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Second Act Actors
EP 139: Andrea Kenyon: Casting Director
Season 1, Ep. 139
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Montreal-based Casting Director, Andrea Kenyon shares her journey of becoming a casting director and the daily process of casting a show. She emphasizes the importance of the audition breakdown and how it inspires agents and actors to suggest and portray the right characters. Andrea also highlights the collaboration between casting directors and actors, debunking the misconception of conflict between the two. She expresses her passion for the industry and the constant growth and learning that comes with being a casting director. She shares insights and advice for actors. She emphasizes the importance of understanding tone and doing thorough preparation for auditions. Andrea also discusses the role of casting directors in championing actors and making the casting process a positive experience. She shares memorable moments in her career where she made a difference in casting decisions. Andrea advises actors to have a passion for the craft, constantly grow and learn, and not tie their self-worth to audition results.
Takeaways
- Casting directors are champions for actors, constantly working to get them hired and supporting their growth and success.
- Collaboration between casting directors and actors is essential, and casting directors strive to provide actors with the tools and opportunities to shine.
- Understanding tone is crucial for actors
- Don't tie your self-worth to audition results
- Constantly grow, learn, and have a passion for the craft
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166. EP 166: Raissa Patton: Hairstylist
57:21||Season 1, Ep. 166In this conversation, 4x Emmy nominated hairstylist Raissa Patton shares her unique journey, detailing her family background, early influences, and the challenges she faced in the hair and makeup industry. She discusses the importance of unions, the surprises she encountered in her career, and offers valuable advice for actors on how to collaborate effectively on set. She emphasizes the importance of communication, the value of collaboration, and the lessons learned from setbacks. Raissa also expresses optimism for future opportunities and the significance of being prepared for the unpredictable nature of the industry.TakeawaysBuilding a career in hair and makeup requires creativity and collaboration.Networking and connections are crucial in the film industry.Actors should come prepared for hair and makeup fittings.Collaboration on set involves balancing the needs of directors and actors.Freelance work can lead to financial instability without proper support.It's essential to be open-minded and consider others' ideas in creative processes.Building relationships with crew members can lead to lifelong friendships.The transformative power of hair and makeup can significantly impact performances.Embracing the journey and learning from experiences is vital for growth.
165. EP 165: Jacob Wyse: Pre-med/Medical Salesperson Turned Actor
39:07||Season 1, Ep. 165In this conversation, Jacob Wyse shares his unique journey from aspiring doctor to actor, highlighting the importance of creativity, family support, and the courage to pursue one's passion. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a career in acting, the balance between logic and creativity, and the excitement of navigating the unknown in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the need for passion and courage in pursuing one's dreams, while also reflecting on memorable moments in his acting journey. He discusses the surprises of the industry, including the unpredictability of success and the challenges of being an actor.TakeawaysThere's an unspoken connection with the audience during performance.Acting can serve as an emotional release and creative outlet.Building a community is essential when moving to a new city.Engaging in local activities can foster connections in the industry.Life is too short to not pursue your passions.
164. EP 164: Alison Mullings: Creative Full-time
50:40||Season 1, Ep. 164In 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
163. EP 163: Kelly Boaz: Casting Associate
59:29||Season 1, Ep. 163In 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.
162. EP 162: Kat Fury: Broker Turned Actor
39:44||Season 1, Ep. 162In 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.
161. EP 161: John Mawson: Merchant Marine Turned Actor
47:06||Season 1, Ep. 161In 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/
160. EP 160: Chris Bridges: Makeup Effects Artist
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159. EP 159: John Thomas Gauthier: Bartender & Actor
50:20||Season 1, Ep. 159In 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.
158. EP 158: Amy Crater: Community Manager & Actor
47:09||Season 1, Ep. 158In 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.