Second Act Actors

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.

Dr. Indy Saluja, an emergency room doctor and actor, discusses his journey from medicine to acting. He shares his experiences and challenges in balancing both careers and the similarities he has found between the two. Indy also talks about the power of acting to create empathy and the importance of representation in the industry. He reflects on the missing element he felt in medicine and how acting has fulfilled that for him. Overall, Indy's story highlights the dedication and passion required to pursue multiple passions.TakeawaysBalancing multiple careers requires dedication and time management skills.Acting can provide a creative outlet and fulfill a missing element in one's life.Representation in the acting industry is important for diverse storytelling.Acting has the power to create empathy and change hearts and minds.

In this episode of Second Act Actors, media coach Barbara Barna Abel discusses the importance of preparation and practice in effective communication. She emphasizes that communication requires thought, intention, and consistency. Barbara explains the role of a media coach and highlights the value of coaching in helping individuals reach their highest potential. She differentiates media coaching from public speaking skills, highlighting the need for adaptability in different communication platforms. Barbara also addresses the myth of natural talent and encourages individuals to nurture and develop their skills. She provides advice for those transitioning to a new career path and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and goal setting. Barbara discusses her customized approach to media coaching and the importance of translating written words into spoken words. She also explores the evolution of communication styles and the need to keep up with communication trends. Finally, she encourages individuals to explore different communication styles and gives permission to push boundaries while staying true to oneself.Takeaways-Effective communication requires thought, intention, and consistency.-Media coaching helps individuals reach their highest potential and should not be seen as a sign of failure.-Adaptability is key in different communication platforms.-Self-awareness and goal setting are important in career transitions.-Keeping up with communication trends is essential.-Exploring different communication styles can lead to impactful storytelling. -The acceleration of culture requires constant learning and adaptation.Work with Barbara: https://abelintermedia.com/

In this episode of Second Act Actors. Salma Dharsee shares her journey of transitioning from a career in engineering to pursuing her passion for acting. She emphasizes the importance of identifying personal values and priorities to find fulfillment in work. Salma also discusses the challenges of letting go of societal expectations and the support she received from her family during her career change. She highlights the need to embrace the mundane aspects of creative careers and approach them as part of a bigger picture. Overall, the conversation explores the process of self-discovery and finding joy in pursuing one's passions.Takeaways-Identify your personal values and priorities to find fulfillment in your work.-Let go of societal expectations and embrace the path that brings you joy.-Recognize the importance of support from loved ones during career transitions.-Embrace the mundane aspects of creative careers as part of the bigger picture. Balancing analytical and creative thinking is essential in acting.-Transferable skills from previous careers can be valuable in acting.-Vulnerability is a crucial aspect of the acting process.-Acting is a lifelong learning journey.-Building a supportive community is important for actors.-Favourite moments in acting can come from unexpected opportunities.-Be true to yourself and embrace your uniqueness in acting.

On this episode of Second Act Actors, we watch Janet cry three times! More importantly, I get to talk to one of my most favourite people on this planet: Sean Simms, football player turned actor. We talk about Sean's journey from football to acting, the loss of Sean's mother and his career transition, the emotional impact of acting, the challenges of being stereotyped not only in this industry but in society, vulnerability in acting and emotional restraint, transferable skills from athletics to acting, and building a career in acting without formal training. In this conversation, Sean emphasizes the importance of guidance and feedback from coaches and agents, as well as the need for constructive criticism to improve as an actor. Sean also discusses the value of approval and validation from mentors and teachers, and the impact it has on his growth. He encourages others to overcome fear and take the leap into pursuing their dreams, while finding meaning in life's challenges. Sean concludes by highlighting the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family.TakeawaysThe entertainment industry can be filled with different personalities and dynamics.Formal training is not always necessary to build a successful career in acting. Seek guidance and feedback from coaches, agents, and mentors to improve as an actor.Constructive criticism is essential for growth and development in the acting industry.Validation and approval from mentors and teachers can have a profound impact on an actor's confidence and progress.Overcome fear and take the leap into pursuing your dreams, even in the face of uncertainty.Find meaning in life's challenges and trust that everything happens for a reason.Define success on your own terms and don't compare yourself to others.Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who believe in your journey.

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Jodie Bentley shares her journey into acting and the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion. She discusses the pressure to choose a practical career and the mindset blocks she had to overcome regarding money and worth. Jodie also talks about the power of curiosity and how it played a role in her personal growth. She shares her experiences in the acting industry and the importance of narrowing focus to find success. Finally, Jodie discusses her transition into coaching and offers insights into marketing and branding for Canadian actors. In this conversation, Jodie Bentley discusses the importance of branding and how it helps actors stand out in the industry. She emphasizes the power of specificity and how it opens doors for actors. Jodie also highlights the need for actors to define their own path and not be swayed by external expectations. She shares insights on how to overcome age and identity challenges and find authenticity in a noisy industry. Jodie encourages actors to take control of their careers and offers advice on navigating the industry's noise. Connect with Jodie Bentley on her website and social media platforms for more guidance and support.TakeawaysOvercoming mindset blocks around money and worth is crucial for success in the acting industry.Curiosity and a growth mindset are essential for personal and professional growth.Narrowing focus and finding a niche can lead to greater success in the acting industry.Marketing and branding are not about bragging, but about authentically sharing your talent and point of view. Branding is about knowing who you are and defining your own path in the industry.Specificity is key in standing out and attracting opportunities.Overcoming age and identity challenges requires embracing authenticity and knowing your unique strengths.Navigating the industry's noise requires discernment and focusing on what you truly need.Jodie Bentley https://jodiebentley.com/Work With Jodie! https://www.actor-insider.com/

