"Let go of all the negative judgement people will have for artists regardless of the medium and hold tight to yourself.  Keep close to people that cherish that part of you and have good boundaries with those who don’t."

I am so thrilled to bring you to recording of my second live charity episode! This episode was also a celebration of 200 episodes of Second Act Actors!!Three incredible actors joined me: Kathleen Munroe, Jo Vannicola, and Tricia Black! We chat about their careers, challenges, and triumphs. Their stories reveal the complexities of transforming a passion for acting into a sustainable career and highlight the power of resilience, personal growth, and the support of a creative community. This was a charity fundraiser for The Get Real Movement, a Canadian non-profit focused on combatting 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, and bullying in schools, summer camps, and workplaces. If you would like to donate to our fundraiser, <a href="www.janetmcmordie.com/charity-fundraiser" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here! </a>

EP 202: LIVE EPISODE RECORDING!!!  Kathleen Munroe, Jo Vannicola, Tricia Black and a special appearance by Eric Johnson

"It's the only creative team sport I can think of.  The experience of creating and collaborating with sometimes 100s of people in a day, that's phenomenal"

In this episode, Eric Johnson discusses his unique journey into acting, sharing personal stories and insights about the industry. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious, the collaborative nature of acting, and the continuous learning process. Host Janet McMordie also provides a unique perspective by drawing parallels between acting and her medical career, highlighting the shared need for ongoing education and passion. <h4>Takeaways</h4><ul><li>Stay curious and embrace continuous learning.</li><li>Collaboration is key in the acting industry.</li><li>Acting is a journey, not a destination.</li><li>Empathy is crucial for understanding characters.</li><li>It's never too late to pursue your passion.</li><li>The creative process is ever-evolving.</li><li>Find joy in the process, not just the outcome.</li><li>Personal growth enhances professional performance.</li></ul>

EP 201: Eric Johnson: First Act Actor!

"We (actors) have a habit of hiding the brushstrokes. We don't talk about the journey that it takes us to get to where we are."

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Jen Viens explore the multifaceted world of the entertainment industry, touching on themes of mentorship, the evolving role of intimacy coordinators, and the challenges faced by actors and producers alike. Jen shares her journey from acting to producing and intimacy coordination, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and respectful environments on set. The discussion highlights the need for open communication, the realities of success, and the significance of community support in navigating a career in the arts. Takeaways<ul><li>Intimacy coordinators play a crucial role in ensuring performer safety.</li><li>Mentorship is vital for navigating the complexities of the industry.</li><li>There are no clear paths in creative careers, making it challenging.</li><li>Success stories often overshadow the hard work behind the scenes.</li><li>The role of intimacy coordinators is evolving and becoming more recognized.</li></ul>

EP 200: Jen Viens: Actor, Producer, Intimacy Co-ordinator

"I think having physiotherapy helps because it gives me a little bit of an escape, a way to use my brain in a different way when I'm not (performing) in the show."

In this conversation, Kelsey Lacombe shares her journey from being a musical theater performer to physiotherapist and now blending the two! She discusses her experiences at Stratford, the challenges and joys of balancing her dual careers, and the personal sacrifices involved in the performing arts. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of not limiting oneself, pursuing passions, and the value of reaching out to others for guidance and support. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and the fulfillment of long-held dreams. Takeaways<ul><li>Don't limit yourself; pursue what you want.</li><li>Challenge conventional wisdom about career paths.</li><li>Embrace opportunities that come your way.</li><li>Resilience is key to overcoming challenges.</li><li>Motivation comes from within; find your drive.</li></ul> BioKelsey Lacombe is a Physiotherapist and professional musical theatre performer with a passion for helping people recover from injury, build strength, and return to the activities they love with confidence.She holds a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance from Sheridan College. Her clinical experience includes seeing a range of musculoskeletal injuries, concussion management, paediatrics, and acute care, with a special interest in working with dancers and performing artists. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique.&nbsp;Kelsey has trained in all styles of dance and brings over a decade of performance experience across Canada, including credits with The Stratford Festival, The Charlottetown Festival, Rainbow Stage, Theatre Calgary, The Citadel, Drayton Entertainment, and more. Her deep understanding of the physical demands placed on dancers allows her to provide care that is both evidence-based and specifically tailored to the needs of performing artists. Kelsey stays current with the latest research to deliver client-centred treatment that helps artists remain stage ready throughout their careers.&nbsp; Kelsey is currently practicing and accepting new patients at Meadowlands Physiotherapy in Ancaster. Instagram handle: @dancephysio.kelsey.&nbsp;

EP 199: Kelsey Lacombe: Physiotherapist & Musical Theatre Performer

"Horror films at their best all have something underlying. It’s not just kills on a screen, thats the biggest mistake filmmakers make. The horror films that resonate tend to deconstruct some of the things that are currently happening in society."

