Advertise on podcast: Where Working Actors Talk

Colleen Foy sits down with actor, model, producer, and advocate Amanda Booth to reflect on the unexpected path that took her from being a small-town athlete on a college scholarship to modeling in New York and Europe, and eventually to building a career in commercials and acting in Los Angeles. Amanda opens up about navigating the entertainment industry, becoming a mother to her son, Micah, in 2014, and how his Down syndrome and autism diagnosis caused her to reevaluate her priorities and redefine her sense of self. She shares what it took to rediscover her boundaries, identity, and balance, and how the loss of her brother, Julian, profoundly shaped her perspective. Colleen and Amanda also dive into Amanda's evolution from actor to producer, how her personal experiences influence the work she creates, and what it means to take control of your creative career and finally make the kinds of stories she's always wanted to see. 00:00 Meet Amanda Booth 01:23 Small Town to New York 02:14 Modeling Breakthrough 03:27 LA Move and Commercial Niche 05:47 Advice on Balance 07:11 Finding Ease on Set 10:23 Motherhood Changes Everything 12:50 Boundaries and Hustle 15:44 Loss and Perspective 17:47 Auditions as Play 19:45 Producing for Inclusion 23:17 Next Projects and Vic 27:38 Private Road Deep Dive 33:18 Dream Disability Stories 37:53 Life in Austin 39:31 Micah and Representation 42:37 Stan Kirsch Studio Journey 44:20 Closing Thanks EPISODE LINKS: · Amanda Booth IMDb · Follow Amanda on IG @amanda_booth · Supporting “Casting Christmas” Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠ Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Greg Benson has been a working LA actor, comedian, and director since 1991 — with credits on Beef, Matlock, NCIS, and Bel-Air, plus 150+ national commercials. He's also an early online-comedy pioneer, growing his YouTube channel MediocreFilms to over a million subscribers. Greg gets into moving from Texas to LA, walking headshots door to door, and booking his first audition (Ghost Ship) after months of silence. He breaks down the mindset shift that came from treating acting like a full-time job, how that led him into sketch comedy and content creation, and how his and his wife's show Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show landed a Sony/Crackle deal. He also opens up about taking a decade off auditioning, coming back post-COVID, and finding new reps through cold outreach — all while learning to actually enjoy the ride. 00:00 Meet Greg Benson01:52 Texas Roots and Theater Camp03:13 Breaking Into LA Pre Internet04:50 Chutzpah and Agent Calls07:02 First LA Booking and New Energy09:19 Treating Acting Like a Job11:44 From Acting to Digital Creator12:47 Public Access and Early Filmmaking16:21 MySpace to YouTube Breakthrough18:09 Deals and Casting Lessons22:08 Audition Mistakes to Avoid24:54 Asking for Help and Referrals26:05 Content Creation Takes Over27:02 Choosing YouTube Focus27:44 Self Tape Skills Boost28:52 Try Hard Audition Story30:03 Redefining Career Success32:37 Life Over Acting34:36 Returning After Hiatus37:22 COVID Pause and Priorities38:32 ADHD and Variety Channel42:17 Memorization Systems46:12 New Reps and Outreach48:50 Rapunzl Email Strategy51:08 Dry Spells and Joy52:56 Closing Thanks EPISODE LINKS: · Greg’s Website · Greg’s IMDb · Greg on Actors Access · Subscribe to Greg’s YouTube Channel MediocreFilms · Follow Greg on IG @gregbenson Host: Colleen Foy Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Colleen Foy sits down with actor and image consultant Buckley Sampson to talk actor headshots, audition wardrobe, self-tape outfits, personal branding, and how actors can use style to communicate their casting type. Buckley shares how she went from working as an actress to helping actors align their headshots, wardrobe, and on-camera presence with the roles they want to book. From what to wear for actor headshots and auditions to lifestyle photos, film festivals, and red-carpet looks, she breaks down how fit, tailoring, jewelry, fabrics, patterns, and even small wardrobe details can communicate character, status, and story. Colleen and Buckley also dig into casting type and “essence,” headshot styling, self-tape wardrobe, when actors should update their headshots, and why having a handful of reliable audition outfits ready to go can make self-taping easier. Buckley walks through her image consulting process, including closet reviews, shopping, Pinterest boards, and collaborating with agents, managers, photographers, and hair and makeup artists. Plus, they talk about navigating changing industry trends, aging as an actor, and choosing headshots that actually represent how casting sees you. If you’ve ever wondered what to wear for headshots, how to dress for an audition or self-tape, or how to build a stronger personal brand as an actor, this episode is for you.

