Two in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist, etc.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
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Actor Kristen Ariza has made a name for herself in every lane of the industry from stage to commercials to voice over to television and film. You've seen her in some of TV's most beloved projects of all time including "Friends," "Grey's Anatomy," "Parks and Recreation," "Lie to Me," and nearly every procedural under the sun. In this jam-packed episode, she walks us through numerous audition stories and covers the nuances between guest star roles, transitional characters in pilots, book narration, and more. Be sure to take notes as Kristen shares how she navigated a theater audition over Zoom, the kind of character prep she does for emotional scenes, and the importance of maintaining multiple income streams as an actor.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to get an AGENT. This is Week Two in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist, etc.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
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In the true spirit of "That One Audition," Cynthia Addai-Robinson walks us through her audition journey from start to finish for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." Throughout her story, we discusses the pros and cons of self-tapes versus in-person auditions, how dialect plays into Cynthia's character preparation, and why actors shouldn't be afraid to ask for what they need from their readers. When it comes to emotionally vulnerable scenes, Cynthia shares how she approaches those terrifying scene directions of "she bursts into tears."
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Cynthia Addai-Robinson right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's reframe around the industry contractions. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia and Alex Collins as they shares insights and tips on maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being in the competitive contracting world of the industry.
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
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In 1996, actor Johnathon Schaech appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue alongside leading men Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Matthew McConaughey and many more. But Johnathon admits that he didn't always feel like a leading man throughout his life. Appearing in hit classics including Tom Hanks' "That Thing You Do!", Johnathon has gone on to earn over 100 film and television credits on projects including Showtime's "Ray Donovan", "DC's Legends of Tomorrow", "Texas Rising", "Marauders" and will be starring in the upcoming television project "Blue Ridge: The Series" to be released in April. Today, Johnathon returns to the show as we discuss why your reel is your calling card, the invaluable lessons he's learned from Tom Hanks, and how Johnathon came to embrace his inner leading man in life and on screen.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Johnathon Schaech right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked steps to SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on WHEN to get a manager. This is Week Two in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist.
These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job.
Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
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Actor, writer, and up-and-coming director Rob Kirkland can be seen lighting up the screen in recurring roles on the hit drama series "Yellowstone," Paramount+'s "Mayor of Kingstown," and guest starring in season 11 of "Criminal Minds." In today's episode, Rob shares how talent and consistency go hand in hand to meet opportunity when it presents itself. He shares how genuine connections with mentors can continue to blossom over time and reveals who his own mystery mentor was and how this mentor was instrumental in helping shape Rob's own career path.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Rob Kirkland right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked key to success: A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on laying the groundwork for a career as an actor. This is Week One in a 10 week series of "when to ..." focus on training, get a team, get a publicist. These weeks we will take a deep dive in developing your business as an actor. Let's go from being a student of acting to a WORKING ACTOR!
💪 Learn how to work as an ACTOR isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of creating a career versus a one off job. Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
🔗 Connect with That One Audition:
🌈 Elevate your acting journey with proven recovery strategies. Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney
At the age of 18, actor Carly Pope appeared as a series regular on The WB's hit series "Popular." Since then, she's gone on to earn nearly 100 film and television credits between the Vancouver and Los Angeles markets in hit projects including "Suits," "The Collector," "Pretty Little Liars," and "The Mental State." Throughout her successful career, Carly shares that she's struggled with the question of "why me?" and often found herself hiding from the industry. In this beautiful and vulnerable conversation, Carly shares the practices she now has in place to best support her mental health and walks us through her top three tangible tips for breaking down a script.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Carly Pope right here.
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Briana Venskus started out on the other side of the camera working as a production assistant before transitioning into a successful on-screen career as an actor. Having spent five seasons on Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and four seasons on AMC's "The Walking Dead," Briana has learned what it takes to balance multiple recurring roles at the same time. Today, Briana shares how she is able to shift between characters on different projects and the heartbreaking reality of scheduling conflicts when working multiple jobs at once. She shares how booking roles in smaller markets helped open the doors to LA, how she manages audition anxiety, and the joy that comes with making your own work while also supporting the work of others.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Briana Venskus right here.
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As a former karate competitor and semi-pro boxer, actor Isha Blaaker trains like an athlete in his craft. Although he may be the first featured guest on the podcast with less than 10 years of industry experience, Isha is a fast-rising star who can currently be seen in Ava DuVernay’s latest feature film "Origin." Today, he breaks down how he folds accent work into character development and reminds us all that what is for you already has your name on it.
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Starting out with an interest in photography, actor Jessica Pohly says that both art forms allow us to catch a glimpse into the lives of others. Growing up in New York and after working extensively in theater, Jessica bought a round-trip ticket to LA where she stumbled upon a show at the comedy training program The Groundlings and never looked back. From drama to comedy, you've seen her in "Fargo," "Pee-wee's Big Holiday," "Grand Crew," "Modern Family," "Huge in France" and as a Main Company member at The Groundlings. Today, we discuss how to honor the writer's work in your audition, making bold choices that are rooted in story, and finding out who you are as an actor before seeking your dream reps.
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From the stage to the screen, Behzad Dabu has built a long-standing career as a working actor and acting coach. Appearing opposite Viola Davis in "How to Get Away with Murder," "The Chi," "The Good Place," and many more, Behzad has learned that above all, story comes first. With a BFA in Acting, he discusses the ways in which school can, and can't, prepare you for life as an actor. He emphasizes the importance of showing up to work ready with choices and how the real role of an acting coach is to serve as an outside eye to further elevate those unique choices.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Behzad Dabu right here.
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🎭 Join That One Audition Podcast for a deep dive into the actor's journey and the often-overlooked key to success: RECOVERY. 🌟 Explore with Alyshia as she shares stories and tips on maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being in the competitive world of entertainment.
💪 Learn how recovery isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks but is a crucial part of an actor's mindset. Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
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Actor Vanessa Kai says that it was her years of experience on the stage that prepared her for the demands of a career in film and television. Known for her series regular role of Pei-Ling Zhang on the CW's "Kung Fu," Vanessa takes us through her process of script analysis step by step. She shares what led her to take a three-year hiatus from the industry, how she came to love one-line auditions, and why she prepares for self-tapes like a full theater rehearsal.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Vanessa Kai right here.
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In this special solo episode kicking off 2024, Alyshia expresses excitement about bringing new episodes this year and announces that the podcast is now available on YouTube for a visual experience. Reflecting on the past year, Alyshia shares insights on goal-setting, encourages actors to know their type, and suggests actionable steps to take control of their careers. Let's jump start the year with measurable intentions!
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Actor, director, writer, and producer Sarah Carter has reached numerous mountaintops in her career. From the start, Sarah had a burning desire to prove her college professor wrong when he started class saying that if you're lucky, maybe one person in here will work professionally. Since then, Sarah has hit the ground running earning film and television credits on Fox's hit series "Shark," "Falling Skies," "Smallville," "Final Destination 2," "The Vow" and many more. In today's episode, Sarah shares what it's like to be welcomed into the writer's room, how she found her way back to the craft after quitting the business, and how she successfully created and distributed her own film in the middle of a global pandemic.
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Appearing in 27 episodes across three seasons of the hit Netflix series "Orange is the New Black," Rosal Colon auditioned for multiple series regular, recurring, and guest star spots before she landed the role of Ouija in season four. Growing up with a love of theater, Rosal breaks down her process for getting to the heart of a character and discusses the differences and similarities between theater auditions and self-tapes. She shares her personal journey with actor mental health and emphasizes the importance of Latinx representation on screen and the need for stories that encompass the full range of the human experience.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Rosal Colon right here.
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Are you comfortable calling yourself a working actor? What is a working actor today? Alyshia and Anna LaMadrid, co-founders of THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS, discuss what it means to be a working actor?
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Known for his starring role as Mike Ross in USA's hit legal drama "Suits," actor Patrick Adams continues to explore and embrace the changing phases of his career. He shares lessons learned about maintaining stamina from one season to the next, what it was like coming back to auditioning after 7 years as a series regular, and how his approach to the craft has changed in recent years. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Patrick Adams right here.
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Working her way up from an assistant to casting associate to an Emmy-nominated casting director, Jamie Castro has cast numerous film and television projects including "Inventing Anna," "Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy," "Station 19" and more. In today's episode, we cover reasons why an actor might get recast, who usually writes the character breakdowns, and how actors can politely and professionally start to turn down co-star roles when they feel they're ready to level up to guest stars. As a coach, Jamie knows what makes a strong audition. Offering examples, she shares what it was like watching stars Kerry Washington and Katie Lowes audition for "Scandal" and what made their performances so memorable.
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Casting directors Ross Lacy and Alyson Horn are the dynamic duo of 200 South La Brea. Both starting from an acting background, the two have gone on to cast commercials for some of the biggest brands in the business and they are always on the lookout for new talent. Embracing a philosophy of direction not correction, Ross and Alyson share what makes a strong audition, how to best utilize improv for different kinds of commercial copy, and the importance of having a headshot that looks exactly like you.
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In this podcast episode, Alyshia and Anna LaMadrid, co-founders of The Bridge for Actors, discuss the end of a strike and the subsequent reflections on community perseverance. They explore the impact of the pause in their lives, emphasizing the need for actors to invest in their business aspects beyond just honing their craft. The conversation touches on the changing landscape of auditions, with an emphasis on the continued importance of self-tapes. They highlight the value of community support, reflective growth, and upcoming initiatives to help actors assess and improve their self-taping skills
From "Cold Case" to "Powerless," "Invitation to a Murder," "Roswell," and many more, casting director Michael Testa has cast more than 80 films and well over 300 episodes of television. He has no shortage of audition tales to share, including stories of some of today's biggest stars when they were just starting out. In today's episode, Michael shares how to avoid the traps of emotional material, the role that casting plays in production budgets, and the importance of knowing what colors work for you in a self-tape.
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Todays Wednesday Wisdom addresses pressure for perfection in auditions and the lies that certain people are perpetuating about self-tapes in the entertainment industry. Alyshia emphasizes the value of embracing "happy mistakes" and authenticity. Alyshia encourages actors to view auditions as part of a creative journey and not seek short-term gimmicks OR people that are selling "bookings" if you take their course. The focus should be on continuous practice, setting goals, and having fun - it's the journey to being a WORKING ACTOR.
Make sure to subscribe to That One Audition. Spread the word, tell a friend and shoutout us out on Instagram.
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
With over 90 titles to her name, Emmy award-winning casting director Julie Schubert has cast some of the most widely acclaimed films and television series in the business. From "House of Cards" to "The Diplomat," "Manifest," "The Punisher," "Mindhunter," "The Devil Wears Prada" and many more, Julie is highly sought after for her keen eye and knowledgable insight. Starting out as an associate working for some of the biggest casting directors in the industry, Julie shares what she's learned over the years about what makes a stellar audition, forming relationships with agents, what actors should try asking for in negotiations, and how to get into the casting business.
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With decades of experience in the commercial casting world, Ryan Bernstein of RMB Casting has cast uniquely cinematic commercials for huge brands including Apple, Geico, AT&T, Best Buy, Progressive, Snickers and much more. Receiving thousands of actor submissions per job, Ryan shares how actors can get on his radar and why he's returned to in-person auditions only. He explains how to use improv wisely in an audition and answers the commonly asked question - how many of those character headshots do you actually need?
GUEST LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
In today’s episode we’re chatting with Ben Barnes. This British actor (and skilled musician) has charmed audiences as the heroic prince in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and surprised them as the enigmatic Logan Delos in HBO’s science fiction thriller Westworld.
His love for storytelling began early: on stage performing with the National Youth Music Theatre. Since then his career has told the story of an artist who possesses true grit, a love for craft, and a desire to explore whatever he hasn’t done. He shares how blind persistence landed him his first agent, and how a secret injury helped him create one of his most recognizable roles.
For Ben, perspective and perseverance is key. Moving through the peaks and valleys of this industry requires trusting what you have to offer and choosing to be empowered regardless of circumstance. And that’s exactly what Ben continues to do. His work includes an array of diverse film and TV credits such as Easy Virtue, By The Gun, Seventh Son, Big Wedding, Sons of Liberty, The Punisher, Gold Digger and a lead role on Netflix’s soon to be series Shadow and Bone.
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Erin Cahill’s acting career launched in 2001 when she was cast as Jen, the Pink Ranger in the series POWER RANGERS: TIME FORCE. Since then, she has starred in regular and recurring roles on ABC’s RED WIDOW, TNT’s SAVING GRACE and FOX’s FREERIDE. She has over 30 guest-star credits including ANGEL FROM HELL, BONES, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, SLEEPY HOLLOW, BODY OF PROOF, CHUCK, LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES, THE MENTALIST, MONK, CSI: NY, SUPERNATURAL and GREY’S ANATOMY. Erin has starred in numerous leading roles in studio features such as Netflix’s THE WATCHER, Hallmark’s SLEIGH BELLS RING, the second and third installments of Disney’s BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA franchise and SONY’s BOOGEYMAN 3. She has also starred in the independent films, IT SNOWS ALL THE TIME, WINGMAN INC., and this year’s CUT TO THE CHASE for which she won Best Supporting Actress at The Northeast Film Festival.
Erin is also an ardent philanthropist, and contributes her time and resources to many worthy causes. Her current passion project is raising funds with her husband to build schools for underprivileged children in Nepal and Malawi in affiliation with the prestigious buildOn Organization. Currently Erin recurs on this season of Freeform’s STITCHERS and has three features slated for summer release, including Sony’s animated RESIDENT EVIL VENDETTA.
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Isidora Goreshter is a talented and nuanced actress best known for her role as Svetlana Fisher in Showtime’s Emmy nominated Shameless. She is also known for her work in The Petal Pushers and Happy Anniversary. She has previously guest starred in 2 Broke Girls and Ben & Kate. Isidora Goreshter teaches a masterclass at Anthony Meindl’s Acting Studio. You can see Isidora in the latest season of Shameless and the upcoming Clara’s Ghost, a Bridey Elliot film that recently debuted at Sundance.
Always keeping it real, Isidora will walk you down a path that’s included extra work, standing in for A-listers, going from student to teacher to student of her very own teaching, bringing a 9 day old human to the set of Shameless, and living that beautiful reality where a no-line audition becomes a series regular role.
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How are you managing your fear in your auditions and in your life? Today we discuss different physical and mental tactics to help navigate your FEAR and bring you into the present moment.
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Once known for capturing hearts on the hit Nickelodeon series BIG TIME RUSH, Carlos PenaVega has since evolved into a multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur. His journey hasn't just been about fan meet-and-greets and sold-out shows; it's also been about rebranding and self-discovery. Tune in to learn how Carlos's behind-the-scenes vlogging while touring the globe became a springboard for rethinking his brand strategy.
Discover the highs and lows of Carlos's long road to a transformative role on the CW's Life Sentence, and hear how he's conquering new frontiers in showbiz by co-producing shows with his wife, Alexa PenaVega, for IM Global. From his tactical moves for longevity in a fickle industry to a life-altering relocation to Hawaii, this episode delves into the survival and reinvention skills that have made Carlos a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
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Believing there is ENOUGH for you, for me and for everyone to succeed. Leaning into love and letting fear take a back seat, we will rise to our greatness and be able to celebrate each other.
"I cheer for people. I was raised to believe there is enough sun for everybody."
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In today’s episode we’re chatting with Scoot McNairy. Here’s a storyteller who’s genuinely humble and genuinely extraordinary. He’s an award winning actor and a producer. He’s worked on numerous award-winning films such as “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood,” “Gone Girl,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Argo,” and “Killing Them Softly.” He’s starred in critically acclaimed series such as “Narcos: Mexico,” “Godless,” and “Halt and Catch Fire.” The list of legendary directors he’s worked with will blow your mind. Steve McQueen, Quentin Tarantino, and Gus Van Sant to name a few.
Scoot’s own story begins in Texas as a kid who was fascinated by how movies were made. Dozens of commercials, TV shows, independent projects, and major studio films later, his fascination for the process of filmmaking has only deepened. But he’s also someone who admits there are things he loves doing just as much as acting and there are times when he’s left the industry to explore them.
He’s candid about the working relationships and friendships that have impacted his career. You’ll hear what Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy winning actor has inspired him the most. And you’ll see how everyone’s process coming to the craft is unique—it’s important to build your own bag of tricks.
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Embracing the mistake that allows humanity to seep into your performance. Commanding the performance to not fall apart when you are messy and making mistakes. Something that happens that was not planned is a GIFT and usually the most captivating moment!
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Today I sit down with Simone Missick an actress truly led by spirit.
This kick-ass woman is no stranger to walking in faith and trusting the process. When she booked her breakout role of Misty Knight in Marvel’s Luke Cage for Netflix she had only a handful of co-stars to her resume. She admits to struggling with self-doubt about choosing a life path as an actor. Her focus is on her inner journey over the business. This interview is a refreshingly honest and vulnerable look at what it means to literally walk into one’s vision and be a light for others.
Simone leads CBS’ ALL RISE which is currently the most popular new network show of 2019! She is the first African American woman to lead a series on CBS, and it’s been a huge huge hit for the network. She will also soon be seen opposite Anthony Mackie in the second season of Netflix’s hit sci-fi anthology drama ALTERED CARBON.
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Full disclosure of when/how to have loyalty to YOUR business versus your team (agents/managers). The real discussion around the formation of your team, treating it like dating and being loyal to YOUR business plan.
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Tommy Dewey may seem casually cool and like he has it all figured out in this business, but it took "letting go" of perfection to land the jobs on CASUAL and THE MINDY PROJECT that made him feel like he could truly relax and embrace a fully realized character. A collegiate track runner at Princeton University, Tommy had big plans for Wall Street signing up for the LSAT twice. On hiatus from a stress fracture, Tommy accepted a challenge to audition for the two coveted spots in Princeton's improv troupe. No acting experience, but a innate sense of comedic timing and his sports driven ambitious nature landed him one of the two coveted roles out of 100 actors. Tommy not only secured the spot in the group, he eventually was the troupe's director and writer. Law School was still waiting for Tommy, but Tommy challenged himself with a summer intensive at RODA and now attributes his success to his fall back plan being writing. Yes, this guy can write! Tommy took a year off of acting to create and run the writer's room for his own show "Sons of Tucson." Listen in to hear how Tommy deals with nerves, how he runs a casting session for his shows, what really gets you the job, how to stay in the game and how his back up plan now is writing
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Today we have a fascinating conversation with actor Russell Hornsby—from Grimm, Seven Seconds, and The Hate You Give—as well as FENCES, both on Broadway and in the film, his career is full of valuable lessons he’s learned.
After twenty years in the industry, he shares how a long-term career was not a given reality for him, but rather something he’s had to fight for every step of the way. His advice is equal parts inspiration and tough love, so whether you’re just starting out or are a few years in, he’s got some healthy perspective about being honest with yourself, doing the work, and putting everything you have on the line for your art.
Russell Hornsby is an American theater, television, and film actor. He is known for his roles as Edward "Eddie" Sutton on ABC Family's Lincoln Heights, as Luke on the HBO drama In Treatment, as Detective Hank Griffin on the NBC series Grimm, and as Lyons in the movie Fences.
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Merle was born in Okinawa, Japan to a mother of Korean and Japanese descent and an African-American father serving in the U.S Force. Growing up in Nebraska,but not into football, Merle didn't know where she fit. A friend encouraged Merle to choose drama as a study because she was told it was "easy". Little did Merle know that the drama department would be the community she had been longing for and that expression would give her the platform to explore social conditions and and the emotions that must be exposed to understand and accept each other. Merle graduated college and had a wild inclination that New York was where she needed to be to fulfill her purpose. With $107 in her pock, a packed Uhaul and an ailing kitten, she drove to New York and landed in the sea of many hopeful artist. Merle was still figuring out what was cool and learning everything on the fly. At the time a non-equity actor, she heard that everyone in town was going to audition for "Jesus Christ Superstar", so she decided to learn a song and stand in line at 4am to hopefully be given the opportunity to audition. At 1pm the casting director not only called her in to the room, but gave her the space and the light to shine. Even though most things came to Merle very easily, she was still doing what she considers "on the job" training and chasing after an idea or feeling of what it is to be an actress. After a job replaced her, a blessing in disguise, Merle accredits her acting coach Warner Loughlin for giving her the strength and confidence to approach every role with ease and unwavering sense of responsibility to the intention and message of the role. After working three jobs to support her theater career, Merle Dandridge landed herself in the company of Oprah and now holds the honor of portraying Grace on OWN's hit show, GREENLEAF. This woman's 25 year journey is nothing short of resilient, spiritual, and guided.
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Today's guest is a vibrant force of passion and hard work and, for those of you interested in how the world of Broadway works and how it differs from TV and Film, she is a genuine triple threat---From eight shows a week in New York to recurring roles on TV, she’s spent 20 years in this business, putting in the work and thoroughly enjoying every step of the journey.
Jackie Seiden is an actor/singer/writer born in Highland Park, IL. She graduated early Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor in Science and a Music Theatre Certificate. After graduating, Jackie moved to New York City and was cast in her dream show, "Hairspray" on Broadway. She was also in the original company of "Good Vibrations" on Broadway, and originated Mary Delgado on the 1st National Tour of "Jersey Boys" along with many other off Broadway productions, tours, regional shows, and worked with greats like Twyla Tharp and Bob Dylan. After performing as Pinky Tuscadero in Garry Marshall's production of Happy Days, she moved out to Los Angeles permanently where she met her husband Jason Winer (Director/Producer). Since moving to LA Jackie has worked on many films and television shows ("Jersey Boys" with Clint Eastwood, "New Year's Eve" with Garry Marshall, " Jack and Jill," with Adam Sandler "Christmas Switch," "The Catch," "Modern Family," "Life in Pieces," etc., and performed all over as a part of the For The Record Live company.
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Dissecting the EGO and how it challenges creativity. How to create and step outside the EGO (the end result) that inhibits real creativity from flourishing.
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In this episode, we explore the journey of acclaimed stage, film, and television actor Joshua Bitton, known for his roles in HBO's "The Night Of" and Steven Spielberg's "The Pacific." Over the last 20 years, Bitton has developed his craft by saying yes to opportunities, hustling, and continuously working on his art in various forms - be it coaching fellow actors or expressing his craft around a campfire. He believes in the power of gratitude and holding space for others, and this has played a significant role in his success. Besides his numerous television appearances and film roles, he is also an active acting coach in Los Angeles, using his experience to guide upcoming talent. Recently starring in CBS All Access' mystery drama series "One Dollar," Bitton continues to shine, demonstrating his range from drama to comedy in award-winning projects. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and continual learning in the path to success.
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Negotiating Committee Member, Jason George, sits down to discuss the counterparts of the AMPTP rebuttal.
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This is the perfect episode for anyone trying to find a shift in their career, or in their artistry, for the actors who are wanting to make brave decisions in their life and in their approach of character. Our guest today is the incomparable Jenna Elfman, an efferevescent performer and person. This is an inspiring listen about how she navigated life after DHARMA & GREG, the fumbles, the touchstones, and the vulnerabilities in learning a new character on FEAR THE WALKING DEAD.
Jenna Elfman is a film and television actress who started her career as a dancer and appeared in music videos by various artists, including Depeche Mode and Anthrax. She is best known for her role as Dharma in “Dharma & Greg,” the hit series that led her to earn three Emmy Awards nominations and a Golden Globe Award. Elfman is also known for her work in the ABC comedy series “Imaginary Mary,” “Growing Up Fisher,” “1600 Penn,” “Damages,” and an appearance on “Shameless.” She’s also had guest appearances in “Two and a Half Men,” Royal Pain,” “My Name is Earl,” and “The Mindy Project.” In film she’s best known for “Keeping the Faith,” which she starred in with Ben Stiller and directed by Edward Norton, “Can’t Hardly Wait,” Ron Howard’s “Edtv,” with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and “Big Stone Gap,” with Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. Currently she’s starring in the hit AMC series “Fear the Walking Dead.”
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In this interview, Joely Fisher, the secretary-treasurer of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the ongoing negotiations and strike authorization vote. She emphasizes the importance of unity, transparency, and debunking misconceptions. Fisher highlights rejected points by producers and the need to address dignity, humanity, and fairness in the industry. She emphasizes regulating AI to protect consent and compensation. Fisher urges actors to stand in solidarity, participate in picket lines, and support indie films. The interview concludes with SAG/AFTRA talking points and see the show notes for all the notices sent by SAG/AFTRA regarding what is allowed and not allowed during this unprecedented time.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR (SAG Talking Points):
Compensation / Revenue Sharing
Health Care and Retirement Funding
Online Casting Platforms
Artificial Intelligence
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Jason Momoa was the FIRST one to audition for GAME OF THRONES and the LAST one cast a year later. His cousins impact on his life helped him make a strong choice that ultimately landed him the role. But it took him a few years and a couple of classes to trust his instinctive strong choices and learn how to "audition". BAYWATCH discovered him in his native home of Hawaii among a 1300 person cattle call. Jason responded to a radio call announcing the audition that would pay him more than the daily rate of folding T-shirts at the family owned surf shop. Jason's unique look has always made him a different choice but also made opportunities few and far between. So Jason, with many of his close friends, formed the production company Pride of Gypsies which has made Jason into an all around film maker, writing, producing, directing and acting.
Jason will always be remembered for his unforgettable role as Drogo in season one of GAME OF THRONES. Currently, Jason is Aquaman in the DC Comics JUSTICE LEAGUE and AQUAMAN in 2018. Check out Pride of Gypsies' BROWN BAG DIARIES, ROAD TO PALOMA and BRAVEN.
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Minnesota-born Brianna Brown began acting in elementary school and local community productions. She moved to Hollywood to pursue acting full-time and landed a role in Judd Apatow's pilot show Freaks and Geeks. She appeared in several comedic films, including Spider-Man 2 in 2004. She worked steadily in various roles, including on popular TV series like CSI: Miami and Criminal Minds. She also co-founded the "Green Goddess Investment Club" and started an organization empowering women called THE NEW HOLLYWOOD.
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Biggest F word in a world of creativity can actually be your biggest lesson. FIRED. FAILURE. To avoid embarrassment of the ego, one must review what the blockages that landed me here and how can I learn from this detour in life. You are not alone.
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Mehcad Brooks is an actor, musician, and producer raised in Austin, Texas. From bringing characters to life on screen, to writing and producing films, and recording soulful music under an alias, award-winning actor and musician, Mehcad Brooks, has become known in the entertainment industry for his raw and refined talent, charisma, and moving presence. Throughout his successful and celebrated career Brooks is best known for his work in USA’s “Necessary Roughness,” for his portrayal of Terrence King, Mehcad Brooks, an actor, musician, and producer from Austin, Texas, is recognized for his diverse talents in the entertainment industry. His notable roles include Terrence King in "Necessary Roughness," Eggs in HBO's "True Blood," and Matthew Applewhite in "Desperate Housewives." He also starred in "My Generation," "The Deep End," and played Harry Flournoy in "Glory Road." Other film credits include "In the Valley of Elah" and "About Last Night." alongside Scott Cohen and Callie Thorne. He is also known for his characterisation of Eggs in Alan Ball’s HBO series “True Blood,” and for his work in ABC’s hit show “Desperate Housewives,” portraying Matthew Applewhite. Additionally Brooks starred in Noah Hawley’s docu-drama “My Generation,” and “The Deep End.” His film credits include his breakout role is Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Glory Road” as Harry Flournoy, which followed the 1966 first all-black college basketball teams starting line-up and their eventual NCAA national championship win. Brooks was also featured in “In the Valley of Elah,” “Adulterers,” “Wildlife,” “Just Wright,” and “About Last Night.”
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We are all ageless in artistry if we allow ourselves to be. Today I am assessing the experience around T.I.M.E in a creative career.
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Stephanie Szostak, a French-American actress, began her professional journey studying business and playing varsity golf at the College of William and Mary. After working in marketing at Chanel, she took up modeling, but it was during an acting class in New York City that she discovered her true calling. Her breakthrough came with a role alongside Meryl Streep in the acclaimed film "The Devil Wears Prada." Currently, Szostak shines as one of the leads in the ABC drama "A Million Little Things," while also making guest appearances in popular shows like "Younger," "Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce," and "Bull." Her filmography boasts notable works such as "Iron Man 3," "R.I.P.D.," and "We Bought a Zoo," showcasing her versatility and talent. Alongside her acting pursuits, Szostak holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and she resides with her husband and two sons in the vicinity of New York City.
In addition to her on-screen accomplishments, Stephanie Szostak has made appearances in diverse projects. She has acted in the French film "Une aventure New Yorkaise" ("A New York Thing") and starred in "The Rebound" alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones. Her repertoire also includes the Italian comedy "Four Single Fathers, Motherhood" featuring Uma Thurman, as well as "The Good Heart" and the independent film "Satellite," for which she earned a Best Actress award at the BendFilm Festival. Szostak's talent has also been recognized in her television roles, including appearances on the critically acclaimed series "The Sopranos" and the popular NBC show "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."
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The entertainment industry is currently facing a crisis due to the writer strike and the impending SAG strike, but amidst these challenges, auditions are still taking place. As an actor, it is crucial to continuously REFINE your self-taping process and approach to auditions, ensuring that you are always improving and giving your best performance. It is essential to view auditions as opportunities and understand the RESPONSIBILITY you have in telling the story effectively. Additionally, developing a healthy RECOVERY process is crucial for handling disappointment and rejection in a constructive manner. By refining, taking on responsibility, and focusing on a healthy recovery, you can increase your chances of longevity and success in the industry. You got this!
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With over 60 credits to his name, Jon Huertas has made a significant mark in the world of television and film. Not only is he recognized for his exceptional acting skills, but also for his roles as an executive producer and recording artist. One of his most notable performances was as Javier Esposito, part of the core four in ABC's beloved show Castle, where he shared the screen with Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion. HBO's Generation Kill showcased his talent as Sgt. Antonio Espera, and he portrayed Joe Negroni in the film Why Do Fools Fall in Love. Currently, Jon captivates audiences in the immensely popular NBC family drama This Is Us as Miguel Rivas, acting alongside Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, and Sterling K. Brown.
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Katheryn Winnick is now known for her starring role as Lagertha in the critically acclaimed show Vikings on the History Channel. It took 14 years for Katheryn to find a role that truly showcased her unique strength as a double black belt holder in Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Her journey into acting began with getting fired from her first set due to her enthusiasm for the realism of the action, which led her to instinctively yell in a scene as a background artist. Undeterred, she confidently told her mother that one day she would become a lead actress who couldn't be fired. Katheryn's determination paid off as she not only became a lead actress but also gained critical acclaim, placing her on the shortlist for major studios. In addition to her acting career, Katheryn's business acumen led her to own three Tae Kwon Do studios by the age of 21, providing financial stability while pursuing her acting dreams. Her participation in the first season of "The It Factor" helped her secure an influential theatrical agent, and her bold choices in auditions caught the attention of casting directors on both coasts. By keeping an audition journal, Katheryn gained self-awareness and insight into her strengths and weaknesses, allowing her to craft a courageous and thoughtful career. Alongside her role in Vikings, she can be seen in The Dark Tower alongside Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, as well as in the Call of Duty WWII video game.
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From Broadway to film and television, John Gallagher Jr. has carried his theatre training with him throughout his career. Appearing in hit series including "The Newsroom," "Westworld," and "Modern Love," John shares his top memorization tips for tackling challenging dialogue. He discusses the importance of audition mindset and how actors can go about keeping material fresh and alive rather than seeking to repeat.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed John Gallagher Jr. right here.
LINKS:After playing the role of Phoenix in the box office hit sequel "Top Gun: Maverick," you can now find actor Monica Barbaro opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in Netflix's new action-comedy series, "FUBAR." In today's episode, Monica discusses the benefits of starting a career in a smaller market, how to navigate director meetings, and reminds listeners that as actors, our learning is never done.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Monica Barbaro right here.
Resources LINKS:Growing up in the mountains of Puerto Rico, actor Ismael Cruz Cordova's insatiable curiosity and love of the arts led him to New York City to study his craft and pursue a career in entertainment. With over 20 years in the industry, Ismael has garnered roles in "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," "The Undoing," "The Mandalorian," "Ray Donovan," and many more. Refusing to take no for an answer, Ismael's passion and drive has led him to rise amongst some of Hollywood's biggest talent agencies.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Ismael Cruz Cordova right here.
LINKS:Every member of SAG please vote immediately! VOTE HERE!
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While she may be the youngest guest to be featured on That One Audition podcast, actor Sophie Nélisse has no shortage of professional experience. Beginning her career at just 8 years old, Sophie developed a sense of discipline early on by training in gymnastics for the Olympics. Over the years, her list of credits has grown to include "The Book Thief," "47 Meters Down: Uncaged," and the role of young Shauna in Showtime's hit drama series, "Yellowjackets." Today, she shares invaluable insight for actors, including how she and Melanie Lynskey went about crafting a dynamic character between the two of them, and how she maintains her character arc when working with different directors from one episode to the next.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Sophie Nélisse right here.
LINKS:When you get an audition, don't immediately look at the breakdown (the description of the role). Instead, go straight to the script and follow your instincts on how to approach the character. Analyze why the character exists and why the scene is important. Once you have your own take, then look at the breakdown to see if there's anything you need to add. Don't try to give them what you think they want; be true to yourself and your instrument (your unique approach). Approach your audition with curiosity, confidence, calmness, and clarity (C-MODE). Don't just play at an emotion, be curious about why the character is feeling that way. Remember, there's no right or wrong point of view, but having a CLEAR point of view will make you stand out in the selection process. And if you need help, coaching, consulting, or cheerleading, I'm here for you (full C-Mode channeled)!
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Breaking into the world of film in the hit comedy, "Three Men and a Baby," Nancy Travis has gone on to earn numerous film and television credits including starring roles in Netflix's "The Kominsky Method," nine seasons on Fox's "Last Man Standing," and can soon be seen in the upcoming feature film, "Ordinary Angels" starring opposite Hilary Swank. Today, Nancy discusses typecasting, the power in making your own content, and offers invaluable lessons for newer actors on set.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Nancy Travis right here
Resources LINKS:"Pending your interest" is the crucial phrase to remember when considering audition opportunities. Don't just jump at the chance without thinking if you're actually interested in the material, the role, and the people involved. Saying "I have an opportunity" instead of "I have an audition" can also help you approach the experience in a positive light. Remember, if you're not interested, it's okay to say NO. And in the current climate of the writer's strike, it's important to qualify your interest based on where you are in your career and whether you've worked with the casting director before. So, don't be desperate and grab at everything. Be intentional and make informed decisions.
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Following his memorable performance in Hulu's award-winning limited drama series "Dopesick," actor John Hoogenakker can now be seen on Showtime's five-part crime series "Waco: The Aftermath." Portraying real life characters in both shows, John breaks down how he was able to craft his characters without creating an imitation. He emphasizes the importance of thorough audition preparation and shares how he manages the mourning period as an actor when transitioning from the end of one project to the start of the next.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed John Hoogenakker right here.
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Today, Alyshia goes more in depth about Laban movement. Also known as Laban Movement Analysis, the aim of the study is to break down how movement can be expressed into it’s simplest forms, allowing a performer to call upon them and experiment in a thorough manner. The movement can be said to be drawn from physiological, emotional and psychological aspect as to how a person can move. The underlying theme is transparency and ease of access for the mannerisms an actor can make onstage but is also used across multiple disciplines for a variety of uses.
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Actor and director Jason George knows what it is to build a character arc from one season to the next. Having appeared in over 350 episodes of NBC's "Sunset Beach" and more than 150 episodes of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," Jason has earned more than fifty guest star credits and ten series regular roles over the course of his TV, film, and stage career. As a board member of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Jason explains how actors can best utilize the union as a resource to advocate for themselves as artists, as well as their business. Today, he shares everything from audition tips, to advice for creating a supportive on-set environment, to how he transitioned into the world of directing.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jason George right here.
LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Today, Alyshia and Anna LaMadrid share the space of Wednesday Wisdom with Co-Star member of The New Triple Threat, Leslie Adlam. The conversation centers around the "staircase" method of incremental growth and how important it is to measure craft in order to see progress. Leslie shares her experience of joining Self-Tape May, how her technical skills in self-taping have improved over time, and what helped her land recurring roles and commercial work.
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Nigerian-British actor Chukwudi Iwuji grew up recreating what he saw on television as his form of childhood games. As a classically-trained award-winning theatre actor, Chukwudi has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park. Soon to be seen in Marvel's upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3," Chukwudi has captivated audiences and industry professionals alike with his talent and tireless dedication to his craft. Today, he provides invaluable tips for actors on audition mindset and preparation, and shares why he doesn't approach a role as a transformation, but rather as a creative symbiosis of the character and himself.
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For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Alyshia reflects on a recent podcast episode with Kirsten Vangsness, a veteran star of Criminal Minds. They chatted about the challenge of maintaining creativity and curiosity when portraying the same character for an extended period. While consistent work is a dream come true for actors, it can become a snooze-fest creatively at times. To keep their artistic spark alive, the Alyshia urges actors to venture beyond their regular work, whether it's learning new skills or creating quirky characters in their spare time. As a potential writer's strike looms over the industry, it is important to focus on nurturing creativity and to start flexing their imagination muscles now, rather than sitting idle and waiting for their next gig.
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
For 17 seasons, actor Kirsten Vangsness has been known and loved for her role as Penelope Garcia, the witty and fashionable technical analyst on CBS's hit series "Criminal Minds," now newly reimagined for Paramount+.
From hosting her own YouTube series podcast, to doing theater productions while simultaneously balancing her series regular role, it's easy to wonder when she manages to get any sleep. Rather than viewing it as work, however, Kirsten says she chooses to fill her life with the things she loves and emphasizes the importance of doing the inner work to recognize what those things are.
In today's episode, we get honest about actor mental health, as Kirsten shares her story and reminds us that no matter what level we're at, we can all continue to learn from one another as actors.
LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Alyshia discusses the various transitions that happen in an actors career and how we can maintain a sense of grace through the space of transitions.
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Li Jun Li knows what it is to shape an acting career one building block at a time. Immigrating with her parents to New York, Li describes herself as a painfully shy child with those around her recognizing what she was meant to do well before she did. As a viewer, you can't help but lean in when watching her in hit projects including "Sex/Life," "Babylon," "The Exorcist," and more. Today, in addition to sharing how she transitioned from working in theater to film and television, Li also offers advice for how actors can advocate for themselves when it comes to nudity on set and lends insight on what to remember in those moments when you feel like quitting.
LI JUN LI'S LINKS: LI JUN LI'S CREDITS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Alyshia dives deep into the avenues of false evidence appearing real and how that effects our mindset as artist. Recommendation for reading: The Artist Way by Julia Cameron.
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Creed Bratton has combined his love of adventure and his passion for the arts well throughout his life. As a traveling musician and a member of the hit rock band The Grass Roots throughout the 1960s, Creed knew he was drawn to performing and connecting with an audience. Best known for his portrayal of the offbeat, quirky character of the same name, Creed Bratton, on NBC's "The Office," Creed shares the story of how he worked his way from background to principal cast by creating a self-tape all on his own that showcased his comedic talent. In today's episode, Creed offers some of his best tips for audition prep and shares how he faces fear head on.
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An actor's career is defined and sustained with development of craft and talent, but the secret sauce to staying the course is mindset. We typically look at the 1% as the talent that the world knows by name. Today, Alyshia discusses how you are possibly part of the 1% TODAY. Today, we have a mindset shift to know that as a working actor you ARE the 1%.
THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Starting as a child actor, Madeline Zima has sustained a thriving career spanning more than thirty years in the entertainment industry. You've seen her in some of Hollywood's most notable television series over the years including, "Californication," "Twin Peaks," "Heroes," "YOU," "Good Girls," "Doom Patrol," "The Nanny," and more. In today's episode, we do a deep dive into the topic of self-tapes. From eliminating in-person audition nerves to learning how to self-direct, Madeline shares how self-taping has been a game changer and allowed her artistry to truly flourish.
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For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Alyshia and Anna LaMadrid chat with actress, writer, content creator, voice-over artist , Lanisa Frederick, and casting director Alexis Winter. We shed light on the tech transition for VO actors, accessibility to offices for development actors, predatory and toxic myths in actor training, what casting directors look for in self-tape auditions and why we should remain hopeful about how we move forward as a COMMUNITY of STORYTELLERS - not just actors but writers, casting directors, and crew.
