Second Act Actors

In this engaging conversation, Alison Mullings shares her journey into the world of acting and podcasting, discussing the importance of storytelling, the challenges of theater school, and the evolving landscape of the acting industry. The dialogue highlights the significance of personal growth, family support, and the unique experiences that shape an artist's career. Alison's passion for celebrating Canadian talent and her reflections on education provide valuable insights for aspiring actors and creatives. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Alison's podcast, the inspiration found in conversations, and concludes with valuable advice on pursuing creative endeavors without waiting for permission.TakeawaysFamily support is crucial, even if they initially doubt the career choice.Theater school can be a mixed experience, depending on personal investment.Education is often wasted on the young; maturity changes perspective.The acting industry is slowly changing to include more diverse body types.Hosting a podcast has helped Alison become more comfortable in her own skin.Networking is crucial in the creative industry.Starting projects without waiting for perfect conditions is essential.https://www.alisonmullings.com/projects-8

In this conversation, Casting Associate Kelly Boaz shares their unique journey from being an actor to a casting director, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. They emphasize the importance of mentorship in the casting industry, the nuances of auditioning, and the relationship between actors and casting directors. Kelly also provides valuable tips for actors to enhance their auditions and discusses the significance of agency representation in the industry. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and encouragement for aspiring actors.TAKEAWAYSTransitioning careers can lead to unexpected opportunities.Mentorship is crucial in the casting industry.The casting process involves collaboration and organization.Understanding the character's context is vital for auditions.Casting directors want actors to succeed and shine.

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Kat Fury discuss Kat's journey from a finance career in Singapore to pursuing acting in Toronto. Kat shares her experiences of moving to Canada, the challenges of starting a new career, and the supportive community within the acting industry. They explore the surprises and realities of acting, the importance of networking, and the whimsical nature of pursuing a career in the arts. She offers practical advice for those looking to make similar career changes, highlights memorable experiences in acting, and discusses her aspirations in fitness and comedy. Kat also stresses the significance of personal branding and entrepreneurship for artists, providing valuable resources for newcomers in the industry.TakeawaysNetworking and taking classes are crucial in the acting industry.It's important to have hobbies outside of acting to stay motivated.Explore interests from childhood to guide your career path.Continuous learning and exploration are key to growth.

In this conversation, John Mawson shares his unique journey from a successful career in the Merchant Navy to becoming an actor and filmmaker. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to pursue his passion for acting later in life, emphasizing the importance of commitment, continuous learning, and the collaborative nature of the arts. John also highlights his project 'Unsinkable,' inspired by a true story from World War II, showcasing his dedication to storytelling and resilience in the face of challenges. He shares insights on working with A-list actors, the release and reception of his project 'Unsinkable', and his aspirations for future film and TV adaptations. TakeawaysJohn emphasizes the importance of commitment and hard work in acting.The evolution of a story can be complex and multifaceted.Writing from a character's perspective can enhance storytelling.Good projects attract talent and collaboration.Writing is a technical skill that requires practice and learning..https://wondery.com/shows/unsinkable/

In this conversation, Janet McMordie interviews Chris Bridges, one of Canada's most respected Makeup Effects Artists, about his journey into the world of special effects and prosthetics. Chris shares his early inspirations, the challenges of self-education, and the collaborative nature of creating characters in film. He discusses the importance of practical effects versus CGI, the role of actors in the application of prosthetics, and the creative process behind character design. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication required in the industry, as well as the emotional connections formed through creative collaboration. He reflects on memorable moments in his career, offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, and discusses the realities of working in the special effects industry. Chris also shares his future aspirations and concludes with words of wisdom for those looking to pursue a creative career.TakeawaysSelf-taught artists can thrive in the special effects industry despite the lack of formal education.Collaboration with various departments is crucial in the creative process of filmmaking.Prosthetics must fit the narrative and be believable to the audience.Casting decisions are influenced by the physicality required for prosthetics.The industry is competitive, and continuous learning is essential for success.Surrounding yourself with talented individuals enhances creativity.https://gaslightfxstudio.com/

In this conversation, John Thomas Gauthier shares his journey into acting, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced while pursuing his passion in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, networking, and staying motivated amidst the ups and downs of an acting career. John also provides valuable advice for aspiring actors, particularly those looking to enter the industry later in life, and reflects on the realities of being a character actor in a visually driven industry. He emphasizes the importance of self-production in showcasing his range as an actor, while also reflecting on the support from his family and memorable moments on set. John looks ahead to future projects and offers insightful advice on finding joy in the creative process.TakeawaysNetworking is crucial in the entertainment industry; it's often about who you know.Staying motivated involves surrounding yourself with supportive peers and exploring different roles.Formal education in acting does not guarantee success; passion and hard work are essential.Character actors often face challenges due to similar looks and types in casting.Being observant in everyday life can enhance acting skills. Having a unique appearance can be both an advantage and a disadvantage in acting.The relationship with oneself is the most important one.

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Amy Crater discuss Amy's journey from high school to Chicago, the challenges she faced throughout it all, and her eventual return to acting in Arizona. Amy shares her insights on navigating the unpredictable landscape of an acting career. She emphasizes the importance of intuition, the value of life experiences, and the necessity of finding stability amidst the chaos of the industry. She also highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in a constantly changing field, offering practical advice for aspiring actors.TakeawaysFinding a community is essential for growth in acting.Resilience is crucial when facing career challenges.Creativity allows for new directions in one's career.Life experiences contribute to personal growth and confidence as an actor.Respect everyone on set, regardless of their role.

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Pascal Langdale delve into the education system for actors, the illusion of a career ladder, and the necessity of finding joy in the craft of acting. Pascal emphasizes the importance of practicing and honing one's skills, regardless of industry recognition, and the need to maintain a sense of play in the art of acting. He emphasizes the importance of character immersion and the psychophysical relationships that actors must navigate to deliver authentic performances. Pascal shares his personal techniques for learning lines and the significance of embodied movement in acting. He also reflects on memorable moments in motion capture and offers advice for aspiring actors, highlighting the need for a long-term perspective in their careers.TakeawaysThe acting industry is competitive and often disheartening.Education in acting does not guarantee success in the industry.Financial stability is crucial for aspiring actors.The concept of a career ladder in acting is misleading.Finding joy in acting is essential for long-term fulfillment.Embodied movement enhances acting skills.Psychophysical relationships inform character motivations.Work With Pascal: http://collectiveintent.net/

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Alaine Hutton explore the intricacies of acting, the importance of listening, and the transition from sports to the performing arts. They discuss the challenges actors face in maintaining authenticity on camera, the skills transferred from athletics to acting, and the surprising business aspects of a career in the arts. The dialogue emphasizes the need for training, the value of being present, and the ongoing journey of self-improvement in both fields. They also delve into the creative process behind Alaine's work, particularly her show 'Honey I'm Home,' emphasizing the human experience and the role of failure in both art and life.TakeawaysAuthenticity in acting is crucial for engaging performances.The ability to listen is a key skill for actors.The importance of creating your own opportunities in the arts.Listening can deflate anger and build respect in conversations.Failure is a significant part of the artistic journey.Theater allows for a shared human experience.