Second Act Actors

In this episode of Second Act Actors, I had the pleasure of speaking with Todd Stark, a talented voiceover actor who transitioned from a successful corporate career to the world of acting during the pandemic. Todd shared his fascinating journey from working in global supply chain, marketing, IT, and strategy across various industries to rediscovering his passion for acting, a love he had since high school.Todd discussed the pivotal moment during the pandemic when he decided to leave his corporate job and pursue acting full-time. He took a strategic approach, using his business acumen to analyze his own career aspirations and ultimately decided to follow his passion for acting. Todd's story is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the courage to make significant life changes.We delved into the challenges and rewards of voice acting, highlighting the importance of imagination and the ability to bring scripts to life without the physical presence of other actors. Todd emphasized the need for continuous learning and adapting, sharing his experiences from various acting workshops and the importance of reacting authentically in scenes.Additionally, Todd spoke about his involvement with "Voiceover for the Planet," a group dedicated to providing voiceover services for companies with a mission-based focus. He highlighted the importance of community and the group's efforts to support environmental and social causes.In closing, Todd offered valuable advice for aspiring actors, emphasizing the importance of studying acting, being persistent, and knowing oneself. His journey and insights provide inspiration for anyone considering a second act in their career.Thank you, Todd, for sharing your incredible story and voiceover tips. It was a fantastic conversation, and I hope my listeners enjoyed it as much as I did. Tune in next week for another episode of Second Act Actors!https://voiceoverfortheplanet.com/

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Jordan Morris explore the fascinating world of storytelling and the entertainment industry. They discuss the intricacies of pagecraft and the importance of business acumen in the creative field. Jordan shares his unique journey from toy store owner to screenwriter and producer, emphasizing the value of mentorship and the need for aspiring creatives to prove their skills. The conversation also highlights memorable moments from Jordan's career, including the making of the Mr. Dress Up documentary and the importance of preserving Canadian television history.TakeawaysThe behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking can demystify the genre.Audience reactions provide valuable insights into storytelling effectiveness.Business acumen is crucial for success in the entertainment industry.Aspiring creatives should actively seek opportunities to showcase their work.Mentorship accelerates learning and skill development in creative fields.Failure is a necessary part of the creative process.Building an audience can open doors to industry opportunities.Preserving cultural heritage in media is vital for future generations.https://www.jordanmorriswriterigniter.com/

In this conversation, Harrison Browne shares his unique journey from hockey player to pursuing a career in acting. He discusses the challenges of changing careers, the importance of visibility for the trans community, and the lessons learned from sports that have influenced his approach to acting and storytelling. Harrison emphasizes the need for authentic representation in media and offers advice for aspiring actors, encouraging them to embrace their curiosity and take small steps towards their goals.TakeawaysThe importance of visibility for trans individuals in media.It's okay to turn down roles that did not contribute to authentic representation.Storytelling can create empathy and understanding for marginalized communities.Explore your curiosity and take small steps towards their goals.Everyone has a story to tell, regardless of their background.BUY HARRISON'S BOOK HERE!

In this conversation, Paul Glancey shares his unique journey from education to acting, highlighting the influence of his background in sports and teaching. He discusses the creative freedom he found in acting, the mindset required to succeed, and the challenges of navigating the business side of the industry. He emphasizes the importance of research, preparation, and building confidence. He discusses how his athletic background influences his approach to acting, the significance of learning from others, and memorable experiences on set. Additionally, he highlights the unique blend of his chiropractic work with his acting career, and offers valuable advice for aspiring actors.Takeaways.The mindset of an actor is similar to that of an athlete.Acting requires a unique blend of training and instinct.The business side of acting can be challenging to navigate.Creative outlets are essential for personal fulfillment.Research is a fun and essential part of acting.Confidence is crucial in acting; preparation builds it.Mistakes are part of the learning process in acting.