Actor, activist, and certified intimacy coordinator Julia Belanova joins SKS master teacher Colleen Foy for a candid conversation about building a sustainable acting career, taking creative risks, navigating representation, and creating safer, more empowered film and television sets. A magna cum laude Harvard graduate and longtime member of the Stan Kirsch Studios community, Julia shares her journey from theater to film and TV and how her pursuit of joy and freedom in her work has pushed her to make bold choices, both in the audition room and in her career. From an iconic punk-rock buzz cut that made it clear she shouldn’t be underestimated to a fearless Mayans M.C. audition choice that resulted in a same-day booking, Julia has learned the value of trusting her instincts and embracing what sets her apart. She also reflects on working alongside Colin Farrell and how the experience deepened her commitment to presence, freedom, and authenticity as an actor, as well as the challenges of finding representation and why Stan Kirsch Studios became an artistic anchor throughout her career. Julia and Colleen also dive into her work as an intimacy coordinator and advocate for safer sets, including her advocacy with The Hollywood Commission and training with IDC and IPA. Julia breaks down what intimacy coordination actually looks like behind the scenes, from casting breakdowns and pre-production through filming and post-production, and discusses consent, trauma-informed practices, working with minors, and why intimacy support can be just as important in emotionally intense scenes as it is in scenes involving physical intimacy. This episode is a conversation about taking risks, trusting your instincts, finding your artistic community, and building an acting career that leaves room for both creative freedom and advocacy. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:48 Moving to LA After Harvard 01:20 Finding Community at Stan Kirsch 02:55 Stage to Screen Transition 03:37 Representation and Daily Progress 05:01 Buzz Cut as Branding 06:43 Reinvention and Creative Risk 09:01 Mayans MC Set Experience 11:14 Essence Versus Casting Type 13:49 Learning Through Ongoing Class 15:02 Breakthrough Booking With Colin Farrell 16:56 Reinventing Acting Path 17:29 Becoming Intimacy Coordinator 18:12 Why Advocacy Matters 20:38 Training Programs Explained 22:00 Joining a Production Team 23:23 Actor Support Surprises 24:44 Trauma Informed Boundaries 27:47 Safety Versus Set Speed 29:18 When the Work Hits Home 30:30 Protecting Child Performers 31:40 How the Role Changed Her 32:51 Closing Gratitude and Community EPISODE LINKS: · Julia’s Website · Julia’s IMDb · Follow Julia on IG @_juliabelanova Host: Colleen Foy Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Colleen sits down with Heather Hemmens (Roswell New Mexico, Hellcats, Yellowstone)  to talk about sustaining a decades-long career through resilience, craft, and self-care. Heather looks back on moving from Maine to LA at 18 with little money, the disheartening early years, and how depression in her early 20s led her to coping tools like hiking, yoga, meditation, and better health habits. Stan Kirsch Studios was one of the places that gave her a sense of community and built her groundwork for on-camera training, and she also got support from a manager who stuck with her before she booked for years. Heather breaks down what she learned watching herself on camera, her seven-audition journey to booking Hellcats despite getting harsh feedback from a casting director, and how that propelled her in the future when she was up for Roswell, New Mexico. From working with Tyler Perry to Taylor Sheridan, Heather has absorbed the artistry of those around her and used it to further her acting career and work. No matter what happened, she refused to give up, and that’s how she was able to keep going. See her in “Texas Two Step” now playing on Hallmark. 00:00 Meet Heather Hemmens 01:01 Moving to LA at 18 02:45 Full Circle Milestone 04:07 Self Care Survival 06:16 Depression and Coping Tools 08:07 Finding Stan Kirsch Studios 10:56 On Camera Breakthroughs 15:03 Booking Hellcats 18:26 Notes and Callbacks 20:10 Resilience Before the Break 24:39 Health Crisis to Business 26:53 Roswell Audition Shift 27:10 Booking Roswell Fast 29:20 Juggling Three Shows 31:14 Champagne Problems Reality 35:21 Tyler vs Taylor Workflows 38:41 Tyler Perry Boot Camp 41:45 Directing Actors Gently 46:02 Staying Flexible On Set 47:35 Dancing Again Texas Two Step 50:14 Choosing Directing Home Turf 52:40 Trusting Intuition Self Care EPISODE LINKS: · Heather’s IMDb · Follow Heather on IG @heatherhemmens · Get some Galifornia Undies  Host: Colleen Foy Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Brock