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Krista Barzso discuss Krista's journey into the acting industry and how she balances her passion for acting with her background in science. They explore the importance of networking and building a community in the industry, as well as the value of feedback and validation. Krista shares how her scientific background has influenced her creative work and how skills from acting can be applied to other areas of life. In this conversation, Krista Barzso and Janet McMordie discuss the parallels between acting and other careers, such as business and public speaking. They emphasize the importance of balancing egos and managing timelines, as well as the need for actors to develop business skills. Krista highlights the significance of conducting oneself professionally and building a good reputation in the industry. They also discuss the abundance of actors and the need to stand out, as well as the various ways to be involved in the industry beyond acting. The conversation concludes with advice to follow one's dreams and not let others discourage them.Takeaways-Balancing multiple passions and interests requires prioritizing and finding time for each.-Networking and building a community in the industry are essential for growth and collaboration.-Feedback and validation are important for actors and creatives to feel supported and motivated.-Skills from one field, such as science, can be applied to other areas, like acting, and provide unique perspectives and opportunities. Acting skills, such as balancing egos and managing timelines, are applicable to various careers.-Actors need to develop business skills and treat their acting career as a business.-Conducting oneself professionally and building a good reputation are crucial in the industry.-Networking and building relationships are essential for success in the industry.

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Janet and Anne discuss the role of AI in creativity and the impact it has on jobs. They also explore how AI can be used as a creative tool and share their experiences with AI editing software. Anne shares her journey to Germany and her career as an actor and voice artist. She also talks about rediscovering her passion for acting and transitioning back into the industry. They conclude by discussing the freedom and opportunities that come with embracing the role of a character actor.Anne also shares insights and advice for actors looking to break free from typecasting and create their own opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of approaching your brand from your essence rather than a stereotype, and understanding the range within your essence. Anne also discusses the need for actors to show casting directors how they need to be cast by creating their own casting material. She highlights the five pillars of a thriving acting career: mindset, marketing, branding, networking, and community. Anne's podcast, Act Bold, serves as a platform to inspire, motivate, and empower actors.Takeaways-AI can be a valuable tool for creativity, providing assistance with tasks such as editing and generating ideas.-While AI may take over certain jobs, it is unlikely to replace the emotional connection and empathy that actors bring to their performances.-AI can be used as a tool for research and development, helping to improve writing, character development, and keyword optimization.-Transitioning back into a career after a break requires self-reflection, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to new opportunities.-Embracing the role of a character actor can provide creative freedom and open up new possibilities in the industry. Approach your brand from your essence rather than a stereotype.-Understand the range within your essence and combine essences to create a unique brand.-Show casting directors how you need to be cast by creating your own casting material.-Focus on the five pillars of a thriving acting career: mindset, marketing, branding, networking, and community.-Empower yourself as an actor and take control of your career.YouTube: ⁠@ActBold⁠Insta: ⁠@annealexandersieder⁠ and ⁠@act_bold⁠Facebook: ⁠@mrs.alexandersieder⁠LinkedIn: ⁠@annealexandersieder⁠

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Richard Barlow shares his journey of getting back into the entertainment business. He discusses his passion for acting and how he discovered a love for producing and directing his own films. Richard also talks about his goal of building a film industry in Northern Ontario and creating opportunities for aspiring filmmakers. He offers advice for those looking to re-enter the industry and shares a memorable stage story of improvising a show. The conversation covers the importance of improv, upcoming projects, the journey of an actor, the pressure of time, building a foundation, and, as always, final words of wisdom.TakeawaysTaking a break from the entertainment industry doesn't mean giving up on your dreams. It's possible to rediscover your passion and find new avenues to pursue.Creating your own opportunities can be empowering and fulfilling. By producing, directing, and writing your own films, you can take control of your career and create the roles you want to play.Building a film industry in smaller communities is important to provide local talent with opportunities and resources. By creating a supportive and accessible environment, aspiring filmmakers can learn and grow in their craft.Educating yourself and taking small steps towards your goals can reignite your passion and drive. Watching videos, attending workshops, and learning from others in the industry can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue your dreams.Improvisation skills can be valuable in the entertainment industry, allowing you to adapt and problem-solve in challenging situations. Being able to think on your feet and make the best of unexpected circumstances can lead to memorable and successful performances. Taking improv classes is valuable for actors to develop quick thinking and comfort in improvisation.Building a portfolio of projects is important for aspiring filmmakers to gain recognition and opportunities.The journey of an actor is a slow and steady process, and comparing oneself to others can be discouraging.Time can feel like a pressure, but it's important to trust the process and focus on personal growth.Past experiences and diverse knowledge contribute to an actor's unique foundation.Take your time, plan carefully, and do the work to succeed in the industry.