Second Act Actors: Recent Episodes
Janet McMordie
First act actor and second act actor meet to swap experiences and perspectives on breaking into this notoriously tough industry! On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to actor Adam Murciano who grew up in an acting family and decided to pursue acting and ended up becoming a famous podcaster along the way.
Adam tells me what it was like to see his parents and grandparents regularly go off to auditions and how he landed his early successes as a child actor. We get into an interesting discussion on coping with rejection and whether you’d prefer to be notified that you’re not chosen or just ghosted by the casting director. Adam tells me about how he’s developed skills to protect his feelings from being burnt by rejection and how he keeps the fun alive in auditions. Listen out for the great advice that Adam’s acting coach gave him, which might just help you to book your next role!
Later on in the episode, we get onto Adam’s exciting new fictional podcast series Cascadia. He delves into how he made the podcast and what it means to him to achieve success on his own terms, with his own project. Stay tuned right to the end to hear his words of wisdom for anyone trying to break into the entertainment industry.
If you enjoyed listening to this episode of Second Act Actors, please support the podcast by recommending it to an acting friend.
Links
Cascadia podcast
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
What does it take to overcome your family’s expectations and your perfectionism and become a successful screenwriter? Well, Chris Soucy’s solution was to feel the fear, do it anyway and write a script every week for a year. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to another creative professional who’s finding his way in the industry.
Chris tells me about his early childhood in military towns in Georgia and how he transitioned into script writing. We get into an interesting discussion on combating perfectionism and Chris tells me how he changed the goalposts of his expectations to allow himself to write more and not judge his own work. We also talk about what it means to lead a fulfilling life and what that looks like to different people, especially those who don’t find satisfaction in their day jobs. Listen out for Chris’ reflections on sharing your feelings with others through art, which might inspire you to make room for more creative pursuits in your life.
This is a deep episode of the Second Act Actors podcast with a lot of material for you to think over. If Chris’ words of wisdom inspired you, please share the episode with other people and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
In a world where dreams have no expiration date, Amy Lyndon offers a lifeline to second actors pursuing their passions later in life. But just as they're ready to take the leap, a shocking revelation leaves them questioning everything. Will they find the courage to continue their journey, or will their dreams remain unrealized? Find out in this riveting interview with Amy Lyndon.
Meet Amy Lyndon, a seasoned actor and much-admired coach. Amy began her acting journey in her early years, working tirelessly to perfect her craft. It's this dedication and love for acting that birthed the trademark Lyndon technique, that she uses to train actors all around the world. Never one to mince words, Amy is known to make her students excel through constructive feedback. Her empathetic approach, particularly towards second act actors, has seen her guide many to success.
If you want a big career and get on a TV show, you need to take some time and figure out how to book television. It's not just about acting, it's about telling a great story in a deep, personal, and connected way. - Amy Lyndon
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Recognize the importance of storytelling in crafting memorable TV performances.
- Understand the role of self-initiative in creating an impactful acting career.
- Explore the interplay between commercial savvy and artistic vision in the acting world.
- Ascertain how to steer your path through the industry and find your unique acting specialization.
- Absorb essential tips for those who are embarking on their acting dreams in later years.
Balancing Business Acumen and Creativity: Acting isn't just about artistic expression, but also understanding the industry's business aspect. Amy Lyndon's advice highlights the importance of aligning your demo reel, resume, and image with current casting trends, and proactively steering your career journey. The key point to draw from this conversation is how managing the business side strategically can accelerate your acting career and maximize opportunities for desired roles.
Links:
WORK WITH AMY
SECOND ACT ACTORS WEBSITE
JANET MCMORDIE'S PERSONAL WEBSITE
MERCH STORE!
Join me for this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast as I talk improvisation, making mistakes, taking risks, acting techniques and classical music with trumpeter Aaron Romm. Aaron is a professional musician who brings his love of acting into his performances.
Aaron and I talk about how we met through an online improvisation class and the road that led him to wanting to develop his improv skills. He tells me about his early childhood growing up in a musical household and what his parents thought about him following the same career path. We go over what we’ve both learnt from improvisation and how freeing it can be to make mistakes, even if they happen in public.
Later in the episode, Aaron and I debate the role of acting in our own lives and society as a whole. Aaron shares his thoughts on how both acting and music help others to express and live through their emotions, which is essential listening if you’re looking for a way to explain your acting career to your family or friends!
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show your support for the Second Act Actors podcast, please rate and review the podcast and share it with someone in your community.
Links
Aaron Romm’s YouTube channel
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking to an actor with whom I’ve shared the screen as we were featured together in a film! Eric Miron is a music teacher and actor who’s refreshingly honest about what it takes to break into the acting industry. Join us for an engaging discussion about storytelling, making mistakes, counting wins, boosting self-confidence and overcoming trauma.
Eric tells me about why he was initially reluctant to get into acting and what made him change his mind. We trace his journey since then and share our experiences of feeling like we messed up on set and how we came back from it. Then we move on to talking about acting techniques and how to channel your previous difficult experiences in a positive way to enhance your performance.
This is a very optimistic episode of the Second Act Actors podcast that brings home the power of living your dreams and not caring about what other people think of you. If you enjoyed hearing Eric’s thoughts on acting, then subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
With a rich background in business sustainability, finance, and a myriad of other roles, Maggie Fleming is nothing short of a versatile individual. Known for her hands-on approach in the many creative endeavors she undertakes, her unique journey from Texas to the West Coast is quite inspiring. Having spent her early career working on innovative projects for a sustainability startup, including renowned Tesla, she courageously transitioned into a modeling career, proving it's never too late to pursue your passion in a new industry. Her ability to navigate this dramatic change, while remaining genuinely engaged in multiple projects, is a testament to her determination and adaptability.
Maggie's book: Link for info here
Second Act Actors website
Janet McMordie's personal website
Meet Dr. Jim Jenkinson - a talented individual who transitioned from dentistry to the world of acting later in his career. After 25 years in dental practice, he decided to follow his passion and immersed himself in the craft of acting. Despite facing challenges and an initial phase of minimal success, Jim persevered and started landing roles that allowed him to learn, grow, and enjoy his newfound career. His curiosity and dedication to his craft enabled him to become a versatile performer, handling diverse roles with ease and authenticity. As an example for late-career professionals, Jim's story highlights the possibilities that arise when we pursue our passions and challenge ourselves to grow.
His journey from dentistry to acting is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and find new paths. Join us as we explore Dr. Jim's inspiring story and discover how you too can harness your inner strength to pursue your dreams.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Delve into the captivating journey from dentistry to the world of acting.
- Grasp the art of making your acting performances appear seamless and genuine.
- Embrace your acting strengths by finding your distinctive niche.
- Tackle the hurdles of memorizing scripts and expressing emotions on screen.
- Receive the energizing boost you need to push forward as an aspiring actor.
Introducing Rebeka Herron, a versatile film producer with a life-long passion for storytelling. At a young age, Rebeka dove headfirst into the world of television before discovering her love for languages and music. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced adversity in the form of a traumatic head injury. Carrying on with determination, Rebeka pursued film and TV classes in high school, eventually earning a scholarship to film school. Following an insightful internship in Vancouver, Rebeka co-founded 180 Sisterhood, a production company that focuses on nurturing talents and fostering community growth in a smaller city setting. With her well-rounded skills and experience, Rebeka continues to inspire and empower aspiring filmmakers in her community.
This is Rebeka Herron's story:
Rebeka's move to Sault Ste. Marie proved to be a game-changer for her career. The smaller city provided a more supportive environment for indie filmmakers, with lower costs and less bureaucracy. Rebeka's experience in various facets of film production helped her and her business partner build a successful company, develop projects, and even launch a film festival in their new home. Although there may be challenges in working with a smaller crew, Rebeka's well-rounded knowledge in film production has equipped her to handle these difficulties with grace. Her journey is a testament to the benefits of gaining diverse experience and embracing the unpredictable twists life has to offer.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Learn essential career advice that can propel actors towards new opportunities.
- Realize the true value of fostering connections in the tightly-knit film industry.
- Understand how being well-rounded in film production can open up various career paths.
- Gain an insider's perspective on the highs and lows of the Canadian film industry.
- Embrace the changing dynamics of film production and thrive through adaptability.
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
“You’re getting rejected far more than you’re getting hired… If you’re even getting an audition, you’re one of the lucky ones”. Unfortunately this is a reality for many if not most actors, so how do you keep going? On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to L.A.-based actor Galen Howard about breaking into acting, keeping a positive mindset and becoming a successful character actor.
Galen tells me about how he built up the confidence to move to L.A. and pursue a career in acting, despite the uncertainty that the industry brings. We explore what his life has been like since he started acting professionally and how he came to embrace his status as a character actor.
Listen out for Galen’s experiences on the set of two incredibly popular TV shows, The Book of Boba Fett and Brooklyn 99! Galen also shares some great insights into acting techniques and gives words of wisdom to keep you motivated when it feels like you’re not making headway in your acting career.
If you enjoyed this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’d love for you to help the community to expand by leaving a rating or review of the podcast to help other actors to find it.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Shawn Lawrence has one of the coolest career paths I’ve ever heard of with stints as a celebrity bodyguard, police negotiator, stuntman and of course as an actor! He tells me his story on this really fun episode of the Second Act Actors podcast.
Shawn details how he moved from police work to acting and explains how his career prepared him to act on camera. We talk about how his real life experience has influenced his acting career and Shawn tells me why he now wants to move away from police roles. Shawn gives advice to new actors on setting realistic expectations and building a professional support network. Listen out for his fun filming anecdotes and his thoughts on being the ‘expert’ on set!
This episode is particularly valuable if you have a specialist skill that you’d like to bring into your acting career; you’ll want to hear Shawn’s perspective on sharing your professional insights with directors and producers.
You’re unlikely to have ever met anyone like Shawn in your life, so don’t miss listening to this episode! If you enjoyed it then please help the Second Act Actors podcast out by subscribing to it and leaving a review.
Links
CHARITY FUNDRAISER!
Simcoe County Theatre Festival Tickets!
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
It's about transformation. So magic is transformation. - Jacqueline Murphy
My special guest is Jacqueline Murphy
Meet Jacqueline Murphy, a multi-talented creator who discovered her passion for acting at a young age. With a background in nursing, Jacqueline made a successful transition into the world of showbiz, leading her to work with renowned directors like Martin Scorsese and Mike Nichols. Over the years, she has grown as a writer, producer, and director and has won over 50 film festival awards. Today, Jacqueline focuses on empowering others and telling uplifting stories through her creative ventures, finding a balance between her profession and her passion.
This is Jacqueline Murphy's story:
From a young age, Jacqueline Murphy was captivated by the world of entertainment, often reenacting scenes from iconic films in her backyard. Despite her innate talent, Jacqueline's mother urged her to have a stable career to fall back on, leading her to become a registered nurse. Little did she know, her background in nursing would pave the way for her acting career, as she played a nurse on a popular soap operas and went on to work with legendary directors. Jacqueline's journey highlights the importance of resilience and self-belief, as she strives to make a difference in the world through her art, empowering others to unlock their own inner magic.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Ignite your creative spark to embark on rewarding projects.
- Uncover effective ways to strengthen the link between your mind and body.
- Grasp the profound impact of taking baby steps in your journey to success.
- Build valuable survival techniques for facing adversity head-on.
- Understand how to balance teamwork with individual reflection.
Links:
www.jacquelinemurphy.net http://www.imdb.me/jacquelinemurphy Twitter - @JacquelineActor
FBFanPage:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacqueline-Murphy/36017161692?ref=br_tf
The Admired Film: www.theadmired.com http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4899664/ https://www.facebook.com/The-Admired-496317970528151/?fref=ts Twitter-@TheAdmiredFilm
CHARITY FUNDRAISER!
Simcoe County Theatre Festival Tickets!
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Scott Butler has the distinction of breaking into not one, but two, very difficult industries. He’s a former video game artist who got laid off in the 2008 recession and then decided to become an actor. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, Scott tells me about motion capture work, overcoming stage nerves and moving on from being “flying Jesus”.
We trace Scott’s journey from video games to acting and Scott details how he’s handled transitioning into a career that exposes your insecurities to the world. He gives me a behind-the-scenes scoop on his latest film Hypochondria and explains how he got the role without even auditioning.
Listen out for Scott’s hilarious story from early on in his career where he discovers mid-shoot why he booked the part and for his practical advice to older actors who are trying to break into the industry.
To get more Second Act Actors in your ears, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so that every new episode uploads automatically in your feed. You can also help the podcast to grow by sharing it with an acting friend.
Links
Scott Butler website
Scott Butler on IMDb
Hypochondriac on IMDb
SIMCOE COUNTY THEATRE FESTIVAL TICKETS!
CHARITY FUNDRAISER!
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
"For animation, we want you to bust out of the frame and become a different person. So if you're playing it safe and feel like constricted the way that you do, sort of if it's film and TV, you're not auditioning very well. You got to be way wackier."
Introducing Kim Hurdon, a true trailblazer in the voiceover industry. From her early days busking on the streets of Toronto to running the highly successful KH Casting agency and co-owning On The Mic Training, Kim's journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a keen eye for talent and a deep understanding of the ever-changing world of voiceover, Kim has become a sought-after expert for those looking to break into the industry. Her wealth of knowledge and friendly, approachable demeanor make her the perfect guide for aspiring voice actors.
This is Kim Hurdon's story:
Kim Hurdon began her journey in the world of voiceover quite unexpectedly. From busking on the streets of Toronto, she found herself working as a receptionist at an audio house that specialized in commercial music and sound. Through a chance opportunity, Kim discovered her knack for casting and voice direction. Over the years, she has helped countless actors find their own unique voice and break into the world of voice acting. In a twist of fate, during the pandemic, Kim expanded her expertise into online classes, eventually partnering with an accredited voice school out of Vancouver.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Grasp the importance of being true to oneself in voiceover acting and the training process.
- Unravel techniques for thriving in voiceover and animation by being detail-oriented.
- Acquire invaluable knowledge on voiceover directing and establishing convincing connections with your material.
- See the impact a physical background can have on enhancing voiceover performances, specifically in video games.
- Keep updated on the shifting landscape of character representation in video games and the voiceover industry's progression.
Links:
On The Mic Training
KH Casting
CHARITY FUNDRAISER!
Simcoe County Theatre Festival Tickets!
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking with massage therapist and actor Patrick Stiles!. Join us for an interesting discussion on perfectionism, balancing auditioning with another job and just what the hell you’re supposed to do with your hands when you’re acting on stage!
Patrick begins by telling me his story and how he’s managed his career since he stopped dancing and started acting. We talk about learning to “act small” for TV and how we’ve overcome our negative thoughts about casting directors so that we can outlast other actors in the industry.
Listen out for Patrick’s crazy story of working on a show in Russia that constantly received bomb threats and for his inspiring and gentle words of wisdom that might help carry you through a fallow period of acting work. There’s also some good advice here if you want to know how to fit acting around running your own small business!
If Patrick’s story resonated with you, then subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more episodes and to help the podcast to grow.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Michelle’s first act before acting was also on stage, but as a professional ballet dancer. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we get into the details on what it really means to have a creative career.
Michelle starts out by telling me how she became a ballet dancer and what her family thought of her career aspirations. We compare and contrast acting and dancing, with Michelle noting how her dance background helped her to learn how to act and gave her the discipline to work on her skills.
We also discuss why it’s important to really, really love acting if you’ve decided to make it your career, as there’s so much more work involved than just auditioning and showing up on set. Michelle tells me about some of her memorable on stage moments as a dancer and an actor, which goes to show why you need to be dedicated if you want to act!
Michelle’s story is such a great example of what it means to be a Second Act Actor and I’m so glad that she shared it with me on this episode! If you liked it then please subscribe to the podcast.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
A wee bonus episode for you all! This is the live recording of my workshop at the AACE (Association of Acting Coaches & Educators) conference!
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of podcasting alongside Chelsea and I!
In this lively session, we explore our captivating journey in the podcasting realm, uncovering secrets to becoming a stellar podcast guest or host. We'll also discuss the countless reasons why we adore this remarkable medium.
Tune in now and bask in the joy of podcasting goodness!
AACE website
Second Act Actors
Cue To Cue Podcast
“I’ve added it up and I’m probably a seventh act actor”, Stephen told me on this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast. Regardless of when or how you discovered acting, join me for this amazing conversation that traces Stephen’s journey from reporter to policeman to police cameraman to HR employee to career coach to actor.
Stephen and I compare notes on our experiences of starting a new career later in life, with Stephen sharing some great advice on how to define success when you’re an actor. He tells me how he stays motivated between jobs and breaks down his “holistic” approach to being an actor, where he puts himself out there but still takes care of the needs of his mind and body.