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Pershlie 'Perci' Ami explore the the importance of storytelling. Perci shares her personal experiences, highlighting the challenges and learning moments she faced while navigating the film industry later in life. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's rights, the role of support systems, and the value of behind-the-scenes contributions in filmmaking. She emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one's life, the power of narratives in healing, and the need for connection within communities. Through her experiences, she highlights the significance of mental health awareness, the impact of personal loss, and the joy of embracing diversity and acceptance. Perci's insights inspire listeners to transform their pain into purpose and to celebrate life with laughter and love.TakeawaysStorytelling is a powerful tool for connection.Acting involves continuous learning and adaptation.Actors are not the center of the filmmaking universe.Age should not limit one's ability to pursue new opportunities. Life is about making things happen, not waiting.Everyone has a story to tell, and it can help others.Don't let anger hold you back from living your life.GIVEAWAY!!! Head on over to my Instagram page to win a copy of Perci's book plus tickets to my upcoming live show!!!

In this conversation, Ken Hall shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in his youth to discovering his identity through punk rock and improv. He discusses how finding a creative outlet in improv transformed his life. Ken emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and using performance as a means of connection and healing, both for himself and others. Ken reflects on his own journey from a career counselor to a performer, emphasizing the importance of play and exploration in the creative process. He encourages aspiring actors to embrace the fun in their journey and to be kind to themselves as they learn and grow.TakeawaysSaying 'yes' in improv translates to saying 'yes' in life.Punk rock and improv share a rebellious spirit.Creativity can be a powerful tool for healing.Differences should be celebrated, not hidden. Improv can help people face their fears.Pushing through fear can lead to great achievements.

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Suzanne Miller discuss Suzanne's journey from community theater to animation, the myth of being discovered in acting, the blend of animation and acting careers, navigating the business side of acting, and advice for aspiring actors. She reflects on her experiences working on various projects, including her role in the acclaimed series Handmaid's Tale, and discusses her passion for genre storytelling, particularly in dystopian and fantasy settings. Suzanne also highlights the transferable skills gained from acting that enhance her personal life and relationships, while looking forward to future projects in production design and film.TakeawaysAnimation and acting share a deep connection in storytelling Navigating the business side of acting involves networking and learning from others.Early successes in acting can boost confidence but are not always indicative of future success.The acting journey is unique for everyone and often unpredictable.It's important to embrace the journey and not regret pursuing one's passion.

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Susan Serrao explore the journey of becoming an actor, the importance of business acumen in the arts, and the impact of the pandemic on artistic growth. Susan shares her personal story of transitioning from a toy seller to an actor, emphasizing the need for networking, creating opportunities, and managing the emotional toll of acting. They discuss the importance of community and support systems in navigating the ups and downs of an acting career, as well as practical advice for aspiring actors. Susan shares her creative journey with her project 'Got MILF', highlighting the challenges and triumphs of bringing her sketches to life. The conversation concludes with insights on future projects and the importance of following one's joy in the artistic process.TakeawaysThe journey to becoming an actor can be non-linear and filled with self-discovery.Business skills are crucial for success in the acting industry.Networking is essential for building relationships and opportunities.Creating your own content can help you learn and grow as an artist.Rejection in acting is common and should not be taken personally.Having a support system is vital for emotional resilience in the arts.Instagram: @iamsusanserraoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanSerraoSketchnStuff

In this conversation, Jinny Wong shares her early experiences in acting and the challenges of navigating career choices. She emphasizes the importance of personal development, the unpredictability of the acting industry, and offers advice for aspiring actors. Jinny also reflects on how her past experiences have shaped her current approach to acting and coaching. She discusses the importance of affirmations, the impact of societal expectations on women, and the launch of her new podcast, Hitting Her Mark, aimed at empowering women to embrace their passions while navigating life's complexities.TakeawaysNavigating career choices often involves trial and error.Transitioning careers can be daunting but rewarding.Having a safety net is crucial when pursuing acting.Financial literacy is important for aspiring actors.Unpredictability in acting is similar to experiences in other jobs.It's important to enjoy the journey and not just the destination.https://hittinghermark.podbean.com/