Second Act Actors

On this episode, Dr. Janet McMordie speaks with business owner turned actor, Jon Duque! Jon shares his inspiring journey in the entertainment industry, from pursuing a career in law enforcement to becoming an actor and writer. He faced numerous challenges, including a legal dispute over the rights to his script and health issues. Despite these setbacks, Jon persevered and is now working towards producing his feature film. His story highlights the importance of resilience and following one's passion. Jon emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and approaching life's challenges as lessons. He discusses how his background in security and athletics has influenced his creative process and acting career. Jon also shares his aspirations for his upcoming film and the impact he hopes it will have on others.TakeawaysThe entertainment industry can be challenging and unpredictable, but perseverance is key.Facing setbacks and obstacles is a normal part of the journey, and it's important to keep pushing forward.Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in overcoming challenges.Believing in oneself and the value of one's story is crucial, even when faced with rejection or skepticism.Use past experiences to fuel creativity and enhance performancesTake the necessary time and steps to pursue your passionSurround yourself with positive, like-minded individualsFind a positive side to every negative word or situationEPISODE SPONSOR: SIMCOE COUNTRY THEATRE FESTIVAL!Experience the third annual Simcoe County Theatre Festival in downtown Barrie! Powered by Theatre by the Bay, this year’s festival features SEVEN new shows by local Simcoe County artists. We’ve got a play for every taste, including a children's opera, a contemporary jazz dance piece, comedies, dramas, and so much more. Running July 10 to 21 at the Five Points Theatre in Barrie. Join us for the festival of the summer and get tickets at theatrebythebay.com or call 705-735-9243.

In this conversation, Janet McMordie chats with costume designer Joanna Syrokomla! Joanna shares her experience of starting a career in costume design and the process of developing costumes for productions. They also touch on the importance of working with actors and creating costumes that reflect their characters. Joanna emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements and the challenges of working with actors who do not provide their current measurements. GET YOUR MEASUREMENTS, PEOPLE!! She also discusses the transformative power of the fitting room and the joy of collaborating with actors to bring characters to life. She highlights the impact of technology on costume design and the increased diversity in casting due to self-taping auditions. She offers advice on maintaining calmness in stressful situations and the importance of a social media presence for actors. Finally, she discusses upcoming projects and seminars she is involved in.TakeawaysBeing in a room full of enthusiasm and creativity can be a truly marvelous experience.Trusting the path and making decisions based on growth and intuition can lead to fulfilling careers.The process of costume design involves creativity, resourcefulness, and collaboration.Working with actors and understanding their needs and preferences is crucial for creating successful costumes. Accurate measurements are crucial for costume design and actors should provide their current measurements to ensure the best fit.The fitting room is a transformative space where actors can find their character and bring them to life through clothing.Collaboration between costume designers and actors is essential for creating authentic and memorable characters.Technology has greatly impacted costume design, from digital cameras on set to the use of social media for research and inspiration.

In this conversation, Allisha Pelletier shares her journey into the acting industry and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the emotional connection she experienced with fellow actors and the impact of typecasting on personal identity. She also talks about her decision to transition from a career in aesthetics to pursue acting full-time. She emphasizes the importance of community and networking in the industry and offers advice for those looking to change careers and enter the entertainment industry. We also discuss her career as a producer and writer, with Allisha sharing her favorite moments on set and the joy of having her family involved. She talks about the importance of making her parents proud and how she feels she is living out her mother's dream. Allisha also reflects on the pressure and gratitude she experiences in her career. She shares her upcoming projects and the challenges she faced in crowdfunding for 'The H-Word'. Finally, she encourages others to take control of their success and not let superficial factors hold them back.TakeawaysThe acting industry can be emotionally challenging, but finding a supportive community can make a significant difference.Transitioning into a new career, such as acting, may require careful planning and a long-term strategy.Combining business skills with acting can be beneficial in managing a successful career.Building relationships and networking within the industry can open doors to new opportunities.Feeling pressure and gratitude simultaneously is a common experience in pursuing a creative career.Taking control of one's success involves being flexible and pursuing multiple avenues within the industry.

