Second Act Actors

In this conversation, Chelsea Johnson shares her journey in the entertainment industry and the lessons she has learned along the way. She discusses her early passion for music and movies, influenced by her family and childhood experiences. She shares her experiences in coaching and pursuing theater, as well as the challenges she faced that led her to take a break from the industry. She also talks about her play-based approach to teaching and coaching actors, emphasizing the importance of embracing creativity and undoing societal expectations. Chelsea opens up about her healing journey through pole dancing and how it has helped her reclaim her sexuality and body image. The conversation explores the concepts of scarcity mindset and abundance mindset, and the impact of the patriarchy on feminine energy. The key takeaway is to listen to the whispers within and make choices that align with one's true desires and passions.TakeawaysEmbrace multiple passions and roles in your life. You don't have to limit yourself to one career or identity.Don't be afraid to take a break or pivot in your journey. It's okay to reassess and make changes that align with your true passions and values.Focus on the process of creation rather than external validation or accomplishments. Enjoy the journey and the act of creating.Develop an abundant mindset and celebrate the successes of others. Support and cheer on fellow creators, knowing that there is enough success and fulfillment for everyone. Embracing an abundance mindset and undoing societal expectations can lead to personal growth and creativity.Listening to the whispers within and making choices that align with one's true desires and passions is essential for personal fulfillment.

In this conversation, cinematographer Jeremy Benning shares his journey to becoming a cinematographer. What is a cinematographer, you might ask? Or you might not because you feel stupid asking it....FEAR NOT! I ASKED HIM!He discusses his early interest in photography, his experience volunteering at a community television station, and the different paths people can take to become a cinematographer. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and actively pursuing work. Jeremy emphasizes the collaborative nature of working on set, particularly with directors and producers. He shares insights into building rapport and trust with actors and adapting the blocking to their needs. He emphasizes the trust and collaboration between camera operators and the cast, as well as the technical awareness and continuity of experienced actors. Jeremy provides tips for actors to make his job easier, including taking acting for camera workshops and being open to asking questions and seeking guidance from the crew. He also shares memorable moments on set and expresses his gratitude for being able to pursue his dream job.TakeawaysBuilding relationships and networking are crucial in the film industry.Collaboration and communication are key when working with directors and producers, as they set the tone and vision for the project.Working with actors requires flexibility and trust, allowing them to bring their own ideas and interpretations to the scene. Camera operators are an extension of the DP and play a crucial role in working with technical teams and the cast.Experienced actors have a strong technical awareness and continuity, which helps in achieving consistent shots.Actors can make the DP's job easier by taking acting for camera workshops, asking questions, and seeking guidance from the crew.Being aware of the camera and lighting can greatly enhance an actor's performance and contribute to the overall quality of the shot.Persistence is key in the entertainment industry, and actors should never give up on their dreams.

In this conversation, Sarah Boston and Janet McMordie discuss the challenges of balancing a whimsical career path with a day job. They explore the pressure to excel in one thing and the fear of losing edge in a profession. They also touch on the desire to be good at everything and the struggle of being mediocre at two things. The conversation highlights the importance of artists supporting other artists and the value of being a supportive audience. Sarah shares her excitement about her upcoming performance at the Guelph Fringe and discusses her podcast, Co-Medicine, which focuses on healthcare professionals who are involved in comedy.TakeawaysBalancing a whimsical career path with a day job can be challenging, but it's important to find a balance that allows for pursuing creative passions while also meeting practical needs.The pressure to excel in one thing and the fear of losing edge in a profession can create internal conflicts, but it's important to remember that it's possible to be good at multiple things.Being a supportive audience member and supporting other artists is crucial in the creative community.It's important to let go of jokes or ideas that don't work and to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.Dr. Boston's podcast: https://www.drsarahboston.com/comedicine-podcastWHAT ANOTHER FUN PODCAST? YES PLEASE!!The Firecracker Department is a podcast that dives into honest conversations with women and non-binary folks in the entertainment industry.The podcast has now spawned an international community of women and non-binary artists encouraging each other to take creative action.The podcast is hosted by award-winning actor, improviser and comedian Naomi Snieckus (Second City, Mr D) In it, she talks to fellow actors, writers and producers - and gets the skinny on their struggles, successes and everything in betweenDeep, funny, REAL conversations that make you feel like you’re having a drink with one of your best friendsGuests include Mae Martin (Actor + comedian - Feel Good, I Have Nothing);  Jo Vannicola (Emmy Award-Winning Actor - Street Legal, Being Erica, The Expanse); Award-winning singer-songwriter Jann Arden; Bilal Baig (creator of HBO Max's Sort Of); and Kay Cannon (writer - New Girl, 30 Rock)Find The Firecracker Department wherever you get your podcasts - and give them a follow. And NOW you can WATCH the interviews on the Firecracker Department YouTube channel!

Apologies for the audio issues...my whole recording set-up is on ye olde FRITZ. Je ne comprend pas technology but I'll fiddle once I recover from PRIDE WEEKENDJoin us on an inspiring journey as we explore the career of ANDREW MEIKLE! Listen in as we navigate the unpredictability of the film industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also touches on the sense of community within the Toronto film scene and the importance of mutual support to compete with industry giants like LA and New York. We also reflect on the potential of revisiting early projects with new resources.Andrew has a ton of practical advice for aspiring creators and the power of networking. Learn how to leverage everyday tools to create content, and hear tips on seizing networking opportunities, even in unexpected places. We also share behind-the-scenes insights from the creation of the web series "Two Brothers," discussing the journey from a micro-budget first season to a more resourceful second season. Hear heartwarming stories of camaraderie on set and the recognition the series has received. Lastly, we celebrate the relationships and memorable moments that fuel the passion for filmmaking, leaving you with words of wisdom and encouragement for your own creative pursuits.TWO BROTHERS SEASON 2 LAUNCH PARTY TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outtvs-two-brothers-season-2-launch-party-tickets-911757048877

Melissa Melottey shares her journey as a child actor, her decision to take a break from acting and attend business school, and her return to the industry. She discusses the pressure and expectations she faced as a child actor and the impact it had on her mental health. Melissa also talks about her current focus on writing and acting, and how her perception of the industry has changed over time. She discusses misconceptions about the entertainment industry, the reality of the industry, resilience and perseverance, and the importance of valuing stability.TakeawaysChild actors often face immense pressure and expectations, which can have a significant impact on their mental health.Taking a break from acting and pursuing other interests can be beneficial for personal growth and self-discovery.Writing can be a fulfilling creative outlet and a way to create opportunities in the entertainment industry.The industry has changed over time, with differences in pay and opportunities for actors. The entertainment industry is often misunderstood, and the perception of instant success and constant work is not always the reality.Resilience and perseverance are crucial qualities for success in the industry.It is important to value stability and recognize the high risk involved in pursuing a career in entertainment.Taking classes and continuously learning is important, but it is also essential to listen to yourself and take breaks when needed.Finding joy in acting and creating characters is a key aspect of enjoying the industry.EPISODE 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.

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.