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Second Act Actors
EP 131: Sarah Boston: Veterinarian And Stand-up Comedian
Season 1, Ep. 131
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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.
Takeaways
- Balancing 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-podcast
WHAT 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 between
- Deep, funny, REAL conversations that make you feel like you’re having a drink with one of your best friends
- Guests 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!
More episodes
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137. EP 137: David John Clark: Super Secret Job He Can't Talk About Turned Actor
52:19||Season 1, Ep. 137In this conversation, David John Clark and Janet McMordie discuss the joys and challenges of pursuing a career in acting. David shares his journey into acting, starting as an extra and eventually realizing his passion for the craft. David's day job, although undisclosed, provides him with valuable experiences and insights that he can draw upon in his acting roles. They explore the emotional connection that acting can create, the highs and lows of the journey, and the importance of finding a balance between acting and other aspects of life. They also touch on the concept of late bloomer actors and the idea that it's never too late to pursue your passion. David shares some of his favorite moments on set and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and taking action.TakeawaysThe journey of an actor is filled with highs and lows, and self-doubt is common.Finding a balance between acting and other aspects of life is crucial.It's never too late to pursue your passion for acting.Enjoying the process and taking action are key to success in acting.BIO: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7808979/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm https://thelatebloomeractor.buzzsprout.comhttps://www.instagram.com/davidjohnclarkactor/https://x.com/DavidClarkActorhttps://www.youtube.com/@davidjohnclarkactorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjohnclarkactor/https://www.facebook.com/DavidJohnClarkActor/ And the Late Bloomer Actor can be found on YouTube, Facebook & Instagram.
136. EP 136: Daniel Karp: Math Whiz Turned Actor & Acting Coach
55:32||Season 1, Ep. 136On this episode of Second Act Actors, Daniel Karp shares his journey into the entertainment industry and the importance of community and self-discovery. He discusses the challenges of choosing a career path and the impact of the arts on personal growth. Daniel also talks about the surprising aspects of the entertainment industry and his transition into teaching. His advice for new actors emphasizes the importance of empathy, curiosity, and self-reflection. Daniel shares his favorite moments in teaching and coaching, highlighting the moments when actors commit to their decisions and discover something new about themselves and their characters. He also talks about his excitement for upcoming projects and the shift in his outlook as a teacher and coach. Daniel encourages actors to be kinder to themselves and not compare their journey to others, emphasizing that it's never too late to start.TakeawaysThe entertainment industry thrives on community and collaboration, and finding a supportive network can greatly enhance one's experience.Choosing a career path can be challenging, and it's important to explore different options and find what truly resonates with you.The arts can have a profound impact on personal growth, allowing individuals to express themselves and explore their emotions.Balancing work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being and maintaining passion and energy in both areas.Creating a safe and non-judgmental space is crucial for actors to push themselves and break through their barriers.Committing to decisions and allowing oneself to feel uneasy can lead to discovering new depths in acting.It's never too late to start acting, and age should not be a barrier to pursuing one's passion.
135. EP 135: Robert Sciglimpaglia: Lawyer Turned Actor
54:01||Season 1, Ep. 135The conversation between host Janet McMordie and lawyer turned actor, Robert Sciglimpaglia explores the similarities and differences between the practice of law and the practice of acting. They discuss how both professions require focus, concentration, and the ability to make connections with others. Robert shares his journey from being a lawyer to pursuing a career in voiceover and acting. He emphasizes the importance of being well-rounded and finding balance in both professions. They also discuss the importance of listening and reacting in both acting and law, as well as the role of emotions in storytelling and persuasion. In this conversation, Robert Sciglimpaglia shares his experiences as an actor and lawyer, highlighting the parallels between the two professions. He emphasizes the importance of reacting naturally and not prejudging in both acting and law. Robert offers advice for those looking to pursue acting, encouraging them to pursue their passion and give their best effort at all times.TakeawaysThe practice of law and the practice of acting have similarities in terms of focus, concentration, and making connections with others.Being well-rounded and finding balance is important in both professions.Listening and reacting are crucial skills in both acting and law.Emotions play a significant role in storytelling and persuasion in both professions. Reacting naturally and not prejudging is important in both acting and law.It is possible to get jobs without an agent by knocking on doors and making contacts.Pursue your passion and give your best effort at all times.
134. EP 134: Connie Wang: Actor...FROM THE START!!
52:39||Season 1, Ep. 134Connie Wang shares her journey from theater school to YouTuber, discussing the challenges and growth she experienced. She reflects on the impact of theater school, the transition to the real world, and the development of her YouTube channel. Connie's insights on self-discovery, artistic expression, and the intersection of social media and acting provide valuable takeaways for aspiring artists and creators. Connie then shares her journey of transitioning from YouTube to acting, embracing the process of manifestation, and leveraging social media for artistic expression. She discusses the democratization of the entertainment industry and the shift in priorities as she enters a new phase of her career. Connie reflects on the paradigm shift in her mindset, the power of taking action, and the impact of love and authenticity in her creative work. She also shares insights into her stand-up journey, the importance of joy, and the support of her family.CONNIE'S STAND-UP SPEICAL - CANADIAN FAMOUS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cadIenyjKBc
133. EP 133: Chelsea Johnson: Performer, Coach & Creative
59:14||Season 1, Ep. 133In 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.
132. EP 132: Jeremy Benning: Cinematographer
01:12:53||Season 1, Ep. 132In 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.
130. EP 130: David Pinard: Reality TV Star Turned Actor
51:27||Season 1, Ep. 130In this conversation, Janet McMordie and, reality TV star turned actor, David Pinard discuss the importance of networking and building a community in the entertainment industry. They highlight the need for actors to support each other and pay it forward. David shares his journey of discovering his passion for performing arts and taking the leap to pursue acting full-time. They discuss the challenges and unpredictability of the industry, including the impact of reality TV on acting careers. David discusses the challenges and opportunities for Canadian actors, particularly in the context of Christmas movies and M.O.W.s. He highlights the lack of a star system in Canada and the need for ACTRA to support actors in their career growth. David also shares advice for aspiring actors, emphasizing the importance of consistency and developing additional skills. He discusses the limitations of typecasting and the challenges of filming Christmas movies and M.O.W.s. Finally, David shares memorable moments on set and his excitement for upcoming projects.TakeawaysNetworking and building a community are essential in the entertainment industry.The entertainment industry can be challenging and unpredictable, but perseverance is key.Aspiring actors should pursue additional skills outside of acting to stand out in auditions.Consistency is key in building an acting career, and actors should strive to do something every day to progress towards their goals.Christmas movies and M.O.W.s provide valuable learning experiences for up-and-coming actors and can serve as a platform for growth.Actors should maintain a positive mindset and focus on the learning opportunities and growth potential in every experience.
129. EP 129: Andrew Meikle: Actor/Writer/Producer
49:40||Season 1, Ep. 129Apologies 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