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Kelly Michael Stewart discuss Kelly's journey into the film industry, and the intricacies of programming a film festival. They discuss the unique appeal of horror films, the importance of community in film festivals, and provide valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. Kelly shares insights on balancing multiple roles in the film industry, creating memorable festival experiences, and the impact of the Blood in the Snow festival. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of the festival and final thoughts for filmmakers. Takeaways<ul><li>Programming a film festival requires collaboration and diverse perspectives.</li><li>Horror films can serve as a reflection of societal issues.</li><li>Filmmakers should attend festivals to network and learn from others.</li><li>Balancing multiple roles in the film industry is challenging but rewarding.</li><li>Creating memorable experiences for filmmakers is a priority for festival directors.</li><li>Community support is vital for indie filmmakers and festivals.</li><li>Openness to new opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths.</li></ul> <a href="mailto:info@bloodinthesnow.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@bloodinthesnow.ca</a>&nbsp;| 416-995-5275<a href="https://linktr.ee/BITSFILMFEST?fbclid=IwAR3PYwTbjn7aZYXtrbUJ3ceeP4qVLvbBAeNf2z0BxbnE4R4P299zPYGcG0c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/BITSFILMFEST</a>

EP 198: Kelly Michael Stewart: Festival Director, Blood in the Snow Film Festival

"The most important thing is to stay open, to not judge yourself when you notice the desire to change.  I think there's a lot of guilt and shame about changing your mind in adult age."

In this conversation, host Janet McMordie chats with Sophie Engelhardt shares her journey from being a medical doctor to pursuing a career in acting, discussing the challenges and joys of transitioning between these two worlds. She emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and staying true to oneself, even when it means making unconventional choices. <h4>Takeaways</h4><ul><li>Do the things that make absolutely no sense.</li><li>There's only one who can be responsible for my life and that's you</li><li>Call your parents, call your loved ones, do the things that make you feel proud of yourself and make yourself happy.</li><li>Stay open, don't judge yourself for changing your mind.</li><li>It's okay to feel multiple emotions at once.</li><li>Choosing yourself is not selfish, it's necessary.</li></ul> Instagram TikTok Youtube: @doc.sophiengelhardt Website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theplantbasedpathologist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.theplantbasedpathologist.com</a>

EP 197: Sophie Engelhardt: Doctor Turned Actor

"Acting is about exploring human behaviour. You're learning about the character, you're not just playing a character."

Adam Lupis shares his journey from being a barber to pursuing a career in acting. He discusses the challenges he faced, the transition during COVID, and his passion for storytelling. Adam emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and offers advice for aspiring actors. Takeaways:-Everything great comes with sacrifices.-Acting is about exploring human behavior.-If you have the drive, don't let go of it.-Be yourself to bring out your best.-Create your own work to propel forward. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/adamlupis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/adamlupis</a>

EP 196: Adam Lupis: Barber Turned Actor

"Find people that actually believe in you and what you're trying to do and listen to just those people. Don't listen to people about being funny if they don't make you laugh."

In this engaging conversation, Ashwyn Singh shares his journey from a computer scientist to a stand-up comedian, discussing the cultural shocks he faced after moving to Canada, the challenges of the comedy industry, and the importance of artistic freedom. He reflects on his experiences with open mics, the impact of his background in computer science on his comedy, and offers valuable advice for aspiring comedians. The discussion also touches on memorable moments in his career and his upcoming projects, emphasizing the pursuit of authenticity in art. Takeaways<ul><li>Comedy allows for a unique form of freedom of expression.</li><li>Artistic freedom is a pursuit that requires self-awareness and courage.</li><li>Memorable moments in comedy often come from breaking societal norms.</li></ul> Website: <a href="https://www.ashwyn.me/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ashwyn.me/</a>

EP 195: Ashwyn Singh: Computer Scientist Turned Stand-Up Comedian

"For an actor who's interacting with an animal on set, always come in with questions, not opinions. "

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Millett shares her journey into the world of animal training, highlighting the passion that drives her work. She discusses the importance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of the film industry, the role of animal coordinators, and the preparation required for animals on set. Melissa offers valuable advice for actors working with animals, emphasizing the need to understand animal behavior and the unique challenges presented by different species. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI in film, memorable moments from her career, and her excitement for future projects, all while advocating for the respectful treatment of animals in the industry. Takeaways<ul><li>The passion for animal training is key to success in the industry.</li><li>Navigating the film industry can be confusing without proper mentorship.</li><li>Mentorship is crucial for understanding the complexities of working on set.</li><li>Animal coordinators play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals on set.</li><li>Preparation and training are essential for animals to perform well in film.</li><li>Actors should follow the guidance of animal trainers to ensure safety and effectiveness.</li><li>Interacting with animals on set requires understanding their behavior and needs.</li></ul> <a href="https://www.ultimutts.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ultimutts.ca/</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://indogswetrust.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://indogswetrust.ca/</a>&nbsp;

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