and Natalie Lander (The Middle, 9-1-1: Lone Star, 13 Reasons Why, Hannah Montana, Grey’s Anatomy, Goldie and Bear, Legally Brunette, and MTV’s Search for the Next Elle Woods) get into the nitty gritty about being a modern day actor. Natalie shares how Stan Kirsch Studios helped her transition from theater to TV with script breakdown skills, multicam vs. single-cam knowledge, and the value of watching other actors work. She discusses booking her first recurring guest star at 28 on The Middle, how preparedness and a welcoming set helped her feel she belonged, and what recurring work teaches about community. They also dive deep into Natalie’s content creation process and how she came up with the Craigslist Monologues and Shortcomings podcast with Brittany Ross and eventually Legally Brunette. This episode is for everyone looking for advice and practical lessons on how to navigate being a multihyphenate actor.  00:00 Cold Open and Setup 00:09 Guest Intro Natalie Lander 01:32 Podcast Mission and POV 02:03 SKS Lessons and Foundations 04:18 The Middle Audition Breakthrough 07:42 Recurring Role Long Game 09:19 Creating with Brittany Ross 13:27 Community and Making Your Own Yes 16:36 Legally Brunette Origin Story 18:36 Journals to One Woman Show 21:49 Pandemic Resurgence and Timing 23:16 Creative Meets Business 23:56 Healing Legally Blonde 24:35 Solo Creator Struggles 27:07 Squiggy Musical Origins 29:46 Mars Story And Grief 31:50 Writing Process Breakdown 35:29 Venue And Funding Reality 39:04 Indie Pilot To Life 43:02 Acting In A New Era 45:05 Fringe And Farewell EPISODE LINKS: · Natalie’s Website · Natalie’s Links · Natalie’s IMDb · Follow Natalie on IG @natalie_lander Host: Brock Ciarlelli Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Angela Fornero sits down with Melissa Blue, owner of Rock Your Reel and Bluelit Studios, to talk through actor branding. From demo reels to headshots, they dive into the pros and cons of using self-tapes versus creating footage and how actors can “level up” their packages depending on where they are in their careers. Melissa shares her path from musical theater to on-camera acting, headshot photography, writing, and building a reel business in LA. They also talk about how your acting materials should teach Hollywood how to cast you, align with what you truly play, and match shows that are currently airing right now. Melissa shares her process and how she likes to identify  archetypes, analyze favorite shows for patterns, research into current cinematography techniques and sets, and why class is so important. With Rock Your Reel, she talks about taking actors through the entire process of brainstorming, pitching, scripting, rehearsing, shooting, and editing, and how it is all a part of reclaiming our careers.  00:00 Career Corner Setup 00:34 Footage Confusion Today 01:19 Meet Melissa Blue 03:03 From Headshots to Reels 07:10 Listening to the Signs 08:46 Branding Without Fear 12:10 Specific Materials That Cast 14:39 Find Your Shows and Tone 16:15 Archetypes and Cheat Sheets 18:09 Target Shows With Patterns 23:49 Community and Class Benefits 28:32 New vs Seasoned Actors 33:55 Self Tape Quality Bar 35:32 Branding Through Demo Reels 36:21 Footage Paths Explained 38:23 DIY Footage Pitfalls 41:25 Cheap/Fast/Good Rule 42:50 Waiting Pays Off 46:08 Rock Your Reel Process 55:00 Shoot Day and Timeline 56:30 IMDb and Signature Scenes 59:29 Seasoned Actor Tips 01:02:20 Creative Fulfillment  01:07:16 Lessons From Producing 01:10:51 Final Advice & Next Steps EPISODE LINKS: · Rock Your Reel  · Blue Lit Studios · Melissa’s IMDb · Follow Melissa on IG @melissablueward Host: Angela Fornero Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

We are thrilled to welcome long time SKS'er Laura Niemi. With over 60 IMDB credits, and an extensive background in theatre (The Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Rep, The Taper just to name a few) - she knows what it takes to put in the work and navigate this wild industry. From Laura’s theater roots where she created her own theater company to her recurring role on NBC’s This is Us, they dive into every aspect of Laura’s journey.  Laura talks about how theater strengthened her craft, her reps and rehearsal process, the value of community, rehearsal partners, and the belief that there’s no single “right” way to play a role. Laura also reflects on how pivotal Stan and SKS was in her life, and how at every turn she was able to pivot and pave her own way forward through the connections she established throughout her lifelong career. 