We also have a really interesting discussion about handling stress as an actor and Stephen shares some of his learnings on resilience from his time as a career coach. If you’re struggling with the lack of control that comes with acting, you’ll want to listen out for this bit!
This episode of the Second Act Actors podcast is a fantastic listen that you won’t want to miss. You can catch a load more episodes featuring other gifted actors pursuing their dreams when you subscribe to the podcast.
Links
Stephen Walker website
Stephen Walker on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
From humble beginnings, Lewis Baumander followed his instincts and embraced the unknown to create an unexpected and inspiring acting community, changing the course of his life and the lives of his students forever. Who knew that one man's dream could have such a powerful impact?
Lewis is an accomplished acting coach and the driving force behind the successful LB Acting Studio. With years of experience in the world of theater and directing, Lewis has honed his skills in nurturing and guiding actors to unleash their full potential. His commitment to building a supportive acting community and providing personalized mentorship has garnered him a reputation as a trusted and valued resource. By fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and growth, Lewis has helped countless actors achieve their dreams and make lasting connections in the industry.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the essential nature of empathy in creating realistic and compelling acting performances.
- Tackle the unique obstacles faced by second act actors with confidence and grace.
- Learn how a supportive network and mentorship can propel your acting career to new heights.
- Recognize and address harmful behavior in the acting world, standing up against abuse and entitlement.
- Embrace the impact of personal growth and moral responsibility on achieving long-lasting acting success.
Links:
- www.lbactingstudio.com
- www.secondactactors.com
- https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/@secondactactors
- https://www.instagram.com/secondactactors
- https://www.facebook.com/secondactactors
Jennifer’s relationship with acting is a long story, which is a testament to her passion and creativity. She came from a creative, artistic family and grew up acting, then left the profession only to come back to it later in life. Tune in to this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast to learn more!
Jennifer shares her perspective on living creatively and tells me why she thinks that all actors need both a community and another outlet for their creativity, to combat the loneliness that can come with being an actor. We also discuss how you can mark your progress as an actor and why you shouldn’t dwell on whether or not you have talent.
Later in the episode, Jennifer tells me about her activism through AACE (Association of Acting Coaches and Educators) and why she’s campaigning to create consent based practices and standards for students and teachers to provide safe working environments for classrooms and coaching studios. . Listen out for our interesting discussion about what oversight you should have as an acting teacher and for Jennifer’s words of wisdom for acting teachers!
If Jennifer’s words inspired you to develop your own craft, then please show your love for the Second Act Actors podcast by subscribing and leaving a review.
Links
Association of Acting Coaches and Educators
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Although he loved acting, Nick Sowma chose to become a lawyer because it was a ‘safe choice’ that provided a stable career path. However, after he caught and recovered from Covid, he decided it was time for a change so he became an actor. He tells me the full story on this great episode of the Second Act Actors podcast.
Nick and I compare being a doctor and a lawyer and talk about how those career choices have shaped us. Nick tells me what he brought from law into acting and scriptwriting and he shares how his experience of speaking for his clients in court prepared him to take on new characters and their stories in front of the camera. We also talk about dealing with nerves and chaos when on set, which is great advice that any new actor should know!
We also have an interesting chat about specificity in casting and Nick shares his thoughts on whether actors can, or should, play characters of a different sexual orientation or race to their own.
If you’d like to hear more stories from other talented second act actors then subscribe to the podcast so that you don’t miss an episode. You can also help the community to grow by sharing this episode online.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Michael Mau originally went to university to study theatre before switching into an English major, but as he tells me in this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, the desire to act never left him. He found a way to make acting part of his life, alongside being a teacher and father, before becoming a full-time actor. Listen to his story in this fun, interesting episode.
Michael tells me what it was like to quit his job and become an actor in March 2020 as the entire world was shutting down. We talk about how he found his initial acting roles and managed the transition from teaching to acting. Michael shares his thoughts on building a schedule and dealing with guilt around ‘not working’. Listen out for Michael’s ‘spite auditioning’ tip and how he copes with rejection in a healthy way!
Later on, we compare the difference between acting in theatre and acting for a camera, with Michael telling me his experiences of staying in character in between takes and interacting with cast members in character even when the cameras aren’t rolling.
This was a great episode to record and I hope you’ll love hearing it. If you’d like to show that you’re a fan of the Second Act Actors podcast, you can share this episode online or with an actor friend.
Links
MauHaus Productions
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
“If you zoom out and look at your life…what is already working in your life that will lend itself to transitioning into an acting career?” Cole Aansen, the special guest in this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, asks this interesting question as a way of describing her route from online teaching, language learning and bar work into acting. Tune in to hear her positive attitude, her thoughtful message and her journey into acting.
Cole tells me about the serendipitous path into acting and the chance meeting that encouraged her to go for her goals. She describes what her life is like now and explains the advantages of having a fully remote job if you’re also looking to pursue a career in acting. We also bond over our experiences as second act actors and Cole gives some excellent advice about how to bring lessons from your first act into your second. Listen out for Cole’s acting coach’s ‘essence descriptors’ technique to get the most out of your performances in auditions!
This episode of the Second Act Actors podcast is the shot of positivity and motivation that you need to hear today. If Cole’s words inspired you, then please share the episode on your social media accounts.
Links
Cole Aansen on Instagram
Cole Aansen on YouTube
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
My interview with Scott Erwin was very memorable for a number of reasons, one of which was his inspiring message: “Anything’s possible with enough education and enough desire to do it…it’s just going to be a question of ‘at what level do I get to do it?’”. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, Scott shares his story of being an accountant and business owner who lost it all and then discovered acting.
In the episode, we discuss everything from how Scott got into dancing to learning acting techniques later in life. Scott shares what surprised him about working in the entertainment industry and tells me a great story about how his accounting and acting careers overlapped in an unexpected way.
This episode is packed with practical advice for new actors, with insights from myself and Scott on how to overcome rejection and deal with feelings of being behind in your acting career. Listen out for Scott’s thoughts on method acting, which might help you if you also don’t enjoy staying in character in between takes!
What did you think about this episode? Was your journey into acting like Scott’s? Share your thoughts by posting about this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast online, and you can tag me with the links below.
Links
Scott Erwin website
Life is Like Us website
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This episode of the Second Act Actors podcast features filmmaker Jordan, who spent 4 weeks documenting the daily lives and struggles of the people of Ukraine at the beginning of the Russian invasion. He tells me about his experiences there and his lasting memories in this interesting interview.
Jordan and I also talk about acting and he tells me about how he got into acting through community theatre plays with his daughter. We discuss how Jordan fits acting around his day job and what he brings from his role as a project manager into acting. It turns out that being very organised helps a lot! Listen out for how he combines his acting skills and business knowledge to move his acting career forward and for his advice on how to balance acting with another career, particularly if you’re relying on your other job to earn money.
Our conversation also covers type casting and acting unions, with Jordan explaining why he joined an actors’ union and whether it’s been worth it so far.
If you enjoyed listening to Jordan and I talk about auditions, acting with beards and more, then subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more interviews with talented, funny actors.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
As actors, we sometimes feel like we’re at the centre of an entire film production but we need to remind ourselves that we’re there to bring a vision to life and that vision is the script. So on this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to screenwriter Courtney Harrell about where her ideas come from and how she translates them into words.
Courtney lays out her journey and tells me how she got into writing. We dive into her ‘Snuggles and Horror’ genre and where she gets her inspiration from. Courtney gives a lot of practical advice about the discipline of writing, telling me her technique to avoid writers’ block. We also celebrate the journey of finding yourself and finding success in a creative profession, where too often we applaud the people who’ve made it without supporting them along their journey.
If you’re looking for your place in the film industry and have the germ of an idea that you want to bring to life, this episode of Second Act Actors is for you. Listen all the way through to hear Courtney’s advice for aspiring writers and actors and make sure to rate and review the podcast to help other people to find it.
Links
The Dark Rainbow website
Are you an emerging screenwriter who is struggling with your story? Contact Courtney at www.thedarkrainbow.com/editing to schedule a free 15 minute call and find out how she can help you complete your screenplay.
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
“You don’t get into acting because it’s cool”. Angie Hung is the latest guest on the Second Act Actors podcast and she’s here to get real about what it takes to thrive as an actor. Join us as we talk loving your craft, what representation really looks like and how the Spice Girls inspire us to live our best lives.
Angie tells me about her corporate life and how she rediscovered her love of acting. She walks me through her auditioning process and how she feels about rejection now. We get into a great, in-depth discussion on representation in acting and in the workplace in general and Angie shares her perspective as an Asian LGBTQ+ woman who wants to see a more equal world for everyone. Listen out for her well-reasoned arguments on whether gay and straight actors should play roles that don’t align with their sexual orientation, which might surprise you.
This is a thought-provoking conversation about what it means to succeed as a Second Act Actor and carry your love of acting throughout your life. If you’d like to get more Second Act Actors episodes in your life, subscribe to the podcast to access the full back catalogue and all upcoming episodes.
Links
Actor Crush blog
Angie Hung on IMDb
Angie Hung on Instagram
Angie Hung on Twitter
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Tazito Garcia is a global traveller who had the choice between a career as a professional soccer player and who instead became an actor. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we discuss being your own agent, having the right mindset and giving back to others, even when you’re still climbing the acting career ladder yourself.
Tazito unpacks where his strong mindset came from and how it’s helped him to stay the course in this challenging industry. He shares encouraging advice for actors coming into the industry late in life and we discuss how to overcome the guilt of pursuing a dream that feels selfish when you’re an adult with responsibilities.
Later in the episode, Tazito shares details about his latest project, The Movie Expo, which helps people in the industry to network and learn some of the behind-the-scenes skills involved in making films. If you’re curious to develop your portfolio of skills, you’ll definitely want to listen out for this and to get involved!
If you liked this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast and if Tazito’s story resonated with you, please subscribe to the podcast and share it with someone in your acting network.
Links
The Movie Expo
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Neuroscientist, producer, sporadic hemiplegic migraine warrior, writer aaaaaaaand… actress! On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to one of the busiest and most interesting people I’ve met, Abby Tozer.
Like many of us, Abby started her acting career when she was cast in a school production of Annie. She tells me about her pursuit of her love of acting and performing and how she balanced it around her demanding studies at Berkeley University. We talk about the conversations we have with our families about acting and how we explain our acting careers to our parents, who might be supportive but are still confused about what it means.
If you’re someone with multiple interests across various fields, my interview with Abby has great tips for you about how to cope with FOMO and acknowledge your success before you move onto the next project. We also tie this discussion into the topic of acting techniques and Abby shares her thoughts on how she stays in character when her brain is constantly pulled in different directions.
To get more discussions with interesting and successful actors right in your podcast feed, subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast.
Links
Abby Tozer website
Abby Tozer on IMDb
Abby Tozer on Instagram
Abby Tozer on Twitter
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
What’s it like to go from acting to casting? How does it feel to be in charge of deciding which actor to choose from an amazing round of auditions? Jesse Griffiths made the transition from acting to casting and is now a casting director at Jesse Griffiths Casting in Toronto. He tells me all about this journey on this fun, interesting episode of the Second Act Actors podcast.
Jesse begins by explaining how he got into acting and gave up law school to pursue his dream. He then describes how he first started working in casting and why he eventually made the decision to leave acting behind to cast full-time. You’ll hear him describe a typical workday in his life as a casting director and learn what you can do as an actor to make the casting director’s job easier. Listen out for his advice for new actors who want to make an impression in their first auditions!
Later in the episode, Jesse and I discuss diversity in casting. Jesse shares details about his monthly online workshop that opens up opportunities for BIPOC actors to connect with and learn from people in the industry.
If Jesse’s beautiful final words of wisdom resonated with you, please help out the Second Act Actors podcast by subscribing and recommending it to an acting friend.
Links
Jesse Griffiths Casting website
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Episode sponsor:
Shaw Insurance/Financial Services Inc
Katie Prentiss’ personal saying is “Never say no for someone else”, and that’s what she had in mind when she sent off her first ever self-tape audition. She ended up booking a part in a film and has been hooked on acting ever since. In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we cover her transition into acting, how it’s working around her job as a photographer and the importance of having great ‘soft skills’, whatever your job.
Katie and I compare and contrast photography and filmmaking and discuss whether you need to have innate talent to be able to construct a beautiful shot. She also tells me about her experience of coming out from behind the camera and how she’s learnt to portray emotions in a visible, public way.
Listen out for our insightful discussion about dealing with the pressure of coming to acting later in life and how we’ve both come to terms with it. Katie has some inspiring advice at the end of the episode about overcoming your fears and taking a risk to follow your dreams which you’ll definitely want to hear!
To get more of the Second Act Actors podcast in your life, you can subscribe to the podcast or YouTube channel so that you never miss an episode.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Kurt was drawn to acting by the sense of unity that it gave him. Since he caught the acting bug, he’s been in plays, on hit TV shows and in films and he’s taught acting too. In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we talk about imposter syndrome, life experience, learning acting and Kurt’s exciting Artist 2 Artist project.
Kurt uses his acting coach perspective to list some of the most important skills that you need to know in order to be successful as an actor. He gives a great reason why your self-tapes should never be 100% perfect and why you shouldn’t give yourself unlimited takes to try to nail your performance.
We talk about the need to have feedback about the work you make and Kurt tells me the story behind his platform, Artist 2 Artist, and how it’s helping new actors to break into the industry. He also gives advice on other ways to up your skills as an actor and to make connections with the right people.
This episode of the Second Act Actors podcast will give you a different perspective on the craft of acting and you’re bound to learn a lot. If you enjoyed it, then please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating or review.
Links
Artist 2 Artist website
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
“I love every day of my life”: Isn’t that the dream for many of us? Or all of us? On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk with actress and supply teacher Alicia about teaching, acting, career advice and building a life that works for you.
Alicia tells me about her childhood which was full of creative passions, and how that translated into graduating as a teacher. We discuss one of the most common dilemmas for aspiring actors and performers: Should you go for the risky career that you love, or the stable income that’s perhaps not always been your dream? Alicia tells me how she balanced it all out and what she thinks of her career now.
Later in the episode, Alicia and I talk about the problems of body image and self-esteem for actors and how age helps us to be more resilient about rejection and criticism. Alicia tells me her exciting plans for the future and gives her final words of wisdom for actors trying to break into the industry.
If you’re a fan of the Second Act Actors podcast, you can help the community grow by leaving a rating or review of the podcast. I’d also appreciate it if you could share it with a creative friend.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
“I’ve always been an actor” is not the usual response I get from my guests on the Second Act Actors podcast, but it’s what Ray Buffer told me in this in-depth and interesting interview. We talk about being on set, what the Covid-19 pandemic changed for us and whether you should put more of your energy into making money or pursuing your creative passions.
Ray tells me about how he got into acting and what he thinks about being a character actor. He shares his pet peeve about “real actors” and why casting directors now expect actors to be more authentic, even if they’re already professionals. We also have a great discussion about the merits of live theatre versus acting for film and TV, with Ray sharing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Listen out for Ray’s wonderful tip on acting for student films!
This is a worthwhile episode to listen to if you’re looking for advice on how to start (or get back into) an acting career, with words of wisdom from the perspective of a professional. If you’d like to hear more interviews with talented actors then subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
What made Kato take the leap from working in insurance sales to becoming a full-time actor? On this episode of Second Act Actors, I interview Kato and find out what her life is like now that she’s giving acting her all.
Kato walks me through her transition from insurance into acting and how her life changed once she started making space for her natural creativity. Kato tells me about getting an agent and how she prepared herself to make a big life change into acting, but we also dive into what she wasn’t ready for and what surprised her along the way. She explains how her feelings about acting are different now that she acts for a living, and the new pressures that she must face.
In this episode, you’ll hear both of us share our words of wisdom for people looking to change up their careers or start acting, and our theories about what ‘success’ looks like in the acting world.
This is a great episode to listen to if you need encouragement to follow your dreams and gain control over your life. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe, or follow the Second Act Actors podcast wherever you get your podcasts from.
Timestamps
[1:30] How Kato got into acting from her job in insurance
[3:07] “It wasn’t like I was so prepared”: How Kato managed the shift from insurance into acting
[5:57] Transitioning from improv to acting and how acting classes improved Kato’s life
[8:57] Did Kato always want to be an actor?
[10:34] Why Kato chose a ‘practical’ career
[12:06] The turning point that pushed Kato into acting full-time
[13:53] The pressures of being an actor are different, but they’re still there
[15:30] What Kato’s brought from her sales job to acting
[18:27] Getting over the “What the hell am I doing??!” feeling and learning to self-promote
[20:45] Getting comfortable with yourself to handle rejection
[22:53] How Kato’s feelings about rejection have changed since she started acting full-time
[24:55] Is acting a creative outlet or a way to make money?
[28:07] Kato’s great experience as a background actor
[31:48] Background acting is amazing!!