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With over 100 credits, Adam currently stars in "The Equalizer" as the gruffly endearing, eccentric and fiercely loyal computer hacker Harry Keshegian. Prior, he was hand-picked by Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard for "Saving Private Ryan" and "A Beautiful Mind". Other credits include “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", “Déjà Vu” and “Zodiac”, "Fargo", and "Friends". While working in Hollywood has been a huge part of Adam’s life, his personal passion for photography and music have garnered their own cult following, fully establishing him as a renaissance man. Adam has recorded four albums under his moniker The GoldbergSisters, a collaboration with his mythical twin sister and alter ego “Celeste.” Today, he shares how he nabbed countless offer-only roles and how auditioning just isn't his jam.
GUEST LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition
Yes, the climate is intense and frigid in the conversation around casting directors and the self-taping process for actors. Articles putting casting on blast have been in circulation. Conversations with working actors and developmental actors have been highly charged with a negative narrative looking for a scapegoat. Perhaps there is a little wisdom here on reframing our perspectives, where we as actors can be in control of our emotional beings and what we can do to help give respectable guidelines to the self-taping industry.
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With more than 80 television credits to his name, actor Derek Webster can be seen dominating the screen in hit series including "CSI:Vegas," "Mayor of Kingstown," "Stargate" and many more. Today, he explains how transitioning into a state of confidence was when things really began to change in his career. In this episode, Derek shares how he navigates moments of recovery after disappointment, the importance of authentically responding rather than choosing moments when auditioning, and how actors can keep each take fresh on set.
GUEST LINKS:For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition!
With an extensive background in theater, actor Brian Baumgartner took everything he learned in his actor training about voice and physicality and brought it with him to Los Angeles. Although he only had a few credits to his name at the time, Brian knew he belonged in Allison Jones' casting office to audition for "The Office." Although he initially read for a different role, Brian went on to spend 9 years on the show, with his character Kevin Malone becoming a fan favorite amongst viewers. Today, Brian shares how he made the most out of a minimal character breakdown, why he doesn't hesitate to ask questions about the script, and what he learned about set etiquette from some of the biggest comedy stars in the industry.
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For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me (@alyshiaochse)!
Over the years, Nick Gonzalez has made numerous appearances in some of television's biggest hit shows including, "The Good Doctor," "La Brea," "Pretty Little Liars," "How to Get Away with Murder," "Resurrection Blvd," and many more. With a dedicated team of reps and teachers behind him, Nick shares how he navigates common actor traps, how he responded when the industry asked him to change his last name, and the different techniques he uses to instill depth into every character he plays, no matter the size of the role.
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Actor Terry Serpico has built a thriving acting career spanning more than 30 years. Starting out as a stunt actor, Terry learned on the job while surrounded by some of the biggest names in the business. Today, his credits include roles on "The Flight Attendant," "Yellowstone," and more than 100 episodes of CBS's "The Inspectors," as well as Lifetime's "Army Wives." He can currently be seen on "Law and Order: SVU" as Chief of Detectives Tommy McGrath. Today, Terry shares his journey and how it led to he and his wife Kadia Saraf using storytelling as a means to educate, advocate, and open a larger conversation amongst audiences.
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Alyshia discusses little steps to manifesting in your art!
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Powerhouse actress and life coach Brittany S. Hall is back and a lot has changed since her last time on the show. From her Gotham Award nomination for her performance in the feature film, "Test Pattern," to her starring role in the recently released feature film, "Imani," Brittany is intentionally manifesting the life she desires for herself and is open to receiving it all. Today, she discusses how to navigate emotional content that hits close to home, how to best utilize your script supervisor on set, and the difference between investing in your confidence as an actor versus investing in your skills.
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With a background in sports, actor, director, writer Joshua Close says that the lessons he learned from playing hockey primed him for actor training early on. From learning to be a team player to figuring out how to get present quickly, Josh's talent and skill have gone on to land him role after role in hit series such as "Fargo," "Person of Interest," and he can soon be seen alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in "Killers of the Flower Moon." In this episode, Josh discusses how his acting, writing and directing work all support one another, and he shares the number one lesson he's learned from working with some of the biggest names in the industry.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Josh Close right here.
JOSHUA CLOSE'S CREDITS:
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How do we learn to learn? How do we take the time to dive into the art of learning? Today, Alyshia discusses the steps to learning and how to give grace to the process.
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Over the course of his career, Ukrainian born actor Alex Feldman has earned numerous guest star roles on hit projects such as "The Americans," "Law and Order," "Cold Case," and many more. But what exactly does it mean to be a good guest on set? In today's episode, Alex shares step by step, how actors can prepare when coming in as a guest star in order to best support the project and everyone involved.
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IG Live turned podcast because it needed to be shared with all actors across the world! Finally know what casting is thinking. Track and grow your craft with castability. Access to the industry, equity in representation, and transparency on how casting decisions are made is no longer a wish... it's a choice.
This career is a long shot no matter how you approach it, so let's choose to get serious and work smarter.
Submit scenes in castability's audition simulator to be ranked confidentially by anonymous top casting professionals with thousands of hours of experience in the audition room. In return, you get the private data back to discover where you fall on the casting "decision matrix," which helps us strategize on which roles and genres to target for our career!
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With over 70 credits, actor, writer, and producer Scottie Thompson has built a body of work across genres. With roles on hit films including "Star Trek" and "Skyline," as well as television series such as "12 Monkeys," "NCIS," "The Blacklist" and more, Scottie shares how she uses her dance background to embody the words of every character she plays. With extensive experience in sci-fi and period piece projects, Scottie offers tangible tips for how actors can prepare for these types of auditions. She also touches on what it's like to revisit characters years later when returning to a role, as well as what producing has taught her about how best to support actors on set.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Scottie Thompson right here.
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Montreal native and SAG Award Winner Emily Hampshire is best known for her role as “Stevie Budd” in the Emmy-Award Winning hit series Schitt’s Creek opposite Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara. With a background in animation voiceover that supported her as her Film & TV career took off, Emily has accrued more than 75 on-screen credits. Up next, she can be seen starring in the highly anticipated series The Rig; a six-part thriller directed by Line of Duty and Bodyguard director John Strickland. Today, she shares lessons she's learned along the way about audition nerves, being okay with being a beginner, and being gentle with yourself through the highs and lows of an entertainment career.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Emily Hampshire right here.
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As we begin a new year, let's set an intention to commit to the a practice and then practice consistently.
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Growing up in Ohio, Charles Michael Davis navigated a career starting in print modeling, to commercials, to landing recurring and series regular roles on hit television series including "Grey's Anatomy," "The Originals," "Younger," and "NCIS: New Orleans." Today, he shares his top memorization tips for actors, how to find joy in the preparation process, and how he learned to embrace auditions as an opportunity to share, rather than a test to ace.
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Allison Tolman is a Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress who successfully avoided actually making a living in the field until she was in her early thirties. Before then, Tolman played a veterinary receptionist, personal assistant, children’s theatre teacher, vocal coach, phone sales associate, client services representative, and dog walker – never on film, but in her actual life in order to pay her rent. However, in the fall of 2013 she landed a seminal role in FX’s Fargo and quit her last day job. Her performance as Molly Solverson put her on the map and garnered her a Critic’s Choice Award.
Today, Allison shares her journey after Fargo, picking a good team and how to keep the artistic journey in flow.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Allison Tolman right here.
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Alyshia does a deep dive into the difference of carrying your artistry with confidence versus cockiness.
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Inbar Lavi is an Israeli actress who will next be seen in the 4th season of Netflix’s FAUDA, streaming later this year. She also recently wrapped the indie films VRONIKA opposite Jake Kesy and BLACK DIAMOND with Jake McLaughlin & Ray Panthaki. Previously, she can be seen as “Eve” in the final season of LUCIFER. Her breakout role was the lead on the Bravo original IMPOSTERS, in which she played a con artist assuming multiple identities. Additional television credits include ABC’s STUMPTOWN, Fox’s PRISON BREAK, TNT’s THE LAST SHIP, and GANG RELATED. Inbar shares the how she values her artistic worth, the gratuitous way to run a set and gaining the confidence to have her Beyonce moment.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Inbar Lavi right here.
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Terry Knickerbocker is founder and studio director of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, the renowned New York City-based acting school. He teaches the Meisner technique and is part of a direct lineage of Sanford Meisner, having spent over 30 years training and teaching with William Esper, one of Sandy’s most respected protégés. Terry has coached such renowned actors as Sacha Baron Cohen, Josh Charles, Daniel Craig, Zac Efron, Isla Fisher, Boyd Holbrook, John Leguizamo, Natasha Lyonne, Jonathan Majors, Gretchen Mol, Sam Rockwell, Emmy Rossum, Brian Michael Smith, Yul Vasquez, Michelle Williams, and others. Terry has coached actors on performances that earned an Academy Award, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Today, Terry discusses coaching great actors into their next role of directing!
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Starting off with a successful career as a dancer, actress Candice Coke embraces using her whole instrument in expressing her artistry. She shares how her journey has been a hands-on learning experience, culminating into a long list of notable credits including “Kevin Can F**k Himself,” “Proven Innocent,” Tyler Perry’s “Temptations,” “La La Land,” and more. Today, she talks about how she was able to let go of chasing perfection, the value of investing in yourself, and the importance of stopping to take a look back at how far you’ve come.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Candice Coke right here.
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What is the true journey of an artist and how do we stay the course? What is the point of focus to keep us along the journey. As the wise once said, this career is a marathon not a sprint. Where do we keep the focus to track our progress in the journey? Today, Alyshia discusses the highlights of the Riley Smith episode and keeping the focus on that which you can control.
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Actor and singer-songwriter Riley Smith has accrued more than 75 credits over the course of 20+ years in the entertainment industry. Starting off in modeling, Riley made the transition into acting and spent years working on pilots that never got picked up before landing series regular roles including his character of Ryan Hudson on the hit CW series, “Nancy Drew.” Today, he shares the lessons he’s learned about navigating agent relationships, signing contracts, and the value of leaning into what you’re naturally best at.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Riley Smith right here.
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Alyshia discusses how we can request to remove labels in breakdowns that limit us as artists.
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Kathleen Garrett can currently be seen in Netflix’s record breaking, blockbuster hit, INVENTING ANNA, as the high fashion, hard-to-please, gallerist Sasha Thomas. She is also in another blockbuster of a different kind as Deskka, the sage warrior chaplain, in the #1 video game of the year, HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST. To add to her string of successes, she plays Former First Lady Laura Bush opposite Viola Davis’ Michelle Obama in Showtimes’s most prestigious project, THE FIRST LADY premiering April 17. She started off the year recently guest starring, to critical acclaim, in Dick Wolf’s FBI as the grieving, yet pointedly direct, Nicole Trenholm. Classically trained in New York and London, Kathleen’s range runs the gamut of roles from drama queens in Greek tragedies to slapstick comediennes in sitcoms. She is a recipient of a Screen Actors Guild Award, The Drama Critics Circle Award, Garland Award, LA Weekly Award, Robbie Award, and Ovation Nomination. She is one of the few actors to be awarded the international Clio Award and The Women’s League of Advertising Award (Lulu Award) for Best Performance in a commercial. Her extensive voice-over work includes national campaigns, video games, narrations on series, mini-series, and documentaries.
KATHLEEN GARRETT'S LINKS:As we come into the holiday season, our focus as actors tends to be on the "slow" season. Let's take a minute to reflect on that which we can CONTROL in the slow times.
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Brian Thomas Smith moved to Los Angeles from Saint Louis in 2000. His acting journey has had many ups and downs, but he is the perfect example of the journeyman actor as he continues to book jobs in film, TV and commercials. Brian Thomas Smith’s acting credits span film, television and include over 100 commercials. Some highlighted commercials are playing Phil Shifley for DIRECT TV, wearing a European man thong for MILLER LITE and being trained by the brew master in a BUD LIGHT campaign. BTS was featured in Super Bowl ads for SAMSUNG and BUD LIGHT. He also raced around the world with his brother Greg in SEASON 7 of THE AMAZING RACE.
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Christopher Rivas is an actor, author, podcaster, and storyteller best known for his on-screen work on the Fox series, CALL ME KAT. In addition, he hosts two podcasts on SiriusXM's Stitcher: Rubirosa, a limited series about the life of Porfirio Rubirosa, and a weekly show, Brown Enough (premieres September 28, 2022). Rivas is simultaneously authoring a book, BROWN ENOUGH, that Row House Publishing is slated to release on October 11, 2022. He is a Ph.D. Candidate in Expressive Arts for Global Health & Peace Building from The European Graduate School and a Rothschild Social Impact fellow. Rivas resides in Los Angeles, CA.
LINKS:As we slide into holiday season take this time to revisit your artistry and your career. How would you like to reinvent? How do we approach the transitional moments of growing in purpose and artistry? Let's get some wisdom from Skyh Black's episode and be curious how we show up for the next phase of LIFE.
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Rising star, Skyh Black, knows what it’s like to experience full transformation as an artist. Starting out as a dancer to some of the biggest music names in the business, Skyh can now be seen lighting up the screen as Amp ‘Addiction’ Anthony in BET’s “All the Queen’s Men,” as well as roles in “Sistas,” “Stranger Next Door,” and more. Today, Skyh shares how he built a new career as an actor from the ground up and emphasizes how everyone is on their own unique journey as an artist.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Skyh Black right here.
LINKS:Today, Alyshia and Anna LaMadrid share the space of Wednesday Wisdom with Guest Star member of The New Triple Threat, Alicia Urizar. Overcoming fears, being stuck and upleveling your craft by working with other actors is the focus of the chat. Hear the wisdom Alicia shares on how she was able to bring her career full center with a few tools and techniques that made her self-tapes part of the "selection" process and even bookable!
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Leslie Bibb has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. Noted for her comedic flair, she can be seen in the newly released “God’s Favorite Idiot” and the upcoming TV series, Mrs. American Pie. In this episode, Leslie shares her journey as she touches on fear, intentions, and unapologetically asking for what you need.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Leslie Bibb right here.
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Actress, author, and activist, Selenis Leyva believes that the desire to perform is something that you’re born with, a passion that lies within your genes. Born in the Bronx, it was clear from the start that Selenis had a thirst for learning the craft when at age 14, she asked to use the school auditorium to create a drama class for herself and a group of her fellow classmates. Today, she recalls a defining moment in her youth where she was told that her dream of pursuing education in the arts was “not for you” and how this pivotal moment gave her the motivation to go forward with the mindset of “Just watch me.”
Selenis captivated audiences with her riveting and layered performance as Gloria Mendoza in Netflix’s hit show, “Orange is the New Black.” What started as a dayplayer role that her agent advised her to pass on, became a fully fledged character she created off of a breakdown that simply read, “Gloria Mendoza, Latina.” Today, we’ll hear about her journey navigating an industry where Selenis recognized a lack of Latinx representation on screen and how that was reflected early on in her career in the types of roles she was called in for. Over the course of her 20 year career, Selenis has continued to challenge the idea of what others labeled as “not for you” and has used her platform to shine a light on the stories of others who are often excluded from the table. She has achieved this not only on screen, but also through the publishing of a book co written with her sister, Marizol Leyva, titled, “My Sister: How One Sibling’s Transition Changed Us Both.”
Selenis has a kindness and self confidence that radiates to those around her when sharing advice for up and coming actors. Above all else, she emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself. With self respect and self love, she says, that’s all that’s needed to want the best for yourself and to settle for nothing less.
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Today we sit down with actor Tom Pelphrey. What began as a sports injury, from a very short-lived high school football career, and a friend subsequently suggesting he try out for the school play, a perfect storm of influences and awakenings (and the power of encouragement) made Tom realize that he was good at something for the first time in his life—his natural aptitude on stage eventually launched him into a full and thriving career in theater, television, and film. Tom’s work continues to captivate audiences, with roles on Cinemax’s Banshee, Marvel’s Iron Fist, Netflix’s original hit series Ozark, and many more. From his first audition with casting director Alexa Fogel (where he didn’t land the job), Tom explains how not booking the role evolved into a now 15-year working relationship with one of television's most respected casting directors. He shares how self-doubt and struggling with feelings of inadequacy accompanied him throughout his twenties, and how he discovered validation out of admiration, how to evaluate self-value, and the realizations that can only come from maturity and experience. We get to chat about the power of memorization muscle, soap stage stories, and how to navigate the tide of workload shifts, seen through his mountainous climb from one-take-wonder jobs to working under the guidance of an industry master, Mr. David Fincher. Coming out of “guest-star land” to becoming a series regular, Tom explains what it means to not take things personally and the importance of not attaching one’s self-worth to the results. And of course, we get to gush about his experience of working alongside Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, where he has gleaned even more tricks of the trade. Tom even shares the daily practices he continually uses to remain grounded in an ever-changing industry, which is even more valuable given the nature of these unprecedented times—in fact, this is my first ever Zoom interview, making it not just an honor, but also befitting, that we get to retell the stories of adaptation and triumph that landed Tom Pelphrey right here.
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Co-star member of The New Triple Threat, Regina Melzer, has been in L.A. for 12 years. Over time, she’s come to embrace her learning style when it comes to training in her craft. After realizing that she wasn’t connecting with traditional acting techniques being taught in class, she found that the courses offered in The New Triple Threat membership allowed her to have full agency over her learning and growth as an actor. Today, she sits down with Alyshia and Anna and shares how she was able to bounce back after hearing difficult teacher feedback with confidence and comedic flair!
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We can be our own worst critic when it comes to watching self-tape playback. Oftentimes, our ego zeros in on that one piece of hair out of place rather than watching for whether or not we’re supporting story. Join Anna and Alyshia as they explore a kinder approach to self-tape playback as they share how we can identify what’s working and what isn’t and how to course correct without condemning ourselves in the process.
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As much as we all want to grow in our craft, learning environments can stir up thoughts of comparison if we’re not nurturing our mental health. Rather than “compare and despair,” how can we shift our mindset towards excitement and curiosity? Instead of looking at fellow classmates and asking “why not me?” Alyshia and Anna share how to look at those succeeding around us in a constructive way that allows our talent to expand.
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While you may be longing for the return of in-person auditions, actors are winning more opportunities now than ever before with self-tapes as the new norm. Even so, it’s easy to get stressed out when it comes to managing the tech side of taping. Between light boxes, ring lights, lenses, and blue versus gray backdrops, let’s put the stress to rest and learn to embrace the tech!
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When actors create their own work, you’re simultaneously taking your career into your own hands while enjoying collaboration with friends and like-minded creatives. But how do we handle the business side of creating our own projects? In this episode, we’ll discuss agent and manager involvement, getting yourself paid, and the importance of incentivizing your teammates.
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This week, Alyshia offers a few words of caution when navigating the world of independent filmmaking. In sharing her own firsthand experience, actors will learn what steps to take in the event that they are not paid by production. From navigating SAG claims, to understanding how it impacts health insurance plans, today’s wisdom centers around the importance of tracking your money.
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Getting back to the basics on this Wednesday Wisdom with Anna LaMadrid! Today, we highlight Imani Love and that ONE audition tale. Show Links:
I can't quit you. A little Wednesday Wisdom on how motivation is overrated. Environment matters more! Set up your environment for easeful motivation.
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Today’s guest is an actor, writer, director, and producer. She is none other than Sarah Wayne Callies, best known for portraying Lori Grimes on AMC’s record-breaking series The Walking Dead. Sarah’s made an unforgettable impression on audiences worldwide by bringing complex and powerful female characters to life on screen.
Her appreciation for these dynamic roles began long before she was a series regular on multiple critically acclaimed shows (including Unspeakable, Colony, Prison Break, and her upcoming leading role on NBC’s Council of Dads). Exploring and sharing the female voice has always been important to Sarah—from studying feminism and mythology in college to honoring the guidance of strong women in her family.
Sarah’s career, as she says, is a miracle and series of accidents. But as you’ll find out, it’s also a testament to hard work, gratitude (always gratitude), and resourcefulness. You’ll hear how she used riding on the Subway to improve her on-camera audition technique, what helps her return to true North, and how important it is for artists to know and trust themselves… even if that means moving to British Columbia.
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What is to be expected for 2022 storytelling?
David Rapaport (Casting Director: You, Gossip Girl, Riverdale, Batwoman, Superman and Lois...so much more) joins Alyshia with Anna LaMadrid as we ask all the questions on the hearts and minds of actors for 2022.
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Yara Martinez was last seen on Fox's police drama pilot, DEPUTY, from David Ayer, Aquaman writer Will Beall, and eOne. She co-starred opposite Stephen Dorff as his wife, ‘Dr. Paula Reyes’.
Martinez can currently be seen starring as ‘Miss Lint’ in Amazon’s highly reviewed reboot of the popular superhero franchise, THE TICK. Based on creator Ben Endlund's favorite comic, the series follows Arthur Everest, an obsessive ex-accountant who suspects his city is controlled by an evil supervillain. The pilot episode quickly became the most watched in the network’s history.
Martinez can also be seen starring as ‘Dr. Luisa Alver’ in the CW’s Golden Globe nominated comedy series, JANE THE VIRGIN opposite Gina Rodriguez. The series solidifies Martinez as a fan favorite for her portrayal of the recovering alcoholic who accidentally inseminated the titular ‘Jane’ in the pilot episode. Martinez is currently shooting the last and final season. Yara also recurs on CBS’s BULL playing Michael Weatherly’s lead character, Bull’s, ex wife.
Previously, Martinez starred in the second season of HBO’s critically acclaimed TRUE DETECTIVE opposite Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn and in Amazon’s ALPHA HOUSE about four Republican senators sharing the same DC house rental. Additional television credits include THE LYING GAME, NASHVILLE, HOLLYWOOD HEIGHTS, FACELESS, VANISHED, THE APOSTLES, SOUTHLAND, BREAKOUT KINGS, and SPACED.
Born in Puerto Rico to Cuban parents, Martinez grew up in Miami and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She studied acting at the New World School of the Arts, and spent a summer with Anne Bogart’s SITI company in Saratoga before receiving her BFA and eventually moving to Los Angeles to pursue her passion for television.
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Alyshia + Anna LaMadrid discuss a new practice and focus to help plant seeds for 2022.
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Mireille Enos has quickly risen to the top of a short list of sought after female actors. She is best known for her role as “Karin Lane” opposite Brad Pitt in the blockbuster hit WORLD WAR Z as well as her Golden Globe, Emmy and Critics Choice Award nominations as detective “Sarah Linden” on AMC’s THE KILLING. Enos can currently be seen in the first season of Amazon Studios adaptation of the action-thriller, HANNA, opposite THE KILLING co-star, Joel Kinnaman. The second season of the David Farr created show will premiere on July 3rd in which Enos will reprise her role as ruthless CIA agent ‘Marissa’
In 2019, Enos was seen in the Amazon and BBC six-part series, GOOD OMENS, portraying ‘War,’ one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Joined by Jon Hamm, Michael Sheen and David Tennant, the show is described as equal parts humor, horror, fantasy and drama.
In 2016, Enos joined the ranks of Shonda Rhimes’ leading ladies, being cast in the starring role of ABC’s THE CATCH which premiered as part of the famed “Thank God It’s Thursday” (TGIT) lineup and aired for two seasons.
Enos’ big break in television came in the form of her supporting role in the HBO drama BIG LOVE from 2007-2010. Impressed by her range and versatility, Enos was cast in a double-role playing twins ‘JoDean and Kathy Marquart,’ which eventually lead to her leading role on the AMC hit show THE KILLING for four seasons beginning in 2011.
Enos other television projects include Amazon and Channel 4’s anthology series, PHILIP K. DICK’S ELECTRIC DREAMS, opposite Greg Kinnear and the HBO biographical drama MY DINNER WITH HERVÉ opposite Jamie Dornan and Peter Dinklage, which recounts the life of French Actor Hervé Villechaize.
Most recently in film, Enos starred in the Blumhouse produced film, THE LIE, opposite Peter Sarsgaard and Joey King. Written and directed by THE KILLING creator, Venna Sud, the film made its debut at the 2018 Toronto international Film Festival.
In 2017, Enos was seen in the thriller NEVER HERE, opposite the late Sam Shepard, in what became his final role. Other film credits include DARK WAS THE NIGHT, the indie feature KATIE SAYS GOODBYE, opposite Olivia Cooke and Jim Belushi, THE CAPTIVE, directed by Atom Egoyan and starring opposite Ryan Reynolds, IF I STAY, based on the best-selling young adult novel and SABOTAGE, directed by David Ayer.
In 2013, Enos starred as ‘Karin Lane’ opposite Brad Pitt in Marc Forster’s blockbuster hit WORLD WAR Z. The film was the biggest live action original opening since AVATAR. She also was seen opposite Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon in the Atom Egoyan directed DEVIL’S KNOT, which premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.
Most notably, on stage, Enos starred in the Broadway revival of WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF opposite industry veterans Bill Irwin and Kathleen Turner where she earned herself a Tony nomination for “Best Featured Actress in a Play.” In 2006, Enos joined the original cast as the play transferred to London’s famous West End.
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Alyshia + Anna LaMadrid discuss a new discipline practice to "go up the staircase" in 2022 with your creativity.
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Today we chat with Paul Adelstein, from Private Practice, Prison Break, Scandal, and Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, as he lays out his 30 year career for us, sharing some of the most inspirational, motivational, and insightful stories, and how he’s managed to turn countless challenges into opportunities to win.
Beginning in Chicago, he began his career as a member of John Cusack’s commedia-style theatre company. We talk about how the rigor of this group prepared him for anything, and as he shares with us here, there was a lot to be prepared for. From the jobs he’s lost, to the ones that have come to define his career, he’s unapologetically honest about what it takes to persevere and stay focused, even when everything seems to be falling apart. From a pre-audition pep-talk from John Travolta, to a meeting with Shonda Rhimes that lead to a direct offer, his journey proves that things always work themselves out, and often lead to beautiful, seemingly fortuitous, full-circle moments that make an artistic life worth the uncertainty and risk.
Regardless of where you are on your journey, whether you’re at a peak, or feel stuck in a valley, today’s conversation is for you. Full of encouragement and optimism, this bird’s-eye-view of a career is a reminder that things are always working out for good. Your good and for the good of great storytelling.
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Brittany S. Hall is an actress best known for her work in HBO's Ballers in her portrayal of Amber, starring alongside Dwayne Johnson and John David Washington. She has been featured in many television and film projects, including Satisfaction, Being Mary Jane, Survivor's Remorse, Quarry, and Drumline: A New Beat. She will join Sanaa Lathan, Ernie Hudson, and Ricky Whittle in Haifaa Al-Mansour’s “Nappily Ever After,” a Netflix original romantic comedy. Brittany Hall takes us through her experience with reality television, alter egos, her time as an urban model, a music video girl, into a talented, powerful actress.
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How does an artist become an icon? To curate a body of work that spans over forty years takes guts, resilience, determination, and extraordinary insight and intuition. Laurence Fishburne has become one of the most celebrated actors of our time and honestly doesn’t need an introduction. But as we arrive at a landmark 100 episodes of That One Audition, there couldn’t be a better artist and craftsman to better articulate what it is to be an actor.
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In today's episode, I got to sit down with an extraordinary actress who has crafted a diligently curated body of work defined by her remarkable range. Carmen Ejogo has played major roles in Sam Mendes’ Away We Go, Sparkle with Whitney Houston, It Comes at Night, Roman J. Israel, Esq., Alien: Covenant, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, and most recently opposite Mahershala Ali in the new season of True Detective.
Characteristically tight-lipped about her personal life, Carmen generously pulls back the curtain to reveal how she’s made it this far and how her commitment to her vision has afforded her a career that has captivated audiences and critics alike. She shares how she says no more often than she says yes, and how this discernment has empowered her to keep a clear vision for the stories she wants to give voice to. We also get to chat about how she prepares for an audition, how she balances her art with the business of the industry, and how she decided from the very beginning of her career that her body of work would be defined, not by her appearance, but by her talent, determination, and humanity.
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What’s your 5 year plan? What can you control? What’s within your power to create for yourself.
It’s all starts with a plan, actionable goals/intentions and discipline!
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From bringing diverse, powerful characters to life on the screen, to writing scripts for one of the most successful television series on Netflix, Brandon Kyle Goodman has emerged in the entertainment industry as a powerful force with a voice to be reckoned with.
This summer, Goodman can be seen starring in Netflix’s upcoming feature film, “Feel the Beat,” opposite Sofia Carson. The drama follows an out-of-work actress, April (Carson), who returns to her small hometown after failing to find success on Broadway and is soon recruited to train a misfit group of young dancers for a big competition. Goodman shines as the outspokenly brave, queer Deco, April’s neighbor and support system while she adjusts returning to her country life. “Feel the Beat” is slated to premiere on Netflix on June 19, 2020.
Additional acting credits for Goodman include recently starring as Andy, an eager father-to-be, in Amazon’s successful rom-com anthology series, “Modern Love,” as well as a recurring role in the Amazon pilot, “People Just Do Nothing.” Goodman has also appeared as one of the leads in Fullscreen’s digital series, “Alive in Denver,” and can be seen in the independent features, “The Blackout,” “The Relationtrip,” Hulu’s “Plus One,” and Blue Fox’s “Papi Chulo,” alongside Matt Bomer and Wendi McLendon-Covey. When not acting in front of the camera, Goodman has also found success in the writers’ room. This year, Goodman joined the writing team for seasons four and five of Netflix’s smash-hit, animated comedy series, “Big Mouth.” “Big Mouth” is currently set to return for its fourth season on Netflix in 2020, following an unprecedented, three-season renewal announcement from the network.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Goodman discovered a love of acting throughout high school, before attending the Tisch School of Arts at New York University (NYU). Upon graduation from NYU, Goodman joined a musical sketch comedy group called “Political Subversities,” which featured weekly sketch and song performances by many NYU alumni about what was happening in the zeitgeist of pop-culture and politics and was even created into a web series. It wasn’t long before Goodman moved to LA full-time to pursue a career as both an actor and writer in Hollywood.
As a proud, queer, Black person, Goodman has recently emerged as a staunch advocate for the #BlackLivesMatter movement, having gained over 20,000 followers and counting in the span of just a few days following a recent viral video message to Goodman’s white peers regarding his experience as a Black person in America. After the video message received over a million views and a handful of high-profile celebrity reposts, Goodman continues to actively speak out against the injustices that have been plaguing the Black community for decades, encouraging his followers to donate to the Innocence Projects, LA LGBT Center, Color of Change, and Black Lives Matter.
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Alyshia discusses the journey of being an artist and not being married to a "right' way of artistry. There is YOUR way! And today, how can you best support your way of being a working actor.
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For today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Bridget Regan, from Jane the Virgin, Agent Carter, The Last Ship, and the upcoming Paramount Network show, Paradise Lost, where she got to work with iconic artists like Barbara Hershey and Nick Nolte. She shares how she got her start doing community theatre while growing up just outside of San Diego, and how her experiences there lead her to a career performing on Broadway and in countless hit TV shows. We chat about some of her hilarious audition stories, what it was like working in the theatre and then transitioning to film, and how she’s always managed to trust her artistic instincts—even when they lead her against the advice of her team.
We get into some great listener questions, where she offers her practical advice for the process, but as she shares, her “only real ritual is preparation.” It is this kind of investment in her craft that has led her to opportunities where she’s shot for 48 hours straight between TWO major TV shows. This deep desire to create connected work is why she’s never stopped working. Her credits also include roles in John Wick, Grey’s Anatomy, Sons of Anarchy, and White Collar.
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For today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Bridget Regan, from Jane the Virgin, Agent Carter, The Last Ship, and the upcoming Paramount Network show, Paradise Lost, where she got to work with iconic artists like Barbara Hershey and Nick Nolte. She shares how she got her start doing community theatre while growing up just outside of San Diego, and how her experiences there lead her to a career performing on Broadway and in countless hit TV shows. We chat about some of her hilarious audition stories, what it was like working in the theatre and then transitioning to film, and how she’s always managed to trust her artistic instincts—even when they lead her against the advice of her team.
We get into some great listener questions, where she offers her practical advice for the process, but as she shares, her “only real ritual is preparation.” It is this kind of investment in her craft that has led her to opportunities where she’s shot for 48 hours straight between TWO major TV shows. This deep desire to create connected work is why she’s never stopped working. Her credits also include roles in John Wick, Grey’s Anatomy, Sons of Anarchy, and White Collar.
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Alyshia is joined by Anna LaMadrid, co-founder of The New Triple Threat, and they chat with New Triple Threat member Fiona Browne about her new found success after up-leveling her self-tapes.
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Today’s guest has been around the arts her entire life. She is the acclaimed and generously creative British actor, writer, director and producer Rebecca Hall. Many of us first saw her in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige and soon after starring in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Rebecca witnessed early on what an artist’s life could be. Her first on screen appearance was in the TV mini-series The Camomile Lawn at the age of 10. It was also around this time that her father (celebrated stage director Peter Hall) gave her some advice: the key to being an actor is making sure that you remember to live! She talks about her time at University and finding success on stage before appearing on screen again. After The Prestige, Rebecca continued on to a truly incredible career that’s lead to multiple awards and critical recognition. Her work includes The Red Riding Triology, The Town, Parade’s End, Iron Man 3, Transcendence The Awakening, Frost/Nixon, The Gift, Christine, and Tales from the Loop. Later this year you can watch her in Godzilla vs. Kong.
She’s a master craftswoman. From sketching actors in the back of her father’s stage rehearsals to directing her own projects, you’ll hear the stories of how Rebecca pushes beyond expectations to create the art and life that she wants to express. For Rebecca, it all comes back to the work.
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Back on some wisdom for a Wednesday, speaking about the Holiday season and irrational fears of booking out! Alyshia is joined by her co-founding partner of The New Triple Threat, Anna LaMadrid.
Today we chat with Adam Shapiro about what it is to be enough, being re-cast in the feature adaptation of a passion project, to the insightful advice Director Jason Winer gave just before testing for a pilot, to starting your own theatre company.
From his work on The Affair, Sense8, Grace & Frankie, The Mindy Project, and Snowfall, to his roles in Now You See Me, The House Bunny, and Steve Jobs, as well as on Broadway in Waitress---you’ve likely seen today’s guest before…
Adam is currently filming the upcoming season of Showtime’s The Affair, and recently filmed the lead role in a new TBS half-hour comedy pilot and roles in the upcoming indie films It Happened In LA (Sundance 2017), Feed, The Female Brain, and Social Animals. He’s been seen as Avie Tevanian in Aaron Sorkin’s Steve Jobs, arcs the Netflix series from the Wachowskis: Sense8, ABC’s Cristela, Audience Network’s Kingdom, and the NBC comedy Trial & Error, as well as guest starring roles on Grace & Frankie (Netflix), Snowfall (FX) and The Mindy Project(FOX). Recent television credits include: Bones, CSI: Cyber, The Mysteries of Laura, Betrayal, 1600 Penn, Scandal, Mistresses, and Grey’s Anatomy. More Film Credits: Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant, The Answer, Sister, Nobody Walks in LA, Ctl Alt Delete, I Am Not A Hipster, Short Term 12, Now You See Me, A Single Man, The House Bunny, The Den.
Adam is also a co-founder of IAMA Theatre Company, and has recently starred on Broadway in the Tony nominated Waitress. Adam was most recently nominated for Ovation Awards for IAMA’s LA premiere of The Recommendation by Jon Caren (Winner Best Production 2014) and for Best Lead Actor in a Musical for Hey, Morgan! a world premiere comedy by Matthew Fogel and Isaac Laskin, Directed by Matt Shakman at the Black Dahlia Theatre. More stage credits include: Rent, You are Here, The Accidental Blonde, the world premieres of Leslye Headland’s Bachelorette and Assistance (IAMA Theatre Company), and “David” in Paul Grellong’s west coast premiere of Manuscript (The Elephant).
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Back on some wisdom for a Wednesday, Alyshia is joined by Anna LaMadrid.
Check out The New Triple Threat at thenewtriplethreat.com.
Today’s special guest wears many hats. Actor, writer, producer, and former jazz band member Monica Raymund believes there is no right way to become an artist. Graduating from the Juilliard School class of 2008, Monica felt that her 4 years spent as a student allowed her the space to fully explore her instrument and break through her own inner blocks.
After gaining representation through Juillard’s showcase, Monica shares that the determining factor in choosing her agent was the fact that her talent agent’s life didn’t revolve around the entertainment industry. With a lack of representation of Latina women on screen, Monica initially did not see television as an opportunity for her. Now, through the process of having grown comfortably into herself, Monica discusses how she now comfortably says “no” to projects that don't align with her values.
Having spent 8 eight seasons as fan-favorite character, Gabriela Dawson, on NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” Monica shares the ways in which she was able to stay creatively fulfilled as an artist when not shooting the series. With a list of credits including “Chicago PD,” “Hightown,” “The Good Wife,” “Blue Bloods,” “Brahmin Bulls,” “Arbitrage” and many more, Monica is going full-steam ahead when it comes to work both in front of and behind the camera. Today, Monica opens up about her first major network test experience, how NBC’s Female Forward program helped launch her directing career, and how what’s going on off-screen in an actor’s self tape is what makes a compelling audition.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Monica Raymund right here.
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Back on some wisdom for a Wednesday, Alyshia is joined by Anna LaMadrid. The New Triple Threat Co-Founders discuss insecurity versus confidence.
Check out The New Triple Threat at thenewtriplethreat.com.
Today I sit down with star of the newly released “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” Tamara Taylor. As a shy kid, Tamara started out in modeling school. It was there where she discovered how she came alive on a runway performing in front of an audience. With dreams of pursuing acting, Tamara credits her mother with helping her to set her creative priorities on track when she asked, “Do you want to do this because you want to be famous, or do you want to do this because you like it?”
After moving to Los Angeles with her best friend to pursue their entertainment industry dreams, Tamara studied with acting coaches Margie Haber and Howard Fine and describes her experience of first going out for commercial auditions. After landing a series of commercials as a spokesperson for AT&T, Tamara was able to launch her commercial success into securing theatrical agent representation.
Since then, Tamara has earned a list of credits that just keeps growing including her well-known role as Dr. Camille Saroyan on FOX’s “Bones,” ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Netflix’s “Altered Carbon” and “October Faction,” FOX’s “Party of Five”, ABC’s “Lost”, Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” and many more. Today, Tamara candidly and openly discusses both the challenges and excitements that await actors at every new level in their career, from new actor to series regular. She shares her journey towards developing and embracing her own self-confidence, and shares how that confidence has allowed her to recover gracefully from on-set blunders, to fully show up in auditions even when feeling nervous or unprepared, and most of all, to always listen to her gut.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Tamara Taylor right here.
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Actor Rudi Dharmalingam showed a creative spark from a young age. From writing short stories and sketches with his two best friends while growing up, to attending the National Youth Theatre in the U.K. at the age of 16, Rudi excelled in his drama studies and had a fascination with performance.
After graduating from the University of Salford, Rudi was ready to hit the ground running. He had his sights set on working as a professional actor in theater and had secured an agent during his first year at university. Today, Rudi shares the experience of being dropped by his agent after a terrifying accident on the way to his first audition and how he was able to push through the years of auditioning that followed. After booking an understudy role in the Royal National Theatre's London stage production of "The History Boys," Rudi began to see some momentum in his career. Since then, Rudi experienced a 15 year back-to-back run of theater productions including a West End run of "Mary Stuart," and a co-star role in "Hamlet" opposite Benedict Cumberbatch at the Barbican Theatre.
After deciding that he was ready for a new adventure on the big screen, Rudi has now gracefully pivoted into the world of film and television with the premiere of Showtime's newest drama series, "Wakefield." Starring as psych ward nurse Nik Katira, this psychological drama explores the complexities of mental health when Nik himself begins to lose connection to his own reality. Rudi will also be returning in season 3 of "The Split," and can be seen in the upcoming 2022 release of the action-thriller series, "Extinction."
Today, Rudi shares that what he loves most about acting is the intimacy. He dives into how that intimacy manifests itself differently in theater versus on screen, and he shares the ways in which he approaches character building from a place of instinct. Inspired by artistic legends such as Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis, and following the teaching principles of Stanislavski, Rudi encourages all actors to think of a self-tape as a short film and to go above and beyond the line of duty when it comes to an audition.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Rudi Dharmalingam right here.
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Today’s guest is the gutsy and candid Sarah Shahi. You might recognize her as Jenny from Alias, Carmen on the L-Word, or the iconic Sameen Shaw on CBS’ Person of Interest. She’s a refreshingly honest and thus charming actress who makes no apologies for being herself. She discusses how befriending Robert Altman as an extra on his set inspired her to pursue an acting career and make the move from Texas to LA. She emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself in every way possible- for her, that means keeping her wardrobe casual and messy- even if it costs her the job.