This weeks episode celebrates the amazing Tik Tok sensation, NIR GUZINSKI!! He had a career in marketing before switching to content creation and acting. The conversation covers the challenges and journey of acting, the perception of talent and training in creative careers, and the evolution of acting on social media. It also explores the balance between acting and marketing, as well as the adaptation to COVID-19 and the creation of characters. In this part of the conversation, Nir discusses the evolution of social media platforms and the impact of TikTok's virality. He shares his experience of going viral on TikTok and the challenges of transitioning from social media to film and TV. Nir also emphasizes the importance of continuous promotion and marketing on social media. He discusses the role of social media in the acting industry and offers advice for actors to pursue their passion, utilize social media, and network. In this conversation, Nir shares his insights and advice for aspiring actors. He emphasizes the importance of following your passion and taking it slow, as well as using social media to showcase your work. Nir also highlights the value of networking in the industry and how it can lead to opportunities. Lastly, he reminds actors that acting is not just about talent, but also about understanding the business side of the industry.TakeawaysActing requires both innate talent and training to excel in the craft.Creative careers, including acting, are often perceived as less credible and require less formal education compared to traditional careers.Social media platforms have provided opportunities for actors to showcase their talent and gain visibility.Balancing a day job, such as marketing, with pursuing acting can be challenging but necessary for stability.The COVID-19 pandemic has forced actors to adapt and find new ways to create and connect with audiences. Social media platforms like TikTok have evolved and become powerful tools for creators to gain visibility and go viral.The virality on TikTok can lead to increased followers and opportunities for creators, but it is important to adapt to the platform's format and trends.Transitioning from social media to film and TV can be challenging, as the audience on social media may not necessarily translate to success in traditional media.Continuous promotion and marketing are essential for creators to maintain visibility and engage with their audience.Social media can play a significant role in the acting industry, but actors should also focus on honing their craft and networking to create opportunities. Follow your passion and don't let hurdles stop you.Utilize social media to show your process and work.Networking is crucial for success in the acting industry.Remember that acting is a business and understanding its dynamics is important.

In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, host Dr. Janet McMordie speaks with Nicole Yost about her transition from teaching to acting. They discuss the similarities between her two careers, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of seeking feedback in the acting industry. Nicole shares her coping strategies, including starting a YouTube channel and promoting her voiceover work. The episode also touches on the importance of trying new things and the value of persistence in the face of failure.  Main Lessons & Ideas:From Tragedy to Triumph: Nicole's journey from a dedicated teacher to a passionate actor, following the heartbreaking loss of her child, is a poignant reminder that our deepest sorrows can lead to new beginnings.The Art of Adaptation: We explore how the skills honed in one career can beautifully complement another. Nicole's teaching experience enriched her acting with a unique depth and authenticity.Mentorship & Lifelong Learning: The conversation underscores the importance of guidance and the willingness to learn, no matter where you are in your career. Nicole's story is a call to embrace every opportunity to grow.I'm beyond grateful for Nicole's vulnerability and the energy she brought to our conversation. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, and I can't wait to see her star continue to rise.

In this conversation, Christina Pitts Jazzar, an intimacy coordinator, shares her journey into the industry and the role of intimacy coordination. She discusses the importance of communication, consent, choreography, and closure in creating safe and effective intimate scenes. Christina emphasizes the need for trust and understanding between actors and their partners, as well as the misconceptions and reactions surrounding intimacy coordination. She also highlights the role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring the comfort and consent of both actors and audiences.Christina also shares insights into a typical day on set as an intimacy coordinator, highlighting the importance of checking in with actors and the crew. She discusses the collaborative nature of the industry and the need for education and awareness around the role of intimacy coordinators. Christina concludes by encouraging individuals to find the right training and resources to support their journey as intimacy coordinators.TakeawaysIntimacy coordination involves communication, consent, choreography, and closure.Trust and understanding between actors and their partners are crucial in creating safe and effective intimate scenes.Intimacy coordinators play a role in ensuring the comfort and consent of both actors and audiences.The work of intimacy coordinators is often misunderstood, and it is important to challenge misconceptions and educate others about their role.

Daniel Thomas, an Australian actor based in Germany, shares his journey of pursuing acting as a second act career. He discusses how he initially had a curiosity for acting as a child but ended up pursuing architecture instead. After experiencing burnout and anxiety, he took a dramatic turn and formed a band, which eventually led him to Germany. Daniel talks about the challenges of starting an acting career in a foreign country and the importance of embracing his uniqueness. He also shares his experiences in the film industry and the surprises he encountered along the way. Daniel emphasizes the importance of following your intuition and taking small steps towards your goals. TakeawaysFollow your dreams and take risks, even if it means deviating from the expected path.Embrace your uniqueness and use your life experiences to inform your art.Constraints can lead to creative solutions and growth.Creating your own opportunities and collaborating with like-minded individuals can be more fulfilling than waiting for traditional opportunities.Success in the film industry is not solely determined by budget or traditional measures.

In this conversation, Marcella Young and Janet McMordie discuss Marcella's journey as an actor and being the literal definition of "Jill of All trades"...SHE DOES IT ALLMarcella shares her early passion for acting and how it has always been a part of her life. She talks about the challenges of balancing safety and pursuing artistic dreams, as well as overcoming performance anxiety and embracing fun. Marcella emphasizes the importance of building confidence and trusting oneself as an artist. She also highlights the transferable skills and life experiences that contributed to her acting career. Ultimately, Marcella encourages everyone to embrace their artistic desires and find joy in self-expression.Takeaways:-Self-expression through art is a powerful tool for understanding and coping with the world.-Overcoming performance anxiety requires embracing fun and taking risks.-Building confidence and trusting oneself are essential for success as an artist.-Transferable skills and life experience can contribute to a fulfilling artistic career.