[33:08] Kato’s advice for people who want to switch into an acting career
[34:27] Are Kato’s family supportive of her now?
[36:27] What Kato’s looking forward to this year
[37:30] This time, it’s my turn to give the final words of wisdom!
[39:23] “We’re in charge of our own destinies here”
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This episode of Second Act Actors features a truly Hollywood-style entry into acting: Ryan was working at the grocery store when he was scouted by a producer who gave him his email address and told him to get in touch. Next thing you know, he’s on set and working as an actor!
In the episode, Ryan and I dive into the details about what acting has been like for him as a deaf person. Ryan gives me his opinions on diversity in casting and the opportunities available for deaf people in the industry. He reflects on his career so far, which includes stints as a professional athlete before he became an actor, and shares his ambitions for the future and his mission to raise the profile of the deaf and hard of hearing community. At the end of the episode, he gives advice to aspiring actors who want to make it in the industry.
Jump over to the Second Act Actors YouTube channel to watch the video version of this episode and see Ryan communicating with me through his interpreter! And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories of ambitious, talented actors who are making their way through acting and life.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Rebecca Durance Hine is a second act actor and cancer survivor and she joins me on this episode to discuss acting, cancer, gratitude, people pleasing and making the most of the present moment.
Like a lot of second act actors, Rebecca was interested in acting from a young age. She studied theatre at university and spent six months after graduation looking for acting work but eventually lost her confidence and decided to get a ‘real job’ instead. However, at the age of only 28, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and realised that life was too short to not pursue her dreams so when she recovered, she threw herself back into the acting industry alongside her day job.
She tells me about how she was able to recover from cancer with her mental and emotional health still so intact and how her sense of gratitude has shifted her perspective on life. We then talk about why she felt pressured to give up acting in the first place and the advice that she would give to others in the same situation.
This episode is full of words of wisdom, but you’ll definitely want to listen to the end to catch Rebecca’s final words of wisdom on not holding onto regrets. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast and share it with someone in your network that needs an inspirational boost
Links
Rebecca Durance Hine website
Rebecca Durance Hine on Instagram
Rebecca Durance Hine on Facebook
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Yale Quarterback to actor…is it a viable career path? On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to Alvin Cowan who made the leap from the football field to the big screen.
Alvin tells me about his journey from American football quarterback to professional actor with credits such appearances in Westworld and Better Call Saul to his name. He details how he broke into acting as a young man arriving in Los Angeles with no connections to his name, and the training he did to develop his acting skills.
You’ll hear about what Alvin’s life is like now, one where he balances acting with writing and producing. He shares some great insights into his approach to creative living, such as how he finds the inspiration to write and what he does to make himself ready to be vulnerable in front of others. Listen out for his excellent advice about not depending on your passion for acting for all of your income and why you should think about diversifying your creative skillset.
This is a great episode of Second Act Actors which is full of memorable advice, industry insights and a Clint Eastwood story too! If you enjoyed it, make sure to subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast so that you get every episode directly in your podcast queue.
Links
Alvin Cowan on IMDb
Alvin on Twitter
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I introduce the lovely and talented Erin Zukowski who’s moved into acting from an office management job and is starting to gather momentum in this second act of her career.
Erin recounts her life story of growing up in Florida, losing her dad at a young age and then deciding to move to Chicago. She met her husband in Chicago and they always enjoyed watching theatre and improv shows, but Erin didn’t get involved with it herself until she eventually moved to L.A. She tells me what finally pushed her to start acting, how she balanced it around the demands of her job and how acting eventually won out over her day job.
We discuss how second act actors can get started on a path towards an acting career and why we should ‘pay it forward’, which is in contrast to the popular ‘veil of secrecy’ attitude over how actors get started in the industry. We also swap notes on the struggles of being an empath and how having a career before acting can help you to build up resilience and determination.
If you liked this episode of Second Act Actors, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast to hear previous episodes.
Links
Erin Zukowski on Instagram
Erin Zukowski on Facebook
Erin Zukowski on Twitter
Erin Zukowski on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This episode of Second Act Actors features the lovely Stephanie, who came to acting after working in sales but who also has experience as a waitress, cleaner, gogo dancer, mother, wife and much more. Tune in as we go over her story and share our thoughts on rediscovering acting after your 20s.
Stephanie tells me about the huge overlap that exists between working in sales and acting, which is an extended form of selling yourself to a casting director. She explains why she felt pressured to quit acting in the first place and what coming back to acting has been like. You’ll be surprised to hear her thoughts on the availability of roles for women over 30 in the industry!
We also discuss the different kinds of pressure that second act actors feel compared to people who got into acting at a young age and Stephanie shares excellent advice and words of wisdom for second act actors, including how she balances acting around raising her four children and why she’s just starting to build momentum in her script writing projects.
This is a beautiful episode of the Second Act Actors podcast that will inspire you to push that bit harder to make acting a part of your life, however big or small. If you liked the episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Michael Stein is a second act actor unlike any other. Acting is actually part of his first and third act, as he started out doing stand-up and then landed a role in a film through a friend. From there, he tried to get his own films off the ground but wasn't having any luck in the Hollywood pitching game so he left acting behind to start his own business. He managed to make half a million dollars in his first year and is using the money from his business to fund the next stage of his acting career.
Michael tells me about the other elements of his life story, including being a ‘long shot’ as he was born very prematurely into a family with a grandmother who fled antisemitic persecution in Russia and a father who grew up homeless in New York. We talk about the mindset of being second act actors and how you can still bag work by making real, genuine connections in the industry. We also dive into the knotty question of typecasting and whether you should lean into your typecast or try to break away from it.
This is such a fun episode of Second Act Actors with another interesting and exciting guest who has a unique perspective on the entertainment industry. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe to the podcast and share it online or with a friend.
Michael Stein on IMDb
Michael’s stand-up comedy sets on YouTube
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
For this episode of Second Act Actors, I’m sitting down with another actor who came into acting from the medical field. Eliza Shin applied to medical school and spent years training to be a doctor and then specialising in urology, but she knew in her heart that medicine wasn’t for her. She tells me about her mental health struggles throughout her time in med school and how she built up the courage to walk away from it all and follow her dream to be an actor.
Eliza and I compare notes of our experiences at med school, from the huge gender disparity in students and doctors to the kind of person that med school turns you into. Eliza tells me that she constantly felt as if she were playing a character when she was a doctor and that she didn’t fit in with people who clearly loved what they were studying when she didn’t.
We also go into what Eliza’s life looks like now working as an actor and how she was able to make that huge transition. You’ll hear us discuss what ‘working on your acting skills’ actually looks like and how you can become a better actor by learning to let go.
This episode of Second Act Actors covers some pretty deep topics and shines a light on the diversity of actors working in the industry today. If you liked it, make sure to subscribe to the podcast.
Links
Eliza Shin on Instagram
Eliza Shin on Facebook
Eliza Shin on YouTube
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This episode of Second Act Actors is packed full of advice and insights from actor and acting coach Jacqui Maloney. From the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome to her mentality around auditions to the right reasons and wrong reasons to become an actor, Jacqui’s got a wise word to say on every topic.
Jacqui is another second act actor who felt called to act from a young age but put her dreams to one side to take up a more stable career. However, she couldn’t ignore her vocation and eventually retrained as an actor and moved to New York. She tells me about how she was able to make her acting dream a reality and how her initial ‘side hustle’ attitude to acting has helped her to keep her sense of joy and playfulness alive.
In the episode, you’ll also hear Jacqui discuss the film industry in Australia and how the Covid-19 pandemic has forced actors to broaden their skillset. Jacqui shares a funny story from a KFC advertisement and tells me about what her family thinks of her career now, giving advice on how to broach difficult conversations around finances and stability with the people closest to you.
If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend to show your support of the Second Act Actors podcast.
Timestamps
[0:04] Jacqui explains the root of her love of acting, how she was pushed into pursuing a ‘real’ career, and her move to New York
[3:26] Why Jacqui felt compelled to take an acting class in Sydney
[5:40] How Jacqui was able to gather up the courage to move her life to New York
[8:15] The ‘tall poppy’ syndrome in Australia vs. New York
[10:36] Why Jacqui moved back to Australia and what her life has been like since then
[12:15] “Lots more opportunities to be seen”: Jacqui explains the Australian film industry and how it’s changed since the pandemic
[16:40] The perspective you have on working as an actor if you don’t go to theatre school
[20:30] The advantage of treating acting as a side hustle instead of as a main job
[22:28] Jacqui’s advice on starting acting later in life
[24:43] How Jacqui brings the joy into acting and a story of how an actor was able to make a character his own
[33:03] Jacqui’s funny KFC advertisement audition experience
[35:50] How Jacqui’s family view her career now
[39:30] No-one teaches us how to communicate through conflict
[43:07] What Jacqui’s excited about this year
[44:12] Jacqui’s mentality around auditions
[49:20] The wrong reasons and the right reasons to become an actor: Jacqui’s final words of wisdom
Links
Jacqui Maloney on Instagram
Jacqui Maloney on IMDb
Jacqui Maloney Coaching on Instagram
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Vincent Salvador has had a pretty interesting life. He acted in plays in school but decided to study humanities at university. After graduation, he ended up working nights with an organisation combating financial crimes. During the day, he pursues his acting career, auditioning for roles and writing scripts.
Vinnie and I talked about his passion for acting and how by chance he came to work on an award-winning production. We discuss why learning to improvise improves your acting skills, which is something that Vinnie knows a lot about as his brain injury has impaired his ability to learn lines. We also compare notes on how our lives outside of acting have put us in contact with a much broader range of people and the wealth of experience that gives us to draw upon to build up well-rounded characters.
During the interview, Vinnie gives some inspiring advice about maintaining gratitude and how he tries to appreciate every moment that he spends on set. As he says, “If you don’t love the process, don’t do it!”
If you learned something from this interview, subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more episodes with other brilliant actors.
Timestamps
[0:04] Vinnie explains how he got into acting
[5:39] Vinnie’s first act in working nights in a financial crimes department
[6:50] Thinking on the fly: How Vinnie was able to let go of the 9-5 mindset
[9:07] The unfortunate incident that allowed Vinnie to develop his improv skills
[10:50] Using improv to let go of the idea of being perfect and to learn how to listen
[13:10] What Vinnie’s brought from his first act to his second
[16:45] Building a character from the people you encounter outside of acting
[20:27] What surprised Vinnie about joining the industry
[23:20] Advice from Vinnie about how to sustain your gratitude
[25:18] Vinnie’s mad on-stage and on-set stories
[32:50] What Vinnie’s looking forward to this year
[34:27] “If you don’t enjoy the process, don’t do it!”
Links
Vinnie on Instagram
Vinnie on Facebook
Vinnie on Twitter
Vinnie on TikTok
Vinnie on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
What does being a cop have in common with being an actor? Well, more than you’d think, according to Victor Dobro! Victor is my guest on this episode of Second Act Actors and he’s here to talk to me about background work, auditions, starting out as a new actor, and drawing on his real-life experiences to portray a more accurate and relatable character.
Victor always enjoyed watching cop shows as a child and got interested in acting when his friends were cast in shows like Breaking Bad. He decided to break into the industry, working as an actor, stuntman and a police tactical advisor, but found a passion for acting and is working towards acting full-time.
We talk about what his journey’s been like so far and how he’s managing his personal life, police work and his finances during this transition. Victor shares some insights into his positive mindset around looking for acting roles and gives great advice to other new actors about what they can do to prepare themselves for the industry.
Please follow or subscribe to Second Act Actors to show your support for the podcast and for the small community of brave people who know that it’s never too late to follow their acting dreams.
Timestamps
[0:15] How Breaking Bad inspired Victor to start to transition from being a police officer to being an actor
[6:10] Victor’s interest in films and what he’s learnt since he started working in the industry
[8:18] Do you really need to memorise your lines before you film?
[10:10] What is it about acting that Victor loves so much?
[14:45] Loosening up your analytical mind to perform better
[17:10] The difficulty of moving from stage to screen
[19:25] “You better believe I’m going to give you three crazy takes!”: Channelling different emotions in self-tapes
[21:57] What has Victor brought from the police force to his acting career?
[25:00] Victor on bringing authentic emotions to the scene drawn from his real life experiences
[30:01] “How do U.S. generals behave?”: Acting as a U.S. army general
[33:43] Victor’s advice for people who want to start acting
[37:57] You can’t win if you don’t play
[40:35] Getting into the mindset of loving the unpredictable and how Victor’s preserving his time and money during the auditions process
[43:50] Victor’s fun on-set story from The Walking Dead
[47:35] The life of a background actor
[49:15] “You’re gonna get out of it what you put into it”: Victor’s advice to new actors
[53:20] It’s not brown nosing, it’s networking
[58:00] And what does Victor think of cop shows??
Links
Victor Dobro on Instagram
Victor Dobro on Facebook
Victor Dobro on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Megan Beers is an American-Canadian actor who’s worked in both Toronto and Los Angeles. Today she’s my guest on Second Act Actors and she shares her experiences of moving to a new city, working on the set of The Handmaid’s Tale and what marketing and acting have in common.
Megan always knew that she wanted to be an actor but decided to complete a degree in marketing with a minor in theatre. She explains to me why she chose marketing over acting at that time in her life and what she’s brought from her marketing background into her acting career. We discuss why she moved to Toronto and then to L.A. and she also unpacks the madness of L.A. pilot season, which is totally specific to acting in L.A.
If you’re looking to become an actor, listen out for Megan’s advice on why working on pilots is such a great opportunity and what she learnt from her background acting jobs. At the end of the episode, you’ll also hear Megan’s inspiring words for anyone who’s thinking about pursuing acting as a career.
Subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more funny and inspiring interviews with people who never gave up their dreams of being an actor.
Timestamps
[3:50] Megan tells the story of how she got into acting and but still wanted to do a degree in marketing
[6:35] Degrassi: The reason why Megan chose Toronto
[11:04] Building up your acting career momentum in a new city
[12:40] Background acting is still real acting!!
[15:40] What Megan learnt from doing background work on Shadowhunters
[17:48] What’s the difference between doing acting classes in Toronto and L.A.?
[18:53] Theatre acting vs. camera acting, and transitioning from one to the other
[22:00] How to make a connection with someone over Zoom
[24:00] What Megan brought from marketing into acting
[27:00] ‘Taming yourself’ to become a successful actor
[29:21] Pulling from your previous experiences to make a more convincing character
[30:50] What surprised you about the acting industry?
[32:03] “My family is secretly creative”: Where Megan’s creative talents come from
[34:18] Megan’s memorable moment on the set of The Handmaid’s Tale
[37:30] What Megan’s looking forward to this year
[39:44] “It’s a wild time”: Megan explains L.A. pilot season
[41:34] Why it’s great to work on pilots
[42:33] Megan’s final words of wisdom to an any aspiring second act actors
Links
Megan on IMDb
Megan on Instagram
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Tune in and settle down to listen to this soothing and inspiring episode of the Second Act Actors podcast with the truly wonderful Dr Becky Van Iersel, who is a grounded, lovely doctor who also made a change in her career to align it more with her life and her feelings about health and wellness.
Becky has worked several different roles within medicine but struggled to balance the demands of her career with her family life and eventually experienced severe burnout. She now has a mental health practice that supports people with burnout as well as trauma and addiction. Becky and I discuss burnout and Becky gives an interesting theory as to why burnout is like PTSD, which could provide a better framework for treatment than is currently available. Listen out for what Becky learnt from her burnout and her words of wisdom on coping with change in your life.
You’ll also hear what Becky’s life is like now and how her farmstead provides a sanctuary for people to relax, get in touch with nature and hang out with alpacas.
If Dr Becky’s words of wisdom resonated with you, please subscribe or follow the Second Act Actors podcast and share what you learnt from her with a friend.
Timestamps
[0:35] Becky’s childhood, her career in medicine and her turning point
[9:00] A new job and a move to a homestead
[11:18] Becky’s training with Brené Brown
[13:11] Why does Brené’s work resonate with so many people?
[17:37] Becky’s experience of burnout
[21:17] How do you coach someone through burnout?
[25:18] “You’re stronger at the broken points”: True or false?
[27:55] How self-compassion allowed Becky to change
[31:10] Why do so many people feel trapped in their careers and make a switch to something more creative?
[34:48] Are we all creative and heading for crisis?
[39:35] Becky’s theory on why the pandemic pushed so many of us to make a big life change
[41:45] Life on Becky’s farm
[44:10] Outdoor yoga in the sheep pen
[45:53] The benefits of spending time in nature
[48:07] “It’s ok to struggle”: Becky’s final words of wisdom
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Compassionate Inquiry coach and end of life doula Claudia about midlife transitions and how to honour your life’s purpose in a healthy, meaningful way.