00:00 Old Friends Reconnect 00:21 Glass Menagerie Breakthrough 01:02 Theater Pay Reality Check 01:47 Cracking Big Stages 03:00 Why Plays Level You Up 05:03 Rehearsal Builds Chemistry 06:43 Rehearsal Friendships 09:06 No One Right Take 11:12 Finding Stan’s Studio 14:17 Safe Space Culture 15:36 Audition Prep That Books 20:59 Staying Inspired Today 22:43 Hobbies Fuel The Work 25:02 Branding and Typecasting 27:40 Reinventing Through Creating 30:20 Writing Your Own Series 31:08 Stop Overbranding Yourself 32:00 Utility Actor Mindset 33:25 Stars vs Theater Casting 35:10 Frustration Into Action 38:28 This Is Us Audition Journey 42:42 Chemistry and Method Choices 45:33 Betting on Yourself 47:24 Red Carpet Reps Practice 52:20 Finding the Right Reps 55:33 Choosing Reps Authentically 59:39 Stan Legacy Farewell EPISODE LINKS: · Laura Niemi’s IMDb · Follow Laura on IG @lauraniemi  · Keep up with Laura here Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠ Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

In this episode, award-winning Afro-Latina actress and filmmaker Loren Escandón shares her inspiring journey from Cali, Colombia, to Hollywood. Growing up surrounded by cartel violence, Loren’s mother enrolled her in ballet to keep her safe, which sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. She shares how her early training in ballet, tango, and jazz eventually led her to theater and television, as well as the challenges of navigating cultural shifts and learning to embrace her accent. Loren has appeared in hit series including Gentefied, 9-1-1, S.W.A.T., Selena: The Series, Truth Be Told, and Freevee’s Casa Grande. She is best known for her breakout role as Marisol in Netflix’s Purple Hearts. Beyond acting, Loren is an accomplished director and writer. Her debut, Phone Tales, premiered at multiple festivals, and her latest short, Los Patines, has won numerous awards including Best Short at the San Pedro International Film Festival and Best Latino Short and Director at the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival. Throughout the conversation, Loren emphasizes resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of representation in storytelling. She offers insights into her creative process, her experiences navigating multiple cities and cultures, and her vision for what’s coming next. 00:00 Introduction and Early Life  00:25 Discovering Ballet and Storytelling  01:32 Transition to Acting and Moving to the US  02:27 Navigating the Acting Industry  03:48 First TV Role and Learning the Ropes  05:49 Settling in LA and Finding Representation  11:24 Audition Challenges and Self-Acceptance  16:59 The Importance of Training and Comedy  25:17 Wardrobe and Character Embodiment  26:50 Collaborative Costume Design  27:22 Realism in Acting  28:57 Transition to Directing  31:57 Creating Los Patina  34:50 Challenges and Triumphs  39:34 Future Projects and Aspirations  46:44 Reflections and Inspirations  49:46 Inside the Actor's Studio Questions EPISODE LINKS: · Loren’s IMDb · Follow Loren on IG @lorenescandon Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠ Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

A.J. Castro was born in Costa Rica and raised in Miami, where he quickly found his love of acting. He sits down with host Colleen Foy to talk about his journey in the industry and finding his place as a Latino in Hollywood. From studying at CSULA to booking Will & Grace and 9-1-1, A.J.’s journey has now led him to becoming a coach at SKS. He shares his early career struggles, his entry into Hollywood through perseverance and community support, living a lifelong career with shifting goals over time, finding writing, and how being a father has shaped his stories. A.J. also shares insights about adapting to the industry’s demands, and how he found Stan Kirsch Studios right when he needed it. You’ll learn the importance of having a process, finding joy in the creative journey, and giving yourself grace in your creative process.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:09 AJ's Journey to the Studio  01:22 Moving to LA: The Early Years  02:34 Finding Footing in LA  02:49 Acting Beginnings in Miami  06:25 Challenges and Growth in Acting  07:50 The Importance of Goals and Consistency  14:48 Navigating the Acting Industry  30:00 Booking 911 & The Payoff of Consistency  30:56 Overcoming Intimidation and Self-Doubt  33:19 The Importance of Casting and Perseverance  35:06 Branding and Marketing as an Actor  36:54 Discovering and Embracing Your Type  43:15 Writing as a Creative Outlet 46:54 Balancing Acting and Writing 52:51 Inside the Actor's Studio Questions  57:12 Final Thoughts and Aspirations EPISODE LINKS: · AJ Castro’s IMDb · Follow AJ on IG @realajcastro  · AJ’s Links · Learn More about AJ’s Classes at SKS Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠ Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Allen