Eps 36: Meet the Newest Acting Coach at SKS: Award-Winning Writer/Actor A.J. Castro (Will and Grace, NCIS, 9-1-1)

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 Welcome00:09 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 Outlet46:54 Balancing Acting and Writing52:51 Inside the Actor's Studio Questions 57:12 Final Thoughts and AspirationsEPISODE LINKS:· AJ Castro’s IMDb· Follow AJ on IG @realajcastro · AJ’s Links· Learn More about AJ’s Classes at SKSHost: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music 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 ⁠