Claudia tells me her life story and about how her own experience of burnout as a photographer shaped her and gave her an interest in helping others through the same process. She talks about what she does with her clients as an end-of-life doula and how she brings this deepened perspective to her clients facing a midlife crisis.
We move on to discuss the mechanics of a transition period and Claudia gives advice to people who feel as if they’re stuck or dissatisfied with their lives at the moment and the steps that they could take to make a change. Claudia recounts her experiences of studying under her hero Dr Gabor Maté and how his trauma-focused approach has influenced her work.
This is a moving conversation about meaningful topics that come up too rarely in our society. You’ll hear advice from Claudia on how to navigate challenging questions about life, death and being human, which you can come back to along your journey. If this episode of Second Act Actors made you stop and think, please share it with someone you know that needs to hear this important message.
Timestamps
[0:10] Claudia’s path to becoming a death doula
[2:58] How Claudia’s experience of burnout as a photographer gave her the chance to help others through their midlife struggles
[6:40] Is having a midlife crisis a sign of privilege?
[9:50] Claudia walks me through her coaching process
[12:30] Balancing out passion and logic
[15:25] What is an end-of-life doula?
[17:38] My experience of working with death as a doctor
[18:40] How Claudia’s bringing her experience of being a death doula to her midlife coaching services
[22:07] What advice would Claudia give to someone who feels like they’re stuck in a rut?
[25:00] The mini-death that comes with a transition period
[29:25] “It all comes together at the midlife”: Claudia’s work with Dr Maté
[31:50] What advice would Claudia give to people who want to get in touch with their earlier selves?
[34:52] We should talk about this more!!
[37:50] Where to go to find out more about Dr Maté and your life journey
[39:35] Where to go to find out more about Claudia
[40:04] “Trust and truth”: Claudio’s advice to people who are on the edge of a big life change
Links
Permission to Bloom website
Permission to Bloom on Instagram
The Wisdom of Trauma documentary
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m sitting down with fellow Janet and actor Janet Walmsley, who was a dental hygienist for 27 years before her son persuaded her to audition for a play in a local theatre. Since then, Janet hasn’t looked back and has acted on stage and screen, been nominated for awards and has started her own acting class for people arriving into acting later in life.
Janet tells me about some of the acting and life lessons that she teaches in her acting class and how she encourages wannabe actors to keep the fun at the heart of what they do. We swap notes on working in a medical background and how our skills of listening and teamwork translate really well into the acting industry.
In the episode, you’ll also hear Janet discuss some of her best on-set moments with some really talented actors and the advice that she gives to people who want to follow her example and make their acting dreams come true.
This is such a lovely, fun discussion that’s sure to put a spring in your step. If you enjoyed listening to two actors talking about their love of acting, subscribe or follow the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more content like this.
Timestamps
[0:45] “It was kind of a surprise how I came back into acting”: Janet’s journey from being a dental hygienist to an actor
[6:26] What Janet really loves about acting and acting classes
[9:03] The four Ps of acting to help you through the struggles of working in acting
[10:10] What Janet brought from her dental hygienist role to the stage and screen
[14:28] Janet’s Shifting Lanes acting class
[17:30] What advice would Janet give for older would-be actors?
[21:56] How to present yourself to a casting director
[24:50] Let’s get rid of “standard” accents!
[27:45] What surprised Janet about getting back into the acting industry
[32:27] You have to be patient and persevere to make it
[34:56] Janet’s favourite on-set moments
[38:47] Getting nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the ISA Awards and more: some of Janet’s career highs
[41:38] It’s never too late to get into acting!
[42:22] You have to be in acting for you
[45:10] What Covid-19 has done for Canadian actors
[46:30] “I have a movie coming out!”: What Janet’s looking forward to this year
[50:03] Getting back into the habit of doing physical auditions
[51:49] Janet’s words of wisdom for people who want to get into acting
Links
Janet Walmsley on Instagram
Janet Walmsley on Facebook
Janet Walmsley on Twitter
Shifting Lanes Acting Coaching with Janet Walmsley
Janet’s book
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Lara, an Toronto-based actress who’s passionate about acting training and building communities of skilled actors. Lara felt pressured by her parents to pursue a ‘traditional’ career and had a job in social work but couldn’t let go of her dream to act and sing. She eventually switched into acting and is excited about the possibilities of developing her career in the industry.
Lara breaks down the many reasons that acting training is so important and why she’ll never stop developing herself. She tells me why “How do I get in the room?” is the wrong question to ask, and why continuously learning and growing your skills is a healthier approach to furthering your acting career. She then talks about drilling down on the reasons why you want to be an actor and how that’ll show up in your performance. You’ll also hear us discussing how having a first act outside of acting gives you a much more solid foundation than starting out acting without having any real life experience.
If you learnt something from this interview or if it inspired you to develop your own acting skills, please subscribe or follow the Second Act Actors podcast.
Timestamps
[1:38] How the Care Bears inspired Lara to get into acting
[3:00] “The arts kept on finding me”: Lara’s first act in college and beyond
[7:23] Lara’s passion for music
[9:45] Being a person of colour in the industry
[11:03] “I don’t believe in being a starving artist unless I have to be”: Lara on the creativity and resourcefulness of actors
[14:20] How Lara’s social work background has helped her to become a better actor
[16:25] You need to know why you want to act
[18:25] The advantage of coming to acting from a totally different career
[21:25] Why “How do I get in the room?” isn’t the right question to ask
[23:15] It’s all about the clan!
[24:50] Lara’s advice on how to make the most out of your time on set
[26:20] What second act actors bring to a film set
[28:54] The online improv community
[32:50] Building up a supportive, talented community
[34:07] Lara’s experience dancing on a music video set with Nelly Furtado
[37:12] Why acting training is important for more reasons than you think
[40:20] Relationships build certainty in an uncertain industry
[42:05] Paddle boarding and training: What Lara’s looking forward to this year
[43:17] A first act career is a foundation
[45:40] Not everybody in the industry is intimidating
[47:17] “You’ve got to be worthy to get paid that amount”
[49:49] Lara talks about auditioning from the casting director’s point of view
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I sit down with Will, who’s a lovely, stable, positive person who’s also an actor and a teacher. Will’s a first act actor, having attended theatre school in Toronto, and today he acts and teaches other actors to have a positive mindset and to value themselves so they can truly put themselves into the character they’re playing.
Will tells me what he did and didn’t learn at theatre school and how he eventually made up for his lack of knowledge by taking on a mentor and shifting his mindset. He reveals the low point that he went through after leaving theatre school and the work that he had to do to overcome it. Will also dives into the fallacy of the ‘starving artist’ mentality and how it can be dangerous to young actors in the industry, and he paints his alternative vision of being a ‘thriving artist’.
This episode of Second Act Actors is an uplifting listen that’s full of great advice about what it actually takes to become an actor. If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend or online to spread the message about valuing yourself, even in a famously tough industry.
Timestamps
[0:15] How struggling in music class made Will want to be an actor
[2:38] What did Will’s parents think of him becoming an actor?
[4:00] Will on making his own back-up plan and teaching acting to others
[5:24] Will’s experience of theatre school
[8:00] “There’s a lot missing from the educational world”: What you don’t learn at theatre school
[10:00] Camera experience, mentors, mindset shifts: How Will made up for his knowledge deficit
[13:46] Will’s post-theatre school low point
[17:40] Gaining a breakthrough by working on your mindset
[18:55] What a truly great teacher can do for your confidence and your acting career
[24:33] What’s the difference between a first act actor and a second act actor?
[25:53] The danger of the ‘starving artist’ mentality
[28:40] How to stop being a starving artist and to start being a thriving artist
[30:23] Will’s crazy on-stage story from a production of Hamlet
[35:55] How Will’s family and friends would describe his job
[37:03] The new business: What Will’s excited about for this year
[38:23] “You are enough”: Will’s final words of wisdom
Links
Karrie and Will Coaching
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Today’s guest on the Second Act Actors podcast is the funny, quirky and lovely Robyn Deverett, the self-styled ‘Acting Physiotherapist’. Robyn acted in a lot of school plays but eventually decided to pursue a career in physiotherapy. However, being Robyn, she found a way to combine the two and uses her acting and comedy skills to provide education on physiotherapy and particularly on the importance of exercising your pelvic floor. She regularly shares videos about pelvic floor and other essential physio-recommended exercises.
We discuss the problems of working in the healthcare system today and how acting can be an escape from your first act career burnout. Robyn shares some great tips with me on how to access your emotions and tells me how she learnt to cry on command in auditions. We also talk about why actors need to keep supporting other actors, despite the competitive nature of the industry.
To hear other fun, entertaining interviews with passionate actors, make sure that you subscribe or follow the Second Act Actors podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Kristin Duffy is my guest on this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast and she’s here to tell me about switching from fashion to acting, how triathlons were formative for her and her experiences of being an American in London.
Kristin was the oldest of six children and was interested in acting from a young age, but decided to study fashion and landed a design role for a major chain based in New York. However, she became unsatisfied with her career and made the switch to studying acting in London. Together we discuss whether we put too much pressure on ourselves to make our first career work out. As the host of The Second Chapter Podcast, Kristin interviews women over 35 who made huge career changes so she has plenty to say about this!
We also compare notes on how society treats women, especially women over the age of 40, and how aging in the UK compares to ageing in the US. Kristin tells me about her thoughts on living in London and how triathlons can be like having a baby.
If this episode struck a chord with you and encouraged you to go for a big life change, please share it on your go-to social media channel and subscribe to The Second Act Actors podcast.
Timestamps
[2:20] Kristin talks about her childhood and her career in fashion
[5:43] Kristin on the roots of her creativity
[7:30] How science-y is fashion design?
[9:22] Getting inspired to become a triathlete
[13:57] Kristin and I talk building a community around your hobbies
[15:37] “It’s kind of like having a baby”: Kristin tells me about her first triathlon
[17:00] How Kristin became a triathlon coach
[19:07] Kristin’s second act as an actor
[21:02] What Kristin’s brought from fashion and triathlons to acting
[22:52] How The Second Chapter Podcast helps Kristin to overcome the struggle of acting
[26:00] Do we put too much pressure on ourselves to make our first job work out?
[29:05] Busting the myth about acting being only about acting
[33:22] What’s surprised Kristin about working as an actor
[35:20] Ageing in the UK vs. in the US, and how British accents can give you more authority
[42:42] “Something really interesting is going to happen’: What Kristin’s looking forward to this year
[43:45] The power of manifestation
[44:58] Advice from Kristin about making a career change
Banker, reggae musician, MC and actor Tony Cauch is my guest on this episode of Second Act Actors. Tony’s embraced many careers in his life and has now retired from banking to pursue his creative passions full time, as he tells me in our interview.
Tony and I discuss why he chose banking over music earlier in his life and whether the millennial generation felt obligated to choose ‘traditional’ careers because they grew up seeing their parents hate their jobs. Tony tells me what surprised him about starting to work as an actor and the ‘culture shock’ that he experienced when he realised that he was no longer the decision-maker in the room.
We then talk about the importance of creativity and how uniquely human it is to be driven by the desire to create and enjoy art, music, and theatre, and Tony shares his words of wisdom to anyone who feels stuck in their day job.
To find out what other Second Act Actors are up to and how they’re breaking into the acting world, subscribe or follow the Second Act Actors podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Timestamps
[0:37] Tony’s career in acting, MC’ing, and banking
[3:30] The ‘look at me!’ bug and why Tony went into banking
[5:20] What Tony’s brought from banking to acting
[6:40] How Tony made a gradual switch from banking into acting
[8:30] What made Tony feel comfortable enough to pursue acting in the ‘second stage’ of his life?
[9:30] Tony describes the ‘culture shock’ of starting to work as an actor
[10:45] “I wasn’t really all that serious about it”: Tony’s formal acting training and the difficulty of acting in an accent
[13:56] How hard can it be to act with a parrot?!
[16:15] Where Tony’s at with his music career
[18:50] The story of how Tony discovered reggae
[20:18] Tony explains why creativity is so important
[24:15] What Tony’s looking forward to this year
[26:15] How would Tony’s wife and family describe his career?
[27:08] Tony’s final words of wisdom
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Today I’m lifting the veil of secrecy off one of the most misunderstood jobs in the acting industry: the talent agent. I chat with my talent agent and lovely human Maya Ritter, from Ritter Talent Agency. Maya tells me about how she became an agent after having worked as a child actor and busts some of the biggest myths about agents, actors and what they’re supposed to do for each other.
This episode is a great listen for anyone who’s been signed by a talent agency or who’s starting to look for an agent. You’ll hear Maya and I discuss how you can get an acting career off the ground, what Maya would have done differently as an actor and how you can make your agent’s life easier. Maya also runs through a day in the life of a talent agent and gives advice on how to navigate difficult conversations with your agent such as asking to take a career break and what to say if you think your agent is letting you down.
If you learnt something from this episode of Second Act Actors, please share it in your community and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts.
Timestamps
[0:05] Maya tells me how she became a child actor
[3:22] Maya’s existential crisis, backpacking through Asia and her revelation of wanting to start her own talent agency
[6:18] What difference does it make if your agent has also acted professionally?
[9:16] Maya’s advice on how to get started as an actor
[11:00] What would Maya have done differently in her acting career?
[15:04] “So-and-so isn’t doing enough for me”: The misconception that some actors have about the role of their agent
[18:42] Had a challenging time with a previous agent? Here’s how Maya would handle it
[21:24] “It’s a relationship”: Maya on the bond between an actor and an agent
[23:55] The two things that actors can do to make their agent’s job easier
[27:25] Navigating a temporary break from your acting career
[29:45] That crazy career myth about making it as an actor
[33:47] Maya’s favourite on-set moments
[35:22] Deadlines, character breakdowns, submissions: A Day in the life of a talent agent
[39:33] Pulling back the veil of secrecy that covers the industry
[43:20] Why you should keep pushing the envelope in your acting career
Links
Ritter Talent Agency website
Ritter Talent Agency on Instagram
Ritter Talent Agency on Facebook
Ritter Talent Agency on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I’m interviewing an actor with a life story like no other. Diane grew up in South Africa, sailed to the United States on a boat with her family, landed in San Diego and helped her parents to set up an ostrich farm. She was passionate about acting from a young age but then became a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Diane and I talk about how she rediscovered acting and what her life has been like since.
Diane talks about going up against the statistics of how many actors really ‘make it’ and how she keeps herself motivated in the face of such a challenge. She explains why it’s important to her that she calls acting her “vocation” and gives advice to other people who are considering starting out in the industry. We also dive into the financial burden of acting and our feelings around being financially independent. Listen to the end of the episode to find out why Diane’s amazing new headshot didn’t book her any roles and how that changed when she opted for a different photo!
To hear more words of wisdom from second act actors in the industry, subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast. You can also give the show a boost by leaving a rating and review.
Timestamps
[1:35] Diane’s life story of growing up on a South African gold mine, sailing to the United States and then living on an ostrich farm
[3:10] Why Diane decided not to become an actor
[5:17] Taking an acting class and getting signed by an agent
[6:57] What were Diane’s parents like?
[8:30] The overlaps between acupuncture and acting
[11:27] “The challenge is real”: Diane breaks down the statistics about how much a typical actor earns and roles available for women and men
[15:02] What Diane does to keep herself motivated
[17:45] My personal struggles in acting
[21:20] Diane’s #1 book recommendation
[22:40] “I can’t quit”: What surprised Diane about starting acting
[26:02] How Diane keeps her love of acting alive
[27:57] The best bit about acting
[30:10] A crazy on-set story shooting a movie in Hawaii
[31:52] What Diane’s kids and husband say about her acting
[35:15] You need a support network around you
[36:26] Taking care of yourself financially
[38:28] Where does the pressure to provide come from?
[40:00] Acting can be about ego
[41:45] Diane’s advice for other second act actors
[44:15] Beautiful words of wisdom from Diane
[48:03] Your 30’s are a weird time in Hollywood
[50:33] How Diane figured out her branding
Links
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I interview the inspiring Lisa Riesner, who started out in the acting industry after a career in journalism. She tried out acting at the age of 25 by joining a circus class with some friends and fell in love with it, but she didn’t make the leap into acting full-time until she tragically lost a close friend. This shock made her want to pursue her dreams and since then she’s put all of her efforts into acting, writing and directing.
In our conversation, we touch on the fact that it’s so hard to tell people that you’re an actor but why you should do it anyway. Lisa shares some great pearls of wisdom about having the power to determine your own life and why she’s making her own films rather than waiting for casting directors to find her. She also unpacks the film industry in Europe and what makes it different from working as an actor in Hollywood or Toronto.
I loved talking with Lisa and got so much out of our conversation, as you’ll hear on this episode! If you enjoyed the episode and learnt something from Lisa, please subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast.