Rowe (FBI Most Wanted, The Last Ship, Hawaii Five-0, ) has been a long time student of Stan Kirsch Studios. In this episode, he joins his mentor Colleen Foy to look back on his unique journey as an actor. Allen shares his early struggles, including flying between San Francisco and Los Angeles for auditions and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Born in Taipei, Taiwan and being of Chinese descent meant that Allen had to deal with a lack of roles that he saw himself in early on. It was because of his community and classes at studios like SKS that kept him going and allowed him to craft his iconic, memorable auditions that led to roles on shows like 'Monk' and 'CSI Cyber.' Allen also discusses his experience working in Asia as a series regular on Tou Du (Wei Xian lu Cheng) and what he’s hoping for in the future. If you’ve been looking for motivation to keep going and remain resilient, this is the episode for you. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Allen 00:24 Early Acting Struggles and Auditions  01:15 Breakthrough and Career Milestones  02:04 Challenges and Learning in Acting Classes  06:04 Memorable Audition Stories  07:29 Dealing with Rejection and Staying Active  10:58 Script Analysis and Preparation Techniques  20:17 On-Set Experiences and Networking 24:09 Reflecting on Early Career Experiences  24:25 Navigating the One-Hour Drama Auditions  25:43 Transitioning to Acting in Asia  27:36 Challenges and Successes in China 28:37 Returning to the US and Building Connections  31:06 Aspirations for a Series Regular Role  33:41 Exploring Different Genres and Roles  34:25 Portraying My Grandfather  36:40 Representation and Diversity in Acting  41:30 The Art of Self-Taping  43:44 Inside the Actor's Studio Questions EPISODE LINKS: · Allen’s IMDb · Follow Allen on IG @theosky8 Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠ Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Audrey Helps Actors meets the Working Actor Podcast. This week actress Audrey Moore takes a look back on her career, how she navigates acting as a lifestyle, and the magical thinking to burnout loop that every actor faces. As she and host Colleen Foy  dive into the intricacies of Audrey's career and her experiences in the acting industry, they discuss what it was like to being Emmy-nominated to the daily realities and challenges actors face. Audrey shares valuable insights into the audition process, leveraging relationships in the industry, and managing the highs and lows of the profession. You will leave this episode knowing the importance of sustaining your  passion, dealing with rejection, and navigating the fine line between fantasy and reality throughout your entire career.  00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming Audrey  00:45 — Audrey's Emmy Experience  04:54 — Audition Stories and Acting Insights  11:38 — The Reality of Acting Careers  17:54 — Magical Thinking to Burnout  26:35 — The “Fantasy of the Dress” Metaphor 27:10 — The Reality Check  27:35 — Emotional Experiences and Self-Worth  28:47 — Magical Thinking in Careers  29:57 — Live Tweeting and Fan Connection  30:53 — Navigating Industry Expectations  35:03 — The Green Light Game  39:58 — Career Levels and Networking  43:40 — Balancing Information and Burnout  44:20 — Maintaining Relationships with Reps  50:47 — Final Thoughts and Gratitude EPISODE LINKS: · Listen to the Audrey Helps Actors Podcast · Audrey Moore’s IMDb · Follow Audrey on IG @audreyscoresmoore · Follow the Audrey Helps Actors IG @audreyhelpsactorspodcast · The Audrey Helps Actors Website Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠ Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠ Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠ ⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠ Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

In this episode, host Colleen Foy interviews television director April Winney, discussing her career trajectory from theater to becoming a sought-after director known for her rapport with actors. They delve into April's isolated upbringing in the Sequoia National Forest, her shift from acting to directing in college, and her pivotal years in Chicago's theater scene. April shares her journey into film and TV, working as a script supervisor for 15 years, and eventually directing for shows like 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D' and ‘Tracker’. They also explore her experiences in casting, the importance of authenticity in auditions, and navigating the challenges of directing. April's passion for mentoring actors and teaching them how to excel as guest stars on TV sets highlights her commitment to the craft and her supportive nature.   00:00 — Introduction and Celebrity Doppelgangers  01:10 — Growing Up in Sequoia National Forest  03:27 — Journey to Becoming a Director  04:18 — From Theater to Film and TV  05:01 — Learning on the Job: Script Supervisor to Director  09:24 — Breaking into TV Directing  10:34 — Directing on Different Shows  10:49 — The ABC Disney Program and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  13:16 — Directing on Tracker and Location Scouting  19:02 — Teaching Guest Stars: Workshops and Classes  25:55 — Technical Tips for Actors  26:44 — Respect and Challenges for Actors  27:31 — Casting Decisions and Positivity  29:23 — The Casting Process  31:43 — What Directors Look for in Self-Tapes  34:12 — The Importance of Slates  42:52 — Balancing Emotions in Performances  46:46 — Maintaining Well-being During Shoots 48:14 — Navigating Industry Changes  49:57 — Final Thoughts and Upcoming Classes EPISODE LINKS: · Aprill Winney IMDb · Follow Aprill on IG @aprillwinney · Acting with the Director with Aprill Winney Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

Host Colleen Foy speaks with her talent manager Paulo Andres about his 23-year career in the industry. They delve into Paulo's journey from aspiring actor to successful manager, highlighting the transition and his dedication to his clients. Paulo shares why he signed Colleen, what stands out in submissions, how to find joy in the industry, and why he believes all actors need to pursue their career full-time. From personal anecdotes from his time as an actor to discussing how he approaches manages his clients, Paulo shares how he has adapted to the changes in the business over the years and the importance of perseverance. This episode is a valuable resource for everyone who is looking for a rep, and for all those looking for the motivation to keep going.   00:00 — Introduction and Background 00:26 — Early Career Struggles  01:36 — Finding the Right Manager  02:29 — Building a Career in Acting  03:00 — The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence  04:26 — Navigating the Industry  05:55 — The Role of a Manager  08:09 — Personalized Client Management  10:35 — Challenges and Insights  23:53 — Pitching and Networking  25:48 — Crafting Effective Pitches  26:18 — The Role of a Manager  26:44 — The Importance of Submissions  27:41 — Challenges in the Industry  29:47 — Self-Tapes and Auditions  38:51 — Adapting to Industry Changes  42:24 — Maintaining Creativity and Community  45:36 — The Blank Theater Involvement  49:45 — Navigating Representation Challenges  56:17 — The Personal Side of Management EPISODE LINKS: · Follow Paulo on Instagram @thepaoloandres · Paulo’s IMDb Pro · The Blank Theater · Follow The Blank Theater on Instagram @theblanktheater Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

Rigging the System in Your Favor: An Actor's Journey with DaJuan Johnson Host Colleen Foy and guest DaJuan Johnson reconnect on this episode, taking us through DeJuan’s journey as an actor in Los Angeles. Together, they reflect on his 15-year career from his humble beginnings in theater to notable TV roles on Bosch, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS. DaJuan gets candid about his struggles in the industry and gives advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of being an actor by rigging the system in your favor, the importance of mindset, and strategies for lifelong success. From his Emmy campaign to making an impression with cookies, this conversation will leave you encouraged in getting to exactly where you want to be in your career.  00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming DaJuan Johnson 00:11 — Reflecting on 15 Years of Friendship 00:17 — DaJuan’s Journey to Los Angeles 00:36 — Early Struggles and Realizations 01:38 — Finding Seriousness in Acting 03:02 — Meeting and Learning from Stan 04:37 — Booking the First Role 08:59 — The Impact of Bosch on DaJuan’s Career 16:31 — The Importance of Mindset and Coaching 19:17 — Navigating the Modern Acting Industry 27:40 — Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Care 28:13 — The Reality of Talent and Persistence 29:21 — Mindset and Personal Growth 29:54 — Navigating the Acting Industry 31:18 — Rigging the System in Your Favor 32:42 — The Emmy Campaign Journey 33:58 — The Importance of Visibility 42:52 — Auditioning and Building Relationships 45:16 — Holding the Vision, Not the Circumstance 50:05 — Validation and Self-Worth 54:53 — Final Reflections and Advice EPISODE LINKS: · Follow DaJuan on IG @dajuanjohnson · DaJuan’s IMDb · DaJuan’s Website · Listen to the Think Bigger Actors Podcast · Think Bigger Coaching · DaJuan’s Resources · Dajuan’s YouTube Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios