EPISODE · Jun 10, 2026 · 1H 2M
Eps 38: Laura Niemi on Theater, Audition Craft, Reinvention, and Building a Long Acting Career
from Where Working Actors Talk · host Where Working Actors Talk
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 Reconnect00:21 Glass Menagerie Breakthrough01:02 Theater Pay Reality Check01:47 Cracking Big Stages03:00 Why Plays Level You Up05:03 Rehearsal Builds Chemistry06:43 Rehearsal Friendships09:06 No One Right Take11:12 Finding Stan’s Studio14:17 Safe Space Culture15:36 Audition Prep That Books20:59 Staying Inspired Today22:43 Hobbies Fuel The Work25:02 Branding and Typecasting27:40 Reinventing Through Creating30:20 Writing Your Own Series31:08 Stop Overbranding Yourself32:00 Utility Actor Mindset33:25 Stars vs Theater Casting35:10 Frustration Into Action38:28 This Is Us Audition Journey42:42 Chemistry and Method Choices45:33 Betting on Yourself47:24 Red Carpet Reps Practice52:20 Finding the Right Reps55:33 Choosing Reps Authentically59:39 Stan Legacy FarewellEPISODE LINKS:· Laura Niemi’s IMDb· Follow Laura on IG @lauraniemi · Keep up with Laura hereHost: 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
What this episode covers
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 Reconnect00:21 Glass Menagerie Breakthrough01:02 Theater Pay Reality Check01:47 Cracking Big Stages03:00 Why Plays Level You Up05:03 Rehearsal Builds Chemistry06:43 Rehearsal Friendships09:06 No One Right Take11:12 Finding Stan’s Studio14:17 Safe Space Culture15:36 Audition Prep That Books20:59 Staying Inspired Today22:43 Hobbies Fuel The Work25:02 Branding and Typecasting27:40 Reinventing Through Creating30:20 Writing Your Own Series31:08 Stop Overbranding Yourself32:00 Utility Actor Mindset33:25 Stars vs Theater Casting35:10 Frustration Into Action38:28 This Is Us Audition Journey42:42 Chemistry and Method Choices45:33 Betting on Yourself47:24 Red Carpet Reps Practice52:20 Finding the Right Reps55:33 Choosing Reps Authentically59:39 Stan Legacy FarewellEPISODE LINKS:· Laura Niemi’s IMDb· Follow Laura on IG @lauraniemi · Keep up with Laura hereHost: 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
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Eps 38: Laura Niemi on Theater, Audition Craft, Reinvention, and Building a Long Acting Career
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