Timestamps
[2:09] Lisa explains her route to full-time acting via journalism
[6:37] It’s hard to say out loud that you’re an actor!
[9:17] “I’m gonna make it happen for myself”
[12:10] How Lisa’s journalism skills have helped her to advance her acting career
[14:02] Lisa’s advice to people who want to change their lives
[17:00] “What ego??!”
[18:40] Every actor needs an ego
[20:16] Having life experience frees you up to be more playful
[24:17] Lisa explains the European film industry
[28:40] Is the end goal always Hollywood?
[31:58] The strength of actors producing their own movies
[33:10] Lisa’s fun on-set memory with a boxing star and another story involving constant crying
[35:46] A new movie in Copenhagen: What Lisa’s excited about this year
[36:37] “You can decide things”: Why it’s so great to make your own films
[38:04] How Lisa organises her schedule and her film sets to keep herself sane and on-track
[40:25] Lisa’s films come first
[41:52] “Don’t think you have to be perfect”: Lisa’s final words of wisdom
Links
Lisa Riesner website
Lisa Riesner on Instagram
Lisa Riesner on Facebook
Lisa Riesner on YouTube
Lisa Riesner on LinkedIn
Lisa Riesner on Twitter
Lisa Riesner on IMDb
Acting Coaches on Instagram
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I interview another actor who’s transitioning from a more ‘traditional’ career into the world of acting. Rudy Salo is a municipal bond lawyer, public speaker, Forbes contributor and former punk musician and today he also books acting gigs, especially seeking out roles where he plays the jerk boss villain.
Rudy tells me about his early years in school when he was determined not to be a lawyer but came around to it in his own way. He explains how he shut off his creative side to ‘go all in’ on the law and how rediscovering his creative passions has made him a happier and more well-rounded person.
Rudy shares advice for people looking to start a career in the arts and preaches the message of financial stability first, creativity and freedom later. It might sound like a bit of a dream crusher, but Rudy outlines why having money and freedom will make you a better actor. We also discuss what you can learn from doing stand-up comedy and how accessing your creativity can help you to solve problems in your ‘first act’ job.
This is a fantastic episode of Second Act Actors that really showcases the diversity of experiences you can find in people who act. If you liked this episode (and if it taught you what municipal bonds are!), then please share it with a friend or on your social media channels.
Timestamps
[0:45] Rudy explains the kinds of projects he works on in his law career and how it led him into acting
[5:47] Rudy weighs up his actor vs. lawyer career options
[7:11] How Rudy went from a punk musician to a municipal bond lawyer
[11:55] “There’s something critical I’ve got to point out”: Rudy on rediscovering his creative side and finding happiness in his artist pursuits
[17:10] The influence that Rudy’s parents had over his life and how his punk rock rebellion took him back to working in law
[20:40] My experiences of introducing creativity into a traditional career
[22:20] Using creativity as a way to connect with clients and colleagues
[24:28] The fallacy of ‘going all in’ on your career and what Rudy’s brought from his lawyer experience into acting
[26:15] Balancing a demanding career, family life and looking for acting jobs
[28:30] In acting, the exact words don’t really matter
[31:47] Classes, background work and doing lawyer contracts from his laptop on set: Rudy’s version of being ‘all in’ on acting
[33:40] The advice that Rudy gives to young lawyers to help them get through the first few “crushing” years in a law firm
[36:00] “It depends”: What Rudy would say to someone looking to transition into acting
[40:04] Pushing back against the ‘starving artist’ mentality
[43:13] How Rudy found out that he’s an excellent villain and then leaned into it
[46:10] What we’re both looking forward to this coming year
[48:20] Why stand-up comedy will make you a better actor
[50:00] Rudy’s final words of wisdom
Links
Rudy Salo on LinkedIn
Rudy Salo on IMDb
Rudy Salo on Forbes
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This special episode of Second Act Actors features two wonderful guests who are the brains behind the 2021 indie film Maysville. I talk to film producer Michele and film writer, director and co-producer Leslie about how they managed to make such a stunning film on a shoestring budget.
You’ll definitely want to tune into this episode if you’re working on a creative project right now because Michele and Leslie give great insider tips on how to make an indie film. They share with me how they were able to secure film funding, reduce permit fees and get the local community involved - and boy were they involved! You’ll also hear tips on how to promote an indie film and get it in front of the people who need to see it.
This is an inspiring episode of Second Act Actors that ends with some very moving words of wisdom from Leslie about not letting go of your acting dreams, wherever your life takes you.
If this episode of the Second Act Actors resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and to share this episode with a friend.
Timestamps
[1:11] Doctor actors of the world, unite!
[3:25] The brains behind Maysville tell me how the film came together
[8:05] Where did the desire to make a film come from?
[11:38] The characters that inspired Maysville
[12:56] Why is now the right time for Maysville to be made?
[16:12] The power of networking in the film industry
[21:20] What it’s like to work with your kids on set
[28:10] The advice that every child actor needs to hear
[30:28] The parent’s perspective on having a child who’s an actor
[34:38] “There’s a lot of different ways to approach it”: How to get your creative project off the ground
[41:04] Michele’s perspective on making a career change and taking the plunge
[43:22] “Are you coming with me or not?”
[45:03] What hard work and community spirit can achieve
[49:34] A fundraising dinner that brought in way more than money
[51:37] How filmmaking can dovetail with local interests
[52:53] What Michele and Leslie are looking forward to for the rest of 2022
[54:50] Inspiring final words of wisdom for aspiring actors and for plus-sized people
Links
Maysville website
Maysville on Instagram
Maysville on Facebook
Maysville on Twitter
Maysville on IMDb
Maysville official trailer on YouTube
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Corby Stephens has had a very varied career with experience working as a pastor, an IT professional, a stand-up comedian, a yoyo performer and a voiceover actor. In this episode of Second Act Actors, he tells me his life story and gives advice to other people looking to break into the voiceover industry.
Corby begins by telling me about his upbringing in a musical family and how he discovered drama class at university, which introduced him to the techniques of improvisation. We talk about what his improv skills brought to the other acts in his career, including his preaching in the church, as he feels like he’s a better pastor when he can go off-script in his sermon and adapt his message to the people in front of him.
We move on to talk about Corby’s second act as a voiceover artist, which he sees as being closely linked to his stand-up work. Corby walks me through his audition process and his mindset around voiceover work. We also discuss what it means to be a ‘selfless’ performer and how performing selfishly can be destructive to yourself and to the production.
If you liked this episode of Second Act Actors, please share it with a friend and subscribe or follow the podcast.
Timestamps
[1:00] Corby tells me his story and how he got into improv
[3:52] How Corby got married and became a pastor
[6:05] Getting into the yoyo
[11:40] How Corby rediscovered the theatre through his children
[13:30] Corby explains why he started doing voiceover work
[16:55] What’s the overlap between stand-up comedy and voiceover work?
[18:20] And is there an overlap between being a pastor and a stand-up comedian?
[20:05] Corby explains what he’s carried from his first act into his second
[21:52] What’s surprised Corby since he started voiceover work
[23:49] My experience of voiceover and Corby’s behind-the-scenes voiceover secrets
[28:03] “My mindset is to serve the script”: How Corby auditions for voiceover roles
[30:10] The advice that Corby would give to people interested in voiceover work
[32:00] How would Corby’s family describe his career?
[33:36] Selfless vs. selfish performances
[35:30] Getting back into stand-up: What Corby’s looking forward to this year
[38:38] How Corby keeps his motivation levels up in stand-up
[42:40] Corby’s final words of wisdom
Links
Corby Stephens website
Corby Stephens on Instagram
Corby Stephens on Facebook
Corby Stephens on YouTube
Corby Stephens on Twitter
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Actor-Producer Blueprint Online Course (Starts Aug 17): Contact Oliver at actorproducerblueprint@gmail.com
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with the lovely Emilia Copeland. Emilia is a British actress, filmmaker and model, coming to the creative field fresh from her biomedical degree.
Emilia tells me about her school years where she struggled as her teachers didn’t value creativity or see the arts as a viable career path, so Emilia tried to push back but felt forced into studying science. However, at university she found her creative outlet by joining many different societies. Since she graduated, she moved to Toronto and has worked several acting jobs, including a very exciting experience on the set of Doctor Who with Peter Capaldi!
We dive into the overlap between the arts and the sciences, which are way more related than people tend to think. Emilia shares what she took from her science background and tells me about her upcoming projects, which include promoting her short film and writing pilot scripts.
This episode contains an important message about the importance of fostering creativity in children and teaching them the lesson that you can have a good job in the arts. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast and leave a rating or review.
Timestamps
[1:11] Emilia’s move to Toronto from the UK and her transition from biomedical sciences to acting
[6:48] The AmDram society, the radio club, and other creative outlets
[9:39] Emilia’s not so great time with the Murder Mystery Society, and other experiences of working with the public
[13:40] Gaining enough credits to get listed on Spotlight
[15:27] What Emilia’s degree has been useful for
[17:45] Working with Peter Capaldi on the set of Doctor Who
[22:54] The problem of going to a high school that doesn’t respect the arts as a career
[25:57] Emilia’s education and her high school project that her teachers didn’t appreciate
[31:13] Exploring her creativity at university
[32:15] The similarity between biomedical sciences and acting and other skills that Emilia learnt that have helped her acting career
[36:56] Pilot scripts, creative writing and bread baking: What Emilia’s looking forward to this year
[39:06] The art/science overlap
[42:48] Emilia’s advice to people who feel like they had their creativity stifled
Links
Emilia Copeland website
Emilia Copeland on Instagram
Emilia Copeland on Facebook
Emilia Copeland on LinkedIn
Emilia Copeland on Twitter
Emilia Copeland on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This episode of Second Act Actors introduces Barry who’s taken a conscious and strategic approach to his move from the Marine Corps to acting. Barry tells me about his childhood passion for acting and how he lost it when he worked in the Marines Corps and then in business. Rediscovering his love of acting was part of his recovery process and he explains where he is now with his career and what his hopes are for the future.
Barry busts one of the biggest myths about acting, that of the ‘breakthrough role’, and details what he’s doing to build up his on-screen appearances sustainably, including working with an audition coach and a stylist. We dive into some of the roles he’s booked so far and he tells me about what it was like to film with A-list actor Renée Zellweger. Barry also shares his mindset on auditions and what he does to stay motivated in the face of the odds. Listen out for his ‘pace car’ analogy and his advice to new actors!
This episode of Second Act Actors is packed full of practical tips on starting out in the industry and building an acting career without burning out. If you liked it, please subscribe or follow the podcast.
Timestamps
[0:22] “It was my mom’s fault”: How Barry got into acting
[1:30] Barry’s education and his acting sabbatical
[2:40] Rediscovering acting
[6:32] The Marine Corps, grocery stacking, sales and management: Barry’s jobs before acting and how they prepared him to act
[11:15] Barry’s thoughts on the work of the Screen Actors Guild
[13:11] How do you balance out logic and creativity in acting?
[14:55] The most important role of Barry’s life
[16:05] How Barry built up his support team
[18:02] Barry’s preparation for his ‘sunset’ career
[20:22] The coaches that Barry works with and what they’ve done for his career
[24:58] The myth of the breakthrough role and other things that have surprised Barry about the industry
[26:57] Comparing acting to more ‘traditional’ careers
[29:12] How Barry stays motivated
[32:24] What advice would Barry give to new actors?
[37:38] Working with Renée Zellweger
[39:58] Some of Barry’s other on-set stories
[44:33] “Do your research”: The importance of knowing the people who you’re working with
[46:24] What Barry’s looking forward to this year
[50:20] What Barry’s family would say about his career
[51:40] Barry’s daughter’s experience of trying to make it as an actor in L.A.
[53:00] Barry’s final words of wisdom
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
TRIGGER WARNING* Sexual harassment, eating disorders, bullying, hazing
First act actor Emily Nixon chats with me this week. Emily always wanted to be an actor and was able to make her dreams come true as today she’s working as an actor, writer and director, with experience on screen with TV shows such as Umbrella Academy.
Emily and I take a deep dive into what theatre school was like for her. She experienced harassment, bullying and a lot of hypercritical feedback from the teachers and saw many of her fellow students cut from the programme from one year to the next. We discuss the parallels between theatre school and medical school and whether theatre school is designed to prepare actors for the harsh rejections that are part of the industry.
We then talk about the many benefits of doing background work and Emily tells me how she tries to appreciate every moment on set, regardless of whether she’s on camera or working behind the scenes. At the end of the episode, she shares some really helpful advice that will give any aspiring actor a little bit of hope!
If you found this episode with first act actor Emily insightful and inspiring, please share it with a friend or on your social media accounts to help others to discover the show.
Timestamps
[0:19] “Acting was the first thing I ever said I wanted to do”
[1:58] A left-brained family with a passion for the arts
[3:44] A supportive family makes all the difference
[5:44] Emily’s path from high school to theatre school
[8:09] Bullying, harassment, pressure, hazing…the dark side of theatre school
[15:19] Why is theatre school so tough?
[17:18] The parallels between theatre school and medicine
[19:00] Theatre school breaks you down to build up an emotional guard
[21:00] What actors take from theatre school into the business
[22:40] The rich perspective you have naturally as a second act actor
[24:36] Do the rigorous demands of theatre school prepare you for the inevitable rejections in an acting career?
[26:11] Probing the psychology of medical school
[32:44] Gender discrimination in medicine is still real and it affects patients
[34:37] How to be the ‘gritty’ person in acting
[38:47] Emily’s Actors Gym which builds in accountability and community
[39:44] A thoughtful story from the set of Umbrella Academy which reminded Emily to appreciate what she has
[43:55] Emily’s wide range of credits and how they have broadened her vision
[45:30] The actor is only a small part of the production
[46:56] So we were both doing background work in Nightmare Alley??
[48:35] What Emily’s working on this year and the film festivals she’s going to attend
[49:32] Advice from Emily to first act actors and second act actors
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
If you’re struggling to promote your latest creative project, you need to hear this episode of Second Act Actors. Today I interview Vinnie Potestivo, the man behind the golden age of reality TV. Vinnie produced MTV hits like Punk’d, The Osbournes, The Challenge and more, and he’s also launched or accelerated the careers of some huge stars including Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson, Lauren Conrad and Hilary Duff.
Vinnie lays out his expert tips to share and gain traction around your creative content, which is a masterclass in online promotion. Grab your notebook and get ready to learn how to get noticed, which platforms you need to be active on and where you might find a red carpet moment in your day-to-day life. Vinnie also unpacks the huge potential of podcasting and the new definition of ‘talent’ in the creative industry.
Share what you learnt from Vinnie on your social media channels and check that you’re subscribed to the Second Act Actors podcast to have more great audio content delivered to your device.
Timestamps
[1:02] Getting out of my head: My favourite thing about acting
[2:26] Vinnie’s life story: From MTV to launching Beyoncé
[4:55] Beyoncé’s hip-hopera audition
[6:08] Moving into unscripted TV with Punk’D
[7:24] Why Vinnie loves working with actors on unscripted TV
[8:38] Being part of the process of character development and selling an actor to a producer
[10:32] The controlled chaos of MTV in the early 2000s and how it transitioned into a more curated look in The Challenge
[13:20] What social media has done to reality TV
[14:20] Yes there’s manipulation in reality TV, but not for the reason you think
[16:20] Vinnie’s childhood and the huge technology transformations we experienced from 1995 - 2007
[19:38] “You have rights that you didn’t have before”: Vinnie explains how the way that we distribute content today gives more power to creators
[23:37] Vinnie’s tips on promoting yourself as a creative product: Vinnie’s tip #1: Apply for awards
[27:25] Vinnie’s tip #2: Claim your credits and get into podcasts
[29:21] Vinnie’s secret on how to boost your podcast on Google
[30:50] Vinnie’s tip #3: Maximise your discovery on IMDb
[31:55] Vinnie’s tip #4: Think about your red carpet moments
[33:22] Vinnie’s tip #4: Amplify your distribution
[36:31] Actors suck at self-promotion!
[37:41] Grab on to new tools to improve and share your content
[39:07] Collaborate and create, in a way that uses your gifts
[44:45] “Podcasts are TV pilots”: Vinnie on the potential of podcasts
[46:37] The meaning of talent is different now
[47:37] Creatives have the burden of explaining what it’s like to work with creatives
[49:40] Every career should have a second act
[51:03] Create your project, then get in touch with Vinnie
[52:25] It feels like it’s a secret, but it shouldn’t be
[53:30] What it looks like to be a liberated, successful creative
Links
VPE Talent
Vinnie Potestivo on Instagram
Vinnie Potestivo on IMDb
Vinnie Potestivo on LinkedIn
Vinnie Potestivo on Twitter
Quuu promotional tool
The Creator Accelerator Hub
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode, I’m talking to the wonderful ‘first act’ actor Stephanie Wilson Anderson. Stephanie grew up in a creative, artistic family and was always singing and dancing, so she decided to go to theatre school and has been working as a professional actor, choreographer and voiceover artist ever since.
