Second Act Actors

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.TakeawaysDon't limit yourself; pursue what you want.Challenge conventional wisdom about career paths.Embrace opportunities that come your way.Resilience is key to overcoming challenges.Motivation comes from within; find your drive.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. 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. Kelsey is currently practicing and accepting new patients at Meadowlands Physiotherapy in Ancaster. Instagram handle: @dancephysio.kelsey. 

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.TakeawaysProgramming a film festival requires collaboration and diverse perspectives.Horror films can serve as a reflection of societal issues.Filmmakers should attend festivals to network and learn from others.Balancing multiple roles in the film industry is challenging but rewarding.Creating memorable experiences for filmmakers is a priority for festival directors.Community support is vital for indie filmmakers and festivals.Openness to new opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths.info@bloodinthesnow.ca | 416-995-5275https://linktr.ee/BITSFILMFEST

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.TakeawaysDo the things that make absolutely no sense.There's only one who can be responsible for my life and that's youCall your parents, call your loved ones, do the things that make you feel proud of yourself and make yourself happy.Stay open, don't judge yourself for changing your mind.It's okay to feel multiple emotions at once.Choosing yourself is not selfish, it's necessary.Instagram TikTok Youtube:@doc.sophiengelhardtWebsite www.theplantbasedpathologist.com

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.https://www.youtube.com/c/adamlupis

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.TakeawaysComedy allows for a unique form of freedom of expression.Artistic freedom is a pursuit that requires self-awareness and courage.Memorable moments in comedy often come from breaking societal norms.Website: https://www.ashwyn.me/

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.TakeawaysThe passion for animal training is key to success in the industry.Navigating the film industry can be confusing without proper mentorship.Mentorship is crucial for understanding the complexities of working on set.Animal coordinators play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals on set.Preparation and training are essential for animals to perform well in film.Actors should follow the guidance of animal trainers to ensure safety and effectiveness.Interacting with animals on set requires understanding their behavior and needs.https://www.ultimutts.ca/ https://indogswetrust.ca/ 

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Cindy-Ann Boisson explore Cindy-Ann's journey into stand-up comedy and the importance of storytelling and humor in bridging personal pain. Cindy-Ann shares her experiences from her first performance to building a career in comedy, emphasizing the significance of self-love and passion over monetary gain. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of being a comedian, along with valuable advice for aspiring artists.TakeawaysStand-up comedy allows for a unique connection between pain and humor.The importance of self-love in pursuing creative endeavors.Navigating the comedy scene requires resilience and adaptability.Storytelling in stand-up is different from traditional storytelling.Finding humor in painful experiences can be therapeutic.Cindy-Ann's websiteGet tickets for Cindy-Ann's show on Oct 1st at Comedy Bar Danforth

In this conversation, Anthony Chin-Quee: Writer & Doctor shares his transformative journey from a medical career to becoming a television writer. He discusses the emotional challenges faced during medical training, the importance of storytelling, and how he found his passion in writing. Tony reflects on his experiences in the Grey's Anatomy writing room, the cultural shifts in medicine, and the significance of humor in coping with the stresses of the medical profession. He offers advice for those looking to transition into creative fields and emphasizes the importance of loving what you do.TakeawaysStorytelling can be a powerful tool for processing experiences in medicine.Finding emotional resilience is key to thriving in creative fields.It's important to make time for creative pursuits in daily life.Loving what you do is essential for personal fulfillment.

In this engaging conversation, Madison Caan shares her journey from a young performer to athlete to actor and producer. She discusses her experiences in LA and New York, the importance of community in Toronto, and her unique approach to acting. Madison emphasizes the value of hard work, genuine connections, and the need for artists to explore various creative avenues beyond acting. Her insights provide valuable advice for aspiring actors and highlight the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.TAKEAWAYS:Success is defined by the ability to make choices, not having them made for you.Athletes possess qualities like discipline, work ethic, and resilience that are valuable in any career.The acting industry now requires versatility; being just an actor is no longer sustainable.Genuine connections in the industry are crucial; reach out with authenticity and purpose.Embrace vulnerability in art; it's a delicate process that connects deeply with audiences.Learn the rules of the industry to creatively break them and find your unique voice.Physicality and authenticity in performance can enhance the portrayal of characters.Building a supportive community is essential for creative growth and success.https://www.screaminggoatfilms.com/