Sarah keeps it real, opening up about what it’s like to film sex scenes and even begin lactating mid-audition. Her career is an example of what can happen when you don’t plan your life around the work and instead trust that the net will catch you.
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From building a career to cultivating a rich personal and family life, she’s candid about how she’s sought out balance in all things, and how she’s managed to continued working year after year. She shares how she approaches her work and how she continues to expand her craft—all while leaving room to TRUST and be surprised!
Her list of credits is extraordinary and practically endless—The Haunting of Hill house, Halt and Catch Fire, X-Files, The West Wing, Nixon, The Bridge, and Mystic Pizza—just to name a few!
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Born in New York, and having grown up with two actor parents, Ben Schnetzer never saw acting as any different from any other 9 to 5 job. Starting out in school plays, Ben recalls how his parents supported him from a young age and encouraged him to lead his own way when it came to his craft. Taking a year-long break after high school, Ben attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the U.K. and recalls the obstacles he encountered during his early years of auditioning.
Landing his first major series on ABC’s “Happy Town,” Ben shares the experience of his first screen test and how he eventually learned to overcome audition nerves. Since then, Ben has racked up a slew of credits in films such as “Snowden,” “Pride,” “Warcraft,” “The Book Thief,” “Goat,” “The Giant,” as well as a lead role in the newly released FX television drama series, “Y: The Last Man.” Today, Ben dives into the art of self tapes and how actors can use them to their advantage as the new auditioning norm during the pandemic. He offers tips on what is helpful for actors to look for when watching playback of their tapes, and what to refrain from agonizing over. Going even deeper, Ben offers insight into what it really means when casting says they know if you’re right for the role within the first 20 seconds of your tape.
More than anything, Ben stresses the importance of taking the work seriously, rather than taking yourself too seriously. He reminds artists that our characters are a construct in another person’s story, and we can only control the level of work that we put into our craft and the rest is out of our hands. Ben knows what it means to be excited about the work, to fall in love with the journey, and reminds actors everywhere that there is value to be found in feeling lost from time to time.
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Susie Abromeit trains in her craft the same way she trained as an athlete. As a tennis player, Susie dedicated hours a day to perfecting her game and eventually earned the title of #6 top tennis players in the U.S. Despite her incredible success as an athlete, it was performance that always lit up her soul. Growing up in Florida, Susie spent much of her childhood drawing, writing stories, and being encouraged by her teachers and parents when it came to her natural acting talent.
After reflecting on whether or not tennis was still serving her dreams and goals, at 18, Susie began to step away from tennis and started writing her own songs which eventually led her to perform alongside hip-hop artist Fat Joe for Atlantic Records. Applying that “killer instinct” from her tennis days, Susie went after what she knew she wanted in her acting career, and has shaped an impressive resume with roles in projects such as “Jessica Jones,” “Sex Drive,” “The Forever Purge,” “Chicago Med,” “The Haves and the Have Nots,” “Battle: Los Angeles,” “Devious Maids” as well as two upcoming projects including the holiday film, “Much Ado About Christmas,” and an appearance alongside Will Smith in the biographical drama “King Richard” set to release this November.
Today, Susie shares how she believes stories help us make sense of the world around us. She believes that instead of making our lives into art, it is art that shapes our lives. She leaves listeners with helpful tools such as how to use character development as a form of line memorization, how she went about creating her own project, and she gets honest about the realities of the “machine” that is Hollywood. Tune in as she concludes with an incredible story of how she was able to leave an impression on the legendary Will Smith in a scene that demanded moment to moment actor discovery.
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Before she became known as Hollywood’s go-to stunt woman for top box office films and television, Kimberly Shannon Murphy had a love of dance and gymnastics as a child. Her interests expanded into acrobatics when she joined AntiGravity in New York City touring the world as a silk and hammock aerial performing artist. Today, she shares with us how she was able to break into the entertainment business through commercial dance work when she booked her first ever audition breakdancing in an Old Navy commercial. From there, she made herself known by reaching out to reputable stunt coordinators in the industry and was able to form long term working relationships that lead her to double for some of Hollywood’s biggest female stars, Uma Therman, Cameron Diaz, Kaitlin Olson, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie and Blake Lively, just to name a few.
Today, she breaks down the nuts and bolts of the stunt industry by walking us through the booking process for stunt performers, the role that SAG plays in ensuring their safety and well-being on set, and the importance of knowing your camera angles in performance. She emphasizes that above all, training and persistence is what will build you a long lasting successful career. For her, that hard work has resulted in over 100 credits to show over the course of her 15 year career.
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Over the course of his 30 year career, Aasif Mandvi has learned that the dreaded phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none,” is nothing more than a myth. As an actor, writer, producer, podcast host and much more, Aasif has no shortage of creative endeavors and has learned to embrace that multiplicity rather than fight it.
Born in Mumbai, India, Aasif moved with his family to the U.K. and grew up in north England. His creativity was evident from a young age, from drawing to writing poetry to even performing a radio play as encouraged by his parents. Joining a children’s theater company, Aasif describes how acting served as an escape for him and how the “no pressure” attitude from his parents gave way to a sense of freedom in his acting with no expectations attached.
After moving to America, Aasif studied drama in both high school and college and immediately secured a job with Disney. Upon moving to New York, Aasif felt that the lack of representation in the media left him without a career roadmap to follow from other actors that looked like him. While studying his craft, Aasif began to explore other ways he could get seen within the industry and wrote a one-man-show titled, “Sakina’s Restaurant” which was the first story of a south Asian immigrant family to be performed in New York City’s theater scene in Times Square.
You’ve seen him in hit films and television series such as CBS’ “Evil,” “This Way Up,” “Million Dollar Arm,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Last Airbender,” CBS’ “Jericho,” “The Internship,” “The Proposal,” and a fan favorite correspondent on “The Daily Show” with John Stewart. Today, Aasif opens up about his character-building process. He shares with listeners how to work with material that you may be struggling to connect with, and reveals how he navigated the decision to stick with telling his own story early on, even when other opportunities began to present themselves.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Aasif Mandvi right here.
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French-American, Stephanie Szostak (show-stack) acts, writes and speaks.
She is currently starring on ABC’s hit series A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, is working on a book called "Oh The TiDDies You'll Grow!" and speaks to various organizations (from corporate to non-profits supporting immigrant women, teens and mental health) encouraging people to "find their truth... with love & humor."
Szostak got a late start on the acting scene (age 30) and had the willingness to disrupt her life, leaving her career in the corporate world behind to seek an authentic life. Over the past decade, she has played alongside Meryl Streep, Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, Matt Damon, Kevin Bacon, Ryan Reynolds and more.
Transforming her own false starts, setbacks, rejection and loss, she brings forward relatable and impactful stories to help anyone embrace their uniqueness. As part of that mission, she is passionate about encouraging people to discover their own truth and individuality.
From being told "You should have never happened" as her career grew so did the pressure, causing her performance to be negatively affected by feelings of unworthiness and fear. In response, she began to work on her mental game and looked to the actors she was intimidated by for answers. She was surprised to learn they too suffered from negative inner dialogue. This pushed her to address mindset and discover its interconnection with performance. Fascinated by what she learned, she created her own “playbook” to incorporate new skills to be more confident and playful when the red light turned on.
Knowing she is where she is only thanks to the help of so many, Stephanie thrives to help and connect people to support their pursuit of their darn naked truth!
Most notable projects include The Devil Wears Prada, Ironman 3, Dinner for Schmucks, We Bought a Zoo, ABC’s hit series, A Million Little Things and USA Network series, Satisfaction.
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Born in South Africa, Neil Sandilands’s decades-long career spans across the globe. As an actor, writer, director, and musician, Neil has meticulously put in the time to develop, hone, and refine his craft as an actor, as well as an all-around storyteller.
You’ve seen him in Netflix’s hit new post-apocalyptic series, “Sweet Tooth” as the witty and quirky General Abbot, opposite Tom Hanks in “News of the World,” in both The CW’s series “The Flash,” and “The 100,” AMC/Sundance TV’s “Hap and Leonard,” as well as classic beloved television series such as “House, “The Americans,” and many more.
Today, Neil shares his love of all that life has to offer. He confidently declares himself a human first and an actor second, urging listeners to embrace every breath that life has to offer and to identify who and what truly matters most in your world. He believes that the most valuable auditions are those that we don’t book and that it’s never too late to start again. Finally, you won’t want to miss his brilliant breakdown of the life of an actor which he separates into five distinct acts appropriately abbreviated as ACTORS: A for Approach, C for Curation, T for Technique, O for Overcoming, R for Release, and S for Start Again.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Neil Sandilands right here.
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Today's guest was initially in the business of fashion til she seized the opportunity to fill in for a coworker as a background actor for a popular show. She made such an impression that she was asked to return week after week until she got her union card and the rest is history for YOLONDA ROSS.
An independent film darling, Yolonda made her feature film debut in the award-winning independent film “Stranger Inside” in 2001. Yolonda went on to win an IFP Gotham Award for Best Breakthrough Performance for the role as well as received her first Film Independent Spirit Award nomination in the category of Best Debut Performance.
From there she's worked steadily from 24 to THE UNITED STATES OF LELAND, THIRD WATCH, LAW & ORDER, TREME, THE GET DOWN, and HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER. But it is her sensitive turn in the recurring role as the tough but loving mother, "Nurse Jada", in Lena Waith's THE CHI on Showtime is where she's been able to deepen her craft. She's done all she can to not be a one trick pony by directing a short film but shares the challenges of producing her own work.
Yolonda has made an impression on any director who has had the privilege to work with her including the dynamic Angela Bassett in WHITNEY and the incomparable Denzel Washington who cast her in ANTWONE FISHER. Yolonda shares her techniques in creating a character by using music, wigs, jewelry and even perfumes. She talks about how she built a career working predominantly with female directors and how she uses her body as a vessel to tell stories for those that are underrepresented.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed YOLONDA ROSS right here.Guest links:
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There is a small percentage of actors who get the opportunity to be part of one franchise, but with todays guest, KAREN GILLAN, she's been part of not just one, but TWO multibillion dollar franchises. Her first agent described her as having "sheer perseverance" due to her being relentless in having them represent her: AT THE AGE OF 15!
Two working class parents who were her biggest fans to the point of even playing major roles in booking auditions. That's right, you will hear how her mother's thick Scottish accent made Adam Mckay laugh to the point where he cast Karen due to the sheer comedy of the self tape. Her father's love for old crooners such as Frank Sinatra gave Karen aspirations of being an opera singer. She was so infatuated with the performance arts that gymnastic looked like dance routines! Her iconic “Nebula” role on GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY was initially a one-off with her character dying in the first film but her take on the character inspired James Gunn to rewrite the fate of her character.
She did not waste anytime after finishing drama school by booking the "Amy Pond" role on DOCTOR WHO which soon led to her torrid pace of SELFIE, AVENGERS, JUMANJI and the soon to be released Netflix GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE. She is easily Box Office Gold but that doesn't deter her from being fearful of losing that momentum. She's reached a place where she would TAKE advice from her younger self instead of giving it. These are the unforgettable stories that landed KAREN GILLAN right here.
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Today’s guest grew up the daughter of two prominent Chicago attorneys and the youngest of three siblings immersed in the arts. Everyone welcome: Cassidy Freeman. Her poise, work ethic and determination to constantly challenge herself quickly paid off. She embraced her old soul and let go of her aspirations of being an ingénue which immediately led to her first big break. Not knowing what a "stand in" or a "#2 on a call sheet" might deter other folks, but not Cassidy. She used that experience on her first big show as her TV Acting grad school.
You've definitely seen her in the star turning role as "Tess Luthor" on SMALLVILLE and she continued to THE PLAYBOY CLUB, VAMPIRE DIARIES, LONGMIRE and THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES. But before blazing the small screen with these credits, she had to learn some hard lessons along the way that led her to have fun when acting...especially for auditions.
We go from 7 year old Cassidy gracing the stage of The Chicago Lyric Opera to performing at The Atlantic Theater in New York City at 22 years old, with some sound advice from a close Broadway novice that completely shifted her dreams to Broadway by way of TV. She shares her appalling experience of auditioning for a prominent Casting Director who gave her advice that she still thinks about to this day. You will hear why acting is the one art form you can't do in a vacuum since we have to listen in order to be present which is why she still takes classes at Playhouse West to this day. This is why she continues to redefine success to this day by loving life by living it.
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"Being an actor feels like such a privilege, but it’s not a privilege if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing.” - Jasika Nicole
As the auditions start to pour in again, how are you enjoying your process? Let's focus on progress instead of perfection.
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Today, I sit down with actor, producer, writer, and filmmaker, David Dastmalchian. For over a decade, David has built a dynamic career driven by ambition and vision. In an industry that often tells us there is only one way to success, David has proved time and time again that there are any number of roads an artist can take to get to where they want to be, and with he himself often taking the road less traveled.
Starting out in the theater world of Chicago, David quickly began racking up commercial credits which brought him to New York. Having been told throughout the early years of his career that his type would not be marketable in Los Angeles, David stresses just how important it is to have representation that believes in the vision you have for yourself. So important in fact, that David has been flying solo without an agent for the last 4 years and has still found tremendous success in his career. Including his incredible story of auditioning for Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” and the advice that Christopher offered him about acting that has stuck with him all these years later.
After his time in Chicago and New York, David relocated to Los Angeles in 2010. Even with the success of “The Dark Knight” under his belt, David reveals that he still struggled to gain career momentum. David stresses to listeners the importance of doing anything and everything you can to practice your craft as you never know where it may lead. David began writing, making short films, creating his own features, taking every class and workshop available, as well as auditioning for filmmakers fresh out of film school - a move that ended up serving him well a couple years later in his career.
You’ve seen him not only in “The Dark Knight,” but also in Warner Brother’s “Prisoners,” Disney-Marvel’s “Ant-man,” opposite Sandra Bullock in the hit Netflix feature film, “Birdbox,” “Blade Runner 2049,” “Reprisal,” “The Belko Experiment,” and soon to appear in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad,” and the upcoming sci-fi feature, “Dune” both premiering later this year. Starting every single day looking at his dreams and goals board mounted on his wall, David candidly and openly discusses the importance of caring for your mental health, making your own opportunities, and the value of knowing that whether or not you reach your life goals, that you’re going to make amazing things happen along the way.
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Today’s guest possesses creative gifts that expand across all forms and all mediums. Fully fueled by heart and passion, Jasika Nicole is an actor, clothing designer, artist, pottery maker, LGBTQ advocate, writer, and the list doesn’t stop there. Committed to pursuing an education in the performing arts, Jasika studied theater throughout her college years before relocating to New York City to follow her dreams of stage acting in New York City. Like many actors, Jasika initially struggled to balance the need for a day job without allowing it to interfere with audition opportunities. Making the decision to focus solely on what she came to New York to do, Jasika left her day job and booked a 3 line role in a Fringe Festival production that led her to get noticed by a producer in the audience - proving that no role is ever too small.
After gaining representation, Jasika began to shift her focus to film and television, with the goal of winning the audition room on personality rather than trying to figure out what casting wants. Landing herself on many sets, Jasika describes her time observing those around her as a “crash course in acting.” Even throughout her thriving career, Jasika admits to having moments where she felt herself on the verge of quitting and questioning whether or not she wanted to continue to be an actor. With self compassion, she describes how her other creative passions have been her saving grace, allowing her to find her way back into the love of acting and reminding her that her self worth is not determined by the number of credits on her resume.
You’ve seen her as Dr. Carly Lever in “The Good Doctor,” Agent Astrid Farnsworth in “Fringe,” among other hit projects such as “Scandal”, “Station 19”, “Underground”, “She’s Out of My League”, “Take the Lead” and the newly released, “Punky Brewster” reboot now streaming on Peacock. Jasika shows no signs of slowing down and shares the many lessons today that she has learned along the way, including how there are no right or wrongs when it comes to process, tips and tricks on how to bridge performance gaps week to week as a series regular, and the importance of asking yourself whether or not this is a role you truly want to play and if it aligns with the kinds of stories you want to tell.
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Today I’m sitting down with actor-musician, Brandon Jay McLaren. Starting out as an athlete and a marine biology major, Brandon has gone on to craft a full and dynamic career as an actor over the course of nearly 20 years. Beginning as early as age 12, Brandon began booking commercials with the encouragement and support of his mother. Though he continued to study acting throughout high school and college, upon graduation, Brandon began feeling the pressure to go out and get a “real job.” Despite this fear, Brandon couldn’t ignore that gnawing feeling inside him to continue to pursue the craft and reached out to a casting director who had seen him perform 4 years earlier and decided to go all in. Since then, Brandon has gained an extensive list of credits that only continues to grow. You’ve seen him in AMC’s “The Killing”, Lifetime’s “UnREAL”, Bravo’s “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”, NBC’s “Chicago Fire”, Jordan Peele’s “The Twilight Zone” reboot, and most recently, on the top ranked Netflix hit series, “Firefly Lane” and the TV movie release of “Marry Me This Christmas.” But Brandon’s artistic endeavors don’t stop there. He is also a musician who regularly collaborates with his brother, Brent McLaren, whose songs have even gone on to be featured in some of Brandon’s television and film credits. Today, Brandon offers practical advice for actors on everything from Zoom callbacks, to screen testing, to auditioning, and the importance of choosing an agent that is as excited about you as you are about them.
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Today's episode is with the multi-passionate Britney Young. An actress and a producer, Britney embodies what it means to be a truly dedicated, humble, and collaborative storyteller. Born in Tokyo and raised in Alaska, Britney inherited her father’s love of movies and found herself endlessly fascinated with the process of filmmaking. She graduated from USC School of Cinematic Arts and took a job as a production assistant where she learned invaluable lessons about the production process, set structure, and the crucial role that every person plays in a project whether cast or crew.
After gaining the attention of a manager through a role in a web series, Britney continued her production work learning how to balance auditions, bookings, all while maintaining her day job. Today, Britney shares her journey through her hilarious and insightful audition tales. You’ve seen her shine in roles such as Carmen Wade in Netflix’s “GLOW”, Little Debbie in “Those Who Can’t”, and other popular projects such as My Crazy-Ex Girlfriend, Better Things, The Librarians, and we eagerly await her own upcoming projects that she has in the works.
Britney never stops working on herself as both an artist, as well as a person, and over the years, has developed a beautiful healthy mindset when it comes to the business. She shares how she has learned to bounce back when bold choices don’t always land as intended in the audition room, and she openly discusses her struggles with overanalyzing and how she goes about resisting the temptation to over prepare. Above all else, Britney stresses the importance of making your own opportunities and to stay excited and open for your own wins as well as the wins of others.
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Lao-tzu said, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Our guest for this episode is a dreamer who, as a child, couldn’t stop thinking about being in the film business. Today, as an actor, director, and producer Manish Dayal shares what he’s learned about navigating imposter syndrome and how he finds balance through diversifying his focus.
His career has led him to work on incredible shows such as 90210, RUBICON, HALT AND CATCH FIRE, and MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. He starred opposite Helen Mirren in THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY, a film produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. In his directorial debut, FIFTEEN YEARS LATER, he shares the screen with Matt McGorry and Rachel Brosnahan. And currently, Manish can be seen reprising his role as ‘Dr. Devon Pravesh’ on 4th season of Fox’s THE RESIDENT.
We delve into set life during a pandemic and how that affects Manish’s heightened sense of… Well, just listen and you’ll find out! If you need some inspiration on finding your way back into artistry you’ve come to the right place. Sometimes all you need is a reminder that spring comes after winter. Or maybe you need the memory of hot, HOT, butter.
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"If you want a body of work that at the end of your life you'll be proud of then training is your best investment." Terry Knickerbocker is founder and studio director of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, the renowned New York City-based acting school. He teaches the Meisner technique and is part of a direct lineage of Sanford Meisner, having spent over 30 years training and teaching with William Esper, one of Sandy’s most respected protégés. Terry is a graduate of The Experimental Theatre Wing in the Drama Dept. at New York University. He has also taught directing at Playwrights Horizons Theatre School and Yale University. Other essential teacher/mentors include Maggie Flanigan, Rina Yerushalmi, Steve Wangh, Terry Hayden, Nikos Psacharopoulos, Jackie Brookes, Mary Overlie, Ryszard Cieslak, Jerzy Grotowski, Pierre Lefèvre, Moshe Feldenkrais, Dr. Louis Ormont, and Dr. Harry Fogarty. Terry Knickerbocker brings his history and service to Wednesday Wisdom! Terry has coached such well-known actors as Sacha Baron Cohen, Sam Rockwell, Michelle Williams, Emmy Rossum, Josh Charles, Abbie Cornish, Boyd Holbrook, John Leguizamo, Jonathan Majors, Gretchen Mol, Brian Michael Smith, and Yul Vasquez, among others. Terry has coached actors on performances that earned an Academy Award, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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Who do you give authority to over your creative career?
Today, Alyshia shares wisdom on giving jurisdiction to YOURSELF over everybody else. Actors tend to allow/blame others to tell us who we should be in order to have what we want, against our own authentic creative impulses and notions.
Today’s guest is a Ukulele playing, folk-singing, writer, producer, and new series regular on season 3 of Virgin River: Zibby Allen. Her energy and insight into the creative process is infectious. And her 20+ year career is an example of just how much beauty—and success—can come from our projected failures.
You’ve probably seen Zibby one of the dozens of commercials she’s acted in over the years. She’s appeared on many hit shows including GREYS ANATOMY, THE EXORCIST, ROGUE, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, NANCY DREW, THE FLASH, and FOR THE PEOPLE. And if playing the Ukulele wasn’t enough to make her a super cool human, she produced and co-hosted the first 4 seasons of a true crime podcast. Then alongside an all-female cast and crew, she co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in the indie feature THE LIVING WORST.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode, from the time she landed multiple top tier agent meetings (and what happened at the final one) to the mortifying time she went against her creative intuition (and why she vowed never to do that again). She talks about audition life in Vancouver vs. L.A., and how she’s learned to trust in life’s unfolding—letting creativity inspire all aspects of her path.
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Jonathan Kite’s natural talent and comedic skills have earned him a recurring episode on this season of That One Audition. From stand-up, to improv, to sketch comedy and more, Jonathan has rightfully earned an impressive list of credits including Netflix’s “The Boss Baby: Back in Business”, Adult Swim’s “Black Dynamite”, Jamie Foxx’s “In Flow with Affion Crockett, his beloved role as the hilarious Oleg on CBS’s “2 Broke Girls”, and the newly released Netflix comedy series, “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!” Jonathan’s work ethic is unparalleled.
With a firm belief that every opportunity is a chance to shine, Jonathan is in a constant state of preparation. Even when the opportunities that present themselves don’t work out, Jonathan demonstrates the importance of dusting yourself off and pushing forward to meet that next opportunity, that for Jonathan, often presented itself when he least expected it. Having collaborated with Jamie Foxx on multiple projects over the years, Jonathan believes in serving the story over serving one’s own self. He stresses how storytelling is a team effort, stating how “it takes a team to win championships.”
In this episode, there is no shortage of audition tales, self-tape tips, and advice for creators looking to form a daily routine that serves their artistry. Using this last year in quarantine to further develop his writing craft, Jonathan has many exciting projects in the works. His dedication to his artistry rivals that of top athletes, and he reminds listeners that those sitting on the bench need to train just as hard as those in the game.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jonathan Kite right here again!
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Today Alyshia answers one of the biggest questions asked - how do you recover when you don't get the job??
So you weren't "selected" for the role you really wanted and that hurts. Instead of marinating in the "rejection" there are some great mental health suggestions to help you RECOVER for the next opportunity.
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Terrence Terrell is the definition of what it means to be a multi-hyphenate creator. As an actor, author, musician, and all-around storyteller, Terrence works from a place of love in all that he does and towards everyone he meets. After falling in love with acting while doing plays in college, Terrence zeroed-in on the steps he would need to take to make acting into a professional career. Spending years studying a variety of different methods, Terrence details the value he gained from each and every teacher he crossed paths with along the way including the comedic techniques of Lesly Kahn, to the imagination-based practices of Diana Castle. Throughout today’s interview, Terrence stresses that no one is going to work harder for yourself than you. Whether you’re represented or not, taking paid or unpaid work, Terrence emphasizes the importance of staying working as a working actor. Today, Terrence shares his experiences on everything from auditioning, to creating his character for the CBS comedy “B Positive”, to his Emmy-Award win in Issa Rae’s “Giants.” Not only does Terrence have an extensive list of acting credits, but he’s also a talented writer who has authored a series of successful children’s books including “Blacky”, “The Shes”, “The Crown Kids”, and “My Little Black Book.” Today’s episode centers around themes of dedication, hard work, resilience, and above all, the love of creating.
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Wherever you are in the world and in your artistry know that part of your research is to WATCH.
What are you watching?
Who are you watching?
Who would you like to hear and learn from this season?
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Today we sit down with actor Tom Pelphrey. What began as a sports injury, from a very short-lived high school football career, and a friend subsequently suggesting he try out for the school play, a perfect storm of influences and awakenings (and the power of encouragement) made Tom realize that he was good at something for the first time in his life—his natural aptitude on stage eventually launched him into a full and thriving career in theater, television, and film. Tom’s work continues to captivate audiences, with roles on Cinemax’s Banshee, Marvel’s Iron Fist, Netflix’s original hit series Ozark, and many more. From his first audition with casting director Alexa Fogel (where he didn’t land the job), Tom explains how not booking the role evolved into a now 15-year working relationship with one of television's most respected casting directors. He shares how self-doubt and struggling with feelings of inadequacy accompanied him throughout his twenties, and how he discovered validation out of admiration, how to evaluate self-value, and the realizations that can only come from maturity and experience. We get to chat about the power of memorization muscle, soap stage stories, and how to navigate the tide of workload shifts, seen through his mountainous climb from one-take-wonder jobs to working under the guidance of an industry master, Mr. David Fincher. Coming out of “guest-star land” to becoming a series regular, Tom explains what it means to not take things personally and the importance of not attaching one’s self-worth to the results. And of course, we get to gush about his experience of working alongside Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, where he has gleaned even more tricks of the trade. Tom even shares the daily practices he continually uses to remain grounded in an ever-changing industry, which is even more valuable given the nature of these unprecedented times—in fact, this is my first ever Zoom interview, making it not just an honor, but also befitting, that we get to retell the stories of adaptation and triumph that landed Tom Pelphrey right here.
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Where are you in the process and what is your next STEP? Acting is literally going up the stairs. Don't give up!! Today, is the motivation to access your career one step up and one step at time.
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Joy Bryant was born in a modest home in The Bronx, New York and as a young woman, was enrolled in an inner-city outreach organization called "A Better Chance," designed to encourage minority talent. Joy was also blessed with brains as well beauty and remained an excellent student throughout her high school years. As a result, she was awarded a full academic scholarship to Yale University.
While enrolled as a full-time student at Yale, Joy was discovered by a modeling scout from Next Models Management and subsequently pursued a career as a fashion model in Paris. Her slender yet classic beauty got her an exclusive contract with prestigious brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger and the Victoria's Secret lingerie catalogue.
Joy's acting debut came about in 2001 in Robert Townsend's Carmen: A Hip Hopera. An MTV production, the film also starred Beyoncé and Mekhi Phifer, along with several hip-hop superstars. After a small role in the Eddie Murphy action comedy Showtime, she made her big breakthrough in Denzel Washington's directorial debut, Antwone Fisher. In 2003, she co-starred with Jessica Alba in Bille Woodruff's romantic drama Honey.
Most notably, Joy is known for Jasmine on 6 seasons of PARENTHOOD and Amazon's hit show GOOD GIRLS REVOLT.
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So you are a new parent, yay! Now how do you juggle getting back to work as an actor and being a parent. Today, Alyshia answers listeners questions about the demands of being an actor while becoming a new parent.
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This conversation with Ben Lawson is a true look inside a working actor's highs and lows; how long it can take for a casting director to find that perfect project for you, his first experience on the set of a huge movie, and what it feels like to lose your confidence and then gain it back in spades. Sometimes it might take 6 months in New York City to shift your focus, to unblock the fear around auditioning and booking and trust in your own artistry. This conversation is about the journey in an actors career, not about the destination.
Ben Lawson is an Australian film and television actor best known for his portrayal of Damien Rennett in ABC’s “Designated Survivor,” Netflix’s hit series “13 Reasons Why,” as Coach Rick, and “The Deep End.” He has guest starred and featured in various shows, including “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” “Grim,” “Billions,” “Modern Family,” iZombie,” “Love Child,” and “Secrets & Lies.” He began his 26 year career in the popular Australian soap opera “Neighbours.” Currently, Ben leads the number one show on Netflix, "Firefly Lane".
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Our episode today is a must listen for actors who want to learn how to orchestrate a career. This is a conversation about empowering yourself as an artist, about staying power, about the necessity to invest in yourself, and the importance of having a vision of where you want to go in your career and how to align everything in your life around that vision. Our guest today has fully arrived as an artist and is here to stay!
Leven Rambin is an award winning actress and director originally from Houston, Texas who trained and taught at Playhouse West in New York City. Leven began her career at just thirteen years old on the set of “All My Children” as Lily Montgomery. Since then she’s worked on dozens of films, including “The Hunger Games,” “Chasing Mavericks,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” and “Two Night Stand.” Most recently she starred in Ramaa Mosley’s independent film “Lost Child” as an army veteran who has returned to her home in the Ozarks to find a young, mysterious boy in the woods. She is currently working on the film “London Calling” with Ron Perlman and Malcolm McDowell and “The Dirt,” which follows the origin story of Mötley Crüe. Her television credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” “One Tree Hill,” “Scoundrels,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “The Tomorrow People,” and “Private Practice.” Leven joined the cast of “True Detective” in the show's second season before portrating Chloe Jones on Hulu’s “The Path,” starring alongside Aaron Paul and Michelle Monaghan. She is currently leading WGN’s crime drama “Gone” with Chris Noth and Danny Pino. “Gone” follows Leven Rambin’s character Kick Lannigan, a survivor of a famous child-abduction case, after joining a special task force dedicated to solving missing persons and abduction cases.
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Mehcad Brooks is an actor, musician, and producer raised in Austin, Texas. From bringing characters to life on screen, to writing and producing films, and recording soulful music under an alias, award-winning actor and musician, Mehcad Brooks, has become known in the entertainment industry for his raw and refined talent, charisma, and moving presence. Throughout his successful and celebrated career Brooks is best known for his work in USA’s “Necessary Roughness,” for his portrayal of Terrence King, starring alongside Scott Cohen and Callie Thorne. He is also known for his characterisation of Eggs in Alan Ball’s HBO series “True Blood,” and for his work in ABC’s hit show “Desperate Housewives,” portraying Matthew Applewhite. Additionally Brooks starred in Noah Hawley’s docu-drama “My Generation,” and “The Deep End.” His film credits include his breakout role is Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Glory Road” as Harry Flournoy, which followed the 1966 first all-black college basketball teams starting line-up and their eventual NCAA national championship win. Brooks was also featured in “In the Valley of Elah,” “Adulterers,” “Wildlife,” “Just Wright,” and “About Last Night.”
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Today we have a really special conversation with an actress who has defied what we’re often told is possible in a Hollywood career. She started on stage with the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, but didn’t make it to Los Angeles till she was nearly 40. She is an example of what can happen when an artist decides to be the exception, embrace fear, and relinquish over-thinking.
We also get to chat about failure, how it is a vital part of success as an actor, and how she’s been able to take professional and personal challenges, and turn them into opportunities to tell stories with some of Hollywood’s most innovative artists.
She’s developed an incredible body of work that includes working with the Cohen Brothers, booking NINE (count them!) NINE guest stars in one year, and most notably her role on Amazon’s Transparent.
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Today we have a fascinating conversation with actor Russell Hornsby—from Grimm, Seven Seconds, and The Hate You Give—as well as FENCES, both on Broadway and in the film, his career is full of valuable lessons he’s learned.
After twenty years in the industry, he shares how a long-term career was not a given reality for him, but rather something he’s had to fight for every step of the way. His advice is equal parts inspiration and tough love, so whether you’re just starting out or are a few years in, he’s got some healthy perspective about being honest with yourself, doing the work, and putting everything you have on the line for your art.
Russell Hornsby is an American theater, television, and film actor. He is known for his roles as Edward "Eddie" Sutton on ABC Family's Lincoln Heights, as Luke on the HBO drama In Treatment, as Detective Hank Griffin on the NBC series Grimm, and as Lyons in the movie Fences.
Early Bird Discount codes for The New Triple Threat Membership: (available until March 15, 2021)
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I joined Clubhouse!! Every week, I will be conducting the "Wednesday Wisdom" podcast recordings on Clubhouse.
Monday's 11am, come join me.
Contracts for Actors: what you should ask for and what you can get in your contracts. Special Clubhouse special conversations with myself, Erin Cummings (King Richard), Kendra Castleberry (casting), Jenny Hochberg (Parks & Recreation).
Early Bird Discount codes for The New Triple Threat Membership: (available until March 15, 2021)
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Amanda Schull is an American actress and former ballet dancer, born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She’s known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars, Suits, 12 Monkeys, and in Nicholas Hyter’s 2000 drama, Center Stage. She began her performing career as a dancer, studying at Indiana University and apprenticing with the San Francisco Ballet, where she ultimately joined the company after the completion of Center Stage. She retired from dancing in 2006 and has since built a career as an actress. She has also appeared in One Tree Hill, Hawaii Five-0, The Mentalist, Grimm, and Bones.
Her story is full of both personal inspiration and practical tips for managing an artistic career---from walking away from a network test, bombed auditions, and difficult directors, to working on multiple hit TV shows, creating relationships with empowered artists, and learning to trust in her voice, how she stands up for herself and her work, down to her first three steps in an audition.
Early Bird Discount codes for The New Triple Threat Membership: (available until March 15, 2021)
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The all-new membership for actors including both recorded and live courses for all levels of actor, coaching in the crafts that make up the new triple threat: craft, technology, and business.
Anna LaMadrid (Put Me on Self Tape) and I teamed up to offer a holistic approach to actor training with a fresh approach to the craft, the business and the technology involved in leveling up one's career skills.
Committed to making top notch training accessible and affordable to all actors at any level, we are firm believers in building and learning from community!
There are many types of courses available on the platform from mini-courses that can be completed in 30 minutes, to the 8-week self-tape bootcamp course. Actors work at their own pace, from anywhere they can access the internet.
Early Bird Discount codes for The New Triple Threat Membership: (available until March 15, 2021)
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Jason Momoa is now a household name and here are some of the resilient auditions that shaped his career. He has been one to fiercely remain authentic and when the industry wasn't buying he was making his own art and stories. Today's episode is one to enjoy while sitting in a bar drinking a beer, eating wings and discussing some of those fun early auditions.
Early Bird Discount codes for The New Triple Threat Membership: (available until March 15, 2021)
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Let's talk about sex scenes in auditions. How do you approach them? What about kissing, hugging, any kind of intimacy?? Today, Alyshia throws down some wisdom to help you navigate the sexual awkwardness present in auditions and how to negotiate what you are willing to do on set. Nudity clauses - what is acceptable to negotiate. And on set etiquette and tips for intimacy.
That One Audition Live from Los Angeles with Erin Cummings. We dive into the deep and gritty aspects of sex in auditions and on set, being a local hire, getting screwed on contracts, and not wanting to be just good enough. You want honest and real, this one pulls back the curtain on all the things this industry does to make your head spin and gives you tangible ways to not only survive in it but also thrive in it!
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In order to create we must make space. Space comes from boundaries, external and internal. As a creative, boundaries are the hardest to set and explain when we don't have "office time".
Today, I chat all things schedule and support around your creation.
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Today’s guest kicked off his career in the 90’s with memorable characters such as Chris Hooker in The Craft, and Billy Loomis of the classic Halloween favorite, Scream. Since then, he’s gone on to build an impressive 30 year career across all genres and is still going strong.
Today, I sit down with Skeet Ulrich as he shares his journey from the invaluable lessons he learned at NYU, to how parenting has influenced his artistry today. You’ve seen him in film and television in popular projects such as Riverdale, Jericho, #FreeRayshawn, Miracles, As Good as it Gets, Nobody’s Baby, Last Dance and many more. Today, Skeet emphasizes the importance of technique and how every audition is a chance to incorporate something fun into a character, as well as an opportunity to personalize the text in a way that only YOU can.
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Today, the wisdom is around the support that you expect from a partner/parental figure for your artistic career. The discussion focuses on how to manage that expectation and how to garner the support that you want for your artistic endeavors.
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Over the course of a 40 year career, Ron Cephas Jones has built a beautiful body of work ranging from theater in New York City with the Labyrinth Theater Company, to an award winning performance in the NBC television hit, This is Us . Today’s guest has learned the craft purely through experience and now teaches the art of breaking down the script to students at the California Institute of the Arts.
His credits include the role of William Hill in This is Us, Truth Be Told, The Get Down, Luke Cage, Looking for Alaska, Mr. Robot, Low Winter Sun and many more. Today, Ron breaks down his technique for building dynamic characters by shedding light on all those actor terms like “beats”, “transitions”, “specificity” and everything in between. Through it all, whether it was taking odd jobs in New York, or his two Emmy award wins, Ron Cephas Jones has never forgotten what is most important to him: being a father to his Emmy award winning daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and being happy as an artist.
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Today, let's chat about the most effective, eye catching email that can secure meetings with agents/managers to up-level your team and initiate more opportunities. I discuss when to email. How to email! And look below for a quick FREE downloadable template to set you up for attention getting success.
Create your emails now!
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Today’s guest started out as a dancer at just 2 years old and grew up studying ballet. She continued her dance practice all through college before deciding she wanted to pursue a career as a theater actor. Before she was cast in the role of fan favorite, Dr. Luisa Alver on Jane the Virgin, Yara Martinez spent the early years of her career in New York where the auditions felt few and far between.
Today, she shares her journey with us, taking us through her 15+ year career in television and film starting from doing as many as 7 pilots that never made it to series, to battling nerves in the audition room, to receiving her very first...and second...straight offer both in one day!
Since her early days in New York, Yara Martinez has earned credits on major television series such as True Detective, Alpha House, Jane the Virgin, Deputy, Hollywood Heights, The Lying Game, and many more. She gives us some practical insight into the business side of the industry including how she structured a series of short but effective emails that landed her representation in Los Angeles, and emphasizes the importance of finding an agent that is just as excited about you as you are about them. For Yara, it’s all about maintaining a delicate balance between gratitude and worth when it comes to your career and the belief that no one will advocate harder for our love of what we do than ourselves.
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Wednesday wisdom thoughts on failure, pep talks, and the best new character development tip!
Make sure to sign up for the FREE PMO Pep Talk tomorrow talking booking a series regular off of tape during COVID.
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From bringing diverse and dynamic characters to life on screen, to flexing his entrepreneurial spirit through his production company Them Too, multi hyphenate actor, director, producer, and writer Alain Uy has become “one to watch” in the entertainment industry, and he isn't slowing down anytime soon.
Alain Uy is best known for his acting work on Helstrom, The Morning Show, and True Detective just to name a few, but above all he is a grounded and collaborative storyteller.
Growing up as a Filipino immigrant, he found his voice silenced and searching for opportunities to express himself. This led him to pursue a career as a professional dancer. But when a debilitating injury ended his dance career, he found acting. From cold calling, to repeatedly submitting to agencies, to balancing a full time job while auditioning, Alain’s been through it all and shares the lessons he’s learned from failing and trying again. He reveals the importance of being present and seeing yourself as a collaborator to enable others to do the same. He shares valuable insight into his process and how he mines the character for trauma and experiences to discover how they became the person they are. As a producer, Alain’s been on the other side and gives advice on being a multi hyphenate and how it further informed his acting and artistry as a whole. And Alain shares a little something he learned on the set of True Detective from the one and only Colin Farrel: there is no one that’s less than. We are a family, a community, a team, and must support each other as such.
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Second place, understudy, waiting for the opportunity can feel bad.
As actors, we are like trained athletes waiting for our chance to jump off the bench and get in the game in play. We must practice how we want to play!!
Today, wisdom and perspective is given on what our jobs really entail. We must diligently create character and be ready to be called off the bench. Many people have been called in last minute and because of their preparation they were ready to PLAY. Their preparation and readiness to play made them able to be the star of the game.
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Today’s guest is living proof that alliterated names are a mark of success. Michael Mosley has done it all. His career is one to marvel, working nonstop in film and television in comedies such as Scrubs and dramas like Netflix’s Ozark and FX’s Next. Mike takes us through his beginnings as an acting student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts into a prolific and admirable career. He’s candid about his early auditioning struggles and how he eventually overcame his insecurities and lack of confidence. From working with Margot Robbie in Pan Am to Jason Bateman in Ozark, he tells all and proves that building relationships and being a good person begets work. He shares his advice for longevity in this business but admits that acting is like gambling, and he’s always trying to stay at the table. Ultimately, Mike believes attitude is everything- you’ve gotta say F-it and have a little punk rock in you.
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Having anxiety about life? Holidays? Auditions? What 2021 will look like? Me too. You are not alone. Today, I wanted to share the healthy EXIT to any anxiety.
I wanted to end with soothing and practical wisdom from one of my great healers Nicola Salter. Anxiety is a jumbled mess of saying that your body is looking for "any exit" to not feel the cortisol dump that is happening. So here are some recommendations to immediately give the healthy exit for anxiety - whether you are trying to avoid a family catastrophe this holiday season or stepping back into the audition room.
Nicola Salter is an international Mentor, Quantum Field Practitioner, Heart Math Coach, Educator, Author.
To manage your anxiety (during this holiday season) and build more coherence prior to and during an audition, I recommend you practice some breathwork called Heart Focused Breathing. This is a quick and easy technique to reset your emotions, and rewire your brain. It is used widely to calm anxiety on the spot and help you become centered.
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Actor, writer, and host of the podcast show, 10,000 NOs, Matthew Del Negro has captivated viewers and listeners alike with his vulnerability, insight, and artistry. Matthew is a shining example of what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry when it comes to hard work and perseverance. Growing up in New York, Matt was no stranger to the actor grind. He spent several years bartending until he landed the beloved role of cousin Brian on Season 4 of HBO’s The Sopranos.
Today, Matthew speaks open and honestly about his experience sharing that even though he started acting at 20 years old, that it took him until age 30 to earn his first major credit. Actors, if you’re listening and you feel yourself hitting that 10, 20, 30 year moment of self doubt, today’s episode is for you.
Matthew Del Negro has earned credits on some of film and television ’s biggest shows both past and present including The West Wing, The Sopranos, City on a Hill, Huge in France, Scandal, Teen Wolf, Goliath and many more. But his creativity doesn’t stop there. Matthew is also the host of the podcast show, 10,000 Nos, which also led him to the publishing of his book, “ 10,000 NOs: How to Overcome Rejection on the Way to Your YES.” Whether he’s captivating audiences on screen, inspiring listeners and readers to step into their power, or at home playing with his kids, Matthew pours creativity, wisdom, and joy into all areas of his life.
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Let's have variance in your scenes, this is an editors dream. Create character!! If you are creating a character you can be surprised and have a fresh take every time you play in the scene.
Perfection is not pleasurable to watch. We do not respond to perfection. If you live and exist in a moment, the audience will be affected differently than just saying the lines. As the end of the year nears, let's cultivate how you create character so you can be in the moment. Living the in the moment will keep you fresh and be magnetizing to watch!
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Today, I’m sitting down with actor and writer, Robert Baker. Robert has built a decades long career in film and television across all genres from comedy to drama and everything in between. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Robert and his father both shared artistic interests. His father played in a rock band while Robert followed his passion for performing and went on to study at USC’s acting program in California. He gained experience and honed his craft by performing in student films, school productions, as well as in his own productions which eventually led to bigger opportunities where he was first cast as a series regular in a pilot. Even so, Robert recalls what it was like in his early years to get cast in pilots that never made it to series and then how easily agent interest came and went.
Since then, Robert has built strong working relationships with some of the biggest producers, writers, and casting directors in the business. He shares the valuable lessons he learned from the late, great Mally Finn who taught him the difference between planning a moment and existing in a moment. He shares his experience of working opposite Hollywood powerhouses Denzel Washington and George Clooney and what those experiences taught him about keeping every take fresh and different.
Of the many incredible insights shared today, Robert emphasizes the importance of bringing everything you’ve got to the table read. He breaks down the differences between drama and comedy and explains that when it comes to comedic timing, the jokes need to hit hard or they won’t hit at all. His skill, talent, and history of successful table reads has earned him credits in notable projects including Blindspot, Supergirl, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Valentine, The Lone Ranger, G.I. Joe, Indiana Jones, True Blood, The Originals, Justified and many more.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Robert Baker right here.
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Anna LaMadrid (Put Me On Self-Tape) and Alyshia sit down with Sam Valentine on the One Broke Actress Podcast crossover episode to give you the 5 hot tips for the best self-tapes. 2021 is kicking off and the industry is coming back. Let's get a jump start on getting your own studio set up and confidence to make the best tapes.
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Jenn Lyon not only talks about her courageous choices professionally (like being a reader for a Broadway show and then boldly asking to audition for the lead), but also about her personal struggle with anorexia and bulimia, and how living a life of service helps her keep it all in perspective.
From her guest star on Justified that turned into a multiple season arc, to her show-stopping turn as Finna in CLAWS, Jenn is a stunning example of an artist in her power. And today she shares with us exactly how she got that way.
Jenn has had quite a journey in life and is no doubt using that road traveled to help inspire others. For years she struggled with an eating disorder that came close to ending her life, and thanks to the Renfrew Center in NYC was able to get the treatment she needed. Jenn is showing other women that it’s okay to take up space (we’re not all a size 2), and it’s okay to have a voice and to use it. It’s all about being healthy.
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It is THAT time a year again! The industry is notoriously more quiet this time of year but with Covid rearing its ugly head there hasn't been a lot of activity to satiate our artist minds and pockets. What can we possibly focus on that seems somewhat in our control and still puts focus on furthering our careers? Today, I give a perspective shift on what we can give attention to that will enhance our experience when the industry comes back in 2021.
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Today’s guest comes from a long line of award-winning actors in Hollywood with family members that include household names such as Anjelica and Danny Huston. Even so, actor Jack Huston has worked tirelessly over the years to forge his own unique career path and to find his own success. Jack grew up in London, England and came from a theater educational background. Upon moving to America, Jack realized that he still had a lot to learn about the difference in skill sets between theater and film acting. While many believe that those who are born into the entertainment industry have a leg up on all the rest of us, Jack speaks honestly and vulnerably about the 7 years he spent in Los Angeles broke and out of work.
After 7 years of struggle, Jack had to bravely admit to himself that he was no longer feeling the love for the profession that he once had, and made the decision to leave acting for the time being to travel, live abroad, and reassess what was truly important to him. Today, Jack discusses how fighting for an audition for a character he was not selected to read for, was what turned things around for him and pushed him to continue in his craft.
From his work on Fargo, to Boardwalk Empire, The Irishman, Antebellum, Ben-Hur, Manhunt, and many more, today’s discussion includes a rare level of honesty as Jack shares valuable insight on everything from technique, to the business, as well as something that’s often less talked about.. the value of taking a break when you feel yourself falling out of love with the industry.
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We’re chatting with Broadway star and series regular on Fox’s “Filthy Rich”: Aaron Lazar. Aaron worked his way through every aspect of this industry—film, TV, theatre—with the same tenacity that almost led him to become a surgeon. But instead of never sleeping in medical school, he chose the city that never sleeps.
11 Broadway productions later (including “The Phantom of the Opera,” “A Little Night Music,” and “Dear Evan Hansen), plus acclaimed films such as “J.Edgar,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” not to mention roles on hit TV shows such as “Quantico,” “The Blacklist,” and “Blue Bloods,” he’s garnered an authenticity that helps him define and believe in himself as an artist.
Aaron shares what he’s learned on each step of the ladder: how becoming a father shifted his attitude towards the work and how improvising with Leonardo DiCaprio led to some movie magic. He’s a great example of someone who works hard and stays open to learning on the job, whether that’s performing 8 live shows a week, working 15 hours a day on set, or navigating life in between. There’s no business like show business, and he’ll tell you it’s so.
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A demo reel is your most powerful marketing tool. Give your team the tools they need to best position you amongst the competition.
Be unique. Showcase your talents while delivering a thoughtful and entertaining final product. Reels don’t have to be boring!
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Today, I sit down with actor, writer, director and prominent acting coach, Josh Pais. Having had a successful, decades long career, Josh credits his approach to the craft to his parents. His mother, a creative free spirit and his father, a theoretical physicist, lead Josh to a method of training that uses physicality to get to a space of spontaneity in his art, a method that he compares to what it feels like to “play in a laboratory.”
This discovery led him to founding the Committed Impulse actor training program which has provided both industry stars, as well as those just starting out, with the tools to overcome fear and create truthful, in the moment performances with a method he calls “inner atomics” which recognizes emotions simply as energy patterns in our bodies. Josh teaches that true artistic creation cannot exist without bravely stepping into the unknown, a mantra he himself uses every time he steps into a scene. He also shares what teaching has taught him about his own work both in front and behind the camera by discussing his passion for storytelling through the making of his own documentary over the course of 10 years. His extensive list of credits includes roles in Showtimes’ Ray Donovan, HBO’s Mrs. Fletcher, Netflix’s Maniac, NBC’s Law and Order, TV Land’s Younger, as well as the major box office success film, Joker.
Josh acknowledges that what we do as storytellers can be both scary and vulnerable, but teaches that standing confidently in our own truth, is also the greatest gift that we as performers can give.
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So you are now a guest on a show, working on an indie film or have been called up to the big league studio film...how do you address your hair, makeup, and wardrobe departments for the best collaborative creative conversation regarding your character's depiction on screen. Clear is kind, but sometimes those departments don't seem so kind. How to address showing up to set and keeping the creative liberties of your character's creation optimistic is in your control and today we discuss the best tactics.
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Today’s guest embodies what it means to be a versatile and creative storyteller. Actor, writer, and producer, Kathleen Rose Perkins, has had an expansive career that has led her to varied roles in both comedy and drama in the world of film and television. Today, she walks us through the lulls as well as the highs of her journey starting from what she learned doing background work in Los Angeles, to what it was like to be fired from a job...more than once, to taking creative control of her career and writing the stories that she wants to tell without having to rely on anyone else to do it for her.
Kathleen knows what it’s like to struggle to find representation that feels like a good fit. Early on, she felt the urge to give up when only receiving a few auditions a year. Now, having found a manager that’s been with her from the start, she emphasizes how important it is to communicate with your reps about exactly what it is you want out of your career.
Over the years, she’s appeared in over 70 projects including Netflix’s I Am Not Okay with This , Showtime’s Episodes , NCIS: Los Angeles , ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat , USA’s Colony , and films such as The Skeleton Twins opposite Kristen Wiig, Gone Girl opposite Ben Affleck, and many more. Today, she shares her wisdom and knowledge about how she works through audition anxiety, her methods for preparing for a big emotional scene, and most of all, how she makes sure she’s always busy working.
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How do we navigate the unknown in our careers? How does the expectation set us up for heartbreak? How do we treat the heartbreak of constant rejection? Yes, big topic for today!
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In this episode, I sit down with the incandescent Ahna O’Reilly. With nearly 50 films under her belt, Ahna has curated a career of unmissable performances, including The Help, Fruitvale Station, and, most recently, her breathtaking turn in The Morning Show.
Ahna opens up about how her authentic relationships have led to some of her biggest opportunities (like Octavia Spencer getting her an audition for The Help!), the importance of honoring her own needs during the audition process, and how she plans to keep prioritizing her personal life even amidst her massive career success.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Ahna O’Reilly right here!
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When comparing yourself to other actors do you put yourself in the category of falling "behind"? Today, I address the feeling of negative narrative comparisons and how we can collectively not only stay in our own lanes but also celebrate your own path.
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In today’s episode we’re chatting with Scoot McNairy. Here’s a storyteller who’s genuinely humble and genuinely extraordinary. He’s an award winning actor and a producer. He’s worked on numerous award-winning films such as “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood,” “Gone Girl,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Argo,” and “Killing Them Softly.” He’s starred in critically acclaimed series such as “Narcos: Mexico,” “Godless,” and “Halt and Catch Fire.” The list of legendary directors he’s worked with will blow your mind. Steve McQueen, Quentin Tarantino, and Gus Van Sant to name a few.
Scoot’s own story begins in Texas as a kid who was fascinated by how movies were made. Dozens of commercials, TV shows, independent projects, and major studio films later, his fascination for the process of filmmaking has only deepened. But he’s also someone who admits there are things he loves doing just as much as acting and there are times when he’s left the industry to explore them.
He’s candid about the working relationships and friendships that have impacted his career. You’ll hear what Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy winning actor has inspired him the most. And you’ll see how everyone’s process coming to the craft is unique—it’s important to build your own bag of tricks.
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It was a no. Then another no. Again, a no.
Even yesterday it was a no.
How do you let go in times of constant rejection? How do you not push for just getting the yes?
Today, I wanted to discuss how you can "let go" of expectations of results in your art and use the pressure cooker situation to deepen your art (character).
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Today’s guest is the awe-inspiring, spectacular Eric Ladin. You might know him from The Killing, Boardwalk Empire, or Generation Kill because his moments onscreen are unforgettable. He talks about the evolution of his identity and how he learned to reconcile the way he saw himself with the way Hollywood saw him to lean into type and unleash his potential. He’s candid about the pressure he put on himself after graduating from drama school and his obsession with over-preparing. And it wasn’t until a pizza party celebrating his decision to quit acting when he finally learned to release control. He’s proof when you learn to let go, people start calling.
He also recounts the amazing story of booking The Killing and how he had to follow his gut, turning down another opportunity, which ultimately paid off and showed him the power of trusting when to say yes or no.
From booking nothing after 103 auditions to turning a three-episode recurring role into an HBO series regular, Eric tells it all. And even spills what it was like working with Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Eric Ladin right here.
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I am so thrilled to welcome Bonnie Somerville into the TOA family. A Brooklyn native, Bonnie has always been strong, quick-witted, and no bullshit. And this interview is no exception.
Bonnie doesn’t pull any punches today as she talks about the brutality of our business and the ebbs and flows of her remarkable career.
From being scouted by modeling agencies and record labels, to beating out a thousand girls at her first national casting call and her surprise audition with Marcia Gay Harden, Bonnie takes us through the competitive nature of the work, countless heartbreaks, and finally rediscovering the innate creativity that gave her the guts to pursue this dream in the first place.
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We are in control of how much space we inhabit as a character and how much gratitude we express in our art. If you are stuck in a level in your artistry this might give you a different idea about turning that frustration into productivity. Take up space with your characters mind, story and life lived.
Today, I remind you of all the parts that started "small" but were inhabited with a life lived. And those "small" parts grew. The growth came from the attention put on specificity and creating a larger life than what is expected.
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Today, we welcome actor and musician Brandon Scott to the show. Currently recurring on hit shows such as Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why”, “Dead to Me” and NBC’s “This is Us”, Brandon continues to pop up on our television screens time and time again. Today, he walks us through his journey from waiting tables in Times Square to working opposite heavy hitter actors, Al Pacino and Christopher Walken, and how, year after year, he still finds the joy in discovering and rediscovering his own individual actor “technique.”
As a member of the IAMA Theatre Company in Los Angeles, we’ll hear Scott emphasize the importance of what he calls, “Tribe Vibe Mentality” and getting involved in a creative, supportive community for the purpose of collaboration and the beautiful opportunities that unfold as a result of being of service to your fellow artists. Today, Brandon is candidly honest about his struggles with anxiety, insecurity, and even his dislike of memorizing lines! He shares how he continues to work through these feelings and how asking the question of whether this is truly what he wants to do with his life, always allows him to connect back to his “why” and his purpose for creating.
Today, we’ll hear everything from the ultimatum Scott set for himself if he didn’t get into Tisch School of the Arts, to his audition story for Grey’s Anatomy with noted casting director Linda Lowy, to how he uses song in his preparation to help him find those hidden moments between the lines.
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Ever wonder how things go once you are a working actor who is trying to balance work/life/kids/marriage/society ideals? Today, we chat with J. Claude Deering and we debunk the ideals of the working actor in today's times and the idea of being "happy".
J. Claude Deering is an LA-based actor and comedian. Acting credits include, Side Effects (dir. Steven Soderbergh), The Ugly Truth (Columbia Pictures), "Entourage" (HBO), recurring roles on “NCIS” (CBS) and "Inside the Box" (ABC/Shondaland), and a recurring guest lead in the Webby Award-winning horror comedy series, "12 Deadly Days" (YouTube Originals/Blumhouse).
He's also the creator and host of "Things Are Going Great For Me", a new podcast, featuring guests: Chris Pine (Wonder Woman 1984), Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Clarke Peters (Da 5 Bloods), Baron Vaughn (Grace and Frankie), Chantal Thuy (Black Lightning) and more.
Join him and his famous guests for fun and insightful conversations about career, art, marriage, kids, and life. Mostly life in Los Angeles.
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Actress, author, and activist, Selenis Leyva believes that the desire to perform is something that you’re born with, a passion that lies within your genes. Born in the Bronx, it was clear from the start that Selenis had a thirst for learning the craft when at age 14, she asked to use the school auditorium to create a drama class for herself and a group of her fellow classmates. Today, she recalls a defining moment in her youth where she was told that her dream of pursuing education in the arts was “not for you” and how this pivotal moment gave her the motivation to go forward with the mindset of “Just watch me.”
Selenis captivated audiences with her riveting and layered performance as Gloria Mendoza in Netflix’s hit show, “Orange is the New Black.” What started as a dayplayer role that her agent advised her to pass on, became a fully fledged character she created off of a breakdown that simply read, “Gloria Mendoza, Latina.” Today, we’ll hear about her journey navigating an industry where Selenis recognized a lack of Latinx representation on screen and how that was reflected early on in her career in the types of roles she was called in for. Over the course of her 20 year career, Selenis has continued to challenge the idea of what others labeled as “not for you” and has used her platform to shine a light on the stories of others who are often excluded from the table. She has achieved this not only on screen, but also through the publishing of a book co written with her sister, Marizol Leyva, titled, “My Sister: How One Sibling’s Transition Changed Us Both.”
Selenis has a kindness and self confidence that radiates to those around her when sharing advice for up and coming actors. Above all else, she emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself. With self respect and self love, she says, that’s all that’s needed to want the best for yourself and to settle for nothing less.
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Today, the discussion around the three C's that can have you trapped for taking responsibility for your own creativity. Can comparing be a positive thing? Does comparing downward spiral you into complaints? Is it possible to turn a complaint into a congratulations and a constructive conversation around movement.
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Today’s guest is the one and only Noomi Rapace. She’s an actress and a producer. A shatterer of limiting beliefs. She achieved international fame originating the role of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish adaptation of the Millennium Series: “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Girl Who Played with Fire,” and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” This woman digs into the mind, body, and soul of every character she plays. Just watch her portray septuplets in “What Happened to Monday.” It’s masterful. And from the beginning of her career in Sweden, she’s taken a unique approach to auditioning that might unravel some of your ideas about this industry.
Noomi’s worked with everyone from Guy Ritchie's in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” to Ridley Scott in “Prometheus,” to Tom Hardy in “Child 44,” to John Krasinski in “Jack Ryan.” She opens up about producing and starring in her latest film, “The Secrets We Keep,” and shares how much she enjoys peeling back the layers of truth in her own life and in the stories she tells. Her career is an example of the depths you can go when you master your fears, and the connections that unfold when you create the work you want to create.
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Award-winning producer and manager Brian Medavoy has been in the entertainment business for nearly 25 years. In that time, he has emerged as one of Hollywood’s top talent representatives, helping to craft the early careers of actors such as Ryan Reynolds, Tobey Maguire, Josh Brolin, David Schwimmer, Jason Bateman and Maria Bello, among others.
Today we discuss all the burning questions on how to up-level and navigate your career to its highest potential.
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“If you can see it, you can move it.” One night, as a teenager living on a farm in Canada, Paul Greene dreamed he was working on a movie set. He had never seen one before. Now as an actor, musician, writer, director, and producer, Paul has worked on the sets of countless films and series. He’s been dubbed the Cary Grant of the Hallmark Channel. And today, we’re diving into the stories of how he got there.
Paul didn’t work as an actor in the beginning. He traveled the world as a model spending most of his 20s working for brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger. Paul shares how spiritually and financially grounding this time was for him but also how the dream of storytelling never left him. At 30, and with a 5-month-old son, he set out to manifest that dream.
Many commercials, series regular and guest spots on dozens of TV shows including NCIS, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Newsroom, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, and Bitten, as well as 9 Hallmark Films later, you could say it’s manifest. He currently stars as Dr. Carson Shepherd in the Hallmark hit series When Calls the Heart. Last year he released a new album called Freedom for your Soul. And on Father’s Day 2021, he’s releasing a book, 52 ways to be the Dad you wish you had.
This man is always creating. And in a powerful way, it’s thanks to his son and Paul’s never-ending mission of having his life be a contribution to others.
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Breathwork is the bridge to spirit, takes us into other realms, heals our body of trauma, regulates our para sympathetic system (nerves/fear) and connects us to our voice.
Today, Robin Solo joins Wednesday Wisdom to give insight about how Breathwork will help strengthen your instrument.
Tension is restrictive to breathing freely and deeply. A person free of stress will be calmer and better able to concentrate and connect to what they are saying in an open way. Our breath changes with our emotions so if you are free of stress anxiety, tension, fear, etc…you’ll be more present in your voice and body. If you are not breathing deeply and freely your voice, which is fueled by the breath, may sound weak and breathy without enough energy to project. This breath practice physiologically strengthens our lungs, lung capacity and endurance. Also if you are someone who has limiting beliefs or trauma around using your voice - for example you were told to be quiet, you felt not seen or heard because you felt no one was listening to you or taking you seriously - this practice can help you let go of that trauma and support you in speaking your truth. It can support you in speaking up and taking your power back in opening your throat chakra giving you more confidence to feel and express emotions through your voice.
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Today’s guest is the gutsy and candid Sarah Shahi. You might recognize her as Jenny from Alias, Carmen on the L-Word, or the iconic Sameen Shaw on CBS’ Person of Interest. She’s a refreshingly honest and thus charming actress who makes no apologies for being herself. She discusses how befriending Robert Altman as an extra on his set inspired her to pursue an acting career and make the move from Texas to LA. She emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself in every way possible- for her, that means keeping her wardrobe casual and messy- even if it costs her the job.
Sarah keeps it real, opening up about what it’s like to film sex scenes and even begin lactating mid-audition. Her career is an example of what can happen when you don’t plan your life around the work and instead trust that the net will catch you.
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Tips and tricks about your memory and memorizing lines. There are four different suggestions on memorizing your lines:
Top Five Memorizing Techniques:
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I am thrilled to welcome the radiant Angel Parker to TOA. This powerhouse has proven she can work in any genre, going from the hit Disney show, LAB RATS, to Ryan Murphy’s THE PEOPLE VS. OJ SIMPSON, and Marvel’s RUNAWAYS.
There is nothing Hollywood- or life- has handed Angel that she hasn’t taken in stride and reframed to work in her favor. Today, we’ll hear how she worked through personal tragedy while having to shoot a pilot, the lesson she learned working with Sarah Paulson, and the silver lining of almost booking THIS IS US. For Angel, the work is about trusting that life is always leading you to exactly where you need to be. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Angel Parker right here!
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Our guest today is Canadian born actor Cameron Britton. He’s best known for his captivating and dynamic portrayal of serial killer Ed Kemper on Netflix’s series Mindhunter which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. His recent credits include the crime thriller The Girl in the Spider’s Web and Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. You can also catch him in Discovery Channel’s new series Manhunt alongside other such memorable talents as Paul Bettany and Judith Light.
Cameron says himself that he doesn’t like acting often, doesn’t go after the money, and only takes roles he’s invested in. He says “no” all the time. “No,” he believes, is the most powerful word in an actor’s vocabulary. But before that, he said “yes” to everything. He honed his craft at AMDA and doing theatre around Los Angeles where he felt safe to experiment.
His stories may save you from vomiting in a lobby, help you get to the heart of a character’s actions, and may even help you nail that next agent meeting. By the way, Cameron *loves* doing self-tapes and offers a few pointers on why you could love them too.
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Over the course of his 35 year career, Chris Diamantopoulos has built an expansive body of work in the entertainment industry from Broadway theater, to voice acting, to television and film work. Inspired in his early years by Moe of The Three Stooges, Chris knew he wanted to be an actor from the age of 9.
Today, we sit down with Chris as he reveals how his transformative voice skills lead him to the Broadway stage in his twenties, and onward to Los Angeles where he landed roles in some of comedy’s biggest cartoon series. His credits include roles on Family Guy, American Dad!, The Office, 24, Arrested Development and the beloved character of Russ Hanneman on HBO’s Silicon Valley. Chris admits that he often found himself doing the things we as actors are told you’re not supposed to do in the audition room, but reveals how doing so often landed him the job by making bold and clear choices, even when productions already had someone else in mind for the part.
He shares with us the valuable lessons he’s learned over the years about hoping to be discovered and the realization that ultimately in the end, you gotta have some fun.
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Today, I welcome Malin Akerman into the hot seat. Not only has this fearless beauty starred in countless blockbuster films like WATCHMEN, 27 DRESSES, and RAMPAGE, she also has explored- and conquered- the indie film world and is now producing her own content.
But how did this modern-day movie star really get her start? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what it’s like to go from- within a year- being broke and sleeping on a futon while fronting a rock band, to booking a series regular role on HBO’s The Comeback. Find out how she handled being asked to improvise on the spot in a chemistry read with Ben Stiller (for the lead in the Farrelly Brother’s THE HEARTBREAK KID) and her fight to be considered for deeper, more nuanced roles like Annie, a woman with alopecia in HAPPY THANK YOU MORE PLEASE and Lara, a strong mother amidst the chaos in HBO’s BILLIONS.
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From bringing diverse, powerful characters to life on the screen, to writing scripts for one of the most successful television series on Netflix, Brandon Kyle Goodman has emerged in the entertainment industry as a powerful force with a voice to be reckoned with.
This summer, Goodman can be seen starring in Netflix’s upcoming feature film, “Feel the Beat,” opposite Sofia Carson. The drama follows an out-of-work actress, April (Carson), who returns to her small hometown after failing to find success on Broadway and is soon recruited to train a misfit group of young dancers for a big competition. Goodman shines as the outspokenly brave, queer Deco, April’s neighbor and support system while she adjusts returning to her country life. “Feel the Beat” is slated to premiere on Netflix on June 19, 2020.
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She’s the actress who's been in just about everything. You know that actor whose face you know like the back of your hand and whose work never fails to leave you wondering just how do they do it. Well get ready to be let in on the light that is Rosalind Chao. Listening to this woman share about her journey her childlike play spirit shines through. It’s no wonder she was discovered as a small child running up and down the aisles of her parent’s restaurant. Rosalind has allowed herself to flow from theatre to TV to film and back again. She’s not shy about her struggles with self-doubt and fear but it is her work ethic that is unwavering.
Even more impressive than her five-decade long resume is her determination to keep her personal life the priority. This woman lives from trust and abundance. It’s no wonder she just keeps working. She is the consummate actor who most recently appeared in the new play The Great Wave at The National Theatre in London just before she began shooting Disney’s live action Mulan scheduled to open in theatres this July. Listen and soak up her sense of freedom with the work and healthy detachment to the business. A lesson we all can keep learning. I admire this woman deeply and am thrilled to share the wealth of her wide breadth of experience.
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TODAY, SAG-AFTRA members will be voting either “Yes” or “No” on the proposed 2020 TV/Theatrical Contract.
Please educate yourself about the various ways in which the contract will affect performers in terms of income and residual payments, health and pension considerations, on set safety provisions and much more.
With so much still unknown as to when the film industry will reopen and resume work, today’s vote is imperative to our future as artists as professionals.
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Today’s guest has put in his 10,000 hours and then some. As he says, he’s marked his spot.
We’re talking with Maximiliano Hernandez, who’s an actor, writer, producer, and teacher. Many of you will know him for his role as Agent Jasper Sitwell in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’s appeared in Thor, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Endgame, as well as Marvel’s hit TV show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
His journey began in Brooklyn and continued to the stage in New York City before moving on to a prolific career in film and television. His credits range from TV dramas like FX’s The Americans, TNT’s The Last Ship, Amazon’s Hand of God, and Audience Network’s Mr. Mercedes. As well as critically acclaimed films like Sicario and Warrior.
He shares how being dyslexic is one of his superhero talents, how being a ‘nice guy’ can seal the deal, and how important it is to stay open, stay prepared, and to let go of how we think things should happen. That’s when the magic can happen.
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Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020, SAG-AFTRA members will be voting either “Yes” or “No” on the proposed 2020 TV/Theatrical Contract. While the SAG-AFTRA National Board has been pushing for a “Yes” vote from members, today’s guests will discuss the ways in which they feel the union has failed to disclose the whole story and exactly what this contract will mean for performers in the entertainment industry moving forward.
In our current COVID-19 world, the need for performers has only increased as people turn to film and television for relief during an ongoing global health pandemic. Today, I sit down with actors and longtime SAG-AFTRA members, David Jolliffe, Sean Astin, and Shaan Sharma as they discuss the intricacies of the contract and how it lead to the development of the “Get Out the No” campaign in an effort to educate voters about the various ways in which the contract will affect performers in terms of income and residual payments, health and pension considerations, on set safety provisions and much more.
With so much still unknown as to when the film industry will reopen and resume work, today’s conversation is an important one. It brings into question how we as actors can continue to make a living as performers from the early stages of our careers, to well into our older years. Today’s guests are advocating for union members to be given what they deserve as valued members of the industry and ask us to consider the question, “At what point do you finally say no?”
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In today’s episode we’re chatting with Ben Barnes. This British actor (and skilled musician) has charmed audiences as the heroic prince in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and surprised them as the enigmatic Logan Delos in HBO’s science fiction thriller Westworld.
His love for storytelling began early: on stage performing with the National Youth Music Theatre. Since then his career has told the story of an artist who possesses true grit, a love for craft, and a desire to explore whatever he hasn’t done. He shares how blind persistence landed him his first agent, and how a secret injury helped him create one of his most recognizable roles.
For Ben, perspective and perseverance is key. Moving through the peaks and valleys of this industry requires trusting what you have to offer and choosing to be empowered regardless of circumstance. And that’s exactly what Ben continues to do. His work includes an array of diverse film and TV credits such as Easy Virtue, By The Gun, Seventh Son, Big Wedding, Sons of Liberty, The Punisher, Gold Digger and a lead role on Netflix’s soon to be series Shadow and Bone.
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A talented and charming actress, writer, director and producer, Emily Mortimer continues to challenge herself with a variety of creative endeavors, leaving audiences captivated on the big and small screens alike. Mortimer is currently in production on her directorial debut “The Pursuit of Love” for BBC One, a three-part mini-series she has adapted from the 1945 novel of the same name by Nancy Mitford. Today, this insightful, charming, magnetic talent opens up about her shyness, the continual struggle with imposter syndrome and what made her stop apologizing and ultimately own her art expressing how insecurities in life have allowed her to let go of expectations and thrive in the audition room.
Emily speaks to the beauty of what happens when you don't try too hard and how auditioning for great storytellers ignites her. This skill of being completely open and deeply vulnerable has landed her the responsibility of playing some of the most coveted roles in Mary Poppins Returns, The Newsroom, Shutter Island, Lars and the Real Girl, Doll & Em, Match Point, Lovely & Amazing and so many more plus the upcoming projects, like the new horror film Relic and the Quibi show Don't Look Deeper with Don Cheadle.
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Today’s guest is a supreme example of the power of stillness. She radiates a quiet magnetism that draws her audiences into the inner life of the riveting and layered characters she portrays. Mireille Enos talks with us today about her journey and the major signs the universe was giving her along the way indicating a big YES to whether or not she was on the right path. Starting with winning the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, an award annually presented to the nation’s top collegiate actor, she went on to spend 10 years in New York City gaining confidence and experience as well as a Broadway Tony nomination for her portrayal of "Honey" in Edward Albee 's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
In addition to stage credits, she went on to work in both film and television and gained critical acclaim for her lead role of detective Sarah Linden in AMC’s crime drama, The Killing. She can currently be seen playing the role of Marissa Wiegler in the Amazon original series, Hanna . Today, Mireille shares her wealth of knowledge and experience from how she knows when a role is meant for her, to the importance of switching from artist brain to business brain when considering agency representation, and of course, what it was like to chemistry read with Brad Pitt.
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“I am bent, but not broken. I am scarred, but not disfigured. I am sad, but not hopeless. I am tired, but not powerless. I am angry, but not bitter. I am depressed, but not giving up.”
Giving up when you have a mental illness like depression sounds attractive in your darkest moments. Today we discuss all feelings and allowing them to be part of the conversation.
As an artist, you must understand and experience all emotions/feelings without judgement.
Oge Egbuonu discussed in the previous episode “I don’t label depression as a bad thing for me. For me, those are all moments of redirection.”
If you are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts please see the FREE help that is available at ActorsFund.org.
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Today we’re sitting down with Oge Egbuonu. She’s a director, writer, producer—a storyteller. A voice that’s piercing the veil of what history has shown a Black woman’s experience in America to be.
Her directorial debut, (In)Visible Portraits, was just released on Juneteenth. It’s a Think Piece, a self-described “love letter to Black women, and a re-education to everyone else.” Oge shares how she found herself in the middle of creating this film, aware of its bigger purpose in being a vehicle for people to start questioning what they were taught to believe as true.
Her journey to becoming a filmmaker is beautifully unconventional—from working in a hotel, to discovering a calling in teaching yoga, to accepting an unexpected job at Raindog Films where she helped bring to life Eye in the Skye (starring Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman) and the award-winning film Loving (starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton).
Each plot twist of her story shows a divine calling and a desire to be a vessel of service. Oge reminds us that we’re in a collective space of reimagining what’s possible, and that is the most powerful place we can be in right now.
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This Wednesday Wisdom is not going to be a monologue but a dialogue (with actress Nyaling Marenah) to help understand, forgive and give rise to a new language and awareness when addressing selection/casting in our industry.
"They went diverse/ethnic..." how many times has this explanation been given for not getting the part?
This podcast exists so we could learn, share, listen and understand the path of another. Today we are going to hear why that statement is hurtful and only doing harm in bringing someone else's value down.
Let's reframe our words and belief system so that we can respect each others value as a storyteller. #sharethemic
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Today I sit down with television and film actress, Broadway star, and singer-songwriter, Jasmine Cephas Jones. Introduced into the world of entertainment by her father, actor Ron Cephas Jones, and her mother, jazz singer Kim Lesley, Jasmine went to school for the performing arts starting in middle school . She spent many years studying voice at LaGuardia High School in New York City as well as throughout her college years at Berklee College of Music.
Today, Jasmine shares the feelings of vulnerability that came soon after where she felt something was missing and was unsure about exactly what kind of career she wanted to pursue. When she realized the missing link she had been searching for was acting, Jasmine immediately committed to studying the craft through experience with the LABrinth Theater Company and training in the Meisner teachings of the Neighborhood Playhouse for Theater. She shares her experiences with the peaks and valleys of the business, from being dropped by an agent, to landing the roles of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in the Tony award winning Broadway hit musical, Hamilton. Even after conquering the world of Broadway, Jasmine ventured out to Los Angeles where she reveals she felt as if she was starting from scratch, grinding all over again to prove herself in the business of show business.
While she admits to having moments of wanting to give up, Jasmine shares the mindsets she’s carried with her over the years to help keep her moving through those moments of uncertainty. The belief she has in herself has earned her an extensive list of credits including roles on, HBO’s “Girls” and “Mrs. Fletcher”, as well as roles in films such as “Blindspotting”, “The Photograph”, “Monsters and Men” and can currently be seen on Quibi’s newly released, “#FreeRayShawn”. If you’re looking for tips, be sure to take notes as Jasmine reveals details about her own process for creating riveting characters that light up the screen.
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Today’s guest is a big believer in second chances. You may recognize him as Detective Ray Abruzzo in the brand new Starz’s series High Town, or from AMC’s Rubicon, or maybe the award-winning mini-series The Pacific. James Badge Dale is an actor who’s worked through the high and low levels of this game, turning him into an endlessly interesting, authentic, and raw storyteller.
He’s truly an example of how rewarding it is to give your craft those 10, 000 hours and to never give up. This man holds his own working alongside collaborators such as Scorsese, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Jeff Bridges, and Robin Wright to name just a few. You’ll hear how he learned to tune into his own instrument, and how he deals with that enigmatic audition room chair.
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How are the casting directors handling the new climate? Where are they finding new talent? These are questions I thought needed to be looked at in this episode to help us navigate and prepare for the next steps of coming out of the pandemic to make our art.
Jaimie Beebe grew up in the Midwest, making her way out to Los Angeles to pursue a career in production. She is a film and TV Casting Director with a wide variety of credits including “River Runs Red” starring Tase Diggs and John Cusack, “Ice Cream in the Cupboard” Starring Jaime King, “Falsely Accused” starring Rosanna Arquette, and the highly anticipated series “Paradise City” starring Ryan Hurst, Bella Thorne, and Drea de Matteo. In her free time she produces and hosts a weekly True Crime Podcast called, “Strictly Stalking”.
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In today’s episode, we’re chatting with actor, director, producer, and host Michael Urie whose early desire to become a drama teacher carved an unexpected path to his breakout role in ABC’s UGLY BETTY. From growing up in Texas, making movies with G.I. Joes, to winning the John Housman Award at Julliard, his journey shows tenacity, trust, and uncanny comedic instinct.
In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that moved his career forward, moments when he trusted his gut and asked for what he wanted. We chat about his love for theater and New York—how throughout his almost 20 year career (which includes television credits such as YOUNGER, PARTNERS, THE GOOD WIFE, THE GOOD FIGHT, MODERN FAMILY, and the upcoming CBS & WARNER BROS TV sitcom FUN) he’s stayed as close to the stage as he possibly can. It was theater that encouraged him to stand bravely in his truth, and it was the smell of hot garbage on 8th Avenue in the summer that told him ‘this is where I want to be.’”
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In time of "process" and "reflection" how do you stay calm and trust what you are inspired to create will manifest through you?
Today is a discussion of staying calm and collected in this crisis moment to calm your spirit and linger in the unknown. How do you trust and use this time wisely (as in to not attack yourself). Is it possible to TRUST in this moment?
Follow your JOY!
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Today we sit down with Atkins Estimond and in his world timing is everything. Atkins hit the Atlanta scene right at the beginning of its boom as a regional market. Self-taping his way to every role. If you’re considering starting your acting career in Atlanta or making a move there this is the episode for you. In this interview we pull back the curtain on the Atlanta market and get specific about what actors can do to get working there.
A die heart Atlantian Estimond has found his career to flourish from roles in studio features like “Get on Up” opposite Octavia Spencer and “Dumb and Dumber To” opposite Jeff Daniels and Jim Carey to major recurring roles on Fox’s “The Resident” and AMC’s “Lodge 49.” These are just a few of the amazing projects Atkins has booked in the southeast market. He has now landed his first series regular role on Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Hightown” premiering on Starz May 17th, 2020 directly out of Atlanta and sees nothing stopping his ability to continue to not only work but build a legacy career from his beloved Georgia.
Listen as Atkins breaks down exactly what he did to back door his way into Hollywood and even begin working out of LA and New York. These are the unforgettable stories that landed Atkins Estimond right here.
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“The key to being an actor is to make sure you remember live.” - Peter Hall
The privilege of speaking to Rebecca Hall yesterday allowed me to peak into a world in which what you "do" doesn't represent you. Living your life gives breath, perspective and insight into "what you do". Acting is just one facet of what you do in living. Living will infuse so much of your art. Stop waiting to live your life while you wait for your craft to be validated with a result of a certain status as an artist. Live your life so you can redefine (or define) who you are as an artist.
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Today’s guest has been around the arts her entire life. She is the acclaimed and generously creative British actor, writer, director and producer Rebecca Hall. Many of us first saw her in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige and soon after starring in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Rebecca witnessed early on what an artist’s life could be. Her first on screen appearance was in the TV mini-series The Camomile Lawn at the age of 10. It was also around this time that her father (celebrated stage director Peter Hall) gave her some advice: the key to being an actor is making sure that you remember to live! She talks about her time at University and finding success on stage before appearing on screen again. After The Prestige, Rebecca continued on to a truly incredible career that’s lead to multiple awards and critical recognition. Her work includes The Red Riding Triology, The Town, Parade’s End, Iron Man 3, Transcendence The Awakening, Frost/Nixon, The Gift, Christine, and Tales from the Loop. Later this year you can watch her in Godzilla vs. Kong.
She’s a master craftswoman. From sketching actors in the back of her father’s stage rehearsals to directing her own projects, you’ll hear the stories of how Rebecca pushes beyond expectations to create the art and life that she wants to express. For Rebecca, it all comes back to the work.
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Actress, singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Caitlin Crosby knows a thing or two about inspiring others. She began writing songs with Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds in high school and subsequently signed to his label, Arista Records.
Growing up in Hollywood and working in the entertainment industry inspired Caitlin to launch the campaign LoveYourFlawz to support those dealing with body image issues, with the release of debut album “Flawz” in 2009 through Blackledge/Atlantic Records.
While on tour, Caitlin started The Giving Keys which employs those transitioning out of homelessness to make jewelry out of repurposed keys. Each key is engraved with a message like FEARLESS, HOPE, STRENGTH or COURAGE. When the wearer of the key encounters someone else who needs the message - they are encouraged to give it away and share their “pay it forward” story.
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Today’s guest is an actor, writer, director, and producer. She is none other than Sarah Wayne Callies, best known for portraying Lori Grimes on AMC’s record-breaking series The Walking Dead. Sarah’s made an unforgettable impression on audiences worldwide by bringing complex and powerful female characters to life on screen.
Her appreciation for these dynamic roles began long before she was a series regular on multiple critically acclaimed shows (including Unspeakable, Colony, Prison Break, and her upcoming leading role on NBC’s Council of Dads). Exploring and sharing the female voice has always been important to Sarah—from studying feminism and mythology in college to honoring the guidance of strong women in her family.
Sarah’s career, as she says, is a miracle and series of accidents. But as you’ll find out, it’s also a testament to hard work, gratitude (always gratitude), and resourcefulness. You’ll hear how she used riding on the Subway to improve her on-camera audition technique, what helps her return to true North, and how important it is for artists to know and trust themselves… even if that means moving to British Columbia.
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The orgy is happening now" a quote that won't leave my mind from Leonardo Nam's episode. We are LIVING in a pandemic and we must live the life before we can process how we are doing. I am encouraging you to explore and observe your own human behavior in this pandemic so you can strengthen your art. Live life and observe it so you can pull from your own life lived to deepen your exploration of the human condition. There are no rules in creativity!
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Today I sit down with Simone Missick an actress truly led by spirit.
This kick-ass woman is no stranger to walking in faith and trusting the process. When she booked her breakout role of Misty Knight in Marvel’s Luke Cage for Netflix she had only a handful of co-stars to her resume. She admits to struggling with self-doubt about choosing a life path as an actor. Her focus is on her inner journey over the business. This interview is a refreshingly honest and vulnerable look at what it means to literally walk into one’s vision and be a light for others.
Simone leads CBS’ ALL RISE which is currently the most popular new network show of 2019! She is the first African American woman to lead a series on CBS, and it’s been a huge huge hit for the network. She will also soon be seen opposite Anthony Mackie in the second season of Netflix’s hit sci-fi anthology drama ALTERED CARBON.
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#SelfTapeMay is now a thing. Today we chat with Anna LaMadrid from Put Me on Self Tape to discuss the PMO workout and how we can help you elevate your self tapes to the next level.
The industry is changing and self-tapes are becoming more and more the norm. How can you stay competitive in this field and still have fun? Well…we got a little something for you to get YOU ready to book when That One Audition finally comes in...
This is a 4-week workshop from May 1 to May 31. Each week, we will focus on sides that highlight some of the most common "actor Audition Traps." Every Sunday at 11am PST, you will receive new sides for the week. Tapes are due every Tuesday by 5pm PST. Every Thursday at 11am PST, we will randomly select two self-tapes and host a live "Play by Play" Feedback/Q&A session hosted by Alyshia Ochse and Anna LaMadrid.
Anna LaMadrid studied with acclaimed Meisner teacher, Maggie Flanigan in NYC. She received her MFA from U of Washington where she TA’d for the undergrad acting students and discovered her love of coaching. TV credits include: Vida – Recurring Guest Star (Starz), Bless This Mess (ABC) and Grey’s Anatomy (ABC). She was selected to participate in the 2019 ABC Discovers Showcase. She booked her first lead in an indie feature, from a self-tape and believes strongly in the power of putting your best take forward. She founded Put Me On Self-Tape three years ago and coaches working actors on their self-tape auditions – including Bridget Regan (Jane The Virgin), Travis Van Winkle (The Last Ship), Raul Castillo (ATypical), Meagan Good (Prodigal Son), Dina Shihabi (Altered Carbon) and more.
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Today, I am joined by the transformative talent that is Leonardo Nam. Over the course of the next hour, you will hear how Leo found his way as a young actor growing up in Australia, how he relentlessly hustled in NYC, and how he built the career of his dreams, starring in shows like Westworld and working with the Duplass Brothers on Room 104.
Whether he’s auditioning for Hamlet still wearing his rollerblades or deciding to eat a turkey sandwich DURING his audition for The Perfect Score, the studio film that changed his life, Leo has faced every chapter in his career with a sense of adventure and a brilliant connection to his instincts.
Recent notable credits for Leonardo include the DC Universe series "Swamp Thing,” Amazon’s "Sneaky Pete,” and the Arthouse film “Hummingbird." He has also recurred on titles such as the Amazon series “Betas,” and has appeared on “The Flash,” Disjointed,” “Hawaii 5-0,” “Royal Pains,” “Bones,” “Franklin & Bash,” and “Stalker.” His breakout role came in the Paramount Pictures comedy “The Perfect Score,” starring Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and Erika Christensen. Since then, he has gone on to star in a string of movies, namely “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” 1 and 2, “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” “Vantage Point,” “He’s Just Not That Into You,” and “One for the Money."
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Anthony Meindl is an award-winning director, writer, actor, acting coach, entrepreneur, author and inspirational speaker. As an acting teacher, he has the largest scene study studio in Los Angeles and has schools in 9 other cities around the world: New York, London, Vancouver, Toronto, Atlanta, Santa Fe, Sydney, Chicago, and Copenhagen. He’s known for revolutionizing a more modern understanding of acting training and has worked with such Hollywood luminaries as Shailene Woodley, Trevante Rhodes, pop star Camila Cabello, and hundreds of others. He is the author of three books, including the best-seller, At Left Brain Turn Right and his latest book, You Knew When You Were Two, is being published this spring.
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Today we sit down with actor Tom Pelphrey. What began as a sports injury, from a very short-lived high school football career, and a friend subsequently suggesting he try out for the school play, a perfect storm of influences and awakenings (and the power of encouragement) made Tom realize that he was good at something for the first time in his life—his natural aptitude on stage eventually launched him into a full and thriving career in theater, television, and film. Tom’s work continues to captivate audiences, with roles on Cinemax’s Banshee, Marvel’s Iron Fist, Netflix’s original hit series Ozark, and many more. From his first audition with casting director Alexa Fogel (where he didn’t land the job), Tom explains how not booking the role evolved into a now 15-year working relationship with one of television's most respected casting directors. He shares how self-doubt and struggling with feelings of inadequacy accompanied him throughout his twenties, and how he discovered validation out of admiration, how to evaluate self-value, and the realizations that can only come from maturity and experience. We get to chat about the power of memorization muscle, soap stage stories, and how to navigate the tide of workload shifts, seen through his mountainous climb from one-take-wonder jobs to working under the guidance of an industry master, Mr. David Fincher. Coming out of “guest-star land” to becoming a series regular, Tom explains what it means to not take things personally and the importance of not attaching one’s self-worth to the results. And of course, we get to gush about his experience of working alongside Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, where he has gleaned even more tricks of the trade. Tom even shares the daily practices he continually uses to remain grounded in an ever-changing industry, which is even more valuable given the nature of these unprecedented times—in fact, this is my first ever Zoom interview, making it not just an honor, but also befitting, that we get to retell the stories of adaptation and triumph that landed Tom Pelphrey right here.
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Today I wanted to circle back to the great quote from Maz Jobrani's interview. The more specific you can be in your work the more relatable you will be. Curating a body of work or a character with a specific belief system in mind will garner you more reliability with an audience whether in an audition room or standing up on stage as a stand up comedian. Do not be afraid to lean into the voice that makes you special.
Also, during this special "shelter in place" time I wanted to entice a new way of thinking with "courting the unknown".
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Today I sit down with Maz Jobrani, an Iranian born comedian, best known for his comedy specials Immigrant, The Axis of Evil and his role as Fawz in Superior Donuts. Maz details how creating a career in show business doesn’t always have to be all or nothing. He shares how he maintained a day job while building his career and the importance of creating his own work. This entrepreneurial actor and comedian career spans decades from film and tv to commercials and theatre. This actor’s hustle never stops. A career forged by authenticity and preparation. Maz Jobrani's credits include Curb Your Enthusiasm, Shameless, Last Man Standing, Superior Donuts, The Descedents, The Interpreter, Friday After Next and True Blood. His original standup special IMMIGRANT, was filmed at the prestigious Kennedy Center and is currently streaming on NETFLIX. He’s also released 3 additional solo specials on SHOWTIME including: BROWN AND FRIENDLY, I COME IN PEACE, and I’M NOT A TERRORIST, BUT I’VE PLAYED ONE ON TV Jobrani currently hosts his own podcast Back to School with Maz Jobrani and is currently on tour with his Peaceful Warrior Tour (tickets and tour dates available at MazJobrani.com).
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It is hard living in unprecedented times. Today, we are being transparent around this time in our creativity. In this episode, you'll hear how to evaluate if you need to pause or be productive during this time. How to stay grounded, compassionate with ourselves during a pandemic and the key tools to keep you healthy and in the flow during challenging times.
Short Film competition:
We are selecting 3-5 shorts to produce with a mentorship program from past guests of TOA.
Deadline: April 15, 2020
Submission: Send scripts to [email protected]
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Today’s guest fits the perfect + poignant mold for our 50th episode -With thick-skin, an optimist’s heart and a realist’s mind, the incomparable Michelle Monaghan will tell us how being championed by her parents in a town of 700, mentored by Frances McDormand in the North Country and ending up on Constantine’s cutting room floor gave her the courage, confidence and opportunity to make every mission…possible.
Michelle Monaghan is an Golden Globe nominated actress with nearly 20 years of experience in this industry. Her roles in television and film are as diverse as they are challenging and powerful to watch. She is best known for her work as Harmony Faith Lane in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which she starred alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. She is known for her recurring role as Julia Meade-Hunt in J. J. Abrams massive hit the Mission: Impossible series, starring Tom Cruise. She is known for Ben Affleck’s Academy Award Nominated Gone Baby Gone in her role as Angie Gennaro, featuring two Boston detectives investigating the kidnapping of a little girl. Michelle is additionally known for her film performances in Source Code, Trucker, North Country, The HeartBreak Kid, and The Bourne Supremacy. She’s starred in the Hulu series The Path as Sarah Lane with Aaron Paul and Hugh Dancy, and the critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe Nominated True Detective as Maggie Hart. She’s guest starred in numerous television shows including Boston Public, Young Americans, and American Dad. You can catch her in Mission: Impossible Fallout in theatres today.
LINKS:"Never let them see you sweat.”
“The most powerful moments are the moments unsaid, and it’s all those moments in between.”
“You learn the most about yourself in your independent filmmaking style. You learn the most about film, but also about acting.”
How are you managing your fear in your auditions and in your life? Today we discuss different physical and mental tactics to help navigate your FEAR and bring you into the present moment.
Short Film competition:
We are selecting 3-5 shorts to produce with a mentorship program from past guests of TOA.
Deadline: April 15, 2020
Submission: Send scripts to [email protected]
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Todays guest has over 100 film and TV credits to her name and a career that began with roles in repertory theatre in Portland, Oregon, and ultimately lead her to Los Angeles where she discovered improv and sketch comedy and became a member of The Groundlings. She shares how her experiences doing improv in LA prepared her for the rest of the business, including joining the cast of SNL for one season, and how her departue from the show, seemingly premature at the time, made way for countless new opportunities to expand her storytelling capacity.
A natural talent with an undeniable energy, Michaela Watkins has made her mark through a variety of impressive and unforgettable roles.
Watkins can currently be seen in the fourth and final season of the hit Hulu show CASUAL. The show has received critical acclaim with a Golden Globe nomination and recognition in THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER calling it “funny, strongly realized, self-assured and a joy to watch. After watching an episode, you want another.” She plays the lead role of ‘Valerie Cole’, a newly divorced sex therapist who is re-entering the world of casual dating.
Up next, Watkins can be seen playing Rob Delaney’s Sister in the new season of CATASTROPHE and playing a tightly wound, full of bravado, federal prosecutor hell-bent on putty Dory (Alia Shawkat) and Drew (John Reynolds) behind bars in the next season of SEARCH PARTY.
Watkins can be seen in the first and second season of Amazon’s Golden Globe winning show, TRANSPARENT. Additionally, she can be seen in the Netflix limited series WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER opposite Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd. Prior to that, she was last seen playing the eccentric and loveable ‘Jackie’ on the ABC critically-acclaimed series TROPHY WIFE opposite Bradley Whitford and Malin Ackerman.
Other past television credits include VEEP, THE GOLDBERGS, MARRIED, THE COMEDIANS, NEW GIRL, ENLIGHTENED, MODERN FAMILY, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, PARENTHOOD, KEY AND PEELE, THE KROLL SHOW, DRUNK HISTORY AND CALIFORNICATION.
On the creator side, Watkins executive produced, created and wrote the comedy series BENCHED with Damon Jones, which aired on the USA Network. This series starred Eliza Coupe.
Tune in Resources LINKS:“Work begets work. You do this one thing, and then you hear about this other thing. Each little thing made room for another little thing.”
"A good manager will say this to you: ‘We’re doing the long game. I don’t care if you book a stupid episode. We’re looking BIG picture."
Social Distancing is allowing you the space to create if you choose! Today I am sharing all different online platforms to help you nourish and assist you into "creating" new stories!
Short Film competition:
We are selecting 3-5 shorts to produce with a mentorship program from past guests of TOA.
Deadline: April 15, 2020
Submission: Send scripts to [email protected]
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Merle was born in Okinawa, Japan to a mother of Korean and Japanese descent and an African-American father serving in the U.S Force. Growing up in Nebraska,but not into football, Merle didn't know where she fit. A friend encouraged Merle to choose drama as a study because she was told it was "easy". Little did Merle know that the drama department would be the community she had been longing for and that expression would give her the platform to explore social conditions and and the emotions that must be exposed to understand and accept each other. Merle graduated college and had a wild inclination that New York was where she needed to be to fulfill her purpose. With $107 in her pock, a packed Uhaul and an ailing kitten, she drove to New York and landed in the sea of many hopeful artist. Merle was still figuring out what was cool and learning everything on the fly. At the time a non-equity actor, she heard that everyone in town was going to audition for "Jesus Christ Superstar", so she decided to learn a song and stand in line at 4am to hopefully be given the opportunity to audition. At 1pm the casting director not only called her in to the room, but gave her the space and the light to shine. Even though most things came to Merle very easily, she was still doing what she considers "on the job" training and chasing after an idea or feeling of what it is to be an actress. After a job replaced her, a blessing in disguise, Merle accredits her acting coach Warner Loughlin for giving her the strength and confidence to approach every role with ease and unwavering sense of responsibility to the intention and message of the role. After working three jobs to support her theater career, Merle Dandridge landed herself in the company of Oprah and now holds the honor of portraying Grace on OWN's hit show, GREENLEAF. This woman's 25 year journey is nothing short of resilient, spiritual, and guided.
Merle Dandridge currently can be seen critically acclaimed show "Greenleaf" on OWN network and will be on Broadway for the rest of 2017 in the play "Once on this Island".
Tune in Resources LINKS:"You're never walled in for no reason, you are walled in to deflect you to where you are suppose to go." CLICK TO TWEET
Ever really consider the costs of a creative career? Want to be prepared and make the right decision for you with the actual costs that will keep your small business afloat? This episode, Paige Patterson (The Blank Paige Podcast) and I break down our costs to thrive as creatives.
The Blank Paige Podcast is a space for creative entrepreneurs and storytellers to talk about their non-linear journeys, creativity and returning to that proverbial blank page again and again.
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Abby recently starred on the Golden Globe nominated USA thriller, THE SINNER as detective in training, Caitlin Sullivan. Before that she was best known for her work in the FX original series, JUSTIFIED where she played the sweet but dim, Ellen May. She can also be seen as Manson follower Mary Brunner on AQUARIUS, as well as guesting on such shows as THE REAL O’NEALS, THE CATCH, LAW AND ORDER SVU, and MAD MEN.
Most recently she recurred as Emily Greenstreet on THE MAGICIANS and can be seen in the second season of IMPOSTERS out this spring. She has appeared in numerous feature films such as the 2010 Sundance Selection ONE TOO MANY MORNINGS and the indie feature CONGRATULATIONS (co-written by Miller).
Resources LINKS:"You find the stuff in between the words."
"Whatever you are doing in your work flows into your life."
"I definitely choose my career over paying my bills on time."
"This is it. This is the magic. The art of surprise."
"I have become more of unapologetic, defiant actor in that all I need to do is carve out a beautiful character and honor them."
That One Audition hosts the 1st community creation competition. This competition is for TOA community to "make" a short film from a variety of genres and have a mentor for every step of the storytelling. This is your chance to make your idea into a short film, a spotlight about the "creation" in an upcoming episode, and a finished film for festival submission!
Send your scripts to [email protected] to be considered by April 1st.
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Among his long career in theater and television, T.R Knight is best known for his incredibly dynamic portrayal as Dr. George O’Malley in Grey’s Anatomy, earning him both a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble and an Emmy Nomination. He performed and starred in The Guthrie Theater’s Amadeus and Ah, Wilderness! Knight guest starred in The Good Wife, portraying Jordan Karahalios, in the CBS drama starring Julianna Margulies as she navigates her career after a political scandal involving her husband. In 11.22.63, the Hulu produced miniseries and adaptation of Stephen King’s science fiction novel, Knight is Johnny Clayton, starring with James Franco and Sarah Gadon, and following one teacher’s journey after he slips through a time portal and desperately attempts to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Knight joined The Catch in its second season, a cat and mouse thriller starring Mireille Enos and produced by Shonda Rhimes, playing the self serving and down on his luck Tommy Vaughan. Most recently, you can find T.R Knight in Genius, National Geographic’s first scripted television show, transforming himself into J. Edgar Hoover.
In this interview we discover how T.R Knight navigates the bouts of unemployment, the nature of creativity, his love of prosthetics and his hobby as a writer.
Resources LINKS:“I think the goal always was to just work, and work with people I admire.”
“Don’t work with everybody. Don’t take any job. Go for the people that you like their work and try to work with them, especially when you’re young and impressionable.”
“You act twice. Act to be confident, and then act for the audition.”
“The gratitude is everything.”
“So much of it is luck, and I know some people hate using that word when it comes to acting and jobs, but there are so many of us that I just don’t see how being at the right place, at the right time, how that does not come into play.”
"Nourish what makes you feel confident, connected, contented. Opportunity will rise to meet you." - Oprah Winfrey
Deciding to live and visualize a feeling as the "goal" instead of a rigid , tangible goal that is sometimes hard to manifest because it is out of your control. BUT a goal feeling will allow an opportunity to meet you.
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Monique Coleman was raised by a single Mom with the intention of being the best you and putting your effort in what is inside you that makes you shine. There was never an emphasis on the best headshot, the best hair, or the best clothes only the best YOU. Monique scored several critically acclaimed films as a youngster and was awarded the Young Artist Award in 1998. But it is her purpose, goal setting and achieving that blew away her competitors in the first year in Los Angeles. She understands branding and marketing, but ultimately the power of intention to manifest booking six shows immediately upon arriving. What will surprise you is that her first audition for the film that would make her worldwide famous (High School Musical) is what made her "quit" the business and retreat to Chicago. Listen in to hear how Monique dealt with fame and transitioned her platform into reaching the youth of our nation.
Monique is currently plays Katina Howard on the Verizon Go90 show Guidance and is producing to two new shows, Queen Bess and Desegregated.
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“You don’t have to have the money to do things. You have to be willing to ask.” CLICK TO TWEET
"Roles come into your life at a certain time when you need them. Not only do I inform the character, but the character helps inform my life. It's a synergy that happens with characters." - Julie Benz
Synergy is the interaction or cooperation of two or more "agents" to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
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NYU graduate Julie Benz has worked, developing a career that has ridden high waves as a series regular on several TV shows...but she still auditions and LOVES it. By the time Julie Benz was 16 years old she had retired from her professional career as a figure skater due to an injury and was dragged by her Mom to her first audition. Julie got cast in the play and loved it. But Julie didn't feel like she was a "natural" at acting and enrolled at the drama department at NYU, plus took additional acting classes in the city to get more experience. When NYU tried to kick her out for auditioning for a pilot, a tenured teacher put her reputation on the line and said she would quit teaching if Julie was kicked out of the program. Three years later, Julie graduated NYU and ran to Hollywood. Julie isn't a prude, but she insists there must be a financial transaction to see her in a bikini. This smart and savvy woman stands her ground and respects her craft, yet will bravely put her raw "makeup free" heart and soul into an audition. Listen in to hear how accepting Vampire Girl #1 for Buffy the Vampire Slayer impacted her career and set the foundation of being on a short list for studios. Here she shares her "most favorite things" about acting, auditioning and The Secret gratitude journal.
Julie Benz currently can be seen critically acclaimed show Dexter, Defiance, Hawaii Five-0 and constant reruns of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Resources LINKS:"Roles come into your life at certain time when you need them. Not only do I inform the character, but the character helps inform my life. It's a synergy that happens with characters."
Ever had a story that you were dying to tell but didn't know how to start? Are you trying to find your voice to give power to creating your own content?
If you have a story you’re ready to put on stage or screen, Story School is the program to take before you sit down to write. It helps you take your idea and flesh it out into a well-structured, powerful story. You’ll learn all of Hollywood and history’s best-kept storytelling secrets from a writer and story nerd who’s spent nearly two decades studying the art of effective storytelling and perfecting her craft. Your instructor, Jamie, is an award-winning screenwriter and director who's helped hundreds of writers shape and develop their story for maximum impact. In this 12-module course she’ll give you all you need to do this on your own! And, just for being a member of my community, you'll get 20% off! Head to yourstoryschool.com and use code TOA20 to get in and start writing your story.
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Today we chat with Paul Adelstein, from Private Practice, Prison Break, Scandal, and Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, as he lays out his 30 year career for us, sharing some of the most inspirational, motivational, and insightful stories, and how he’s managed to turn countless challenges into opportunities to win.
Beginning in Chicago, he began his career as a member of John Cusack’s commedia-style theatre company. We talk about how the rigor of this group prepared him for anything, and as he shares with us here, there was a lot to be prepared for. From the jobs he’s lost, to the ones that have come to define his career, he’s unappologetically honest about what it takes to persevere and stay focused, even when everything seems to be falling apart. From a pre-audition pep-talk from John Travolta, to a meeting with Shonda Rhimes that lead to a direct offer, his journey proves that things always work themselves out, and often lead to beautiful, seemingly fortuitous, full-circle moments that make an artistic life worth the uncertainty and risk.
Regardless of where you are on your journey, whether you’re at a peak, or feel stuck in a valley, today’s conversation is for you. Full of encouragement and optimism, this bird’s-eye-view of a career is a reminder that things are always working out for good. Your good and for the good of great storytelling.
Resources LINKS:“It’s all storytelling. Whether you’re acting or writing or directing. It’s all service of the story.”
“Bloom where you’re planted, keep moving forward.”
The difference between working for your rent and building your career is all in your perspective.
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Neil Jackson fearlessly walks through memory lane of being told no various times, to writing his own musical that caught the attention of a profound theater producer that allowed him to study the craft of acting. This man has had some lucky breaks but they all came from the hand work and relentless preparation of owning his craft and creating his own content. Ten years ago Neil's interview for a prestigious acting school was cut short due to lack of professional training. Ten years later, with several highly notable roles under his belt, he shares his most prized moment of receiving an offer for the 2nd season of Westworld after driving Uber. This man is tenacious and doesn't take NO for an answer. The NO's led to the creation of hunger and passion for performing.
Currently, Neil can be seen in the second season of HBO's WESTWORLD and Robert Zemeckis' THE WOMEN OF MARWEN.
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“Set your level of compromise on every single job.” | CLICK TO TWEET
“I call them my DREAM FUNDers job: doing a job that doesn’t necessarily push me towards the way I want my creative career to go but at least I’m doing a job that “funds” me to continue pushing towards my that dream.” | CLICK TO TWEET
“My barometer for success or failure is about the level the of creativity that I work on in every project.” | CLICK TO TWEET
We are here as artists to share our perspective, not to prove that we are artists. Art is constantly in process so how do we best give of ourselves in the audition room/set?
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Ashley Williams is an American film, television, theater actress, who most recently added the title of Producer to her long list of credits. She has had an expansive career with more than a dozen different television pilots and over 150 TV episodes under her belt. Perhaps best known for her roles on The Jim Gaffigan Show and Good Morning Miami, Williams was also a fan favorite on the hit show How I Met Your Mother. Although Williams is currently taking on the biggest role of her life, motherhood, she has also recently taken on the challenge of producing her own films, two of which have already been sold to the Hallmark Channel.
Resources LINKS:“My screen test was my first kiss, and by the way I had braces.”
“We had a deal in my house where whenever somebody booked a job, they had to take everybody out to dinner.”
“I wanted to be able to make my nut. That’s always been my goal as an actor. All I need to do is break even, that's the entire goal.”
“I’m definitely a pound the pavement kind of actor”
“Every audition is an opportunity to try something”
The future belongs to the CURIOUS. The ones who are not afraid to try it, EXPLORE it, POKE at it, QUESTION it and turn it inside out.
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Tommy Dewey may seem casually cool and like he has it all figured out in this business, but it took "letting go" of perfection to land the jobs on CASUAL and THE MINDY PROJECT that made him feel like he could truly relax and embrace a fully realized character. A collegiate track runner at Princeton University, Tommy had big plans for Wall Street signing up for the LSAT twice. On hiatus from a stress fracture, Tommy accepted a challenge to audition for the two coveted spots in Princeton's improv troupe. No acting experience, but a innate sense of comedic timing and his sports driven ambitious nature landed him one of the two coveted roles out of 100 actors. Tommy not only secured the spot in the group, he eventually was the troupe's director and writer. Law School was still waiting for Tommy, but Tommy challenged himself with a summer intensive at RODA and now attributes his success to his fall back plan being writing. Yes, this guy can write! Tommy took a year off of acting to create and run the writer's room for his own show "Sons of Tucson." Listen in to hear how Tommy deals with nerves, how he runs a casting session for his shows, what really gets you the job, how to stay in the game and how his back up plan now is writing
LINKS:"If you can get to that point where you can relax enough to give them your version of the person, even if they like it or not, you are going to start in a much better place."
"I was always off book, I wanted to land everything perfectly, but that is not what acting is...acting is what happens in the ethers between two people."
"Auditioning should be much more of a mess. I mean it should be messy and always searching. The key is being present and creating whatever it is in the ether between whoever you are working with. That's what the camera needs to see. Not you saying it perfectly."
How to set yourself up to RISE to the next level in a tangible way.
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Lucy Hale gives insight to how her shy, homeschooled, hopeful, naive yet intuitive belief she would "make it" lead her to Hollywood to chase a dream we all have. This Southern girl has the charm and the class that has made her a rising, accoladed star for the past 15 years. She gives a candid look at "growing up" in the business and how she deals with self-doubt moments. She gives way to figuring out what really makes her happy and if she will return to making music. Listen in to see how this beautiful face relies on her professionalism, grace and gratefulness to stay the most sought after actress. I love Lucy will have a whole new meaning after listening to this episode. Lucy is a delight and shares how Instagram has changed the business and created a marketing platform to let fans influence the plot lines of current shows.
Lucy was made a household name and received several awards playing Aria on PRETTY LITTLE LIARS. Currently, Lucy is starring in the highly anticipated CW show LIFE SENTENCE and Blumhouse film, TRUTH OR DARE.
We always hear it, but truly it IS about the journey and not the destination. Please subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts and follow us on social media:
How does an artist become an icon? To curate a body of work that spans over forty years takes guts, resilience, determination, and extraordinary insight and intuition. Laurence Fishburne has become one of the most celebrated actors of our time and honestly doesn’t need an introduction. But as we arrive at a landmark 100 episodes of That One Audition, there couldn’t be a better artist and craftsman to better articulate what it is to be an actor.
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One quick tip to get you into a positive state of mind when entering an audition after a devastating audition or a lost role.
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For today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Bridget Regan, from Jane the Virgin, Agent Carter, The Last Ship, and the upcoming Paramount Network show, Paradise Lost, where she got to work with iconic artists like Barbara Hershey and Nick Nolte. She shares how she got her start doing community theatre while growing up just outside of San Diego, and how her experiences there lead her to a career performing on Broadway and in countless hit TV shows. We chat about some of her hilarious audition stories, what it was like working in the theatre and then transitioning to film, and how she’s always managed to trust her artistic instincts—even when they lead her against the advice of her team.
We get into some great listener questions, where she offers her practical advice for process, but as she shares, her “only real ritual is preparation.” It is this kind of investment in her craft that has led her to opportunities where she’s shot for 48 hours straight between TWO major TV shows. This deep desire to create connected work is why she’s never stopped working. Her credits also include roles in John Wick, Grey’s Anatomy, Sons of Anarchy, and White Collar.
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For today’s conversation, we’re sitting down with actress Lesley-Ann Brandt. Her journey begins in South Africa, where she grew up during the final years of Apartheid. She shares what it was like growing up in institutionalized segregation and how, at 17 years old, her family left the country to move to New Zealand. It was here where she discovered her desire to be on screen, and also where she booked her first series role. Since she’s known for her work on shows like Gotham, Single Ladies, Spartacus, and for her portrayal of Mazikeen on the hit show Lucifer.
She shares how she made it to the states, found a manager, endured lots of no’s, and made countless sacrifices so she could create a life telling stories on screen. She also share’s what she’s learned from working with so many accomplished actors, how she’s continued to expand and improve her craft, and what’s next for her after five years of creating an original character on a hit TV show.
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Vulnerability is about showing up and being SEEN. It's tough to do when we're terrified about what people might think or see. Allowing yourself to be truly seen is the work that gets transcends into the most beautiful work. Please subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts and follow us on social media: Links:
Today’s guest will likely surprise you—be defies so many of the conventional ideas that get tossed around about what is possible in a creative career. Before Aleks Paunovic became an actor, he was a champion amateur boxer, born in Winnipeg. While he didn’t come into his acting pursuit till his 30’s, he shares how his love of music, natural athleticism, and rigorous work ethic all came together to empower his exploration into his creativity. His perceptive emotional intelligence and deeply connected humanity lives in every word he shares and his willingness to take big risks for the sake of his own artistic expansion is exactly why he’s continues to blow us all away in every role he takes on.
From a life-affirming encounter with acclaimed acting teacher, Larry Moss, to learning to transcend ego while preparing to play a primate in War for the Planet of the Apes, he’s never willing to settle or play it safe. He also shares about his experience working on the new and highly anticipated show SEE, premiering this week Apple TV+.
He’s also in the new Snowpiercer series and has appeared on Van Helsing, Supernatural, The 100, and so many more.
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Unrealistic expectations hurt and shame your creativity. Evaluate what is helping you and what is ultimately holding you back. Show Notes:
Today’s guest takes us on a fascinating journey that begins in a gas station and culminates in an extraordinary career of striking, viscerally effecting images. Randall Slavin began his creative career as an actor, but eventually found that he truly came alive when he was takes photos of his actor friends. He’s since developed a body of work that features nearly every iconic face of Hollywood. From Charlize Theron and Dennis Hopper to Kevin Bacon, Terrance Howard, Zoe Saldana, and so many more, he captures the essence of each of these artists in the most expressive and imaginative ways.
He shares what he learned from his pursuit of an acting career, and how he was ultimately able to discover how the universe was pulling him in a new direction. Our conversation offers an insider and outsider’s perspective on what it is to be an actor, and what it is to listen to and trust the inner voice that calls to every artist.
His work has been featured in nearly every major publication, in galleries across the world, and in his new book, WE ALL WANT SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL.
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Everything we perceive, interpret, and ultimately feel in life is filtered through our five senses, and stored in our subconscious with sense memory. Our imaginations are fueled by life experiences. Building our emotional muscles to their full potential is just as important as developing our physical and vocal muscles. This is the key to both our physical and emotional life as actors. Without sense memory, we cannot act. Please subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts and follow us on social media: LINKS:
Today’s guest entered his on-camera career after being eliminated from the first round of a reality TV show. Little did he know how one small connection from this otherwise absurd and hilarious experience would open the door to a creative career that would force him to examine his humanity and the world around him. Travis Van Winkle made it to LA with a few hundred bucks in his pocket and the belief that somehow, he would find a career telling stories on camera. He’s done just that and more, having appeared in films like Transformers, Friday the 13th, Meet the Spartans, and an even longer list of television roles.
We chat about how his capacity for gratitude has expanded since the beginning days of his career, how a life in this business has encouraged deep personal reflection and growth, and how the jobs he’s lost have paved the way to even bigger, better, and more expansive opportunities---like going back to school AFTER his series regular role in THE LAST SHIP.
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Matt Newton, NY acting coach, gives insight on how he helps protect actors and uses his keen eye and kind heart to bring forth the true essence of your authentic artistry.
For today’s episode I’m sitting down with actor Peter Facinelli. Before he was cast as the head of a certain vampire family in one of the highest grossing film franchises of all time, Peter wanted to be lawyer. But after realizing that a life practicing law wasn’t at all like what he’d seen on TV, he discovered his love for acting—which as he shares, served his desire for attention, but also to disappear into becoming other people----which he has now done for the past 25 years. From his roles in Twilight, Nurse Jackie, and Can’t Hardly Wait, to all the jobs that didn’t quite work out, we chat about the subjectivity of art and how one seemingly “lost” job can open the door to even greater opportunities.
Looking back on his 25 year career, he shares how he chooses what to do next, when to say no, and what producing and directing has taught him about giving back.
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Is it possible to give the same grace to an artist who takes a decade to learn as it does to a lawyer or doctor as they learn?
When you listen to today’s academy award winning guest, you’ll likely wonder how she manages to balance executive producing award-winning films, appearing as a series regular and recurring role on multiple TV shows, and raising a one-year-old. The answer, as Jaime Ray Newman shares today, is surprisingly simple. With the help of her creative community and collaborator-husband Guy Nativ, she’s managed to build a body of work that captures humanity with breathtaking honesty. From the Academy Award winning short, SKIN, to her upcoming role in the series, LITTE FIRES EVERYWHERE with Reese Witherspoon, she shares her journey and how she’s gone from creating her own theatre company at 16 in Michigan, to building a life in Los Angeles telling dynamics stories with prolific artists. As an actress, Newman has been working steadily for almost 20 years. She was a series regular on multiple TV series, including The Punisher for Marvel/ Netflix, Midnight, Texas for NBC, Bates Motel for A&E, Eastwick (based on The Witches of Eastwick) for ABC, Eureka for SYFY, and most recently Midnight, Texas for NBC. Newman will next be seen in the feature film Valley of the Godsdirected by Lech Majewski, starring opposite Josh Hartnett and John Malkovich, and Midnight Climax directed by Joseph Sorrentino.
As a producer, Newman and her husband, filmmaker Guy Nattiv, run New Native Pictures. Their short film SKIN won the 2019 Academy Award® for Best Live Action Short, along with many festivals around the world. It was acquired by FOX Searchlight.
LINKS:Tips for making a great self-tape!
Here are some suggestions for my favorite taping places:
Today we’re sitting down with actor Chris Chalk as he shares how he’s made a career working on Broadway, on TV, and in Film—with some of the industry’s most notable names and memorable projects—like Denzel Washington in FENCES on Broadway, in 12 Years a Slave, on Fox’s Gotham, The Newsroom, and the Netflix mini-series When they See Us. From auditioning across from Denzel, to curating a team of supportive reps who have his back and helped him fight for his goals in this business, he has lots to share about setting an intention in his work and staying excited about the process of telling stories on stage and screen.
In addition to his lengthy list of credits, you can also see him in the upcoming and anticipated HBO series Perry Mason.
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Giving another layer to your work. How does your character's view on their parents show up in the work?
From building a career to cultivating a rich personal and family life, she’s candid about how she’s sought out balance in all things, and how she’s managed to continued working year after year. She shares how she approaches her work and how she continues to expand her craft—all while leaving room to TRUST and be surprised!
Her list of credits is extraordinary and practically endless—The Haunting of Hill house, Halt and Catch Fire, X-Files, The West Wing, Nixon, The Bridge, and Mystic Pizza—just to name a few!
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What are you missing about the human condition? Using life around you to observe human behavior and make character judgements. Observation lends itself to cultivating the most dramatic human experience for your art.
Today we’re taking a journey into the minds of one of the most prolific American playwrights of contemporary theater. If you’ve ever read any of his plays, had the privilege to work on any of his scripts, or sit in the audience of one of his shows, then you know the power of Neil Labute and his extraordinary body of work.
His imaginative use of language, his complicated and deeply human characters, and his provocative and sometimes shocking themes are widely celebrated, sometimes criticized, but always ignite a visceral reaction from audiences world-wide. His endless body of work includes plays like Reasons to be Pretty, Fat Pig, Some Girl(s), and The Shape of Things.
Neil N. LaBute is an American playwright, film director, and screenwriter. He is best-known for a play that he wrote and later adapted for film, In the Company of Men, which won awards from the Sundance Film Festival, the Independent Spirit Awards, and the New York Film Critics Circle. He has made himself a force to be reckoned with and a name to watch. With his true-to-life cynical and self-absorbed characters and all-too-true social themes, he has firmly established himself as an unforgiving judge of the ugliest side of human nature. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in dramatic writing from New York University and was the recipient of a literary fellowship to study at the Royal Court Theatre, London. He also attended the Sundance Institute’s Playwrights Lab and is the Playwright-in-Residence with MCC Theatre in New York City. LaBute’s plays include: BASH: LATTER-DAY PLAYS, THE SHAPE OF THINGS, THE MERCY SEAT, THE DISTANCE FROM HERE, AUTOBAHN, FAT PIG (Olivier Award nominated for Best Comedy), SOME GIRL(S), THIS IS HOW IT GOES, WRECKS, FILTHY TALK FOR TROUBLED TIMES, IN A DARK DARK HOUSE, REASONS TO BE PRETTY (Tony Award nominated for Best Play) and THE BREAK OF NOON. In 2011 his play IN A FOREST, DARK AND DEEP premiered in London’s West End. LaBute is also the author of Seconds of Pleasure, a collection of short fiction which was published by Grove Atlantic. His films include In the Company of Men (New York Critics’ Circle Award for Best First Feature and the Filmmaker Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival), Your Friends and Neighbors, Nurse Betty, Possession, The Shape of Things, a film adaptation of his play of the same title, The Wicker Man, Lakeview Terrace and Death at a Funeral.
Currently, Neil Labute's show The I-land is streaming on Netflix.
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Understanding what you need right now to be of the best service of your artistry. When do you allow yourself to be in FLOW and when STRUCTURE must be in place to let creativity happen.
Jason Momoa was the FIRST one to audition for GAME OF THRONES and the LAST one cast a year later. His cousins impact on his life helped him make a strong choice that ultimately landed him the role. But it took him a few years and a couple of classes to trust his instinctive strong choices and learn how to "audition". BAYWATCH discovered him in his native home of Hawaii among a 1300 person cattle call. Jason responded to a radio call announcing the audition that would pay him more than the daily rate of folding T-shirts at the family owned surf shop. Jason's unique look has always made him a different choice but also made opportunities few and far between. So Jason, with many of his close friends, formed the production company Pride of Gypsies which has made Jason into an all around film maker, writing, producing, directing and acting.
Jason will always be remembered for his unforgettable role as Drogo in season one of GAME OF THRONES. Currently, Jason is Aquaman in the DC Comics JUSTICE LEAGUE and AQUAMAN in 2018. Check out Pride of Gypsies' BROWN BAG DIARIES, ROAD TO PALOMA and BRAVEN.
LINKS:It's all about the specifics in the script, but what is that DETAIL that can really activate your humanness in a scene?
Live from NYC with Claire Coffee. From her first big job in LA on The West Wing, to her series regular role on NBC’s hit show Grimm, Claire has seen first-hand what it takes to take a career from recurring co-star to one of the leads of a major series. She shares how living as an actor in New York is different than in LA, how important improv was to expanding her work and community, and how she’s learned to speak up for herself and set boundaries on set. She walks us through life after a series regular role, and how she’s learned how to keep creating, even when things didn’t go how she expected.
Born in Marin County in Northern California, Claire Coffee graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois with a degree in Theater. She began performing on stage at age 5 in The Mountain Play Theater Company's production of "The King and I" in Mill Valley, CA. Not long after moving to Los Angeles, she was cast in The West Wing. Since then she has appeared on NCIS, General Hospital, Royal Pains, and is most known for her role as Adalinde Schade on NBC’s hit show GRIMM. In addition to her extensive television and film credits, she has also trained at The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Improv Olympic. Recently, she has been cast in the anticipated new show LINCOLN, set to premier next year.
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Beau Garrett is an American actress and model born in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in Topanga Canyon where she rode horses and was a competitive equestrian. She began her career appearing in GUESS advertisements in the late 1990s after being discovered by an Elite modeling agent at age fourteen. She first appeared on TV in the hit show Entourage in 2004 and made her feature film debut in the horror film Turistas (2006). She later portrayed Captain Raye in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) and Gem in Tron: Legacy (2010).
Garrett would later appear as a regular on the television series Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011) with Forest Whitaker. She played Phoebe in the hit Bravo series Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce and In 2017 she signed onto the ABC series The Good Doctor.
LINKS:Guy Nattiv is an Academy Award® winning filmmaker from Israel. His first American short film, SKIN, won the 2019 Academy Award® for Best Live Action Short, along with many festivals around the world United States, Best Live Action Short FilmFrance, 2019, Clermont-Ferrand, Audience AwardUnited States, 2018, HollyShorts FF, Best Short Film Grand PrizeFrance, 2019, ECU European Independent FF, Special Jury AwardUnited States, 2018, San Jose IShFF , Best Short Film. It was acquired by FOX Searchlight. The feature version, also entitled SKIN, stars Jamie Bell, Vera Farmiga and Danielle Macdonald, and premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival to significant acclaim, where it won the Fipresci Critics Prize. Its European premiere was at the Berlin International Film Festival, and will also be shown in April at Tribeca. It will be distributed globally by A24 and Voltage in summer 2019. Before coming to the USA, Nattiv was a lauded director in Israel, where his first feature, STRANGERS, was in competition at the Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals in 2008. His second feature, THE FLOOD, won the Generations prize at the Berlin Film Festival in 2012 and was nominated for six Ophir Awards, where it won Best Actor. MAGIC MEN, his third feature, premiered at Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2014, and also won the Ophir Award for Best Actor. A lover of the short form, Nattiv has been crafting award winning shorts for almost two decades. His first short film, THE FLOOD, won the top prize at Berlin in 2002, his next short STRANGERS won the Sundance Film Festival in 2006 and was short-listed for the Academy Awards® that year. His short film OFF- SIDE played over 80 festivals worldwide, including Tribeca and Locarno.
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When do you ask for feedback on your audition? What does the feedback mean? What is your intention for getting feedback?
Today’s guest’s journey is a roller coaster ride full of defining moments, times when everything seemed to be working against him, but ultimately lead him to where he is today. From multiple heart attacks by the time he was 21 years old to getting cut from some of recent year’s most recognizable films, Eme Ikwuakor has continued to press on and shares how he took the deep dive into an artistic career.
Eme Ikwuakor is a triplet, born In Wheatridge, Colorado and the son of Nigerian parents (his father is a college professor in Nigeria). Attending the University of Colorado on a track and field scholarship, he was considering a sports marketing major until a college advisor recommended an acting course. Ikwuakor signed up and was quickly cast in the part of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird. It became a life-changing experience. Always fascinated by history and African-American rights issues, Ikwuakor then became heavily involved in the Interactive Theater Project in Colorado, a professional acting troupe that specialized in theater for social change. This experience became a great influence on his career goals. During this period, he was cast in Ink, the critically-acclaimed, locally produced, independent science fiction feature that won Best Colorado Film at the 2009 Denver Film Critics Society awards and was considered "one of the best films of 2009. (JoBlo)" This positive experience taught Ikwuakor a great deal about how to independently produce projects, market and take chances. Arriving in Los Angeles after college graduation with a B.F.A in Performance Theater, Ikwuakor took a series of jobs to support his acting and producing ambitions. His life-changing project, Chance, was a short dramatic film, which he wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in. Its insight encouraged him to drop his day job of three years and focus entirely on his acting career. Since then, he has never been busier. Ikwuakor's television series credits include Outlaw, Love Bites, Victorious, The Comeback, Silicon Valley, Castle, Hawaii Five-O and We Are Angels. In addition to Ink, he has been featured in the films The New Republic, Murder in the Dark and Not Safe for Work. He continues to work actively for social and political change. Currently, Eme is starring on ABC's, Marvel's Inhumans.
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Do you sometimes struggle with deciding whether you should accept an audition or a job? Here are 5 questions to ask yourself that will help you make the decision! You must answer a resounding YES to at least 3 to take the job/audition, if it's a job/audition you're unsure about.
Sarah Baker is an actress and comedian born in the Washington, D.C. area. After graduating from James Madison University with a double major in Theater and English, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she joined the Whole World Improv Theatre as a performer, and later as a teacher. She also later became a member of the Sunday Company with the acclaimed Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles.
She is best known for her roles in The Kominsky Method on Netflix, The Campaign with Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, and on HBO’s Big Little Lies. She has been nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award for her guest role on Louie, as well as for a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for The Kominsky Method, in which she stars alongside Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. The hit show won the Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series and, as of January 2019, has been renewed for a second season. She is slated to appear as “Emily” in Ben Falcone’s Superintelligence starring Melissa McCarthy, premiering in December 2019.
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Getting to the truth of your WHY. Do you know why you are called to be an artist? Know why you’re going into this, know why you’re doing it, because the industry doesn’t need you.
Today we have a fascinating conversation with actor Russell Hornsby—from Grimm, Seven Seconds, and The Hate You Give—as well as FENCES, both on Broadway and in the film, his career is full of valuable lessons he’s learned.
After twenty years in the industry, he shares how a long-term career was not a given reality for him, but rather something he’s had to fight for every step of the way. His advice is equal parts inspiration and tough love, so whether you’re just starting out or are a few years in, he’s got some healthy perspective about being honest with yourself, doing the work, and putting everything you have on the line for your art.
Russell Hornsby is an American theater, television, and film actor. He is known for his roles as Edward "Eddie" Sutton on ABC Family's Lincoln Heights, as Luke on the HBO drama In Treatment, as Detective Hank Griffin on the NBC series Grimm, and as Lyons in the movie Fences.
After finishing his studies at Oxford, Hornsby moved to New York City and was subsequently cast in leading roles in Off Broadway productions of To Kill a Mockingbird (as Atticus Finch), Joe Louis Blues, and Six Degrees of Separation (as Paul). In the late 1990s, he decided to move to Los Angeles in order to transition into television and film. He has appeared in several different television productions including appearing in recurring roles in Haunted as Detective Marcus Bradshaw and Gideon's Crossing as Chief Resident Dr. Aaron Boise. His other television credits include Grey's Anatomy, Law & Order, and In Justice among others. He also played running back Leon Taylor in ESPN's drama series Playmakers. On the big screen, he has appeared in such films as After the Sunset, Big Fat Liar, Get Rich or Die Tryin', Keep the Faith, Baby, Meet the Parents, and Stuck among others. In 2000, Hornsby appeared in the Off-Broadway production of Jitney for which he won a Drama Desk Award and an Obie Award.
He starred in the NBC fantasy drama Grimm from 2011 to 2017. In 2018, he played Isaiah Butler in the Netflix crime drama Seven Seconds. That same year, Hornsby joined the cast of the movie Creed II.
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How to be a great "guest" on a TV show!
For today’s bonus episode, we’re talking with writer/director Eric Amadio—if you’ve not heard of him, you’ve likely seen his show SNOWFALL on FX, or at least spotted the billboards around the town. His fascinating story takes all kinds of unexpected turns---from writing haikus as a child to getting published at 10 years old, from electronic music producer to rapper to director, and now show creator---Eric has worn many hats and has accumulated some fascinating perspective along the way.
We take a deep dive into how his process works, how he writes and manages his approach to production, and what he’s observed about creativity in our rapidly changing modern culture. He is motivating and inspiring, and whether you’re an actor, writer, or director, his insight will lead to some pretty powerful revelations about story structure, character, inspiration, and patience!
Eric Amadio is a writer, director, and producer, known for Snowfall (2017), After Sex (2007) and Stuntmen (2009). Born in Southeast Los Angeles and raised during the height of violence in the crack-fueled 80's and 90's, Eric had his first essay published at the age of 10, went on to write for local music publication Rock City News at 16, then worked as an electronic music producer/DJ from ages 18-23 before beginning his career in film and television. Deeply rooted in Los Angeles, his grandfather opened one of the first Italian/American owned photo studios in Downtown LA in the 1940's, his mother grew up in the middle of the 1950's car-culture in Bell, and Eric's formative years were spent immersed in the various 80's/90's subcultures of hip hop, skateboarding, basketball, and crime, all elements that can be found in his work.
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How long can you wait for your creativity to show up? How long can you wait to be picked? Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Brit host and actor, Oliver Trevena, has interviewed hundreds of celebrities and musicians at the likes of The Hollywood Reporter, YoungHollywood, GQ.com, Sirius XM's “Dirty Pop” alongside N-Syncs Lance Bass, as well as Esquire Network’s "Joyride" alongside T- Pain & Mischa Barton. As an actor, he’s just wrapped “The Rising Hawk,” “Embattled,”and “Grand Isle” (with Nicolas Cage and Kelsey Grammer) feature films.
Oliver Trevena began his performing career as a child across the pond in the UK, singing and dancing and acting. His journey lead him to London where he continued to pursue his love of performing but after not one, but TWO near death experiences, his path lead him to Los Angeles to continue his pursuit of music. He’s seen much of what the entertainment industry in LA has to offer, and after many ups and down, he reconnecting with his passion for storytelling and hasn’t looked back since.
From his countless hosting gigs, to acting, and now producing, He generously shares how he’s managed to build a career that not only honors his artistry but also allows him to leverage his perspective as a producer---how he’s built so many relationships over the years and how he’s continued to evolve in the face of fear and uncertainty. He has since starred in movies, like The Long Road (2008), Ready? OK! (2008) and TV appearances in The Good Guys (2010), Leverage (2008), The Forgotten (2009) and How to Rock (2012). He now lives in LA but spends his time between the US and UK.
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Taking time to recharge, go on vacation and spend time with friends and family always seems to be invaded or changed when you are an actor. Why do you always book when you have a vacation planned? How do you create boundaries to say no to the opportunity and say yes to the recharge moment. Happy Holidays!
RERUN on one of our favorite episodes with Katheryn Winnick.
Update on Katheryn Winnick's amazing career. She recently wrapped her 5th season of VIKINGS where she stepped into the director's chair. Currently, she is filming Sean Penn's new film FLAG DAY with Josh Brolin, Miles Teller and Sean Penn.
Set your intention before your audition or stepping onto set. May your intention be something that allows you to give measure to your own success as you leave an audition.
That One Audition Live from Los Angeles with Erin Cummings. We dive into the deep and gritty aspects of sex in auditions and on set, being a local hire, getting screwed on contracts, and not wanting to be just good enough. You want honest and real, this one pulls back the curtain on all the things this industry does to make your head spin and gives you tangible ways to not only survive in it but also thrive in it!
Erin Cummings is a graduate of the University of North Texas, with a degree in Journalism. Cummings began her professional acting career, when she was spotted by an L.A. talent scout, while performing in community theater near Dallas. Cummings later went on to study Shakespeare at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, preparing her for her future roles as "Lady Macbeth" and "Queen Gertrude" in the Santa Susana Repertory Theater Company's productions of "Macbeth" and "Hamlet", respectively.
Most recently seen as "Sura", the Thracian wife of "Spartacus" in the Starz original action-adventure drama series, Spartacus (2010). She also had a recurring role on Matthew Weiner's Emmy Award-winning AMC series, Mad Men (2007). She was seen, alongside Martin Lawrence, in Universal Studios' Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (2008). On TV, Cummings was a series regular on the second season of Dante's Cove (2004), on the Here! Network. Her other television work includes a guest lead turn on Cold Case (2003), a recurring role on Dollhouse (2009), and appearances on Nip/Tuck (2003), Star Trek: Enterprise (2001), Threshold (2005) and Charmed (1998).
Erin is the founder of "Mittens For Detroit", a community initiative whose sole purpose is to collect and distribute new gloves and mittens to children and adults in the city of Detroit.
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The word NO is exercised daily towards an actor/artist/creative but how many times does the artist say NO.
Can we talk about boundaries?
I’m learning how to say NO. It is not my first response. Mind is always YES (of course) and then I feel disgruntled and stuck because I’ve crossed my own boundary to make another person feel more comfortable. Am I not enough to take into consideration? Saying NO has given me the FREEDOM to enjoy what I’m doing at that moment and leaves me open for the YES that ignites the soul.
If you’ve been listening to the show for a while, you’ve probably started to realize just how many different paths a Hollywood career can take---that the meeting of preparation and opportunity can take a thousand different forms, regardless of where you come from or how you first discovered your impulse to be creative and tell stories.
Today we’re sitting down with Wyatt Russell, from Black Mirror, Overlord, Ingrid Goes West, and Lodge 49, as he shares how he came to acting, after a career playing hockey.
He was born in Los Angeles, but soon made his way to Canada so hone his skills on the ice. After several injuries, found his way back to LA and after a few chance encounters, he realized that the business of telling stories on screen might just be for him. After several years of trying to find his place in the industry, he began to discover his niche—playing characters in psychologically nuanced worlds, rich with colorful insight. He’s continued to find opportunities to explore and create with his unique voice, seeking out other collaborators whose works are defined by a similarly distinctive perspective.
Today we discuss how he would change the audition process, confidence in this just being a job, paving your own way, saying no and the exploration of true collaboration.
LODGE 49 is returning for its second season on AMC and he also stars in the upcoming adaptation of The Woman in the Window, starring across Gary Oldman, Amy Adams, and Julianne Moore.
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Believing there is ENOUGH for you, for me and for everyone to succeed. Leaning into love and letting fear take a back seat, we will rise to our greatness and be able to celebrate each other. "I cheer for people. I was raised to believe there is enough sun for everybody."
Today we’re sitting down with an imaginative and perceptive artist, writer and director, Sheldon Candis. He is a force for passionate storytelling, and is unbelievably candid and generous as he shares his personal pursuit to see his stories live on the big screen. He graduated from USC film school where he raised all his own money to produce his thesis project, he shares how he’s continued to fund the production of his art, and how he managed to stay focused and inspired, even when the people writing the checks weren’t quite convinced of his writing and directorial abilities. He continued to press through, never giving up, as he fought for the opportunity to share his stories.
From his 10 years on set as a production assistant to the 56 different drafts of his directorial debut, LUV, he’s stayed committed to developing his authentic voice and staying in the game, in the highest of highs---his film premiering at Sundance, to the lowest of lows, and in every moment in between. He shares how he was able to manage the pressure of directing artists like Common and Dennis Haysbert as a first-time director, and how he found and continues to re-discover the power to define himself and pursue his passion---to tell stories that unite humanity and empower and inspire people from every background.
Baltimore native Sheldon Candis is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Candis recently created and directed the docu-narrative series ‘I WILL WHAT I WANT’, a cinematic portrait of ballet phenom Misty Copeland for Under Armour. Candis’ documentary THE DWELLING, chronicles the lives of two homeless men living along Tokyo’s Sumida Gawa. The film is being distributed by Scion and Giant Robot magazine.
Candis’ feature directorial debut LUV (which he also co-wrote) was an official selection in the Sundance Film Festival Dramatic Competition. He assembled an incredible cast including Common, Charles S. Dutton, Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Meagan Good, Michael K. Williams and a wonderful 11-year-old breakout talent named Michael Rainey Jr.
IG: @sheldoncandis
An honest conversation about riding the wave of the highs and lows. Understanding how to recharge creativity after a moment of HIGH in your artistry.
Today we are chatting with Ian Verdun, an actor and playwright, seen most recently on Freeform’s hit show SIREN. Ian was born and raised right here in Los Angeles, and graduated from Cal Arts where he studied acting, and also used much his time away from the stage writing his own plays. Today, he candidly shares his journey, from struggling to pay for school, to grinding in New York with multiple side jobs, all the way to booking his big break on SIREN.
He generously shares his insight on the expanding diversity dialogue within the industry, how things have changed since he was stuck playing bit parts throughout school, and how, as a storyteller, he feels characters can and should be depicted by artists from every background.
Verdun's past performances have been described as "brimming with grit and honesty" by Backstage, "quirkily charming" by Variety, and "finely nuanced" by LA Weekly. He has also been hailed by Stage Scene LA as the "brightest stage discovery of 2011". Ian continues to cut his teeth on the stages of New York and Los Angeles, along with writing and producing several plays himself. After appearing on ABC's Last Resort, TNT's Hawthorne and FOX's Lucifer, Ian threw his energy into his own television creation, Life's A Drag. Following years of experiencing the lackluster opportunities for diverse entertainers, Life's A Drag went on to win a number of awards in the burgeoning web festival circuit, including a special award for recognition in diversity.
IG: @ianverdun
"Would you rather be typecast than not cast"? A real discussion on how to look at typecasting, is it really a bad thing or a good thing? You get to be the judge.
Today we’re sitting down with television, film, and theatre actress Necar Zadegan. From her break-out performance on the hit TV series 24, to her starring turn on Broadway with Robin Williams in the Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, and her roles in Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce and currently in NCIS: New Orleans, Necar has built her career playing fierce, powerful, and passionate women who always leave us wanting more.
She shares how her upbringing afforded her exposure to the arts from an early age and how her parent’s encouragment kept her going as she ultimately found herself on stage in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at 16 years old. After a few years in the theatre honing her craft and obtaining a literature degree, she made her way to Los Angeles, and shares how her determination to find collaborative relationships guided her into a career on screen. From her audition for 24, to reading for a play workshop that ultimately lead her to Broadway, she honestly answers a few of the listeners questions, and shares how she goes about trusting her voice, winning the room, and making fans of future collaborators.
Prior to that Necar scoring her star level turn as Delia Hassen on the mega-hit Fox TV series, '24' for Season 8, her television credits include "Harry's Law,""A Gifted Man","CSI: Miami," "The Shield," "Nip/Tuck," "The Unit," "NCIS," "How I Met Your Mother," "Lost" among others. Necar graduated with honors from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in English Literature.
IG: @necarzadegan
Embracing the mistake that allows humanity to seep into your performance. Commanding the performance to not fall apart when you are messy and making mistakes. Something that happens that was not planned is a GIFT and usually the most captivating moment!
This week’s guest caught the improv bug in college and hasn’t looked back since. Rebekka Johnson began her on-screen career putting her comedy skills to good use in an MTV prank show called Boiling Point. Since then she’s been a writer, producer, director, and actress---all in the name of making an audience laugh.
She shares with us how creating the work she loves with her best friends and collaborators has lead her to countless opportunities to shine. From an audition opposite Kristen Wiig, to finally booking her series regular role in GLOW, her story is an example of an artist who puts in the work and doesn’t give up, even when success feels impossible. From negotiating her own contract for a pilot, to how her years of grinding and preparation has empowered her to step into her strength and be fearless in her comedy.
Best known for her work in the musical comedy trio The Apple Sisters and on Netflix’s wrestling comedy GLOW, Rebekka Johnson has performed in various sketch and improv shows across the country for over 10 years, including The Neutrino Video Projects which was an official selection at the HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. She is a co creator of the award winning Apple Sisters which performed in the 2008 Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. Rebekka voiced many characters in the upcoming Comedy Central animated series, Ugly Americans. She currently performs with Bandit, a Mainstage Harold Team at IO West and recently directed her comedy film, CONSENT.
IG: @hellorebekka
This week, the "P" word really peaked my interest. How do we give ourselves the permission to be a vessel for the storytelling business and how we give permission to live our lives to the fullest as artist. Permission has been a challenge to fully embrace. This week I had several challenges around giving permission to just be where I am.
In today’s episode, I got to sit down with an extraordinary actress who has crafted a diligently curated body of work defined by her remarkable range. Carmen Ejogo has played major roles in Sam Mendes’ Away We Go, Sparkle with Whitney Houston, It Comes at Night, Roman J. Israel, Esq., Alien: Covenant, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, and most recently opposite Mahershala Ali in the new season of True Detective.
Characteristically tight-lipped about her personal life, Carmen generously pulls back the curtain to reveal how she’s made it this far and how her commitment to her vision has afforded her a career that has captivated audiences and critics alike. She shares how she says no more often than she says yes, and how this discernment has empowered her to keep a clear vision for the stories she wants to give voice to. We also get to chat about how she prepares for an audition, how she balances her art with the business of the industry, and how she decided from the very beginning of her career that her body of work would be defined, not by her appearance, but by her talent, determination, and humanity.
INSTAGRAM: @carmenejogo
Remembering where and how we got the job or the opportunity is just as important as the JOB. This is a simple suggestion of how to cultivate the relationships that will help you sustain your career.
For today’s episode, we’re chatting with Casting Director, Kendra Castleberry. She walks us through a full-circle tour of a casting director’s journey — from Intern to assistant, and associate to top Casting Director, her career is not unlike that of an actor. Negotiating ambition with reality, and dreams with security, she’s managed to find her niche in an industry that captured her attention from the very beginning.
Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Kendra always loved TV and dreamed of a day when she would be a part of making it. Years later, she transplanted to Los Angeles, and discovered her passion for casting. Past television projects include: "Grimm", "Zoo", "Castle", "Warriors" (pilot), "Star-Crossed" (pilot), "Matadors" (pilot), "Happy Town," "The O.C.," "Wildfire," "October Road" and the series regular recasting of "Life on Mars." She is currently partnered with Billy Murphy, and recently completed work on "Limetown" (starring Jessica Biel, Stanley Tucci and Marlee Matlin) for Facebook Watch and "Take Two" (starring Rachel Bilson and Eddie Cibrian) for ABC.Her extensive resume includes shows like CASTLE, GRIMM, THE O.C., and Facebook’s upcoming crime series LIMETOWN (starring Jessica Biel and Stanley Tucci).
Full disclosure of when/how to have loyalty to YOUR business versus your team (agents/managers). The real discussion around the formation of your team, treating it like dating and being loyal to YOUR business plan.
Amanda Schull is an American actress and former ballet dancer, born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She’s known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars, Suits, 12 Monkeys, and in Nicholas Hyter’s 2000 drama, Center Stage. She began her performing career as a dancer, studying at Indiana University and apprenticing with the San Francisco Ballet, where she ulitmately joined the company after the completion of Center Stage. She retired from dancing in 2006 and has since built a career as an actress. She has also appeared in One Tree Hill, Hawaii Five-0, The Mentalist, Grimm, and Bones.
Her story is full of both personal inspiration and practical tips for managing an artistic career---from walking away from a network test, bombed auditions, and difficult directors, to working on multiple hit TV shows, creating relationships with empowered artists, and learning to trust in her voice, how she stands up for herself and her work, down to her first three steps in an audition.
IG: @amandaschull
Casting Director turned Agent turned acting coach, Dana Bowling shares her wisdom with actors after years of being in various degrees of supporting the actor in the storytelling business.
Today we chat with Paul Adelstein, from Private Practice, Prison Break, Scandal, and Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, as he lays out his 30 year career for us, sharing some of the most inspirational, motivational, and insightful stories, and how he’s managed to turn countless challenges into opportunities to win.
Beginning in Chicago, he began his career as a member of John Cusack’s commedia-style theatre company. We talk about how the rigor of this group prepared him for anything, and as he shares with us here, there was a lot to be prepared for. From the jobs he’s lost, to the ones that have come to define his career, he’s unappologetically honest about what it takes to persevere and stay focused, even when everything seems to be falling apart. From a pre-audition pep-talk from John Travolta, to a meeting with Shonda Rhimes that lead to a direct offer, his journey proves that things always work themselves out, and often lead to beautiful, seemingly fortuitous, full-circle moments that make an artistic life worth the uncertainty and risk.
Regardless of where you are on your journey, whether you’re at a peak, or feel stuck in a valley, today’s conversation is for you. Full of encouragement and optimism, this bird’s-eye-view of a career is a reminder that things are always working out for good. Your good and for the good of great storytelling.
INSTAGRAM: @pauladelstein
Set etiquette on being the best partner and what to expect from your scene partner. Time is money. Do your work so you can show up and be on the playground with your peer.
Today we’re chatting with actress, Amanda Warren, whose incredible artistry is matched by her wisdom, insight, and extraordinarily grounded and compassionate energy. She has established herself with a resume that is not only lengthy, but loaded with some of TV and Film’s most respected projects in recent years. From her work with Martin McDonagh and Darren Aronofsky to Denzel Washington, Francis McDormand, and beyond, her work ethic and craftsmanship has earned her the respect of her peers and gained the attention of artists across the industry.
She shares how she works on set, what she’s learned from working with world-class artists, and how she stays focused on her own journey---putting in the work, one step at a time.
Most recently her on screen work includes THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI, THE PURGE for USA, MOTHER, HOUSE OF CARDS, BLACK MIRROR, THIS IS US, HBO's THE LEFTOVERS, and Apple TV’s new series DICKINSON.
Do nerves get the best of you? Here are a few tips that I use and have borrowed from the many guests that have come by That One Audition. Have 10 minutes before your audition, listen here and get out of your negative side of the brain and into the flowing side of your artistry.
Today we chat with Adam Shapiro about what it is to be enough, being re-cast in the feature adaptation of a passion project, to the insightful advice Director Jason Winer gave just before testing for a pilot, to starting your own theatre company.
From his work on The Affair, Sense8, Grace & Frankie, The Mindy Project, and Snowfall, to his roles in Now You See Me, The House Bunny, and Steve Jobs, as well as on Broadway in Waitress---you’ve likely seen today’s guest before…
Adam is currently filming the upcoming season of Showtime’s The Affair, and recently filmed the lead role in a new TBS half-hour comedy pilot and roles in the upcoming indie films It Happened In LA (Sundance 2017), Feed, The Female Brain, and Social Animals. He’s been seen as Avie Tevanian in Aaron Sorkin’s Steve Jobs, arcs the Netflix series from the Wachowskis: Sense8, ABC’s Cristela, Audience Network’s Kingdom, and the NBC comedy Trial & Error, as well as guest starring roles on Grace & Frankie (Netflix), Snowfall (FX) and The Mindy Project(FOX). Recent television credits include: Bones, CSI: Cyber, The Mysteries of Laura, Betrayal, 1600 Penn, Scandal, Mistresses, and Grey’s Anatomy. More Film Credits: Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant, The Answer, Sister, Nobody Walks in LA, Ctl Alt Delete, I Am Not A Hipster, Short Term 12, Now You See Me, A Single Man, The House Bunny, The Den.
Adam is also a co-founder of IAMA Theatre Company, and has recently starred on Broadway in the Tony nominated Waitress. Adam was most recently nominated for Ovation Awards for IAMA’s LA premiere of The Recommendation by Jon Caren (Winner Best Production 2014) and for Best Lead Actor in a Musical for Hey, Morgan! a world premiere comedy by Matthew Fogel and Isaac Laskin, Directed by Matt Shakman at the Black Dahlia Theatre. More stage credits include: Rent, You are Here, The Accidental Blonde, the world premieres of Leslye Headland’s Bachelorette and Assistance (IAMA Theatre Company), and “David” in Paul Grellong’s west coast premiere of Manuscript (The Elephant).
IG: @ShappyShaps
Biggest F word in a world of creativity can actually be your biggest lesson. FIRED. FAILURE. To avoid embarrassment of the ego, one must review what the blockages that landed me here and how can I learn from this detour in life. You are not alone.
Todays guest has over 100 film and TV credits to her name and a career that began with roles in repertory theatre in Portland, Oregon, and ultimately lead her to Los Angeles where she discovered improv and sketch comedy and became a member of The Groundlings. She shares how her experiences doing improv in LA prepared her for the rest of the business, including joining the cast of SNL for one season, and how her departue from the show, seemingly premature at the time, made way for countless new opportunities to expand her storytelling capacity.
A natural talent with an undeniable energy, Michaela Watkins has made her mark through a variety of impressive and unforgettable roles. Watkins can currently be seen in the fourth and final season of the hit Hulu show CASUAL. The show has received critical acclaim with a Golden Globe nomination and recognition in THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER calling it “funny, strongly realized, self-assured and a joy to watch. After watching an episode, you want another.” She plays the lead role of ‘Valerie Cole’, a newly divorced sex therapist who is re-entering the world of casual dating. Up next, Watkins can be seen playing Rob Delaney’s Sister in the new season of CATASTROPHE and playing a tightly wound, full of bravado, federal prosecutor hell-bent on putty Dory (Alia Shawkat) and Drew (John Reynolds) behind bars in the next season of SEARCH PARTY. Watkins can be seen in the first and second season of Amazon’s Golden Globe winning show, TRANSPARENT. Additionally, she can be seen in the Netflix limited series WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER opposite Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd. Prior to that, she was last seen playing the eccentric and loveable ‘Jackie’ on the ABC critically-acclaimed series TROPHY WIFE opposite Bradley Whitford and Malin Ackerman. Other past television credits include VEEP, THE GOLDBERGS, MARRIED, THE COMEDIANS, NEW GIRL, ENLIGHTENED, MODERN FAMILY, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, PARENTHOOD, KEY AND PEELE, THE KROLL SHOW, DRUNK HISTORY AND CALIFORNICATION.On the creator side, Watkins executive produced, created and wrote the comedy series BENCHED with Damon Jones, which aired on the USA Network. This series starred Eliza Coupe.
IG: @MichaelaWat
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Finding your voice and how you will be representing your artistry through the instrument that YOU are. Branding yourself means to develop a unique professional identity and coherent message that sets you apart from others either in your industry. What is your unique value? How do others see you?
Today we’re chatting with TWO extraordinary women who took the advice we’ve all heard, “Create your own content,” to the extreme and landed themselves with Series Regular, Writing, and Producing roles on their own comedy show on TV Land. These ladies began performing together in sketch groups in Chicago, where they created their own short-form webseries that ultimately lead them to Los Angeles, where they sold their show TEACHERS to TV Land. 50 episodes later, and they’re here to share what they’ve learned about acting, producing, auditioning, and being a boss!
Katie O'Brien hails from Omaha, Nebraska, but is now an actress and comedienne living and working in Los Angeles. Katie has appeared in Nora Ephron's, Love, Lost and What I Wore, Key and Peele, and is currently one of the creators, writers, executive producers and stars in TV Land's hit, underground comedy, Teachers. Katie has also appeared on the Today Show, Comedy Central's @ Midnight and Kocktails with Khloe.
Katy Colloton is one of the creators, executive producers, writers and actors on the TV Land show Teachers. This year she has developed TV for NBC Universal and a feature with Bluegrass Films and Scott Stuber. Katy received her B.A. in theater and psychology from Vanderbilt University. Before moving to LA, Katy performed comedy in Chicago at Second City, iO, and The Annoyance Theater.
IG: @thatoneaudtion
Dissecting the EGO and how it challenges creativity. How to create and step outside the EGO (the end result) that inhibits real creativity from flourishing.
For today’s conversation, we’re changing things up and taking a look at things on the other side of the camera. We’re chatting with someone who’s made their career writing and directing major hollywood movies for the past twenty years. He’s come a long way from his father’s liquor store in Massachusetts, and he tells us exactly how, after graduating from school and writing a letter to his hollywood idol, he found himself sharing a beer and chatting about his favorite movies with director Sam Raimi! Now, after having directed stars like William H. Macy and Jason Statham, he shares what it’s like sitting in the director’s chair, and how he’s managed to pull off getting films made when seemingly impossible circumstances stand in the way.
Tony Giglio is and American film director born in Medford, Massachusetts. He studied and obtained a B.A. at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He worked his way up from a Production Assistant to become one of Hollywood's most versatile Writer-Directors. He gained experience in the entertainment industry on projects like HEAT, IN ENEMY HANDS, TERMINATOR 2, LIAR LIAR, CELTIC PRIDE, BULLETPROOF, DANTE'S PEAK, and FEAR. Most recently, he has directed DOOM: Annihilation, set to be released in 2019. Previous films include CHAOS, EXTRACTION, TIMBER FALLS and DEATH RACE.
There are no small parts, so remember to make it your world. This is a full breakdown of Co-star responsibility in the story. How to handle your one line or a few lines on set.
Todays conversation is an open, candid, and humorous dialogue with Chris Geere who’s on-screen career began with a Coke Zero commercial in the UK, and ultimately lead him to a series regular role. He talks about getting cut from the final edit of Band of Brothers, how a clever self-tape landed him with an offer to work with M. Night Shyamalan, and honestly shares how even after booking the ever-coveted “series regular role,” he’s finding new depths to what is required of an actor and artist when a life and career changing opportunity comes to an end.
He’s most known for his hilarious and honest portrayal on the hit FXX show, You’re the Worst, as well as his work on Modern Family, After Earth, and in the soon-to-be-released film Detective Pikachu with Ryan Reynolds.
Chris Geere is a British actor born in Cambridge in 1981 and brought up in the Winchester area of Hampshire where his family still lives. He was initially interested in pursuing a career as an artist until a drama teacher encouraged him to play in his school's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', whereupon he admits that he was truly bitten by the acting bug. He gained a place at the Guildford School of Acting, winning out over nearly three thousand other applicants. Some time after graduation he had a spell as a bit part player with the Royal Shakespeare Company and since then has become familiar on British television, notably in the school series 'Waterloo Road.' In 2017 he moved to the States, appearing in Modern Family and taking the lead in the eccentric comedy drama 'You're the Worst.'
IG: @cwgeere
We are all ageless in artistry if we allow ourselves to be. Today I am assessing the experience around T.I.M.E in a creative career.
Today we have a really special conversation with an actress who has defied what we’re often told is possible in a Hollywood career. She started on stage with the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, but didn’t make it to Los Angeles till she was nearly 40. She is an example of what can happen when an artist decides to be the exception, embrace fear, and relinquish over-thinking.
We also get to chat about failure, how it is a vital part of success as an actor, and how she’s been able to take professional and personal challenges, and turn them into opportunities to tell stories with some of Hollywood’s most innovative artists.
She’s developed an incredible body of work that includes working with the Cohen Brothers, booking 9 (count them!) 9 guest stars in one year, and most notably her role on Amazon’s Transparent.
Amy Landecker started her career as a theatre actor in Chicago IL, where she worked with the Steppenwolf and Goodman theaters. A transfer production from Chicago brought her to NYC and the Public Theatre. While in New York, she worked at the Barrow St Theater and Second Stage. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she was tapped to play "Mrs. Samsky" in the Coen brothers' Oscar-nominated A Serious Man (2009). After a long series of guest star and recurring roles in shows like Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Louie, and The Paul Reiser Show, she landed her current starring role as "Sarah Pfefferman" in the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning series, Transparent (2014). Amy has also written pilots for FX and Amazon and is a top VO talent in animation and commercials.
Instagram: @amylandecker
Today’s guest is a powerhouse force of knowledge, inspiration, and passion. From her big break on Law & Order, to her work with David O. Russell, she is full of incredible stories that detail her determination and unwillingness to give up. Her approach to her career has been uniquely strategic---she’s made her personal growth just as important as her artistic growth, and through that she’s cultivated a resilience that enables her passion to stand firm through every high and every low that comes with a dynamic Hollywood career.
Elisabeth Röhm is a German-American television and film actress. She is best known for playing Assistant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn in the American TV series Law & Order and Detective Kate Lockley in the TV series Angel, and for her work with David O. Russel in American Hustle and Joy. In addition to her on-screen work, she is also an accomplished writer. As an advocate and voice for women’s fertility issues and heart disease, she is a featured blogger for People Magazine, as well as a published novelist.
Instagram: @elisabethrohm
Today's guest is a vibrant force of passion and hard work and, for those of you interested in how the world of Broadway works and how it differs from TV and Film, she is a genuine triple threat---From eight shows a week in New York to recurring roles on TV, she’s spent 20 years in this business, putting in the work and thoroughly enjoying every step of the journey.
Jackie Seiden is an actor/singer/writer born in Highland Park, IL. She graduated early Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor in Science and a Music Theatre Certificate. After graduating, Jackie moved to New York City and was cast in her dream show, "Hairspray" on Broadway. She was also in the original company of "Good Vibrations" on Broadway, and originated Mary Delgado on the 1st National Tour of "Jersey Boys" along with many other off Broadway productions, tours, regional shows, and worked with greats like Twyla Tharp and Bob Dylan. After performing as Pinky Tuscadero in Garry Marshall's production of Happy Days, she moved out to Los Angeles permanently where she met her husband Jason Winer (Director/Producer). Since moving to LA Jackie has worked on many films and television shows ("Jersey Boys" with Clint Eastwood, "New Year's Eve" with Garry Marshall, " Jack and Jill," with Adam Sandler "Christmas Switch," "The Catch," "Modern Family," "Life in Pieces," etc., and performed all over as a part of the For The Record Live company.
IG: @thejackieseiden
Neal Bledsoe is an actor, writer and journalist. Admittedly he is now more confident in the tools of his expression but admits he still doesn't know what he is doing. Falling in love with the work and the his characters after a stint in rehab, Neal shares the utility of the business. From voice to walk, he has manifested some of the best characters on MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, UGLY BETTY, SHAMELESS, SMASH, IRONSIDE, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and SEX AND CITY 2. Accomplished stage actor, writer and visual artist Neal Bledsoe bares it all. Down to what to not ask agents/managers in meetings, how to prioritize the work and learning to have faith that he can't control the business. He honestly shares the details of his journey in self-discovery, proving that questioning everything, including yourself is key to cultivating an honest and authentic body of work.
IG: @becauseibledsoe
Neal Bledsoe is an actor, writer and journalist. Admittedly he is now more confident in the tools of his expression but admits he still doesn't know what he is doing. Falling in love with the work and the his characters after a stint in rehab, Neal shares the utility of the business. From voice to walk, he has manifested some of the best characters on MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, UGLY BETTY, SHAMELESS, SMASH, IRONSIDE, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and SEX AND CITY 2. Accomplished stage actor, writer and visual artist Neal Bledsoe bares it all. Down to what to not ask agents/managers in meetings, how to prioritize the work and learning to have faith that he can't control the business. He honestly shares the details of his journey in self-discovery, proving that questioning everything, including yourself is key to cultivating an honest and authentic body of work.
IG: @becauseibledsoe
Alanna Ubach has cultivated a career marked by the kind of range that many actors dream of. A bonified character actress,with equal parts grit and grace, she is unequivocally honest about her experience in Hollywood, generously sharing what she’s learned along the way.
Hardly recognizable from one character to the next, Alanna Ubach has starred in nearly 150 theater, film, and TV projects. Born in Downey, California to a Mexican-born mother and Puerto Rican father, Ubach has been a working actress since childhood. Following her television debut on "Romper Room," she joined the Lee Strasberg Institute's Children's Program. At 15, she fearlessly travelled to New York to star in WPA's Off-Broadway production of "Club Soda.” She made her mark in the industry playing the family housekeeper-turned wedding caterer and Gaylord's first lover in "Meet the Fockers," the sorority sister/best friend to Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde," and the sex-starved Israeli neighbor on "Hung." In addition to her role as Jo on Bravo's first original scripted series, "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce," She can also be heard lending her voice to Disney/Pixar's Oscar winning animated film "Coco," featuring an all-Latino cast, where she plays great-great-grandmother Mama Imelda.
IG: @alannaubach
What We Are co-founder, actress, musician and producer Nikki Deloach shares the brave, beautiful tenacious, unforgettable career moments that shaped her 30 year career. This woman is a purposeful, driven and talented storyteller but more importantly she is one who prioritizes vulnerability and openness. She shares the highs and lows of being a veteran of both the music and film industry from the success of the cult classic 90's show The Mickey Mouse Club to losing everything to making a come back and taking a break.
Nikki Deloach is best known for her portrayal of Lacey Hamilton on the hit and critically-acclaimed series Awkward for five seasons. Nikki's other credits include Love & Other Drugs, North Shore, Windfall, Grey's Anatomy, and Mad Men. When she is not busy showcasing her talent onscreen, DeLoach is expanding her repertoire behind the scenes. She has re-teamed with Hallmark to develop and produce the upcoming Christmas project Reunited at Christmas, which she will also star in.
Nikki Deloach on Instagram: @nikdeloach
Our episode today is a must listen for actors who want to learn how to orchestrate a career. This is an conversation about empowering yourself as an artist, about staying power, about the necessity to invest in yourself, and the importance of having a vision of where you want to go in your career and how to align everything in your life around that vision. Our guest today has fully arrived as an artist and is here to stay!
Leven Rambin is an award winning actress and director originally from Houston, Texas who trained and taught at Playhouse West in New York City. Leven began her career at just thirteen years old on the set of “All My Children” as Lily Montgomery. Since then she’s worked on dozens of films, including “The Hunger Games,” “Chasing Mavericks,” “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” and “Two Night Stand.” Most recently she starred in Ramaa Mosley’s independent film “Lost Child” as an army veteran who has returned to her home in the Ozarks to find a young, mysterious boy in the woods. She is currently working on the film “London Calling” with Ron Perlman and Malcolm McDowell and “The Dirt,” which follows the origin story of Mötley Crüe. Her television credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” “One Tree Hill,” “Scoundrels,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “The Tomorrow People,” and “Private Practice.” Leven joined the cast of “True Detective” in the shows second season before portrating Chloe Jones on Hulu’s “The Path,” starring alongside Aaron Paul and Michelle Monaghan. She is currently leading WGN’s crime drama “Gone” with Chris Noth and Danny Pino. “Gone” follows Leven Rambin’s character Kick Lannigan, a survivor of a famous child-abduction case, after joining a special task force dedicated to solving missing person and abduction cases.
IG: @levenrambin
In our second conversation with Elliot Knight we take a deeper look into everything, from his relationship to auditioning, to how he makes the distinction of being in love with the performance, the storytelling, and the craft rather than the industry and what that difference means for him. He talks about wanting to be the kind of performer who reveals rather than masks. This is a conversation for anybody that needs reminding to own and honor the space you take up, to be expansive, to be vulnerable in your art, and how to let life imitate art.
Elliot Knight is an English actor best known for his break out performance in the British television series “Sinbad,” playing the titular role. Knight received his theatrical training at The Manchester School of Theatre before landing the coveted role. Knight appeared as a recurring character in the BBC crime drama “By Any Means” before making his US television debut in ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder,” joining Viola Davis, Aja Naomi King, and Alfred Enoch. Knight joined the cast of ABC’s hit fantasy series “Once Upon a Time” as Merlin in the show's fifth season. He starred alongside Juliet Rylance and Antony Starr in “American Gothic” before being cast in Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith’s “Life Sentence,” which aired on the CW. “Life Sentence” follows Lucy Hale’s character Stella as she navigates life after her terminal cancer is cured, her family, and her relationship with her husband, played by Elliot Knight. The show is currently available on Netflix. You can catch Elliot on Greg Berlanti’s DC universe “Titans,” which has just finished its first season.
IG: @itselliotknight
Award-nominated actress, writer, and director Keesha Sharp sheds light on the courage it takes to break the rules and go after what you want, how fear choked her voice out of musically performing, fighting expectations and results, deciding when to change agents and how facing fear ultimately will open up the blessings. This conversation connects the dots about showing up for your craft 100% of the time and how you never know what job might land you the ticket for the next big job.
In 2019, Keesha not only returns to the screen as Trish Murtaugh in the international hit series “Lethal Weapon” for FOX, but also introduces her directorial skills to the show, which premiered its third season on September 25, 2018. Combining action and drama with friendship and humor, season three of "Lethal Weapon" follows Detectives Roger Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) and the newly introduced Wesley Cole (Seann William Scott) as they combat crime in Los Angeles. Sharp shines as Trish, a district attorney, mother, and devoted wife and confidante to Roger. Sharp was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2017 NAACP Image Awards for her work on the show.
On the film front, Sharp was also most recently seen starring opposite Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, and Sterling K. Brown in “Marshall”. The film follows the story of Thurgood Marshall (Boseman), the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases. Sharp’s standout work as Buster Marshall earned her a third NAACP Image Award nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category. Additionally, Sharp is currently shopping an Eartha Kitt biopic, set to head into production in 2019. Having been compared to the icon since her early theater days and dubbed by many reviewers as a “young Eartha Kitt,” Sharp will portray Kitt in the leading role of a film that promises iconic songs, compelling childhood stories, and triumph through political blacklisting, all told through salacious details.Today’s conversation is a crash course into the journey of an animator. It’s about how a young man who never met an art medium he didn’t like chose to pursue a highly competitive and challenging career and truly thrived in his art form. We follow Joshua Beveridge’s early memories in a home filled with art history books, as a kid always painting and drawing or sculpting, to attending a College of Art and Design to being the Animator Director on "Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse".
Joshua Beveridge is a Head of Character Animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks. His other titles have included Animation Director and Supervising Animator. Beveridge earned his BA in Computer Animation from the Ringling College of Art and Design before landing his first professional job on Disney’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Since then he’s worked on various teams as a Character Animator, Supervising Animator or Lead Animator in popular films such as “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Hotel Transylvania 2,” “Arthur Christmas,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” and “Storks.” His work on Warner Bros “I Am Legend,” starring Will Smith and Alice Braga, garnered a 2008 Visual Effects Society Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Animated Character in a Live action Motion Picture. Beveridge’s latest animated feature film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” has broken the mold (again) for telling stories.
Quotes:
“The idea of animation being a job people did was kind of like a lightbulb, aha, moment.”
“You have to be comfortable with making things. Just making something is better than trying to make something perfect and letting that paralyze you from trying.”
“We’re manipulating every single shape and motion and form is sculpted, crafted, posed and a decision. Nothing happens accidentally.”
“Talent is such a small percentage of anything really great. Work ethic is the most important. Work ethic runs circles around talent any day and I was an early subscriber to that.”
“The actual process of truly being an animator I didn’t learn until on the job and I think that’s a luxury that I don’t think exists anymore.”
“I feel like with every promotion I’ve gotten it’s really just been another way to help more animators.”
“There’s nothing impulsive about animation.”
“If you are afraid in art that’s usually an indication that you’re on the right path.”
“There’s no such thing as enough information. All we’re doing is trying to be as observant as possible.”
This is a conversation about what it means to demand our worth as artists and women, what that looks like when you are trying to break out of being a guest star and how our guest is asking for that series regular. Camille Chen discusses how to be a good guest star, how she uses and works with the reader in the room, and the small and huge successes along the way. We talk about how she became the Queen of Commercials, improving for Aaron Sorkin, side hustles, to being an acting coach and why improv was the most beneficial class she took in college. These are the expansive, inspiring, knowing your own worth, honest stories that have all lead Camille Chen right here.
Camille Chen is a film, television and commercial actress best known for her work in “Game Night,” where she joined Jason Bateman and Kyle Chandler as well as her portrayal of Samantha Li in Aaron Sorkin’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” Throughout her career Camille has guest starred in nearly 50 television shows, including “Californication,” “American Horror Story: Asylum,” “Castle,” “Backstrom,” Criminal Minds,” “Dog Therapist,” “Bones,” and “Lucifer.” She recently played a recurring role on USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.” a true crime series based on the investigations that followed the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. You can watch her next on ABC’s “Single Parents.” She’s worked in numerous popular commercial spots, including State Farm, Motorola and Old Navy.
We were so lucky to sit down for a second conversation with Marianna Palka. She’s a triple threat artist (writer/director/actor) with such a singular vision and voice to bring us closer together, change humanity and give the world a deeper understanding of the human condition. This is a conversation about creating the kind of work that is so needed in our landscape today. Her first film “Good Dick” came from a desire to explore how a sexual assault victims find intimacy and birthed from her frustrations about the lack of good, interesting/complex/ real characters for women. As Maya Angelou inspired her to write her scripts isolated in a hotel for a long weekend, she shares her writing ethic and her confidence to take ownership of her creativity and our shared responsibility to change the world. This is a MUST listen for all creative types!. These are the fearless, moving, authentic, compelling, owning your own space stories that have all led Marianna Palka right here.
Marianna Palka is Glasgow born and Los Angeles based filmmaker, actress and writer. She studied at the acclaimed New York Atlantic Theater Company before beginning her career in theater, film and television. Palka wrote, directed and starred in “Good Dick,” a 2008 Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize nominee, joining Jason Ritter, Martin Starr, Mark Webber and Tom Arnold in an exploration of intimacy and connection after sexual trauma. Palka’s critically acclaimed feature film “Bitch” premiered at Sundance last year and tells the story of a woman who transforms under the enormous pressure of motherhood, leaving her absent husband, Jason Ritter, to discover what it means to be a parent. Additionally Palka directed “Always Worthy,” “Heirloom,” “I’m the Same,” and “Egg,” starring Christina Hendricks, Alysia Reiner, David Alan Basche. Her recent work include “Mississippi Requiem,” a series of four short films written by William Faulkner and developed by James Franco, “We Are Boats,” “Spoonful,” “The Adventures of Thomasina Sawyer,” and “The Lion’s Mouth Opens,” Lucy Walker’s short documentary following Palka’s own relationship to Huntington’s Disease and her risk of inheriting. Palka is currently starring in Netflix’s Golden Globe nominated “GLOW” as Reggie Walsh.
IG: @mariannapalka
This week we dive deep into the journey of finding your spotlight by saying yes, hustling and doing the work. Work can come in the form of sitting around a campfire expressing your art to your fellow actor, coaching others to their potential, or holding the space for other actors opportunities as the best damn reader in town. Getting to work with Josh as an actor, coach or reader will highly improve your level of artistry. With over 20 years experience, Josh Bitton is hitting his stride in the light of highly complex characters and understanding that the gratitude for what you have will land you the happiness of being right where you are.
Joshua Bitton is a stage, film and television actor best known for his work in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The Night Of” as Maldonado and for his portrayal of Sgt. J.P. Morgan in Steven Spielberg’s award-winning World War II mini series “The Pacific.” Bitton’s been featured in numerous hit television projects, including “Castle,” “The Mentalist,” “Bosch,” and “Justified.” Additionally he’s guest starred in “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Last Tycoon,” “American Vandal,” “Reverie,” “Lucifer,” and “Daredevil,” to name a few. His film credits include “National Treasure,” “Larry Crowne,” “For Love of Money,” and “The Tangle.” He’s currently teaching acting classes in Los Angeles.From drama to comedy, Joshua Bitton has appeared in dozens of award-winning projects in film and television over the years and is positioned for his most exciting year yet. In 2018, he can be seen starring on CBS All Access’ new mystery drama series, “One Dollar,” opposite John Carroll Lynch, Leslie Odom Jr., Aleksa Palladino, and Hamilton Clancy.
IG: @Joshua Bitton
Actor, writer, and producer Arturo Del Puerto got his first headshots at 14 years old by stealing his mother's credit card. Creating opportunities for himself and being paid to learn has been his mission to landing him in Los Angeles. Arturo gives insight about being rejected twice from a prestigious acting conservatory in Spain, making his way to America, and finding his mentor/teacher, casting director Felicia Fasano. Stepping into assist Fasano in the casting room, Arturo shares the tips and tricks of watching actors coming in to audition and how he landed his first series regular job on the hit HBO series CAMPING.
Arturo Del Puerto is a television, film and voice actor best known for his performances as Luis Flores in AMC’s “Fear The Walking Dead,” as well as his work in “The Last Ship” and “Independence Day: Resurgence.” Puerto has guest starred and featured in numerous television series, most recently including “Claws,” “Glow,” “The Flash,” “Better Things,” and “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.” Puerto lended his voice in two Disney animated series, a reimagined “DuckTales” as Panchito Pistoles and as Rico in “Elena of Avalor.” Puerto recently appeared in Dax Shepard’s Highway Patrol officer comedy “CHIPS” and worked alongside Joey King and Luke Pasqualino in “Smartass.” You can currently catch Puerto in Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner’s newest HBO series “Camping,” following a group of old friends on a camping trip as it spirals out of control. Puerto is also in production for Ronald D. Moore’s “For All Mankind,” a sci-fi series due in 2019.
Pen Densham is an author, an art photographer, and an Oscar nominated filmmaker and screenwriter. He founded the Trilogy Entertainment Group with his partner John Watson, creating hit films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Blown Away, Larger Than Life, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys and Backdraft. Densham and Trilogy Entertainment have produced numerous television series and mini-series, including Syfy Channel’s The Outer Limits, the successful and long running anthology series following science fiction tales. They’ve also produced The Twilight Zone, The Magnificent Seven, Poltergeist: The Legacy, and The Creature. Additionally, Densham is author of the bestselling book “Riding The Alligator,” a creatively driven screenwriting guide.
Part one is a visceral conversation about existing in this world as a creative person and what your responsibility is as a storyteller. Pen shares the difficulties he had growing up because he didn’t feel his creativity was nourished, and how he learned to thrive in his proces, making leaps and bounds towards his future, persuading The Rolling Stones to let him photograph them at just 15 years old, building an artist's community, working alongside renowned documentarians, to his coping mechanisms around self doubt and the sometimes overwhelming anxiety creative people are more likely to have. We talk about evolutionary habits, spirituality, the most effective way of framing and relating a potential story, the euphoria he feels when he’s learning and teaching, his fearful journey through the writing process, to becoming a published author of a besting selling book.
Mehcad Brooks is an actor, musician, and producer raised in Austin, Texas. From bringing characters to life on screen, to writing and producing films, and recording soulful music under an alias, award-winning actor and musician, Mehcad Brooks, has become known in the entertainment industry for his raw and refined talent, charisma, and moving presence. Throughout his successful and celebrated career Brooks is best known for his work in USA’s “Necessary Roughness,” for his portrayal of Terrence King, starring alongside Scott Cohen and Callie Thorne. He is also known for his characterisation of Eggs in Alan Ball’s HBO series “True Blood,” and for his work in ABC’s hit show “Desperate Housewives,” portraying Matthew Applewhite. Additionally Brooks starred in Noah Hawley’s docu-drama “My Generation,” and “The Deep End.” His film credits include his breakout role is Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Glory Road” as Harry Flournoy, which followed the 1966 first all-black college basketball teams starting line-up and their eventual NCAA national championship win. Brooks was also featured in “In the Valley of Elah,” “Adulterers,” “Wildlife,” “Just Wright,” and “About Last Night.”
Brooks is currently starring in Greg Berlanti’s “Supergirl” as James Olsen in the shows fourth season, along with Melissa Benoist and David Harewood. You can catch his most recent film, Tyler Perry’s “Nobody’s Fool,” starring Brooks, Tiffany Haddish and Whoopi Goldberg in theatres now.
While bringing characters to life remains one of Mehcad’s biggest passions, his love for telling stories through music is equally important. Writing and recording under the moniker KING GVPSV, Mehcad recently released his debut, full length album “May 20th” on July 13, 2018. The album features 16 soulful brand-new tracks, including the single “Tears Away” which has been featured in an episode of his series “Supergirl.” The album was inspired by multiple near-death experiences that Mehcad has endured, all taking place on May 20th and forever changing his life.
IG: @mehcadbrooks
Our guest today is a multi talented, New Mexican born and raised actor with a penchant for carpentry, and an exceptional ear for accents. He is a chameleon, whether he’s playing the villain or the anti hero, from the countless 99 seat theatres he performed in after he graduated USC, building sets out of school, to acting alongside heavy hitters like Emily Blunt, Miles Teller, Josh Brolin and Chris Pine.
Dylan Kenin is a theatrically trained actor best known for his work in television and film. Recently he was featured in Joseph Kosinski’s Only the Brave, acting alongside Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges, based on the true story of a group of elite firefighters in the Granite Mountain Hotshots. He is best known for his work on Sicario as a Delta Leader in the drama following an FBI agent in a government task force. He is also known for Hell or High Water, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and Shot Caller. Kenin has guest starred and featured in many television shows, including being a recurring guest on Seth MacFarlane’s The Orville as Captain Haros, Yellowstone, NCIS: New Orleans, Rebel, Westworld, Roots, and Rebel.
"It's a hell of a drug, storytelling..." Amy Scott takes us on her journey of storytelling through cutting and directing the messages that the world must explore! Her tenacity and fearlessness in pursuing the films she wanted made, her ingenuity and painstaking detail, her drive and talent, and the fact that she taught herself how to expertly fine tune her narrative and lovingly portray her subjects while editing and directing is beyond inspiring. This conversation explores the subject of her Sundance nominated film “Hal, her life in Los Angeles, motherhood, 70’s cinema, invaluable how to's, getting those creative chills, crowdfunding, and why she wouldn’t be in any other career.
Amy Scott is a Los Angeles based filmmaker and editor originally from Lawton, Oklahoma. Throughout her twelve year career she’s created films, shorts and music videos. After receiving her BFA in Film Studies from University of Oklahoma she spent a decade in Chicago, Illinois working as a documentary filmmaker, editor and as media producer for the University of Chicago, the head digital archivist at the Chicago History Museum under Studs Terkel. Scott also taught as an instructor of documentary film at Chicago Filmmakers. Scott is best known for her work as editor on projects such as The History of Caves, Me, The Beast & The Angel, and Fully Loaded. Her Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize nominated feature-length directorial debut Once I Was: The Hal Ashby Story follows the life and career of filmmaker Hal Ashby.
This conversation with Ben Lawson is true look inside a working actors highs and lows; how long it can take for a casting director to find that perfect project for you, his first experience on the set of a huge movie, and what it feels like to lose your confidence and then gain it back in spades. Sometimes it might take 6 months in New York City to shift your focus, to unblock the fear around auditioning and booking and trust in your own artistry. This conversation is about the journey in an actors career, not about the destination.
Ben Lawson is an Australian film and television actor best known for his portrayal Damien Rennett in ABC’s “Designated Survivor,” Netflix’s hit series “13 Reasons Why,” as Coach Rick, and “The Deep End.” He has guest starred and featured in various shows, including “Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23,” “Grim,” “Billions,” “Modern Family,” iZombie,” “Love Child,” and “Secrets & Lies.” He began his 26 year career in the popular Australian soap opera “Neighbours.”
IG: @bennyvegas
This is the perfect episode for anyone trying to find a shift in their career, or in their artistry, for the actors who are wanting to make brave decisions in their life and in their approach of character. Our guest today is the incomparable Jenna Elfman, an efferevescent performer and person. This is an inspiring listen about how she navigated life after DHARMA & GREG, the fumbles, the touchstones, and the vulnerabilities in learning a new character on FEAR THE WALKING DEAD.
Jenna Elfman is a film and television actress who started her career as a dancer and appeared in music videos by various artists, including Depeche Mode and Anthrax. She is best known for her role as Dharma in “Dharma & Greg,” the hit series that led her to earn three Emmy Awards nominations and a Golden Globe Award. Elfman is also known for her work in the ABC comedy series “Imaginary Mary,” “Growing Up Fisher,” “1600 Penn,” “Damages,” and an appearance on “Shameless.” She’s also had guest appearances in “Two and a Half Men,” Royal Pain,” “My Name is Earl,” and “The Mindy Project.” In film she’s best known for “Keeping the Faith,” which she starred in with Ben Stiller and directed by Edward Norton, “Can’t Hardly Wait,” Ron Howard’s “Edtv,” with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and “Big Stone Gap,” with Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. Currently she’s starring in the hit AMC series “Fear the Walking Dead.”
IG: @jennaelfman
Ever wondered how you are going to land a career changing role without a manager or agent? This episode is all about the craft and keeping your head down and doing good work. Good work is the best branding for an actor and creates angels in the industry (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jason Bateman). Trevor Long has had some remarkable angels shed light on his 20 year artistry and he lays it all out here.
Trevor Long is a film, stage and television actor with twenty years of experience to his name. He is best known for his stand out, recurring role as Cade Langmore, in Netflix’s highly acclaimed series “Ozark,” acting alongside Laura Linney and Jason Bateman. He is also known for his work in “Low Winter Sun,” the AMC series following the murder of a police officer by a fellow detective in Detroit. Long starred in Andrew Dominik’s “Killing Them Softly,” as Steve Caprio, along with Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and Richard Jenkins. He stars in and co-produces the upcoming horror thriller “Seeds,” directed by Owen Long. The film follows Long’s troubled character Marcus after he retreats to the New England Coast. Long has guest starred in numerous television shows throughout his career, including “Blacklist,” “Unforgettable,” and “Blindspot.” He is a longtime member of acclaimed NY LAByrinth Theater Company.
IG: @trevorlong721
Live at the MNActing Studio, That One Audition hears the real deal from Becki Newton about her Ugly Betty audition, how she started in the business and what luck and circumstance has made her a household name. We talk about motherhood, family, and how her world split open all at once, and how she found the kind of balance she wanted in her career. These are the laugh out loud, divine timing, confident, brave and open stories that led Becki Newton to where she is today.
Becki Newton is an television, film and voice actor best known for her exacting and hilarious role as Amanda Tanen in Ugly Betty, the hit ABC comedy following a New York fashion magazine and a young woman’s journey to self acceptance and success. She is also known for her recurring role as Quinn in How I Met Your Mother, acting opposite of Neil Patrick Harris. Newton starred in Fox’s The Goodwin Games, a comedy following the lives of three estranged siblings and the circumstances that brought them back together after their father’s death. She’s also starred in Love Bites as Annie Matopoulos, an anthology series about relationships, surrogacy, and modern romance. She guest starred in Weird Loners, American Dad!, American Dreams, and Charmed. Most recently Newton joined HBO’s Divorce as series regular Jackie, starring alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Molly Shannon, and Thomas Haden Church.
IG: @itsbeckinewtonRisa Bramon Garcia has a career spanning over 35 years, working as a writer, director, producer, and casting director. She’s worked in theatre, television, and film and has directed two feature films, 200 cigarettes, and The Con Artist. Garcia’s directed for HBO, Lifetime, The Twilight Zone, and Comedy Central. Theartically she’s directed numerous shows in Los Angeles and New York and has been an integral member of The Ensemble Studio Theatre for 30 years. She began her casting career with her partner Billy Hopkins with the incredibly success feature film Desperately Seeking Susan, and since then her casting career includes more than 65 feature films, including The Doors, The Joy Luck Club, Speed, JFK, Wall Street, Angel Heart, Fatal Attraction, Twister, and True Romance. In television she’s cast beloved shows such as Roseanne, Masters of Sex, The Cape, and A Gifted Man. Risa is a teacher and coach at The BGB Studio (BramonGarciaBraun) with her partner Steve Braun in Los Angeles, California.
IG: @bgbstudioBrittany S. Hall is an actress best known for her work in HBO's Ballers in her portrayal of Amber, starring alongside Dwayne Johnson and John David Washington. She has been featured in many television and film projects, including Satisfaction, Being Mary Jane, Survivor's Remorse, Quarry, and Drumline: A New Beat. She will join Sanaa Lathan, Ernie Hudson, and Ricky Whittle in Haifaa Al-Mansour’s “Nappily Ever After,” a Netflix original romantic comedy. Brittany Hall takes us through her experience with reality television, alter egos, her time as an urban model, a music video girl, into a talented, powerful actress.
IG: @iambrittanyhallLeslie Becker is a Broadway actress, Billboard Artist and Best-selling author of The Organized Actor®--a workbook and planner for the serious actor. Now in its 7th Edition, her teachings have touched more than 300,000 actors over the last 24 years through her books, online courses and private coaching. As an actress, her Broadway and National Tour credits include WICKED, BONNIE & CLYDE, CINDERELLA, ANYTHING GOES, AMAZING GRACE, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SHOW BOAT and more. Regionally she has starred in more than 50 productions including HELLO, DOLLY, RAGTIME, A CHORUS LINE, BILLY ELLIOTT, SWEENEY TODD and more. In the music world, her song "Slow Burn" hit #4 on the AC Billboard/Hot AC chart in 2016 and her full EP will be out in the Fall. Also a theater writer, her musical A PROPER PLACE had its World Premiere last year, and her current project FETCHING WATER was recently optioned and shooting for an off-Broadway run. She is an artist who refuses to be put in a box and always approaches her work with integrity, bravery, artistry and love.
Instagram: @theorganizedactor, @thelesliebecker
WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST!
Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Marianna Palka is a passionate actress and humanist filmmaker. Marianna can be seen as Reggie in Netflix’s new original series "GLOW", which follows the personal and professional lives of a group of women who perform for a wrestling organization in Los Angeles. At the age of 17, Marianna moved to New York from Scotland to study at David Mamet and William H. Macy’s Atlantic Theater Company. From there, she amassed numerous roles in theater, film and television. Marianna made her first journey to Sundance with her film GOOD DICK in 2008, starring Jason Ritter and herself. She returned in 2010 as a Sloan juror. Marianna can be seen in Peter Mullan’s 2011 BAFTA award winning film NEDS and in the lead role in director Jeremiah Jones independent film RESTIVE, which won the Audience Award at the 2011 Austin Film Festival and was nominated for Best Actress and Best Feature Film at the 2012 Charlotte Film Festival. She appeared in two short films which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival; SPOONFUL by director Jenee LaMarque and Bryce Dallas Howard’s second film WHEN YOU FIND ME, executive produced by Ron Howard for the Canon sponsored Project Imagina8tion. She returned to Sundance again in 2014 with the short documentary THE LION’S MOUTH OPENS. Marianna recently returned from yet another stint at Sundance after premiering a film which she wrote and starred in, BITCH; a surreal, manic, funny, absurd, tragic, and painful depiction of family life about a woman who takes on the identity of a wild dog. BITCH had its international premiere at Sundance London this June. She is currently directing EGG, starring Alysia Reiner, Christina Hendricks and Anna Camp.
On the small screen, Marianna’s work includes HBO’s "Girls", "Derek and Simon", and Comedy Central’s "Drunk History".
WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST!
Toni Trucks started early in this business of acting, dancing and singing with a goal in mind...to be on Broadway. But how she achieved that goal came with a tenacious spirit and openness of saying yes to opportunities placing her in front of the decision makers. This interview will inspire you to say YES to all opportunities and teach you how to manifest your dream job. Toni gives practical insight on how to handle disappointment in the predictably unpredictable industry. The Organized Actor Book has taught Toni how to effectively take control of her business and stretch each year as an artist. Toni has been working as an actress the majority of her life and shares intimate details of some of her most successful auditions to how she handles heartbreak and ego. Toni Trucks is currently a series regular on the hit CBS show SEAL TEAM. She is best known for her work in the Showtime series BARBERSHOP, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN-PART 2, FRANKLIN & BASH, and MUSIC & LYRICS. Toni Trucks IG: @tonitrucksWELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST!
From nuanced and honest portrayals of fatherhood-gone-wild across the eighth season of Showtime's EMMY® Award-nominated series SHAMELESS to palpable intensity on the likes of SONS OF ANARCHY, Steve Howey reflects a classic masculinity on-screen equally steeped in humor and heart. That timeless leading man spark and quiet strength remain signatures of the acclaimed actor, writer, producer, and entrepreneur. Achieving a basketball scholarship to junior college in Colorado, he played two seasons before pursuing his calling as an actor. He would go from SOMETHING BORROWED alongside Kate Hudson, Jon Krasinski, and Jennifer Goodwin to BRIDE WARS where he re-teamed with Hudson, Anne Hathaway, and Chris Pratt to SUPERCROSS, LOSING CONTROL, UNLEASHED, IN YOUR EYES, and SEE YOU IN VALHALLA.
Steve currently can be seen in all 8 seasons of the critically acclaimed show SHAMELESS on Showtime and the anticipated film MAKING BABIES.
WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST!
Ravi Patel has been in over 70 national commercials, films and TV shows, most notably Transformers, Scrubs, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Comedians, Master of None, and Grandfathered BUT Ravi never intended on acting. In fact, Ravi planned on a career in finance. After faking his transcripts to secure a more reputable job, Ravi discovered that the finance world was not his cup of tea. His journey into acting is filled with serendipitously spontaneous adventures paving the way for Ravi being a recognizable face in your living room. An impromptu emcee job led to casting calls. A Ryan Seacrest billboard led to a stick figure drawn headshot that put Ravi’s natural improv skills on display in Michael Bay’s film Transformers. The well-circulated press trailer for Transformers was mostly Ravi’s small, but impactful, hilarious scene that grabbed the attention of a theatrical agent and several other opportunities in television.
For show notes and additional information, head over to www.alyshiaochse.com.
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WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST!
Host and fellow actress, Alyshia Ochse sits down for a solo-conversation all about what to expect on the following episodes of That One Audition.
For show notes and additional information, head over to www.alyshiaochse.com.
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Isidora Goreshter is a talented and nuanced actress best known for her role as Svetlana Fisher in Showtime’s Emmy nominated Shameless. She is also known for her work in The Petal Pushers and Happy Anniversary. She has previously guest starred in 2 Broke Girls and Ben & Kate. Isidora Goreshter teaches a masterclass at Anthony Meindl’s Acting Studio. You can see Isidora in the latest season of Shameless and the upcoming Clara’s Ghost, a Bridey Elliot film that recently debuted at Sundance.
Always keeping it real, Isidora will walk you down a path that’s included extra work, standing in for A-listers, going from student to teacher to student of her very own teaching, bringing a 9 day old human to the set of Shameless, and living that beautiful reality where a no-line audition becomes a series regular role.
Isadora on Instagram:@isidoragoreshter
50th episode with Alyshia’s role model, the incomparable Michelle Monaghan.
Today’s guest fits the perfect + poignant mold for our 50th episode -With thick-skin, an optimist’s heart and a realist’s mind, the incomparable Michelle Monaghan will tell us how being championed by her parents in a town of 700, mentored by Frances McDormand in the North Country and ending up on Constantine’s cutting room floor gave her the courage, confidence and opportunity to make every mission…possible.
Michelle Monaghan is an Golden Globe nominated actress with nearly 20 years of experience in this industry. Her roles in television and film are as diverse as they are challenging and powerful to watch. She is best known for her work as Harmony Faith Lane in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which she starred alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. She is known for her recurring role as Julia Meade-Hunt in J. J. Abrams massive hit the Mission: Impossible series, starring Tom Cruise. She is known for Ben Affleck’s Academy Award Nominated Gone Baby Gone in her role as Angie Gennaro, featuring two Boston detectives investigating the kidnapping of a little girl. Michelle is additionally known for her film performances in Source Code, Trucker, North Country, The HeartBreak Kid, and The Bourne Supremacy. She’s starred in the Hulu series The Path as Sarah Lane with Aaron Paul and Hugh Dancy, and the critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe Nominated True Detective as Maggie Hart. She’s guest starred in numerous television shows including Boston Public, Young Americans, and American Dad. You can catch her in Mission: Impossible Fallout in theatres today. Michelle Monaghan on Instagram: @michellemonaghanSammi Rotibi is an accomplished and seasoned actor with over 40 credits to his name, working in both television and film. He is best known for his work on Antoine Fuqua’s Tears of the Sun, following the story of a Special-Ops commander in the Nigerian jungle and his journey to save lives of 70 refugees, and Quentin Tarantino’s critically acclaimed Django Unchained in his role as Rodney. He is also known for his performances in Lord of War, acting alongside Nicolas Cage, LUV, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Blue: The American Dream, and Once Upon a Time in Venice, his second film with Bruce Willis. He has starred and guest starred in numerous television shows, including The Secret Circle, The Blacklist, Matador, CSI: NY, NCIS: Miami, and MacGyver. You can find him in the second season of National Geographic’s highly anticipated Mars as Robert Foucault, a drama that explores Earth’s first mission to colonize Mars in 2033. He is currently working on a sci-fi thriller adaptation of the YA novelist Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds Triology.
These are the tenacious, inspiring, and funny stories about beepers, the moment when a puppy helped him nail a big audition, and how the stars sometimes aligning have all lead Sammi to where he is today.
Logan Browning has a film and television career spanning over fifteen years, and she is just getting started. She is best known for her breakout role in the Netflix Original “Dear White People,” in her role as Samantha White. Her performance garnered her a Black Reel Awards nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
She is known for her portrayal as Jelena Howard in BET’s “Hit the Floor,” an addictively fun drama following the L.A Devil Girls dance team. You may recognize her from her time as a series regular on Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns,” her role as Sasha in “Bratz,” and her portrayal of Zora in “Powers.”
Logan has guest starred in numerous popular television shows, including “Summerland,” “The Secret Circle,” “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” and “Pair of Kings.”
Instagram: @loganlaurice
Joe Towne and Hillary Tuck are the partners and creators behind The Actors Mindset, a unique audition technique program that creates a safe and nurturing environment while challenging the actor to work beyond their comfort zone. The program is designed to implement performance routines, to encourage mindfulness, and to take a whole mind and body approach to getting the best out of your performance opportunities. Joe Towne is an award winning writer, director and actor best known for his performances in “Significant Mother”, “Friends in Therapy”, and “Fringe”. You can see him in Rebel Wilson’s newest film “Isn’t It Romantic” next February. He has a long history of coaching businesses, performers, and professional athletes, and he is currently coaching actors at Warner Loughlin’s studio in Hollywood.
Hillary Tuck has been a working actor since the age of 14, and she is best known for her roles in “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”, “Grimm”, “Family Guy”, and “House”. Hillary has been an acting teacher and an on-set coach at Warner Loughlin Studios since 2014, where she has coached various actors on shows like ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and Fox’s “The Exorcist.” She was recently the keynote speaker at Eagle U, a leadership conference in Houston, Texas. Joe and Hillary were recently asked by the Elite 11 to speak to the top 24 high school quarterbacks in the country, which you’ll be able to catch on the NFL network next month. The next session of The Actor’s Mindset is Monday, August 6th, running through October 1st in Los Angeles.
CONTACT: [email protected]
Rebecca Field is an actress and director best known for her roles as Lacey on Lifetime’s “The Client List,” starring alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt, Janet on the ABC drama “October Road,” and her portrayal as Jane Gould in “Criminal Minds.” She had a recurring role on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Kittens in a Cage.” Field has guest starred on numerous television shows, including TNT’s “Hawthorne,” “NCIS: LA,” “Castle,” “Mike & Molly,” “Drop Dead Diva,” and “Monk.” Most recently, she guest starred in David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks,” and “Movie Nights.” Be sure to watch Rebecca in the upcoming Gus Van Sant film “Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far On Foot,” starring Joaquin Phoenix as John Callahan, and “A Star Is Born,” with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
In this conversation we hear how she protects herself as an actor and champions for herself, how she found her agency and her confidence, and how hypnotherapy and a vision board helped land her first series regular on ABC show "October Road".
LINKS:
Alyshia sits down with Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan, two directors and podcasters from JUST SHOOT IT podcast. A podcast about filmmaking, screenwriting and directing. Each they interview your favorite up-and-coming directors, screenwriters, editors, cinematographers, and actors, and learn how they became successful, working content creators. In this bonus/crossover episode we chat director/actor communication and collaboration.
Jon Huertas over 60 credits to his name, starring in both television and film. He is known for his talents as an actor as well as an executive producer and recording artist. Jon is best known for his role among the core four in ABC’s hit show Castle as Javier Esposito, starring alongside Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion. He also starred in HBO’s Generation Kill as Sgt. Antonio Espera. He portrayed Joe Negroni is Why Do Fools Fall in Love, and can most recently be seen in the incredibly popular NBC family drama This Is Us as Miguel Rivas, playing alongside Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, and Sterling K. Brown.
LINKS:Allen Maldonado is a true triple threat: actor, writer, entrepreneur. He is an accomplished actor, best known for his work in Straight Outta Compton, Black-ish, You’re The Worst, and The Equalizer. Additionally, Maldonado wrote on STARZ’s Survivor's Remorse, an award winning show following the journeys of Cam Calloway and Reggie Vaughn, beginning in their rough Boston neighborhood to the challenges of success, fame, and money. He co-stars on ABC’s Black-ish and is currently starring alongside Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish in The Last O.G. The series follows an ex-con, played by Morgan, after being released from prison on good behavior, and struggling to find his place in his old neighborhood post gentrification. In 2017 Maldonado launched his first digital app Everybody Digital, a new platform designed to showcase short films and their filmmakers.
Outside of his acting career, Maldonado is a successful entrepreneur. He runs a record company-Get It Done Records; a production company-Only Son Productions; and a T-shirt line-Vineyards Phinest, where a portion of the proceeds go to his foundation. As a staunch advocate for higher education, community service, and encouraging youth to pursue the arts, Maldonado is the founder of Demo Nerds, a foundation that provides free acting classes, tools, and services for at-risk youth and foster children in the inner cities of Los Angeles. Additionally, the organization frequently collaborates with other city programs such as "The Boys & Girls Club,""The Dream Center," and the "New Village Girls Academy".
INSTAGRAM: @maldonadoiseverywhere
Kristoffer Polaha is an actor who has build a diverse body of work to his name over the seventeen years he’s been in film and television. He is best known for his performance as a series regular in Backstrom, a television show following the Portland Police Bureau’s Special Crimes Unit as Peter Niedermayer. He starred alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar in Ringer as Henry Butler, following their family in New York City, navigating stolen identities and lies. Polaha joined Shiri Appleby and Britt Roberston in Life Unexpected, a sweet show about two people discovering they suddenly have a 15 year old daughter to support. He is also known for Miss Guided, Where Hope Grows, North Shore, and Rocky Mountain Christmas. Most recently, Polaha has guest starred in Ballers and is currently portraying Sam Barber in Condor, following the life of a CIA analyst Joe Turner.
IG: @polahaha
You can put EVE on an arena stage, a movie set, a sitcom soundstage, a talk show panel, even in a rap battle with a bunch of dudes. This fearless female will waste no time showing you she can’t be contained. From the Philly streets to Dr. Dre’s “castle” in Calabasas to the world’s stage, this guest shares with us how you can be a truth teller and a storyteller without sacrificing your authenticity or your instincts. She also lets us in on how she wound up taking the entertainment industry by storm despite her biggest fear: public speaking. Eve dishes on everything, starting from the first audition with Dr. Dre to being dropped and her journey to writing music and not being put in a box. This interview gives all the insight to becoming the entertainment industry's "It" woman.
Eve Jeffers Cooper is a GRAMMY Award-winning musician and actress. She serves as host of THE TALK, CBS’ Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show that examines topical events and contemporary issues through the eyes of five female hosts, alongside Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood.
As a musician, Eve is best known for her music hits “What Y’all Want,” “Gangsta Lovin,” “Who’s that Girl,” “Satisfaction,” “Tambourine” and “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” featuring Gwen Stefani, which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002. In 2016 she reunited with Stefani for the “This Is What the Truth Feels Like” tour and hosted the “VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail The Queens.” Eve has released four multi-million selling albums and 32 singles, and throughout her career she has collaborated with many prominent artists, including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Jill Scott, DMX, Swizz Beatz, Dr. Dre, Juicy J, The Roots and Missy Elliott.
Among Eve’s film credits are “xXx” with Vin Diesel, “Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” and “Barbershop: The Next Cut” with Ice Cube, “The Cookout” with Queen Latifah and Meagan Good, “The Woodsman” and “Flashbacks.” On television she is best known for starring in her own self-titled UPN sitcom, “Eve,” and she also had a recurring role on “Glee” and appeared on four episodes of the Oxygen series “Sisterhood of Hip Hop.”
Instagram: @therealeve
Ashley Williams is an American film, television, theater actress, who most recently added the title of Producer to her long list of credits. She has had an expansive career with more than a dozen different television pilots and over 150 TV episodes under her belt. Perhaps best known for her roles on The Jim Gaffigan Show and Good Morning Miami, Williams was also a fan favorite on the hit show How I Met Your Mother. Although Williams is currently taking on the biggest role of her life, motherhood, she has also recently taken on the challenge of producing her own films, two of which have already been sold to the Hallmark Channel.
Twitter: @imthesmash
Instagram: @ashleywilliamsandcompany
Erin Cardillo and Rich Keith have been developing TV together since 2011, but it was winning the 2013 New York Television Festival that solidified their partnership. Shortly thereafter, they partnered with Alloy Entertainment to develop Significant Mother for CW Seed, a half hour comedy that was picked up to series by the network and premiered on The CW in 2015. Also in 2015, Cardillo & Keith sold an original pilot script to The CW called, The I Do Crew, with Little Engine Productions and Warner Brothers. In 2016, Cardillo & Keith served as Co-Executive Producers for Fuller House season 2 on Netflix and sold another original pilot to The CW called Life Sentence, with Doozer Productions and Warner Brothers. Life Sentence premiered on The CW in 2018.
In this episode, we learn how two entirely different career paths landed Erin and Rich exactly where they needed to be, from first meeting in an acting class in Los Angeles, to winning the prestigious New York Television Festival for their pilot, and all the little moments in between. Listen to find out how they wrote the script that became their calling card to agents and how they earned themselves a development deal with the top networks in the industry. This is an incredibly insightful interview for every actor and writer who wants to find their own voice.
Recently, Cardillo and Keith have began their own production company called In Good Company. Look out for Cardillo’s upcoming romantic comedy, Isn’t It Romantic, starring Rebel Wilson, Priyanka Chopra and Liam Hemsworth.
Judd Lormand is a Southeast based actor with a dense filmography, spanning over 50 projects of film and television. You can currently catch him as Lt. Commander Eric Blackburn in CBS’s SEAL Team, a series following a team of elite Navy Seals, starring alongside David Boreanaz and Jessica Pare. Most recently, he guest starred in Amazon’s Lore, a horror anthology, as Dr. William Nolan, and before that as Officer Hooper in Good Behavior, starring Michelle Dockery and Juan Diego Botto, a drama following a woman just out of prison, trying to survive a series of reckless decisions and terrible luck. Additionally, Lormand has appeared in The Hunger Games, American Heist, The Vampire Diaries and HBO’s Treme. Find out how Judd takes control of the audition room, his journey to becoming a series regular on a hit show, and how he learned how to invest in himself. IG: @juddlormand
Among his long career in theater and television, T.R Knight is best known for his incredibly dynamic portrayal as Dr. George O’Malley in Grey’s Anatomy, earning him both a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble and an Emmy Nomination. He performed and starred in The Guthrie Theater’s Amadeus and Ah, Wilderness! Knight guest starred in The Good Wife, portraying Jordan Karahalios, in the CBS drama starring Julianna Margulies as she navigates her career after a political scandal involving her husband. In 11.22.63, the Hulu produced miniseries and adaptation of Stephen King’s science fiction novel, Knight is Johnny Clayton, starring with James Franco and Sarah Gadon, and following one teacher’s journey after he slips through a time portal and desperately attempts to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Knight joined The Catch in its second season, a cat and mouse thriller starring Mireille Enos and produced by Shonda Rhimes, playing the self serving and down on his luck Tommy Vaughan. Most recently, you can find T.R Knight in Genius, National Geographic’s first scripted television show, transforming himself into J. Edgar Hoover.
In this interview we discover how T.R Knight navigates the bouts of unemployment, the nature of creativity, his love of prosthetics and his hobby as a writer. IG: @T.R.Knight
Justin Bursch has over twenty producing credits to his name. He is best known for his work as executive producer on COLOSSAL, a monster movie turned on its head, starring Anne Hathaway as Gloria, a woman facing the realization she is somehow connected to an enormous monster terrorizing Seoul, South Korea. Justin executive produced BAD COUNTRY, a tense thriller set in 1980s Baton Rouge, following the complicated relationship between a contract killer turned informant, Matt Dillon as Jesse Weiland, and Willem Dafeo as Bud Carter, a police detective combating a Southern crime ring. He went on to produce GOOD KIDS, starring Zoey Deutch and Nicholas Braun in the hilarious and touching coming of age story, navigating life after high school. You can catch Justin Bursch’s newest film, I FEEL PRETTY, in theatres today, starring Amy Schumer and Michelle Williams. This heartfelt comedy follows Schumer’s character Renee Bennett, in the aftermath of a fall that has stripped her self consciousness and allowed her to see herself as a beautiful woman for the first time in her life.
Among his dense filmography of over 100 credits, Donny Boaz is best known for his guest starring role as Buck on The History Channel’s SIX, a series following the lives of Navy SEAL Team Six, alongside Olivia Munn and Walton Goggins. Constantly creating and challenging himself, Donny serves as both actor and producer in the upcoming thriller OSPREY, starring Eric Roberts, which has caught the attention of numerous film festivals, earning a nomination for Best Film at the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema in London this year. Additionally, he starred and produced ALTERNATE REALITIES, a tense sci-fi thriller.
Currently, Donny is in Hallmark’s THE BEACH HOUSE and NCIS: New Orleans. IG: @donnyboaz
Instagram: @miller_abs23
A wonderful, hilarious "Looking Back" episode with the KICKING & SCREAMING PODCAST duo and married couple Jenna and Bodhi Elfman as they describe the audition where they first met and Bodhi's successful pick up line. Jenna Elfman then shares her most memorable audition where she took the opportunity to kiss George Clooney even though the scene didn't call for it. Bodhi reminisces about his unforgettable meeting with the Coen brothers and the audition that will haunt him forever.
Currently, Jenna and Bodhi Elfman have a hilarious R-rated podcast called Kicking and Screaming where they candidly discuss love, marriage and annoyance. Jenna is working on the upcoming season of FEAR OF THE WALKING DEAD.
Warner Loughlin has been coaching on set and privately for more than 20 years. Known for her warmth and intuitive approach, her technique shatters the myth that an actor's past emotional traumas must be the fuel or foundation for their work. In her earlier days in New York, Warner studied theatre with Lee Strasberg, Sonia Moore, and Michael Kahn (head of the drama department at Julliard from 1992-2006). Once in LA, Warner focused on film and TV, working as an actor, director and producer. She opened Warner Loughlin Studios in 1996 and has since worked with and shaped the careers of some of the biggest actors in Hollywood. From Oscar, Emmy and Tony nominees and winners, Warner is a star among the stars.
Warner continuously works with Amy Adams, Ryan Reynolds, Zooey Deschanel, Ashley Williams, Valerie Cruz, George Lopez, Amber Valletta, Blake Lively, and Ginnifer Goodwin…just to name a few.
While the demand for her time and expertise is high, Warner will always have a place in her heart (and schedule) for beginning actors.
Warner studied Contemporary Literature and Shakespeare at Oxford University and received her Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Warner Loughlin on Instagram: @warnerloughlin
Neil Jackson fearlessly walks through memory lane of being told no various times, to writing his own musical that caught the attention of a profound theater producer that allowed him to study the craft of acting. This man has had some lucky breaks but they all came from the hand work and relentless preparation of owning his craft and creating his own content. Ten years ago Neil's interview for a prestigious acting school was cut short due to lack of professional training. Ten years later, with several highly notable roles under his belt, he shares his most prized moment of receiving an offer for the 2nd season of Westworld after driving Uber. This man is tenacious and doesn't take NO for an answer. The NO's led to the creation of hunger and passion for performing.
Currently, Neil can be seen in the second season of HBO's WESTWORLD and Robert Zemeckis' THE WOMEN OF MARWEN.
Instagram: @theneiljackson
Looking Back episode with the ever lovely Mary Elizabeth Winstead as she divulges the eccentric ways of Oliver Stone in an audition to making her mark in the independent film cinema.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a gifted actress, known for her versatile work in a variety of film and television projects. Possibly most known for her role as Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, she has also starred in critically acclaimed independent films such as Smashed, for which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination, as well as genre fare like Final Destination 3 and Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof.
Jonathan Kite is best known as "Oleg," the hilarious, lovable, sex-crazed Ukrainian cook, opposite Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs on the current CBS comedy hit, 2 BROKE GIRLS. Kite credits Wilt Chamberlin and Ukrainian porn star Vlad, the Impaler as major influences when creating his character. Jonathan Kite was born and raised just outside of Chicago in Skokie, IL. He studied drama in high school and at the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. He performed many times on stage in Illinois before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in voice over, film, television and zoological criminology.
In addition to his role on the series, Kite voices many of the color impaired characters on the Adult Swim throwback, "Black Dynamite: The Animated Series." When asked to list them, Kite simply said "just call me EVERY WHITE." Before "2 Broke Girls," Kite was seen in a number of notable supporting roles including the pilot of FOX's hit "Raising Hope".
Aside from a busy acting career, Kite is an expert impressionist boasting over 100 celebrity impressions that include: Vince Vaughn, Tom Hanks, Seth Rogen, Liam Neeson, Christian Bale, Jeff Bridges, Robert Downey Jr., and John Lithgow. In 2013, he began touring, and has performed and headlined at some of the top comedy clubs nationwide. He recently filmed his first stand up comedy special entitled "Back to School Special" at his high school alma mater Niles North, where it all began.
Lucy Hale gives insight to how her shy, homeschooled, hopeful, naive yet intuitive belief she would "make it" lead her to Hollywood to chase a dream we all have. This Southern girl has the charm and the class that has made her a rising, accoladed star for the past 15 years. She gives a candid look at "growing up" in the business and how she deals with self-doubt moments. She gives way to figuring out what really makes her happy and if she will return to making music. Listen in to see how this beautiful face relies on her professionalism, grace and gratefulness to stay the most sought after actress. I love Lucy will have a whole new meaning after listening to this episode. Lucy is a delight and shares how Instagram has changed the business and created a marketing platform to let fans influence the plot lines of current shows.
Lucy was made a household name and received several awards playing Aria on PRETTY LITTLE LIARS. Currently, Lucy is starring in the highly anticipated CW show LIFE SENTENCE and Blumhouse film, TRUTH OR DARE.
Samm Levine's first breakout role was as a member of the "geek" half of the short lived cult hit, Freaks and Geeks. The following year, he rejoined "Freaks and Geeks" producer, Judd Apatow, for another widely praised coming of age series, Undeclared. That same year, Samm made his feature debut in the raucous teen spoof, Not Another Teen Movie. Since then, he has appeared in over 60 films and television shows, including the Oscar winning Quentin Tarantino epic, Inglourious Basterds, and in many memorable roles on beloved programs such as Entourage, Modern Family, NCIS and How I Met Your Mother. In addition to his growing catalog of television appearances, Samm is also known for roles in many cult features, including the Broken Lizard comedy, Club Dread, the sci-fi thriller, Pulse, and acclaimed indie comedies, Drones and IFC's Made for Each Other Samm has also served as co-host and producer to Kevin Pollak's renowned celebrity talk show, Kevin Pollak's Chat Show, since its inception in 2009 - a role he came into after his interview as a guest on the first episode.
Our host, Alyshia "Lish", dishes on the entertainment industry. This week Alyshia gives insight on handling nudity in filmmaking, negotiating offers, set abuse and bullying and how to keep your integrity in your art. #TimesUP
Looking Back Episode with HENRY IAN CUSICK who was born in Peru, raised in Trinidad and Scotland and he now lives in Hawaii. He trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama before joining the Citizens Theatre Glasgow.
Cusick starred in numerous British TV shows before moving to the U.S. to join the cast of the ABC TV series LOST. In 2006 he was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Desmond Hume and continued as a series regular for 5 seasons. He played a series regular in ABC’s Scandal and had recurring roles on 24, SVU: Law and Order, Fringe, The Mentalist and Body of Proof. He is currently a series regular, in the role of Marcus Kane on The CW’s The 100.
He has also written, produced, directed and stars in his first short film “dress” which won Best Short at Honolulu International Film Festival, Peace on Earth Film Festival and was a finalist at USA Film Festival.
Richie Adams is an award-winning filmmaker who cut his teeth as a title designer (’Babel,’ ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith,’ ‘Water for Elephants’) first under the mentorship of legendary title designer, Richard Greenberg (’Alien,’ ‘Untouchables,’ ‘The Matrix’), and for the past 12 years, under his own company banner, Louisiana-based River Road Creative.
As a title designer, Adams has worked with many of the great players in the motion picture industry, including Alejandro González Iñárritu and Doug Liman, as well as newcomers like Ryan Coogler, for whom Adams designed/produced the titles and special graphic sequences (cell phone sequences) for Coogler’s Sundance Grand Dramatic winning ‘Fruitvale,” and later Coogler’s follow up hit, ‘Creed.’
After several years in Los Angeles, Richie returned to hometown, Baton Rouge, LA, to form River Road Creative, a boutique live-action studio where he continues to deliver design and related services for film and television as well as directing/producing commercials, which have garnered awards and accolades at most major award competitions, including an EMMY® nomination.
As a film director, Richie’s recent narrative feature ‘Of Mind and Music,’ starring Joaquim De Almeida, Aunjanue Ellis and 2017 Oscar-Nominated Ruth Negga, played the 2014/2015 film festival circuit earning numerous audience and juried awards, as well as a nomination for the Best New Director Award for Adams at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
Joy Bryant was born in a modest home in The Bronx, New York and as a young woman, was enrolled in an inner-city outreach organization called "A Better Chance," designed to encourage minority talent. Joy was also blessed with brains as well beauty and remained an excellent student throughout her high school years. As a result, she was awarded a full academic scholarship to Yale University.
While enrolled as a full-time student at Yale, Joy was discovered by a modeling scout from Next Models Management and subsequently pursued a career as a fashion model in Paris. Her slender yet classic beauty got her an exclusive contract with prestigious brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger and the Victoria's Secret lingerie catalogue.
Joy's acting debut came about in 2001 in Robert Townsend's Carmen: A Hip Hopera. An MTV production, the film also starred Beyoncé and Mekhi Phifer, along with several hip-hop superstars. After a small role in the Eddie Murphy action comedy Showtime, she made her big breakthrough in Denzel Washington's directorial debut, Antwone Fisher. In 2003, she co-starred with Jessica Alba in Bille Woodruff's romantic drama Honey.
Most notably, Joy is known for Jasmine on 6 seasons of PARENTHOOD and Amazon's hit show GOOD GIRLS REVOLT.
Tune in to hear how Joy handled the transition of brains to beauty and what ultimately drew her into acting.
Constance Shulman was in the original cast of Steel Magnolias, Lortel Theater. She continued to work in dynamic films Fried Green Tomatoes and Sweet and Lowdown. On the fast track to stardom, Constance did something many women in this industry would love to do. She took a break and raised her children. She took a 15 year break from acting and focused her creativity on writing, painting and producing documentaries. This interview gives the full spectrum look of a woman who has lived by her own set of creative rules and how it was making a comeback as an actress in the business.
Currently, Constance is working on her 6th season of Orange is the New Black (three time SAG award winner for Best Ensemble in a Comedy), The Blacklist and Broad City. She voices the Nickelodeon/ABC-Disney's Doug. And is the co-producer of NY Times top 10 docs of 2015, Looks like Laury, Sounds like Laury documentary.
Sean Carrigan is a former professional boxer turned stand-up comedian, actor and producer. Sean has appeared in numerous films, television shows and commercials, including the television movie, “Call Me Crazy,” starring opposite Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and directed by Ashley Judd. He has guest starred in the series, “Modern Family,” “The Closer,” “Hart of Dixie”, “The Event” and "The Young and the Restless." Carrigan appeared in the Tyler Perry film, “Single Mom’s Club,” where he played the love interest of Wendy McClendon-Covey, and in the romantic comedy “Strangely in Love,” directed by Sundance Award-winning director Amin Matalqa.
Sean is also a comedian and co-founder of the production company Woodhead Entertainment, which focuses on original shorts, branded media and feature films. With Woodhead Entertainment, Carrigan contributes as both a producer and actor. His comedic performance as Brett Favre in the viral parody hit, “Brett Favre: Rise – What should I do?” gained over 4 million online views and has garnered him great reviews. Carrigan can be seen doing stand-up comedy all over Los Angeles and in other cities in the US and Canada.
Currently, Sean is Stitch on "The Young and the Restless" and Coach Rafferty on the Critics Choice Nominated hit Netflix original show "American Vandal".
An in depth look with the host of THAT ONE AUDITION, Alyshia Ochse, and how she has battled the audition process, scored a few great jobs and what she has learned on her journey into her artistry. These days, Alyshia is best known as “Lucy” opposite Academy Award Winner, Matthew McConaughey, from the critically-acclaimed and Golden Globe nominated TRUE DETECTIVE, as well as her roles in SATISFACTION, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, HART OF DIXIE, GENERAL HOSPITAL and CW show LIFE SENTENCE. Alyshia’s other credits include roles in such movies as THE OTHER WOMAN, PARKER, MARAUDERS, and the highly anticipated indie films, SHE'S IN PORTLAND and OUT OF BLUE.
When she’s not acting, Alyshia spends her time hosting this podcast and championing female driven content.
Minnesota-born Brianna Brown began acting in elementary school and local community productions. After high school she journeyed to Hollywood to pursue an acting career full-time. She snagged a part in the pilot show for Judd Apatow's quirky, fondly remembered series Freaks and Geeks. From there she got parts in several theatrical features, mostly comedies, and in 2004 secured a part in Spider-Man 2. She worked steadily over the next few years, playing everything from a farmer's wife to a killer of zombies (Night of the Living Dead 3D), and worked again for Apatow in two more of his comedies, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
She also kept busy with guest-starring roles on some of the top series on TV, such as CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, Smallville and had a memorable turn as a serial-killing call girl in Criminal Minds. She had a long-running part on the soap General Hospital as Dr. Lisa Miles.
Outside the film industry, she has been involved in giving women the opportunity to empower themselves financially, co-founding the "Green Goddess Investment Club" and starting the organization empowering accountable, goal setting women called THE NEW HOLLYWOOD to "Rise up, Shine Brighter and Give Back".
Mayim Hoya Bialik is best known for her lead role as Blossom Russo in the early-1990s NBC television sitcom “Blossom” and now appears regularly on the #1 comedy in America, CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” playing neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler, a role for which she has received one Screen Actors Guild nomination and four Emmy nominations. In 2014, Mayim joined Peter Funt in the relaunch of the original hidden camera reality show, “Candid Camera,” which airs on TVLand.
Bialik was born in San Diego, California to first generation Jewish American parents, documentary filmmakers and teachers. She played the young Bette Midler in “Beaches” at age 12 and also has had guest roles on some of television’s most beloved shows of the 1980s and 1990s, such as “MacGyver,” “Webster,” “Facts of Life,” and “Murphy Brown.” She has appeared in Woody Allen’s “Don’t Drink the Water” in 1994, HBO’s “Fat Actress,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,”, and in several episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Bialik earned a BS from UCLA in 2000 in Neuroscience and Hebrew & Jewish Studies, and went on to the Ph.D. program in Neuroscience, also at UCLA. She completed her doctorate in the Fall of 2007, which examined the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome. Bialik was a dedicated student leader at UCLA Hillel, leading and starting a Women’s Rosh Chodesh group, chanting and blowing shofar for High Holiday services, and conducting and writing music for UCLA’s Jewish a cappella group.
Elliot Knight grew up in the city of Birmingham, UK where he took a keen interest in the arts and drama, soon after, winning awards for his talents, including his school's standout award for Drama Excellence and an additional Regional Acting title from Birmingham City Council for his leading role performance of Alfred Ill in The Visit. While attending The Manchester School of Theatre, where he lead as "Macbeth" in a string of toured Shakespeare performances, he won his first professional role as the titular hero in Sky 1's popular adventure series "Sinbad", beating out hundreds after an extensive worldwide search. Subsequently, he was lauded by Screen International as one of the much anticipated "Stars of Tomorrow" of 2011. After screen testing for leading roles in many TV pilots, Knight made his US network television debut in 2014 in ABC's hit series "How To Get Away With Murder" and is since being recognised as one of the industry's most exciting new talents.
Currently, Elliot can be seen on CW's highly anticipated show LIFE SENTENCE opposite Lucy Hale.
Jodi Balfour is a talent that excites the industry and audiences alike. Her internationally diverse background paired with her raw and expansive talent has made her an actor in constant demand. Born and raised in South Africa, Jodi spent her formative years working in Cape Town’s burgeoning theatre and television industry. From the age of eight, she was on the professional stage performing in an array of ballets and musicals, and in the years that followed, her talents found their way to the small screen, where she starred and had supporting roles in both domestic and international television shows.
Upon graduating with honors in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cape Town, Jodi landed a supporting role in the BAFTA-Nominated BBC mini-series “The Sinking of the Laconia”, playing the daughter of one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, Lindsay Duncan. Since her arrival in North America, Jodi has worked across platforms in Canada and the US. She played the lead in Canada’s hit series BOMB GIRLS which earned a Gracie Award for best Drama and won Jodi a Canadian Screen Award for "Best Actress" in it's film BOMB GIRLS: FACING THE ENEMY.
Jodi plays the lead female role in Cinemax’s critically acclaimed new drama series QUARRY, an HBO Entertainment production in association with Anonymous Content. "Quarry” is currently on air on Cinemax. She also stars in the BBC series RELLIK soon to be Cinemax.
Currently, Jodi portrays Jackie Kennedy on season 2 of THE CROWN on Netflix.
Johnathon Schaech started his career some twenty five years ago saddling up and slinging a gun in THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY JR. Since then he’s starred in over 90 productions. Finding himself starring opposite some of Hollywood’s greatest talents like Jessica Lange and Gwenyth Paltrow in HUSH, Winona Ryder in HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT, Idris Elba in PROM NIGHT and most notably Tom Hanks in Hank’s directorial debut, THAT THING YOU DO! (Too name just a few.) In the last several years; Johnathon has been reinventing himself as a leading man to watch.
Starring in the thriller PHANTOM opposite Ed Harris and David Duchovny. Making a movie star turn on the first season of Showtime’s RAY DONOVAN opposite Liev Shrieber and Jon Voight. He recurred as a heroic cop in CBS’s BLUE BLOODS along side Donnie Wahlberg and played a haunted eyed detective opposite Bruce Willis and Christopher Meloni in the Lionsgate’s feature MARAUDERS. Most recently Schaech saddled up for the History Channel’s TEXAS RISING going toe to toe with Bill Paxton’s Sam Houston as the fiery Colonel Sherman. Now you can find him riding high again for Warner Bros as the famous comic antihero Jonah Hex in DC’S LEGEND’S OF TOMORROW. Jonah sometimes makes appearances on THE FLASH and ARROW.
BONUS EPISODE with Casting Director Jennifer Cooper. A true peak into one of the biggest television casting directors. Currently casting over five major network television series. Casting over 500 episodic shows, Jen knows a two or thing about a good audition or a bad audition. Acting is what got her in the game, casting is what won her heart over. Jen casts for talent and truly spends the time building a partnership with the actor, producer and director.
This is the unforgettable journey into Jennifer Cooper's rise in shaping and pushing the boundaries on the revolutionary medium of Television.
Erin Cahill’s acting career launched in 2001 when she was cast as Jen, the Pink Ranger in the series POWER RANGERS: TIME FORCE. Since then, she has starred in regular and recurring roles on ABC's RED WIDOW, TNT's SAVING GRACE and FOX's FREERIDE. She has over 30 guest-star credits including ANGEL FROM HELL, BONES, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, SLEEPY HOLLOW, BODY OF PROOF, CHUCK, LAW & ORDER: LOS ANGELES, THE MENTALIST, MONK, CSI: NY, SUPERNATURAL and GREY'S ANATOMY. Erin has starred in numerous leading roles in studio features such as Netflix's THE WATCHER, Hallmark's SLEIGH BELLS RING, the second and third installments of Disney's BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA franchise and SONY's BOOGEYMAN 3. She has also starred in the independent films, IT SNOWS ALL THE TIME, WINGMAN INC., and this year's CUT TO THE CHASE for which she won Best Supporting Actress at The Northeast Film Festival.
Erin is also an ardent philanthropist, and contributes her time and resources to many worthy causes. Her current passion project is raising funds with her husband to build schools for underprivileged children in Nepal and Malawi in affiliation with the prestigious buildOn Organization.
Currently Erin recurs on this season of Freeform's STITCHERS and has three features slated for summer release, including Sony's animated RESIDENT EVIL VENDETTA.
THIS IS US made America sit up in their seats and pay attention to the man behind the immediate heart throb of Toby, Chris Sullivan. He first gained attention for his portrayal of Tom Cleary on the Cinemax drama THE KNICK. He played Benny Hammond in STRANGER THINGS and Taserface in GUARDIAN OF GALAXY VOL. 2. It may appear that Chris had an easy ride to the dense career track he is on, but he has been putting in the work for over 17 years. Graduation from Loyal Marymont University left him transformed from a Tennis pro turned actor and climbing the ladder to seek representation. A self-proclaimed perfectionist and dedicated artist with no backup plan, listen in to see how he landed his agent several years after graduation, how he made $5000 stretch for almost a year living in Los Angeles, how Broadway prepared him for a role of a lifetime on the Cinemax show THE KNICK and how every part since The KNICK can all be traced back to that character.
Chris is currently starring on the hit NBC show THIS IS US and is the lead singer of the band SULLY AND THE BENEVOLENT FOLK.
From nuanced and honest portrayals of fatherhood-gone-wild across the eighth season of Showtime's EMMY® Award-nominated series SHAMELESS to palpable intensity on the likes of SONS OF ANARCHY, Steve Howey reflects a classic masculinity on-screen equally steeped in humor and heart. That timeless leading man spark and quiet strength remain signatures of the acclaimed actor, writer, producer, and entrepreneur. Achieving a basketball scholarship to junior college in Colorado, he played two seasons before pursuing his calling as an actor. He would go from SOMETHING BORROWED alongside Kate Hudson, Jon Krasinski, and Jennifer Goodwin to BRIDE WARS where he re-teamed with Hudson, Anne Hathaway, and Chris Pratt to SUPERCROSS, LOSING CONTROL, UNLEASHED, IN YOUR EYES, and SEE YOU IN VALHALLA.
Steve currently can be seen in all 8 seasons of the critically acclaimed show SHAMELESS on Showtime and the anticipated film MAKING BABIES.
Alexa PenaVega has been paid as a professional actor since the tender age of 4 years old when she shared the screen with the infamous Burt Reynolds in the television series EVENING SHADE. Alexa went on to steadily work in amazing films like TWISTER, NINE MONTHS, MACHETE KILLS, SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR and several other noteworthy cinematic masterpieces. Her work in SPY KIDS made her a worldwide success and secured her role as CARMEN CORTEZ in the sequels Spy Kids 2, 3 and 4. But it's her insatiable likability and respectful work ethic that makes her a constant hire and on the list of many studios. Here she gives insight to the best ways to approach auditioning and being on set that enhances your chances for success.
Alexa currently can be seen on her YouTube Channel Lex Loves Los and Hallmark Channel's ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS. Alexa is producing two new projects with her husband, Carlos PenaVega and IM Global.
Hyper, irreverent, and just downright fabulous, ANT (spelled in caps) has steadily climbed the comedy hill to become one of the most successful comedians of our time. A regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Tyra Banks show, ANT is the only comedian to appear on all five seasons of NBC’s hit series Last Comic Standing. He is recognized as the host VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club and in the LOGO series, “U.S. of ANT.” ANT ventured out of his comfort zone, appearing in “Celebri-Cadabra.” a competition show featuring magic and celebrities. His hit stand-up DVD, “ANT: America’s Ready” and comedy CD “Follow my ass!” have sold tens of thousands of copies and are available in stores nationwide and online at every CD/DVD retailer including amazon.com. ANT’s daily video blog, “The ANT Colony,” has taken the web by storm.
Ant can currently be seen on various stages across the world and heard on his hit podcast, SECOND CHANCES.
Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Marianna Palka is a passionate actress and humanist filmmaker. Marianna can be seen as Reggie in Netflix’s new original series "GLOW", which follows the personal and professional lives of a group of women who perform for a wrestling organization in Los Angeles. At the age of 17, Marianna moved to New York from Scotland to study at David Mamet and William H. Macy’s Atlantic Theater Company. From there, she amassed numerous roles in theater, film and television. Marianna made her first journey to Sundance with her film GOOD DICK in 2008, starring Jason Ritter and herself. She returned in 2010 as a Sloan juror. Marianna can be seen in Peter Mullan’s 2011 BAFTA award winning film NEDS and in the lead role in director Jeremiah Jones independent film RESTIVE, which won the Audience Award at the 2011 Austin Film Festival and was nominated for Best Actress and Best Feature Film at the 2012 Charlotte Film Festival. She appeared in two short films which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival; SPOONFUL by director Jenee LaMarque and Bryce Dallas Howard’s second film WHEN YOU FIND ME, executive produced by Ron Howard for the Canon sponsored Project Imagina8tion. She returned to Sundance again in 2014 with the short documentary THE LION’S MOUTH OPENS. Marianna recently returned from yet another stint at Sundance after premiering a film which she wrote and starred in, BITCH; a surreal, manic, funny, absurd, tragic, and painful depiction of family life about a woman who takes on the identity of a wild dog. BITCH had its international premiere at Sundance London this June. She is currently directing EGG, starring Alysia Reiner, Christina Hendricks and Anna Camp.
On the small screen, Marianna’s work includes HBO’s "Girls", "Derek and Simon", and Comedy Central’s "Drunk History".
Alysia is best known for her role as Natalie "Fig" Figueroa, the tough as nails assistant warden everyone loves to hate on NETFLIX's hit series ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. Alysia won a SAG award as part of the amazing ensemble cast, and you can see her in all 5 binge-worthy seasons. She is currently in production on Season 6 of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK and recently launched her very own eco-friendly fashion label, Livari. Alysia recently wrapped production as both a producer and star of motherhood dark comedy EGG, starring with Christina Hendricks and Anna Camp.
You can also catch her as Sunny in F/X's critical hit and Peadbody Award winning BETTER THINGS, brought to you by the inimitable Louie CK and Pamela Adlon. And don't forget to look for her in recent/upcoming episodes of YOUNGER, BROAD CITY and ODD MOM OUT.
Alysia may be all over your streaming shows and on your TV, but she couldn't get an agent for years and self-submitted and taped for the break role in the Oscar nominated film SIDEWAYS. Listen in to hear her daily practice for being a creative person and how she is mentoring the next generation of female storytellers.
Monique Coleman was raised by a single Mom with the intention of being the best you and putting your effort in what is inside you that makes you shine. There was never an emphasis on the best headshot, the best hair, or the best clothes only the best YOU. Monique scored several critically acclaimed films as a youngster and was awarded the Young Artist Award in 1998. But it is her purpose, goal setting and achieving that blew away her competitors in the first year in Los Angeles. She understands branding and marketing, but ultimately the power of intention to manifest booking six shows immediately upon arriving. What will surprise you is that her first audition for the film that would make her worldwide famous (High School Musical) is what made her "quit" the business and retreat to Chicago.
Listen in to hear how Monique dealt with fame and transitioned her platform into reaching the youth of our nation. Monique is currently plays Katina Howard on the Verizon Go90 show Guidance and is producing to two new shows, Queen Bess and Desegregated.
Carlos PenaVega is known for his singing and acting on the hit Nickelodeon show BIG TIME RUSH but now his fans get to experience him on a daily basis through his hit show Lex Loves Los on YouTube. With a growing desire to make his own content, Carlos began documenting behind the scenes footage while traveling the world to sold out concerts. This skill came in handy and made him think outside the box for developing his brand. Carlos shares the long road to booking the job that changed his life, to the survival skills of staying afloat in this business to single handedly changing the course of his life when he moved to Hawaii.
Carlos is currently plays Diego on the new CW show Life Sentence and is producing to two new shows with his wife Alexa PenaVega for IM Global.
Lane Garrison accepted a dare in his senior year of high school and auditioned for the chorus line in the school musical. He didn't get it, but it gave him the confidence to explore that side of himself. A true Texan boy filled with grit and growth he didn't follow the rules, he only followed the intensity of his calling to make movies. After graduation he followed his instincts and headed west. But it didn't come easy for Lane, it took over 6 years to get a theatrical agent. Lane didn't give himself a backup plan, instead he strategized and worked hard to make opportunities happen for himself. After Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Oscar win for Goodwill Hunting, Lane figured his way into the acting world would be to write himself the part. A deal made over a 10 mile run and a game of basketball with Adam Sandler landed him with the biggest agents in Hollywood. Listen in to hear how Lane followed the "clues to his success" landing him in dynamic roles in Quality of Life, Shooter, Camp Xray, Prison Break, Bonnie and Clyde, From Dusk till Dawn, Better Call Saul, and Roots. The role on Roots garnered Lane a Critics’ Choice Award Nomination for “Best Supporting Actor In A Movie Made For Television Or Miniseries.
Gillian Vigman deems herself a late bloomer to the acting game, but she has always been an entertainer. She hailed from Second City in Chicago, but didn't give Los Angeles a try till she was 30 years old. A comedic genius with a self-depricating heart of gold, this woman knows how to make the uncomfortable job of auditioning into a humorous experience for everyone involved. Life has come full circle for Gillian from being taught by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler back in Chicago to now sharing the screen with them. Gillian held down multiple jobs for years to support her craft and find her "special something" that made her stand out from the crowd. Comedy. Life with Gillian is a constant chuckle, even as she journeys down the tragic moments of her career, she does so with such wit and amusement. You don't want to miss a moment of what might come out of this woman's mouth. Her story defies the Hollywood idealism of age and success. Her amusing approach to auditions has left an impactful imprint on my heart and to the Hollywood casting gods. Gillian has worked in over 70 television and film projects and countless commercial campaigns. She is most recognizable as "Jack's wife" in many Jack in the Box commercials and Bradley Cooper's wife in all the Hangover movies, but also for notable for her membership in the recurring cast of comedians on the sketch series MADtv. Gillian appeared in the critcially acclaimed show Son's & Daughters, Californication, New Girl, Suburgatory, Parks and Recreation, Dr. Ken, Life in Pieces, and Scrubs.
Gillian currently can be seen in THE HOUSE with Amy Poehler and Will Ferrel, in HBO's show DIVORCE and new CW show LIFE SENTENCE.
Jason Momoa was the FIRST one to audition for GAME OF THRONES and the LAST one cast a year later. His cousins impact on his life helped him make a strong choice that ultimately landed him the role. But it took him a few years and a couple of classes to trust his instinctive strong choices and learn how to "audition". BAYWATCH discovered him in his native home of Hawaii among a 1300 person cattle call. Jason responded to a radio call announcing the audition that would pay him more than the daily rate of folding T-shirts at the family owned surf shop. Jason's unique look has always made him a different choice but also made opportunities few and far between. So Jason, with many of his close friends, formed the production company Pride of Gypsies which has made Jason into an all around film maker, writing, producing, directing and acting.
Jason will always be remembered for his unforgettable role as Drogo in season one of GAME OF THRONES. Currently, Jason is Aquaman in the DC Comics JUSTICE LEAGUE and AQUAMAN in 2018. Check out Pride of Gypsies' BROWN BAG DIARIES, ROAD TO PALOMA and BRAVEN.
Merle was born in Okinawa, Japan to a mother of Korean and Japanese descent and an African-American father serving in the U.S Force. Growing up in Nebraska,but not into football, Merle didn't know where she fit. A friend encouraged Merle to choose drama as a study because she was told it was "easy". Little did Merle know that the drama department would be the community she had been longing for and that expression would give her the platform to explore social conditions and and the emotions that must be exposed to understand and accept each other. Merle graduated college and had a wild inclination that New York was where she needed to be to fulfill her purpose. With $107 in her pock, a packed Uhaul and an ailing kitten, she drove to New York and landed in the sea of many hopeful artist. Merle was still figuring out what was cool and learning everything on the fly. At the time a non-equity actor, she heard that everyone in town was going to audition for "Jesus Christ Superstar", so she decided to learn a song and stand in line at 4am to hopefully be given the opportunity to audition. At 1pm the casting director not only called her in to the room, but gave her the space and the light to shine. Even though most things came to Merle very easily, she was still doing what she considers "on the job" training and chasing after an idea or feeling of what it is to be an actress. After a job replaced her, a blessing in disguise, Merle accredits her acting coach Warner Loughlin for giving her the strength and confidence to approach every role with ease and unwavering sense of responsibility to the intention and message of the role. After working three jobs to support her theater career, Merle Dandridge landed herself in the company of Oprah and now holds the honor of portraying Grace on OWN's hit show, GREENLEAF. This woman's 25 year journey is nothing short of resilient, spiritual, and guided.
NYU graduate Julie Benz has worked, developing a career that has ridden high waves as a series regular on several TV shows…but she still auditions and LOVES it. By the time Julie Benz was 16 years old she had retired from her professional career as a figure skater due to an injury and was dragged by her Mom to her first audition. Julie got cast in the play and loved it. But Julie didn’t feel like she was a “natural” at acting and enrolled at the drama department at NYU, plus took additional acting classes in the city to get more experience. When NYU tried to kick her out for auditioning for a pilot, a tenured teacher put her reputation on the line and said she would quit teaching if Julie was kicked out of the program. Three years later, Julie graduated NYU and ran to Hollywood. Julie isn’t a prude, but she insists there must be a financial transaction to see her in a bikini. This smart and savvy woman stands her ground and respects her craft, yet will bravely put her raw “makeup free” heart and soul into an audition. Listen in to hear how accepting Vampire Girl #1 for Buffy the Vampire Slayer impacted her career and set the foundation of being on a short list for studios. Here she shares her “most favorite things” about acting, auditioning and The Secret gratitude journal.
Julie Benz currently can be seen critically acclaimed show Dexter, Defiance, Hawaii Five-0 and constant reruns of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Katheryn Winnick now stars in the History Channel critically acclaimed show Vikings in the iconic role of Lagertha, but it took 14 years to find the right role to really embrace and represent Katheryn's unique strength as a double black belt holder in Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Katheryn started her journey into acting by getting fired off of her first set by being too enthralled in the realism of the major action on set and instinctively starting to yell in the scene as a background artist. Her mother picked her up from set and Katheryn defiantly held her head high and told her Mom, "One day I'm going to be a lead actress and they won't be able to fire me." Katheryn is not only a lead actress, she is critically acclaimed and is on the short list for every major studio. Katheryn's business savvy skills as a young child made her the proud owner of three Tae Kwon Studios by the age of 21. When she started to pursue acting in New York in her early 20s she avoided having the torturous struggling artists syndrome because she had a thriving lucrative empire back in Toronto.
After being chosen to be on the first season of "The It Factor" Katheryn landed an influential theatrical agent and started making creatively bold choices in the audition room that garnered attention from casting directors on both coasts. The self-taught, introspective woman studied her own feelings and gave herself her own assessment of each audition by keeping an audition journal. This journal allowed her to see and identify her strengths and weaknesses in the audition room. This journal allowed her to be more free with herself and the feelings she had in the audition that ultimately illuminated a courageous, thoughtfully crafted career that many seek to have.
Katheryn Winnick can be seen in the 5th season of History's show Vikings, in The Dark Tower opposite Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba and in Call of Duty WWII video game.
Damon Dayoub didn’t dream of being an actor, he was working 90 hour weeks in El Paso, TX managing bars and decided he needed a hobby. That hobby landed him in Los Angeles at the mercy of some of the best casting directors looking out for him. Damon worked hard on his new found love of acting and started crafting a career by learning some tough lessons, taking chances and being humble. Many of Damon’s job have been from a few casting elites who have an eye for greatness and trust his instincts. Damon landed his first TV guest star role on the show, The Whole Truth (2010) casted by Michael Testa. Damon has also appeared on shows such as, Brothers & Sisters, Single Ladies, Dallas, NCIS, and The Last Ship.
Damon currently plays Detective Quincy Fisher on the third season of Freeform’s Stitchers (also cast by Michael Testa) and will be seen on the big screen later this year in Danger One.
Ravi Patel has been in over 70 national commercials, films and TV shows, most notably Transformers, Scrubs, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Comedians, Master of None, and Grandfathered BUT Ravi never intended on acting. In fact, Ravi planned on a career in finance. After faking his transcripts to secure a more reputable job, Ravi discovered that the finance world was not his cup of tea. His journey into acting is filled with serendipitously spontaneous adventures paving the way for Ravi being a recognizable face in your living room. An impromptu emcee job led to casting calls. A Ryan Seacrest billboard led to a stick figure drawn headshot that put Ravi’s natural improv skills on display in Michael Bay’s film Transformers. The well-circulated press trailer for Transformers was mostly Ravi’s small, but impactful, hilarious scene that grabbed the attention of a theatrical agent and several other opportunities in television.
For show notes and additional information, head over to www.alyshiaochse.com.
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Host and fellow actress, Alyshia Ochse sits down for a solo-conversation all about what to expect on the following episodes of That One Audition.
For show notes and additional information, head over to www.alyshiaochse.com.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.