Stephanie tells me about her time at theatre school and what her training involved. She then lists the skills that she’s learnt since leaving theatre school, like being able to relax into auditions and to cope better with rejection. We also discuss techniques that actors learn in theatre school about how to portray emotions authentically and Steph gives advice on how to let go of your logical mind and get lost in the character, particularly during high-stakes live theatre. She tells me about a bizarre on-stage moment when she had to maintain her ‘show must go on’ attitude, which is sure to stick in your mind!
This episode of Second Act Actors is a beautiful meeting of first and second act actors, showing the best of both worlds and with plenty of insights into the technical side of acting. If you enjoyed it, please rate and review the podcast and don’t forget to subscribe.
Timestamps
[0:13] How Stephanie started acting
[2:35] Were Stephanie’s parents always supportive of her career choices?
[5:09] “It’s crazy”: Stephanie on her experience at theatre school
[7:48] What has Stephanie learnt since she left theatre school?
[11:05] Stephanie’s new-found confidence
[13:12] Booking a musical, choreography and booking voice work: Stephanie’s life since theatre school
[18:25] The ‘choreography brain’: How Stephanie learnt to choreograph
[24:28] So, working with me… How was it for you??
[29:08] Building up trust with your fellow actors
[34:13] How actors-in-training learn to emote
[38:33] A haunting on-stage moment that Stephanie witnessed and other live theatre moments
[43:53] “Trust the work”: Stephanie’s advice on letting your logical brain go
[49:30] What Stephanie’s looking forward to this year
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this fun episode of Second Act Actors, I interview my friend, colleague and second act actor Natasha Paquin. She’s a qualified x-ray technician who grew up with a love of acting but decided to keep theatre as a passion project instead of a career.
Natasha and I compare notes on what it’s like to have a foot in both medicine and acting and Natasha explains how she finds the heightened emotions of acting to be a release from the constraints of working in medicine. Natasha goes on to talk about her experience of working in musical theatre productions and the preparation that she puts into developing her characters before her show.
Listen out for Natasha’s hilarious on-stage story of a wardrobe mishap in a musical number and don’t forget to subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more interviews with actors who are breaking the mould.
Timestamps
[0:30] How Natasha’s mum got her into acting as a teenager
[3:07] Making the decision to not pursue theatre as a career and how that enabled Natasha to keep the love of acting
[4:27] What it’s like to study and become an x-ray technician
[7:22] How Natasha rediscovered acting in Barrie
[8:36] What Natasha’s medical background brings to her acting
[9:40] The interplay between the emotional constraints of medicine and the therapeutic release of acting
[12:41] What Natasha loves about community theatre
[14:20] “When they come into the show, they’re basically signing a contract”: Natasha on the support of the audience in community theatre
[15:37] What are the differences between theatre and musical theatre?
[16:51] The character prep that Natasha does before a show
[17:50] An unexpected pants drop in a musical number
[19:24] Advice from Natasha on how to dip your toe into community theatre and transitioning from acting as a hobby to acting as a profession
[22:29] Do Natasha’s parents think that acting is part of her career?
[23:00] What Natasha’s looking forward to in 2022
[24:01] Natasha’s final words of wisdom
Links
Natasha on Instagram
Natasha on Facebook
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I interview Laurel, who was drawn to acting through her love of community theatre. She and I met as actors in a local play that was rehearsed and brought to stage during lockdown, which was a very intense process! Laurel’s first act was as a wife and a mother, and she also had a career in HR. She can often be found acting on stage in local shows and is a member of the local theatre committee.
Laurel and I discuss the magic of community theatre and the change it can bring about in your life, from broadening your horizons to gaining confidence in yourself. As we note, acting on stage is a completely different experience to acting on screen, because if something goes wrong in a play, you don’t get to yell “Cut!” and take a second go at it. Laurel shares some stories from her community theatre experience, in amongst words of wisdom for aspiring actors and the advice she gives to her own children about embracing life and not letting the dark times get you down.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more inspiration and insights from other second act actors, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review of the show on whichever podcast platform you use.
Timestamps
[0:52] Rehearsing a play during the pandemic
[1:56] Laurel’s journey from motherhood to acting
[3:25] Laurel’s first and second acts
[6:40] The magic of community theatre
[9:31] A life lesson from Laurel
[11:47] “I think that that’s just who I am”: The roots of Laurel’s optimism and how it helps her to survive the audition process
[13:40] Coping with nerves on stage
[17:50] Advice from Laurel on how to bag a role in community theatre shows
[19:53] A recent on-stage mess-up that Laurel managed to pull back
[21:13] Denzel Washington on the difference between stage and screen acting
[22:14] Bringing Love Loss to the stage
[24:55] What Laurel’s looking forward to in 2022
[27:04] What do Laurel's children think of her acting career?
[28:11] One of the advantages of having a second act in your life
[29:09] “Open the door and go for it”: Words of wisdom from Laurel
[30:00] Is acting the same as being an actor?
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with teacher and actor Clodine Sponagle, who I connected with when we were both cast in a community theatre play. Clodine has been passionate about theatre from a young age but decided to keep acting as a hobby whilst she pursued her career as a teacher.
Clodine explains why she chose teaching over acting and what keeps her coming back to acting and community theatre in her free time. We also explore how the pressure and fear of rejection might turn an actor off acting, especially if they’re in a position where they really need to book a role to support themselves or their family.
We move on to talk about every stage actor’s worst nightmare, forgetting a line on stage. Clodine shares memories of plays she’s acted in with chaotic costume changes and a last-minute casting change where she was called upon to play a much older character, which turned into one of her most successful character portrayals.
If you liked this episode of Second Act Actors, please share it online to show your support for community theatre and local acting talent.
Timestamps
[0:51] “It’s one of the neat joys of doing theatre”: Clodine on getting to know people through theatre and see them display their talents
[2:00] Clodine talks about the demands of her job as a teacher and when she can and can’t share emotions in the workplace
[4:36] Clodine explains how she got into acting and why she loves community theatre
[6:39] Making the decision to not pursue acting as a career
[7:39] “It doesn’t feel like work”: Clodine on why she acts as a hobby
[8:40] What prompted Clodine to audition for the play where she and I met
[12:34] The magic of community theatre
[13:39] The transferable skills from acting to teaching, and vice versa
[15:51] Clodine’s magic monologue skills
[16:55] The fear of rejection is still present in community theatre, but it’s lessened
[19:17] Does the love of acting diminish as soon as it becomes your job?
[21:20] Feeling the pressure to book a role can ruin an audition
[22:04] Clodine’s pleasant surprise at coming back to acting
[23:17] The most common recurring nightmare for actors: Forgetting a line on stage
[25:27] Funny on stage memories with chaotic costume changes
[28:45] Taking on a challenging role of an older character
[30:50] Advice from Clodine about the right reasons to start or restart acting
[32:15] What Clodine’s family and children thought of seeing her on stage
[34:19] What it was like for me seeing my dad in a play
[35:01] Clodine’s plans and hopes for the coming year
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I relax and take in the beautiful voice of Jodi Krangle, a second act actor who’s had a hugely successful career as a voiceover actor. Her first act was as a self-employed search engine optimization specialist and an online marketing guru, but eventually she got bored and frustrated and felt ready for a change of scene. She pivoted to voiceover work and has never looked back since, and has landed work with major companies such as Dell, Nespresso and Kraft.
Jodi talks about the work involved in being a voice actor, from training to channeling your talent to self-promotion. She also discusses the differences between casting directors in the world of voiceover work compared to those working in acting, and what surprised her about starting out in the voiceover industry. Later on, she gives some great tips on how to start out working as a voiceover actor and where to go to learn more about the industry.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast and share this episode with a friend who you think could benefit from learning about the voiceover acting industry.
Timestamps
[1:12] Jodi talks about her voice acting career
[2:29] Jodi’s first act
[5:28] The switch from SEO to voice acting
[6:30] Working with a demo mill and then a voice coach
[8:12] Being yourself as a voice actor
[10:15] How Jodi channels a character through her voice
[11:40] Different styles of voice for different voiceover work
[13:14] It’s all about connecting with the copy
[14:15] The training required to become a voiceover actor
[15:20] What Jodi brought from her first act to her second
[16:20] Jodi’s advice on how to promote yourself as an actor
[18:03] The role of casting directors in the career of voiceover actors
[20:31] What surprised Jodi about the voiceover industry
[23:10] The best way to start out learning about voiceover work
[26:15] Do voiceover actors need an agent?
[27:30] The struggles of recording voiceover material during roadworks
[31:44] The power of not setting goals, and what Jodi’s looking forward to
Links
Jodi’s website
Jodi on LinkedIn
Jodi on Facebook
Jodi on Twitter
The Power of Sound on Clubhouse
Jodi’s five tips for implementing an intentional audio strategy
Voiceover Extra website
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Can you be both an actor and a stuntman? Yes, according to professional stuntman Andrew Butcher. Andrew’s dad, Randy Butcher, is a legendary stunt coordinator and got his whole family into the industry, so Andrew grew up on set. Today Andrew is still working in stunts and is expanding into other creative pursuits such as writing, with a few exciting projects on the horizon.
Andrew and I explore the world of stunt performing, and Andrew gives a step-by-step guide on how to get into doing stunt work. He talks about what stunts can do for your acting career, as he passionately believes that adding stunts to your resumé can open doors and bring you new opportunities. Listen out for Andrew’s advice on networking to get your foot in the door with a stunt coordinator, and for the two essential qualities that you need to be successful.
Andrew also shares a memorable story of an on set f*ck up and what he learnt from the incident.
If you liked this episode of Second Act Actors, please share it with someone you know who would like to get into working in stunts or who needs a push to get their acting and stunts career off the ground.
Timestamps
[1:23] Andrew’s story of growing up as the son of a stunt guy and wanting to be an actor and a comedian
[4:27] What’s it like having a stunt man as a dad? You spend a lot of your life watching movies in slo-mo, apparently
[6:13] The roots of Andrew’s career and what his talented family is up to now
[7:26] Can you do acting and stunts?
[10:20] “Being a stunt performer and being an actor is exactly the same thing. You're pursuing a particular skill, and you're learning to be the best at it”
[13:27] Learning stunts can give you more control over your career
[16:41] Andrew’s advice for auditions: Think about it from the director’s point of view
[19:38] Don’t get offended if you’re not the person
[20:50] What Andrew thinks about the industry after having been in it for so long
[23:14] Andrew’s complete guide to getting into stunts
[27:48] The human side of networking
[31:07] A lot of stunt opportunities come up through making positive connections with people on set
[32:52] Andrew’s memorable on set moment: A f*ck up on set with a car and bags full of fake blood
[41:15] There’s a lot more to being in stunts than it seems to the audience
[42:30] Writing, creative projects and exciting future prospects: What Andrew’s looking forward to for 2022
[44:32] Growing up with a creative mindset
[45:36] Andrew’s words of wisdom to people looking to break into the industry: Persistence and passion are key
Links
Andrew Butcher on Instagram
Top Leaf Pictures website
Top Leaf Pictures on Instagram
Top Leaf Pictures on Facebook
Top Leaf Pictures on YouTube
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Give your ears a dose of positive energy by listening to my interview with the wonderful Kiril. Kiril arrived in Canada at the age of 17 and pursued his dream to become an actor. He attended Dawson College’s Theatre programme and since graduating, he’s worked with Ubisoft, has also had appearances on TV shows and film and is starting to work as a director.
Kiril explains his upbeat attitude to me, which he credits to his background and difficult childhood where he faced many struggles, and to a magical moment as an audience member in a live recording of Oprah. His sunny outlook helped him to survive the demands of theatre school and to ride out the inevitable difficulties of an acting career, where success isn’t a given. He tells me what he learnt in theatre school and what he sees as being the difference between a ‘first act actor’ and a ‘second act actor’. At the end of the interview, Kiril shares exciting news about his plans for the future, which include moving to California and starting his own studio.
Please subscribe to the Second Act Actors to show your support for Kiril and leave a rating and a review to help the podcast to grow.
Timestamps
[1:07] Kiril’s story from Bulgaria to Austria to Canada
[3:10] “Following the thread” into acting school
[7:07] Kiril’s love of acting and what his family thinks about his career as an actor
[10:23] Where does Kiril’s tenacity come from?
[11:53] What theatre school is actually like
[14:18] A new perspective in the second semester
[15:48] “That class really changed my life”
[18:03] After school: Ubisoft and getting an agent
[18:41] How to handle other people’s negative emotions
[20:16] A lot of actors don’t actually know how to network
[21:40] Kiril’s experience of working with Ubisoft
[22:56] Getting grounded and comfortable to get through a fallow period
[25:17] What happens after a beautiful high? A new low
[26:53] The beautiful light in the darkness
[28:08] How Kiril transitioned from acting to directing
[29:08] So, what’s the difference between a ‘first act actor’ and a ‘second act actor’?
[33:27] What surprised Kiril about joining the industry
[36:54] How Kiril tops up his positive energy
[38:43] Fart sounds in booths light up Kiril’s world
[39:49] What Kiril’s parents think of his career
[40:37] The steps that Kiril wants to take this year
[42:07] A few positive parting words from Kiril
Links
Kiril on IMDb
Kiril on Twitter
Kiril on Instagram
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Emily is a delightful member of the Second Act Actors gang, having arrived at acting via motherhood, recovery from addiction and an intense journey into her own self-expression. In this episode, we discuss background acting, creative collaboration and why we’re members of each other’s fan clubs! #stevenuniversity
We begin by talking about our experience together in online improv class with Second City, where we met. Emily tells me that she was just beginning to rediscover her latent creativity and was “following the breadcrumb trail” which brought her to that particular improv group. She always had a creative side but had lost touch with it and with her ability to feel and express her emotions, and regaining her emotional insight has been part of her sobriety.
We later touch on the nerve wracking experience of auditions, which can be especially difficult if you haven’t had formal acting training. Emily shares a really useful mantra that can help you to handle rejections and she tells me about her positive outlook on background work, where she’s still ecstatic to be on set, even if she doesn’t have a speaking part.
Subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more episodes with brave and talented individuals who are getting ready to share their creative gifts with the world.
Timestamps
[2:15] Emily’s first act as a full-time mum
[3:24] Emily’s experience of getting sober as a route to discovering who she really is
[4:34] The recovery world is so misunderstood!
[5:17] Why Emily started improv and the little breadcrumbs that led her there
[7:37] The undercurrent of creativity in Emily’s life and her further studies in art
[9:58] A terrible audition with a talent agency that put Emily off acting and how she regained her love of acting
[11:14] “That’s what I want. I want creative collaboration”
[13:10] How Emily was able to shift her mindset towards accepting failure
[15:15] Through the looking glass of what might have happened if Emily’s first audition had gone better
[17:34] “What’s for me won’t pass me”: Different ways to look at rejection in auditions and the other opportunities that might come your way
[19:34] It’s so surprising how nice and supportive people in the industry are! Emily tells a story of being a “highly featured” character in a TV shoot
[23:03] The power of being able to feel and interpret your own emotions
[24:28] Emily on learning and finding opportunities through her network from college and graduate school
[26:27] Being present to find the signposts along the journey
[28:05] Emily’s advice to people who want to get into acting
[35:18] Disclaimer: Acting classes aren’t a substitute for therapy… but they can help you to experience a broader range of emotions
[38:07] Life is starting to align for Emily
[39:21] The acting opportunities available in New Orleans
[41:03] “The thrill for me is the work”
[42:38] What Emily is looking forward to for 2022: Acting classes, audition techniques, background work and an exciting writing project
[45:15] What Emily’s kids say about her acting
[46:07] Beautiful words of wisdom from Emily
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This episode of Second Act Actors features a special guest who’s a little different to the rest, as his first act was actually as an actor. Bob trained and worked as an actor on stage, screen and radio for 20 years, but he started to fall out of love with acting and decided to leave it behind him. He went back to university and eventually landed a job as an instructional designer and then an educational specialist at the University of Ottawa. Once he retired, he rediscovered acting and has since had parts on shows such as CBC’s The Detectives.
Bob explains why he wanted to leave acting the first time round and what he’s doing differently now to keep his passion alive and to regain his sense of control over his acting career. He also walks me through the things that he’s noticed that are different in acting now and how he’s happy to see the increased diversity and representation in the industry. Later on, he also shares a few of his funny on set stories, including getting thrown into icy waters off a submarine for a Navy promotional video!
Subscribe to the Second Act Actors Podcast to catch more entertaining and insightful interviews with other actors who are shaking up the industry.
Timestamps
[0:12] Bob’s first act - as an actor??
[1:33] “It was like a divorce”: Losing the love of acting
[2:29] Bob’s Masters degree and his job at the University of Ottawa
[3:31] Rediscovering acting in retirement
[4:07] How Bob is redefining his criteria for success in acting to regain a sense of control
[6:25] Does the sense of control bring back Bob’s love of acting?
[7:41] “A huge weight off my shoulders”
[8:35] What Bob brought from his ‘intermission’ into acting
[10:15] The push factors that made Bob want to leave acting
[12:49] Dubbing a fight scene in Once Upon A Time In The West
[14:44] My personal experience of voiceover work
[15:25] How acting has changed since Bob’s first act
[18:31] Bob’s fun acting story #1: Not getting shot in the mouth on set
[21:48] Bob’s fun acting story #2: A blood balloon on stage
[22:35] Bob’s fun acting story #3: Getting thrown off a submarine into the icy water of Halifax harbour
[27:07] Advice from Bob on getting back into acting after a break
[29:22] What Bob is looking forward to and a difficult scene for him to get his teeth into
[32:14] The danger of being good at improvisation
[32:51] All jobs seem easy from the outside
[33:50] Final words of wisdom from Bob: “Find the truth, and make it beautiful”
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Trigger warning: This episode contains references to eating disorders and pregnancy loss
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Jen Gardiner, who made the unlikely transition from being a professional cake maker and decorator to being an actor. Jen started out by taking a cake decorating course on a whim and discovered a passion for baking and eventually booked a regular slot on a local daytime TV to talk about her cake creations. Once the show ended, a producer recommended that she audition for another show and she landed the part and never looked back.
Jen talks about what she brought from her first act into her second, as not only did she already have experience working in front of a live camera, but she also believes that her cake decorating gave her an eye for aesthetics and attention to the visual aspects of acting. She goes on to talk about how she built up her camera confidence through mindset work and programming her brain to expect success in auditions - listen out for her tips on how to trick your brains into forming good habits! At the end of the episode, she also gives tips for aspiring actors on how to make their acting dreams come true.
If you enjoyed listening to Jen’s words of wisdom, make sure that you’re subscribed to the Second Act Actors podcast so that you don’t miss an episode.
Timestamps
[0:39] How Jen got into acting
[2:37] Working on TV and Jen’s first audition
[4:08] Why Jen decided to pursue acting
[6:00] Founding a non-profit, The Lakota Project
[10:18] Being a caring person in a caring family
[11:48] The roots of Jen’s creativity
[12:56] What Jen took from her first act into her second
[15:40] Managing imposter syndrome through mindset work
[18:46] Jen’s tips on how to reprogramme your brain to learn good habits
[21:28] How Jen brings her brain training into the audition process
[24:10] How should an actor visualize a scene that they’re auditioning for?
[25:40] What surprised Jen about getting into the entertainment industry
[30:15] “You create your own life”
[34:46] Jen’s dramatic slip-up filming a scene for TV
[35:42] What Jen’s looking forward to in 2022
[37:15] How Jen’s family describe her career
[39:00] Advice from Jen for aspiring actors
Links
Jen’s website
Jen on Instagram
Jen on Twitter
Jen on IMDb
Jen on YouTube
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Today I talk with actor, director and community theatre aficionado Doug Ironside, whose career has included theatre school, a corporate job, being a nurse and working as an actor. Doug is deeply passionate about acting, the theatre and the change they can bring in people’s lives.
Doug tells me about the many different phases of his career and why he initially decided not to pursue acting as a career. Today he’s involved in community theatre and he dives into the theory of community theatre, highlighting the dangers of letting the same people run community theatre groups year after year.
We then talk about our experience of improv groups and what my thoughts about improv were when I was just getting started. Listen out as Doug explains some of the rules of improvisation theatre and which of those rules you can and can’t break. Doug also shares “the most notorious story in all of theatre”, a very memorable incident from a high school production!
If you’re enjoying listening to the Second Act Actors podcast, you can help the show out by subscribing and leaving a rating and review to give the podcast a boost.
Timestamps
[1:30] The different incarnations of Doug’s career in theatre and nursing
[3:07] Where Doug’s interest in theatre came from and his experience at theatre school
[6:02] A transformative experience of a marriage break-up and nursing school
[7:38] Getting back into community theatre and starting an improv group and theatre troupe
[10:00] Why Doug didn’t get into acting professionally
[12:55] The other interests that Doug has balanced around his passion for theatre
[13:43] Working as a nurse instead of in sales
[16:17] Community theatre is a bootcamp for working as an actor so if you want to be an actor, do community theatre!
[20:15] Doug espouses his love for theatre and reveals the more nuanced side of community theatre
[22:03] “It was kind of like going to war”: Community theatre can be a fight against inertia
[25:25] Brecht’s thoughts on how community theatre can grow stale and stop evolving
[26:58] Applying the hard lessons learnt about community theatre
[30:27] Doug lifts the lid on my time at the improv group, The Old Dance Hall Players
[33:13] What you can really learn from improv
[36:30] “Pure terror”: My experience of improv
[37:57] The minimal rules of improv as delineated by Del Close and which ones you can break
[41:37] How I found a sense of freedom in improv
[43:27] A really delicious game of Elimination
[44:44] The most notorious story in all of theatre!
[52:20] Doug’s advice to people who want to get into acting or improv
[54:20] Theatre deserves creativity, so don’t be afraid to play
[55:43] An exercise from theatre school
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I pick the brains of Stacey Schat, a FIRST ACT actor who’s had a career filled with twists and turns. She grew up surrounded by culture and theatre. This inspired her to go to theatre school and become an actor, but her life changed when she received a devastating medical diagnosis. Stacey then became a teacher but she struggled to balance the demands of teaching with her health. She’s now in her third act, which combines her acting and teaching background.
Stacey and I dive into an interesting discussion of what success really means and how our definition of success can come from our parents, from society or ourselves. Sometimes success can actually mean walking away from a career that’s not serving you anymore and being successful means having the courage to prioritize yourself and to start afresh. Listen out for Stacey’s advice on coping with burnout which may give you the push you need to make a change.
Later, I ask Stacey about the difference between actors who went to theatre school and those who didn’t, and she outlines what actors do and don’t learn in theatre school, and whether she would do theatre school all over again.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and a review on whichever platform you get your podcasts from.
Timestamps
[3:19] Stacey’s life story and her love of theatre
[5:14] Stacey’s time at theatre school
[7:34] The parallels between theatre school and medical school
[8:59] How being an actor defines who you are and what your idea of success is
[11:47] Convincing your family that following your acting dream is a good decision
[14:19] An intimidating application process to join theatre school
[15:50] Stacey’s life after theatre school
[17:03] Stacey’s terrifying medical diagnosis and her new career
[20:37] Quitting teaching for a fresh start
[21:35] An improv group in Huntsville and a new relationship
[24:59] Lessons learnt from Stacey’s first and second acts
[27:00] Choosing a different marker of success
[28:29] What my parents thought of my medical career
[30:43] Coping with burnout in different career paths
[33:00] Stacey’s advice to people struggling with burnout
[34:53] Is there a difference between actors who’ve been to theatre school and those who haven’t? Stacey gives an answer
[37:31] A funny story from theatre school
[41:22] Would Stacey do theatre school again?
[42:43] How would Stacey's family define her job today?
[43:52] What Stacey’s looking forward to in 2022
[45:03] Final words of wisdom from Stacey
Links
YWCA Muskoka
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this industry episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Ilona Smyth. Ilona started out studying early childhood education and psychology and then landed a job by chance working at an acting school. She fell in love with casting and decided to open her own agency which casts for film, TV, commercials and more, both in Canada and worldwide.
Ilona tells me why she always recommends that actors practice meditation and explains the other techniques that she uses to clear her head, especially during the stress of the pandemic. She then walks me through the process that she uses when beginning to cast a role, which is amazing insider information that any aspiring actor needs to know. Listen out for her tips on shooting self-tapes for auditions! At the end of the interview, Ilona also shares a favourite memory from a casting audition and what auditions look like from the casting director’s point of view.
If you enjoyed this episode of Second Act Actors, please share it with a friend who’s interested in learning more about acting, and make sure that you’re subscribed to the podcast so that you don’t miss an episode.
Timestamps
[0:08] How Ilona discovered the world of casting
[3:38] The hustle of casting
[5:20] Why Ilona preaches meditation
[8:55] Ilona’s experience of the pandemic and how she clears her head
[9:58] Ilona’s behind-the-scenes casting course
[11:23] Why Ilona started her casting course
[14:10] Why don’t actors see acting as a business?
[17:39] Ilona walks me through the casting process
[18:50] What surprised Ilona about working in casting
[19:30] Ilona’s casting coaching services
[22:28] Tips from Ilona about how to shoot an audition tape
[23:55] The benefit of seeing several casting coaches
[24:55] What’s coming up for Ilona in 2022
[25:30] A favourite memory from an audition
[27:57] Casting isn’t like an American Idol audition
[28:44] If it feels wrong, you can change lines up
[30:33] Final words of wisdom from Ilona and where to go to find out more about her and about Smyth Casting
Links
Smyth Casting website
Smyth Casting on Instagram
Smyth Casting on Facebook
Smyth Casting on TikTok
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Ken Ferguson, another second act actor who came to the screen after a very varied career which included turns as a court reporter, a teacher, a professional bather, and a traveler. Since starting acting, he’s had background roles in major films such as Suicide Squad, and he’s also appeared in many commercials and in a self-directed project where he took baths in strangers’ houses.
Ken gives some great advice that will be helpful to any other new actors, from how to tell a good agent from a bad agent, to what the difference in schedule is between a union and a non-union actor. He also explains how his acting classes with Second City and Lunacy Cabaret helped him to prepare for going to real auditions. Later, we talk about type casting, which can sometimes help an actor to book roles but can also be a constraint.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast so that you don’t miss out on fun conversations with other new actors, sharing their wisdom and their perspective.
Timestamps
[0:33] Clicking with acting class buddies
[4:10] The parts that casting directors expect you to play based on your appearance
[6:17] The big secret about casting directors
[7:38] Ken’s very first acting role
[9:30] Moving to Japan and becoming a teacher
[13:20] Ken’s many first acts
[17:10] Taking clown classes
[20:08] Ken turns 30 and breaks a tooth, breaks his phone and starts acting
[22:32] Ken’s bath series
[23:08] Ken’s advice on how to pick a good agent
[25:43] The difference between being a union and a non-union actor
[26:42] Having a recognizable look as an actor
[29:29] The pluses and minuses of typecasting
[30:24] What Ken learnt about the film industry in his Second City acting classes
[33:53] Booking a role as ‘that creepy guy’
[34:48] The overlap between being a court reporter and an actor
[37:34] What acting means to Ken now
[39:52] The activities that bring Ken joy and his plans for the coming year
Links
Ken on Instagram
Ken on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Trish Rainone works both in front and behind the camera. Most recently, she is a producer on A CHRISTMAS LETTER, debuting on CBC and CBC Gem. Trish also makes a small cameo as Sally, the biker bar waitress. Trish and producing partner, Rebeka Herron are also the founders of the Sault Film Festival, celebrating the voices of Northern Ontario, Canada. On-screen, Trish plays the tough prisoner, Top Dog (Nikki Picano), on the series PINK IS IN (Bell Fibe TV.) She co-directed season two, airing in March 2022. Trish is the co-creator of the comedy series MY ROOMMATE'S AN ESCORT and appears as the non-confrontational, small-town roommate Heather in two seasons of the show (SEEKA TV.) It's first season debuted on Youtube, gained over a million views and was featured on the pop culture tv series eTalk on CTV. Her directorial-debut short film MILK airs on Amazon Prime US/UK and Vimeo world-wide. Trish co-hosts the podcast that celebrates short scripts, DRUNK READ-THRUS, with Rebeka Herron. The two are going into their third season. Trish can usually be found with a cup of coffee in-hand, she enjoys eating cheese and once a year she regretfully cuts her own bangs.
Links
Trish on Instagram
Trish on Twitter
Trish on TikTok
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
This episode of Second Act Actors has a guest who had a variety of experience before starting her acting career. Trish Rainone completed a degree in film studies and psychology and went on to work with autistic children before a stint managing a café. However, her lifelong passion for acting eventually won out, and she’s had a successful career both in front of and behind a camera, including a role on the Bell Fibe TV’s comedy series Pink Is In.
Trish talks me through her pathway into acting, explaining how her job in the café helped to develop her acting skills and gave her insider knowledge on how to get more exposure. She also gives me the full origin story of Pink Is In and shares tips on how your attitude is key to making connections and gaining experience in the world of film. Having an open mind and learning to be motivated by the nos as well as the yeses is a great mindset to have if you’re starting out as an actor! Later on, Trish dives into how writers and producers view the process of auditions and booking roles, which is great insider advice that can help new actors to feel less lonely and helpless.
Listen to the end to find out Trish’s number 1 tip on how to prepare yourself for a successful career in acting, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more interviews with talented actors breaking into the film industry.
Timestamps
[2:22] Seeing Snoop Dogg in real life
[6:28] Trish’s pathway to acting
[8:02] Booking a role in a horror film
[9:49] Trish’s passion for acting
[11:35] How managing a café helped Trish to become a better actor
[13:23] Tapping into a creative advertising budget
[14:16] Moving to Toronto to pursue acting
[16:27] Just say yes: How Trish gained her on set experience
[17:30] The origin story of Pink Is In
[18:25] Trish’s tip: Get rid of your ego to broaden your horizons
[20.12] What surprised Trish about starting an acting career
[24:45] Coping with the ups and downs of acting
[27:58] It’s not about you, it’s about the acting
[29:50] The producer’s point of view on booking roles
[35:22] Facing doubt from family and friends outside the industry
[39:40] Trish’s number 1 tip for getting into acting
[41:35] What Trish is looking forward to for 2022
[43:20] An upcoming role for Janet?
[46:05] How to land a job in the film industry
Links
Trish on Instagram
Trish on Twitter
Trish on TikTok
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
My guest on this week’s episode of Second Act Actors has had a very varied and interesting life. Ken Arnold grew up wanting to be a professional baseball player and played for the Baltimore Orioles, but he encountered injuries and other issues in his athletic career. When he was let go by his team at the age of 25, he wondered what he should do with the rest of his life and by chance, he settled on acting. Since then, he’s had appearances on The Wire, Law and Order and House of Cards, and he’s also moved into directing, writing and producing.
If you’re looking to get into acting, you’ll want to tune into this episode to learn from Ken. He gives a TON of fantastic advice that new actors will find very useful, including what he tells new actors in his acting classes to help them to gain confidence. He also shares insights on how to have a successful career as an actor and get ahead in the industry. Listen to the end to hear Ken’s words of wisdom for getting into acting later in life, which might give you the kick you need to let go of the fear that’s holding you back.
Subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast so that you never miss an episode with other guests just as cool and funny as Ken, who all took the leap into acting and their second act of life.
Timestamps
[0:36] Ken’s appearance on The Wire
[1:30] Ken’s college years and first act as a baseball player
[4:25] A twinge in the knee and an operation
[6:20] Moving to Winnipeg, then Texas
[7:58] What’s next after baseball for Ken?
[9:06] Finding an acting class through the Yellow Pages
[10:58] Leaving baseball behind for good
[12:45] The roots of Ken’s acting career in his childhood and first act
[14:03] What are the similarities between being a professional baseball player and a professional actor?
[17:10] “Acting is the art of relaxation” and other inspiring things Ken says to actors in training
[19:15] What’s the number one thing that you need to be to become an actor?
[21:38] What surprised Ken about working in the entertainment industry
[23:40] An on set story with an unusual gig that Ken had booked
[27:07] Ken gives an insight on what it was like to work on The Wire
[29:24] The importance of building relationships in the entertainment industry
[31:11] Ken’s exciting upcoming projects
[32:48] Shooting a western in Austria, in a pandemic
[35:27] How would Ken’s family describe his job?
[36:47] Appletinis With Ken: Ken’s live show on Facebook
[39:46] Final words from Ken and a shout out to his supportive wife
Links
Ken’s website
Ken on Instagram
Ken on Facebook
Ken on Twitter
A Comedy of Horrors on Facebook
A Town Called Purgatory on Facebook
We Own This City on IMDb
Appletinis With Ken on Twitter
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I take a break from talking with actors to connect with Helen Tansey, who transitioned from a career in modelling to become a full time photographer. Today, she’s known for taking headshots of some of the most famous actors and celebrities, and she captures their essence in a unique and dynamic way. Her work has been featured on TV and in many magazines.
Helen and I dive into the topic of age discrimination, which is a problem everywhere but particularly in the film industry in North America. Helen launched a project to photograph women over the age of 40, whom she calls ‘Sundari Women’, to showcase their beauty and to celebrate the process of ageing. As Helen says, fighting age discrimination starts with us and with refusing to be side-lined.
Later, we talk about dealing with rejection, which is a constant problem of starting out as an actor. It’s very difficult to give it your all in an audition and to be incredibly vulnerable in front of strangers and to still be turned away. Helen finds this vulnerability in actors to be a real gift, and they’re some of her favourite clients to work with because they can be open and honest, even when they’re struggling in their career.
Listen out for Helen’s tips on getting headshots for new actors, and subscribe to the podcast so that you don’t miss an episode.
Timestamps
[2:07] How Helen started her second act of photography after being a model
[4:00] What Helen gained from her modelling career
[5:51] Setting the subject of the photo shoot at ease
[8:31] What Helen does to keep her creative fires burning
[10:50] Using meditation to become a better actor
[15:30] “Fighting against age discrimination starts with us”
[19:00] What surprised Helen about starting in a new industry
[22:05] The only acting audition that Helen attended
[22:52] Facing rejection as a new actor
[26:25] Helen on working with actors
[27:49] Advice on paving your way to a career transition
[29:54] Helen’s advice to new actors looking to get headshots
[31:40] A solo song during a photoshoot
[34:53] How Helen’s family would describe her job
Links
Sundari Photography website
Helen on LinkedIn
Helen on Instagram
The Feminine Warrior Podcast
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Today I got to chat with Sarah Cleveland, another second act actor who started her acting career once her family had grown up and she had more time and energy to explore her passion. Originally from Canada, she moved to Kentucky where she featured in Disney’s film The Music Man. This experience confirmed her love for acting and helped her to develop a professional network who also became her close friends.
Sarah’s acting career hasn’t followed a traditional path as she faced many changes in her life, from working in the United States to working in Canada. She defines her first act as being a mom, which helped her develop her organisational skills and also gave her the flexibility to adapt to the turbulent world of acting.
Together, Sarah and I discuss the bonds that actors make on set and how to balance being supportive of your colleagues against the backdrop of a very competitive industry. We also touched on the role that a family can play in supporting an acting career and Sarah gives advice to any other moms looking to begin an acting career. At the end of the episode, Sarah drops an exciting hint about her next big project.
Subscribe to the Second Act Actors Podcast to hear more inspiring interviews with people who risked it all to pursue their dream career.
Timestamps
[3:17] Sarah introduces herself and her family
[5:04] The roots of Sarah’s passion for acting
[6:27] A freezing day on set ending in a bowl of chilli and supportive acting friends
[9:11] Transplanting an acting career from one country to another
[11:57] Sarah’s first act: Being a stay-at-home mum
[14:39] Being an actor means giving up control
[15:45] What surprised Sarah about getting into the entertainment industry
[18:10] Balancing competitiveness and support with your actor colleagues
[20:29] The trigger that jump started Sarah’s acting career
[22:15] How Sarah’s family have supported her career
[23:35] Sarah’s advice for anyone considering evolving from their first act as a mum to become an actor
[25:41] How Sarah’s family would describe her career
[26:15] The difficulty of announcing your career to strangers
[28:42] Yes, working in the arts is a serious career option
[31:48] Sarah’s feature film A Father’s Fight and her next film I Can
Links
Sarah Cleveland’s website
Sarah Cleveland on Instagram
Sarah Cleveland on Facebook
Sarah on IMDb
Trailer for the I Can feature film
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with my friend and fellow actor Jessica Myrie. We met on my first ever booking as an actor!
Jessica starts off by talking about her self-care regime of breathing and mindset work, which she believes is an essential tool if you’re looking to get into acting. She credits her success in the film industry to her mindset, as she’s worked hard to establish a positive mindset and to become resilient to setbacks. As she explains, if you love acting then you need to be in the industry for the long haul, even if you don’t find success straight away. It takes a long time to get established so if you’re expecting quick wins, you may well be disappointed!
Later on, Jessica gives advice to other would-be actors looking to break into the industry, covering the importance of having financial stability so you have capital to invest in yourself, your training and your headshots. This might mean keeping your day job going as you start looking for acting work, but it doesn’t mean that you’ll never be an actor. If this is the situation you’re in, listen out for Jessica’s tips on how to balance acting and your day job.
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to show your support for the podcast and leave a review to help other actors in the community to find the show.
Timestamps
[1:47] How I met Jessica
[3:53] Breath and mindset work in the acting industry
[7:12] Why Jessica started focusing on her mindset and self-care regime
[9:00] How Jessica got into acting
[13:08] What changed when Jessica got an agent
[14:36] Being a go-getter in the acting world
[17:59] Hanging in the acting industry for the long haul
[20:00] Jessica on switching from being money-oriented to happiness-oriented in her career
[23:48] You might have to work for free at the beginning, but not forever
[25:58] What surprised Jessica about working as an actor
[27:29] Leonardo DiCaprio and the love of acting
[30:46] How to get into show business, even if you didn’t go to theater school
[33:47] Tips on choosing the right photographer for your headshots
[36:00] Jessica talks about her self-doubt in the tough times and how she overcame it
[37:14] What Jessica learnt from her acting training
[40:21] Don’t give up your day job
[42:08] It’s got to align with acting
[44:26] What Jessica is looking forward to for 2022
[46:51] Look out for Jessica’s YouTube channel and upcoming feature film
[50:18] Breaking into the industry without a support community
[51:59] Jessica on using her marketing background to promote Black Actors Canada
[53:16] Black Actors Canada is open to everyone
Links
Jessica on Instagram
Jessica on YouTube
Jessica on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
In this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with Francesca Decker, a fellow doctor actor!! Francesca’s route into acting came about through her mother’s terminal illness, which occurred when Francesca was at medical school. After her mother’s death, Francesca started to make changes to her life and found the time and space to start acting classes, which blew her mind and sparked a passion that has stayed with her since. Eventually she and her husband moved to Los Angeles so that she could pursue an acting career.
Francesca and I talk about the therapeutic process of acting and how getting in touch with your inner child can allow you to access deeper emotions. We then move on to analyze how being a doctor can help with acting, which Francesca believes has really helped her. Later, Francesca gives advice on overcoming image issues when seeking a career in acting, especially when pregnant, and we get into the topic of balancing the demands of motherhood and acting. It’s not easy, but things seem to be changing little by little!
Please subscribe to the podcast so that you don’t miss more inspiring stories from people who were brave enough to embrace their passion.
Timestamps
[4:04] Francesca introduces herself and talks about her medical career
[6:00] Francesca’s mum’s illness and the birth of the concept of a human doctor
[9:28] Coping with grief and learning to focus on doing just one thing
[13:26] Francesca’s first acting classes
[16:37] Making the decision to move to Los Angeles and to go all in on acting
[18:16] Trying to cope with a habit of emotional restraint as a doctor
[22:05] The shame and fear of grief
[23:56] Improving your acting skills by getting in touch with your inner child
[25:18] Acting was going great….until March 2020
[27:21] Francesca’s intermission of practicing medicine during the pandemic
[28:57] What being a doctor can bring to being an actor
[31:32] Pursuing an acting career whilst pregnant, and other images issues
[37:40] Auditioning for acting roles when pregnant
[42:40] A supportive family network
[45:54] What surprised Francesca about starting acting
[48:03] Balancing acting and motherhood
[49:53] Breastfeeding on set as a background actor
[52:07] Being a doctor during the pandemic
[55:43] Francesca’s words of wisdom on pregnancy and how it changes how women are perceived
Links
Francesca on Instagram
A human doctor website
A human doctor on Facebook
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
My guest today on the Second Act Actors Podcast is the talented Karrie Kwong, an actress whose first act included a corporate role in advertising which she’s only recently left to pursue acting full time. She has credits in TV shows such as Coroner, which complement her appearance in a national TV commercial. She’s also founded a production company that focuses on showcasing women’s stories.
Karrie and I talk about her pathway from advertising into acting, which she planned meticulously, working on both her mindset and her financial stability. She’s also brought other elements from her advertising career into her life as an actor, such as providing services to other actors like coaching and a demo reel service. We also discuss the importance of working on your acting skills to hone your craft. Karrie believes that acting is a product that you deliver, and only regular practice helps to deliver a quality product.
Later in the episode, Karrie and I get into the subject of protecting your emotional health. She tries to take care of herself and live a balanced and full life, because she thinks that whatever’s going on in your life can come out in your acting. She’s also done extensive work on herself to learn how to correct her limiting beliefs and to manifest her success.
Please subscribe to the podcast and rate and review it to help other aspiring actors to find the show.
Timestamps
[1:45] Karrie’s first act
[3:37] Her transition into full-time acting
[6:44] Overcoming imposter syndrome in acting
[12:23] Karrie’s defining moment when she knew she could give up her day job
[14:04] Mindset work and using your logical brain to prepare for a transition into acting
[16:57] “Actors should never only be actors”: What your first act can bring to your second act
[20:58] It is all about who you know, but not because of nepotism
[22:38] What Karrie’s learnt about acting since she started
[24:40] Protecting your aura and emotional health as part of acting
[29:19] Your emotional state comes out in your acting
[31:13] My own balance between my first and second act
[34:28] Karrie’s advice for people switching into acting
[39:05] Mindset work for aspiring actors
[43:26] Karrie’s memorable acting moment
[45:35] What Karrie’s family say about her job as an actor
[47:40] Gaining control over your future
Links
Karrie Kwong website
Karrie on Instagram
Karrie on Facebook
Karrie on IMDb
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with actress, director, author, and producer Lisa Crawford. Lisa has had an incredible journey towards acting, which includes being an elevator technician, managing casinos, and gender transition.
Lisa and I discuss the merits of using background work as a transition into an acting career, as background work can help you to develop professional connections and learn acting techniques at the same time as being paid and fed. Lisa also talks about her show Pink Is In, the second season of which is coming out in March 2021 on Bell Fibe TV. The show was born out of a chance meeting on set between Lisa and other background actors, who decided to make a comedy set in a women’s prison together. Thoroughly Canadian in spirit, the show has a cast of diverse characters who have stories that go beyond their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Lisa gives tips on transitioning into acting from a different career and she also explains how to avoid burnout when pursuing an acting career. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories of people who turn to acting later in life and to learn how you can start your own acting career.
Timestamps
[1:15] Lisa introduces herself and talks about her early experiences of film and background acting
[5:11] Lisa’s first films
[7:50] Patient roleplaying as an acting job
[9:56] Lisa’s childhood dream to make films
[12:58] Background acting as film school
[15:00] The origins of Lisa’s new show Pink Is In
[18:24] Representation and diversity in Pink Is In
[20:45] Rejecting typecasting and giving actors the chance to try out a different role
[23:35] What surprised Lisa about working in the entertainment industry
[26:27] The difference between first act actors and second act actors
[28:08] Lisa’s advice on switching into a career in acting
[29:56] How Lisa’s past experiences have helped to further her acting career
[32:38] Avoiding burnout in acting
[34:35] The funniest story I have heard in a long time
[36:11] How Lisa’s family would describe her career
[37:47] January is the waiting month…fingers crossed for good news
Links
Lisa on Instagram
Lisa on Twitter
Pink Is In website
Pink Is In on Instagram
Pink Is In on Facebook
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
In my very first episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Madeline DeCorso who I had the pleasure of meeting while doing background work on Guillermo del Toro’s new hit film Nightmare Alley. Madeline’s first act was very different to her current career as she completed a business degree and when she graduated, she landed a job as a business analyst for a bank based in Toronto. Although at the time she felt like she’d made it and had achieved success, she was unhappy in her career and never seemed to fully settle into it. She was eventually made redundant but she bounced back, taking some time off to travel and then getting into acting through background work, which encouraged her to start acting classes. She is now a full time working actor!
Madeline and I talk about the importance of developing resilience as a tool in an acting career, which is essential when facing the many barriers and moments of rejection that acting can bring. Then we talked about the difficulty of introducing yourself as an actor to new people, which means tackling your imposter syndrome head on.
Listen out for Madeline’s fun on set story featuring Willem Dafoe and don’t forget to rate and review Second Act Actors to help more budding actors to find the podcast.
Timestamps
[1:18] How I met Madeline
[3:00] Guillermo del Toro on the set of Nightmare Alley
[4:10] Madeline’s first act as a business analyst in banking and at Unilever
[5:58] Madeline’s ‘try all’ approach to creativity as a child
[7:15] Madeline’s first forays into acting
[10:52] The societal pressure to have a corporate career
[13:07] Building resilience through working in the ‘wrong’ career
[16:53] How to cope with rejection and disappointment in acting
[18:07] Turning off your analytical mind during scene work
[22:08] The hurdles and small steps to overcome in an acting career
[26:13] How to get into acting
[28:08] Background acting is so much better than it’s made out to be
[31:36] Madeline’s fun on set stories
[35:37] What Madeline’s parents say about her career
[36:53] Making the switch to telling people that you're an actor
[38:15] Why taking acting classes makes Madeline feel better and more focused
[42:02] Future actors, reach out to Madeline!
Links
Madeline’s website
Madeline on Instagram
Madeline on LinkedIn
Madeline on Twitter
Madeline on IMDb
Madeline on Mandy
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Hassan Joseph, who was born in Saint Lucia and who emigrated to Canada to study commerce. His first act was working in financial services at a bank in Toronto and then he switched to a management role in software. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he had the time to take stock of his life and decided that he wanted a career that was more dynamic and aligned with his interests, so he started taking acting classes and is now pursuing acting alongside his day job.
Hassan and I talk about bringing your logical mind to acting, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes there’s no reason why you get rejected for a role or why one reading of a script is better than another, and it can be scary to surrender control and to give into randomness. However, making certain choices and being confident about them can make the difference between being a good actor and a great actor. We also touch on conversations with agents and the good and bad reasons that people have to start a career as an actor.
Please rate and review Second Act Actors and subscribe to the podcast so that you don’t miss an episode.
Timestamps
[1:55] Hassan’s childhood and his first act
[4:00] The roots of Hassan’s passion for acting
[6:34] What pushed Hassan into an acting career
[8:35] The exciting and terrifying moments of starting to act
[10:08] What Hassan has brought from his first act to his second act
[13:07] There are so many more actors than Hassan thought
[14:16] You don’t have to be the star to steal the show
[17:02] Sometimes, there’s no logic
[20:40] What makes a successful actor
[22:36] The interplay between Hassan’s life as an actor and as a manager for a software firm
[24:50] The genuine opportunities available in acting
[26:34] What Hassan is looking forward to in 2022
[28:46] Hassan’s advice to younger actors and his favourite moments so far as an actor
[33:10] What Hassan’s family say about his job and what they think about his acting career
Links
BLK: An Origin Story website
LB Acting School
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter
Welcome to Second Act Actors, a podcast where I chat with people who have made a major life and or career change into acting. I’m Janet McMordie and I am a medical doctor who decided to simultaneously pursue acting. Each week I will be chatting with fellow second act actors, industry experts, or first act only act actors about their lives, stories, and experiences in this crazy entertainment industry.
So thank you for tuning in! The first four episodes are out now and I will be releasing a new episode every Friday. Please like, follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or on our website at www.secondactactors.com. Follow the show on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/secondactactors/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/secondactactors).
Video versions of each episode on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PmWjen_3dxPmgZRd9ApXQ)
If you want to connect with me, email secondactactors@gmail.com. Enjoy!
Trigger warning: This episode contains references to severe depression
In this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with another brave person who was ready to give it all up to pursue their passion for acting. Clement To began his working life in engineering and the tech space, trying to balance his family’s expectations for him and his own desire for a more exciting and dynamic career. He suffered from two severe depressive episodes but managed to regain stability in his life and mental health through acting classes. He eventually decided to stop half-assing acting and to throw himself fully into it, and he’s never looked back since. His depression has even helped his acting career because he has a depth and breadth of experience to draw on, which helps him to portray a more rounded character.
Listen in as we discuss the need to build a solid network of connections and support in the film industry, how to manage your fear of failure, and how to focus your efforts on achieving one single goal.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Second Act Actors Podcast, and please rate and review it or recommend it to a friend.
Timestamps
[1:34] Clement’s first act: acting internships, engineering and start-ups
[3:17] Clement’s childhood aspirations
[4:40] Making the rational choice
[5:58] Clement on parental pressure
[8:05] Eastern culture and filial duty
[9:40] The pivotal moments in Clement’s life
[12:10] How depression pushed Clement from engineering to acting
[14:15] Signing up for acting classes
[15:50] Why acting is like working in a start-up
[17:10] The need for allies in the industry
[21:20] Being a non-stop optimiser
[23:39] Clement on exploring his weaknesses and the fear of failure
[26:46] The benefits of having a breadth of experience
[28:05] Clement’s crazy on-set story
[29:17] Pandemics and productivity
[30:45] What do Clement’s friends and family think he does for a living?
Links
Clement To on Mandy
Clement To on Instagram
Clement To on Facebook
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter