PODCAST · arts
Actor Aesthetic
by Maggie Bera
Actor Aesthetic, hosted by New York City-based actress Maggie Bera, is a podcast designed to educate artists for pursuing career in the theatre industry.
Episodes
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what i'm investing in as an actor (and what's not worth the money)
What is actually worth spending money on as an actor? In this week's episode of Actor Aesthetic, Maggie is sharing the investments she's making in this season of life (from dance classes and rehearsal studios to career tools, wellness routines, and even the little things that make everyday life...
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actor insurance: the conversation we need to have (pt 1)
Health insurance can feel intimidating, especially as an actor. In this episode, Maggie shares voice memos from actors across the country who open up about their real-life experiences with health insurance, including: • Qualifying for Equity health insurance through theatre work • Getting…
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we need to catch up
After a long break from the podcast, Maggie is back for an honest life update about everything that’s happened over the past few years... from working in performance marketing and fashion, to burnout, identity shifts, getting married, and figuring out what resilience actually looks like in your…
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let’s talk money: the side of acting no one prepares you for
Hot take: If you're relying only on acting income to survive in 2025… you're either incredibly lucky, or dangerously stressed. In this raw and unfiltered episode, Maggie breaks down the real financial blueprint behind her life as a working actor — including exactly how much she makes, what she…
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building an audition rep book that actually FEELS like you (plus 100+ song suggestions)
Feeling disconnected from your rep book? In this episode, Maggie Bera shares how to rebuild your audition binder with songs that reflect your personality, casting energy, and vocal strengths. She breaks down why most sopranos struggle to find current, callback-worthy material—and how to fix it....
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why I got cervical disc replacement surgery (and what recovery has really been like)
After nearly a year away from the mic, I’m back... with a story I never thought I’d be telling. On May 13, I had cervical disc replacement surgery at C6-C7. In this episode, I’m opening up about what led me to that decision, how the recovery process has really felt, and what it’s been like...
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side jobs for actors, sickness, and how the theatre industry changed post-pandemic
Thinking about moving back to NYC to pursue your career in theatre? Now that the pandemic has subsided, here's what you need to know. Also discussed on this weeks podcast is side jobs for actors (remote and hybrid), balancing your part time and full time gigs with acting, working towards…
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a beginner's survival guide to TECH WEEK (ahhhhhh)
The spookiest week of the year... and it's not Halloween (even though TJMAXX put out all their Halloween decorations already... can't we have one more month of summer?!) Going into a tech week of her own, host and actor Maggie Bera breaks down exactly what to expect walking into tech week for a...
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what to expect if (AND WHEN!) you book a regional theatre contract
If you're not performing professionally on Broadway, on tour, or on a cruise ship, where might one find work? Regional theatre! In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera breaks down booking regional theatre jobs, packing and travel tips, Non-Equity vs Equity contracts, Equity Chorus contracts...
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I went to 5 Equity Auditions in NYC in one day... here's what I learned
From working your side job in the holding room, to playing the waiting game, to Equity audition rules (and unspoken rules), to running around NYC signing up before the audition closes, this episode literally has it all. 40 minutes of JAM-PACKED info you'll want to hear before your next audition....
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performing at 54 Below in NYC... how to get involved in your next show
You're scrolling through YouTube and you see yet another Broadway star performing a song at a fancy cabaret... chances are, they're singing at 54 Below!!! But did you know you don't necessarily need to be an established performer with an insane resume to perform there? Tune in to learn how you…
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when should I join actors' equity? (here's your answer!!!)
When exactly should I join Equity? How will I know when the time is right for me? Is it worth it? Answering the NUMBER ONE question we get here to better help you understand how the union works... and what makes the most sense for YOU! Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the...
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what to do when you have to sing a POP SONG for a musical theatre audition
Have an audition coming up? Hadestown? Mean Girls? Six? Guess what... chances are you WON'T be singing a musical theatre song. These days, professional musicals are very heavily calling pop songs for their initial auditions. Why? Many of them are BASED in pop music! Hence... casting directors are...
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the pros + cons of pursuing your PASSION in theatre as a a career
Getting to do something you love every day? YES. Getting PAID to do something you love every day? HECK YES. Going months not knowing when your next acting job will be? Needing to work another job to sustain yourself in the meantime? Facing daily rejection? The what-ifs? Only defining your...
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moving to NYC to pursue musical theatre? here are your options (and why Hoboken is cute)
Ask your friends who moved to NYC which neighborhood they live in. Harlem? Hamilton Heights? Washington Heights? Or do they live out in Queens? Brooklyn? Maybe they live across the water in New Jersey... Hoboken? Weehawken? Jersey City? As a 2 year Hoboken resident, host Maggie Bera gives you her...
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best advice for non-union actors at Equity auditions in NYC (including the "unofficial list) with Spencer Martinez of Limelight
WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER! In this episode, host Maggie Bera has the absolute honor of chatting with actress Spencer Martinez. You may know her from her platform, LimeLight - a community that has revisioned the industry by taking care of the masses. Spencer Martinez, a South Jersey native with a...
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taking you through the longest week of my life auditioning, working 9 to 5, and learning new music
HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL, MAGGIE? In this episode, host Maggie Bera recaps what could possibly be (or at least feels like) the longest week of her life. Lol. And if you're an actor in the city right now, you're probably going thru something very similar. Running back and forth between auditions,...
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Pre-Broadway workshop of SMASH, starring in SIX on Broadway, and making music with Bella Coppola
Bella Coppola is California raised, Texas educated, and New York based. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University. She recently finished up playing Jane Seymour in Six on Broadway! She is currently in the pre-broadway workshop for SMASH. Coppola’s music is out on all main...
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there will ALWAYS be another audition... work smarter, not harder!
Whether this ain't your first audition season rodeo or you’re simply brand new to the city, this episode is packed with a few nuggets of wisdom for ya. Host Maggie Bera dishes her best advice for surviving NYC Audition Season, Equity Principal Auditions and Equity Chorus Calls, and how to work...
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"audition season" is my worst nightmare and I WILL come out alive!!!!!
Feeling absolutely BONKERS this "audition season?" (hate the term but you know what it is) You're not alone. This week we're talking EPAs and ECCs in NYC (all the acronyms, baby), asking for help, reaching out to your sphere, updating your reels and website, and more. Have a topic suggestion…
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national swing day, college auditions, and learning new skills in 2024
Celebrating the hardest working people in the biz, chatting about college auditions and how to find peace within the process (trust me you CAN!!!!) and passing the time by learning new skills... (if my little hands can play piano, you can do anything!) Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have...
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going viral online, “what’s next for you?!?” and going after what you want in 2024
HAPPY 200 EPISODES!!!!!! Join host Maggie Bera as we talk about what you need to know about going viral online (the good AND bad) how to respond when someone asks you "what's next for you?!?!!?" and how we're going after what we want in 2024. LETS GET IT. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info....
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set your goals with me for the new year! actors’ edition
Grab your favorite journal and get comfy because we're going BIG this year. What will 2024 look like for you? Whether you want to book your very first musical or make your Broadway debut, tune in and join host Maggie Bera as we set our goals for the new year. To learn more about Helen on 86th...
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10 things that made my life as an actor SIGNIFICANTLY better this year
Being intentional with auditions. Investing in my physical health. Making financial literacy COOL. Host Maggie Bera is sharing alllllllll the things that helped her build a strong foundation to inch closer to her goals this year. It takes a village :') Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.…
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how I manage my time auditioning, performing, and working a 9 to 5 job
As an actor, your life is a whirlwind of auditions, rehearsals, performances, and possibly even a day job to pay the bills. During the pandemic, host Maggie Bera began working a full time job in addition to auditioning and performing to keep up with the lifestyle she wants to live. Managing your...
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auditioning for your school show? here’s how to deal with cast list anxiety
Ever been there? It's the morning of the big cast list reveal, and you're practically sprinting to see if your name made the cut. Auditioning for your school musical, whether you’re in high school or college, is not for the weak. But with a strong work ethic, a positive mindset and mentors that…
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taking you through my FIRST year of auditions in NYC after college
Join Actor Aesthetic host Maggie Bera as she travels back in time with her handy-dandy Audition Journal from the year 2017. From the anxiety of initial auditions to the excitement of callbacks and finally booking her dream contract that gave her an Equity card, Maggie shares the raw, unfiltered...
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my worst audition ever (literally) and what I learned from it
SPOOKY SEASON CALLS FOR AUDITION HORROR STORIES!!! In this episode host Maggie Bera chats about auditions that didn't go quite as planned... and how we can eventually learn and overcome them! Have an audition horror story you'd like to share? Email [email protected] or DM @actoraesthetic…
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Equity Principal Auditions: 7 things I wish I knew before my first EPA
Equity Principal Auditions in NYC are whatever you make of them. In this episode, host Maggie Bera chats about the unspoken rules of this type of audition, how to prepare for the day (whether you're a member of Equity or not), and valuable insights for making a lasting impression in the audition...
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regional theatre, auditioning, managers vs. agents, LA and more with Trevor James (Guthrie, Pasadena Playhouse, Theatre Aspen)
Guess who's baaaaaaaaack. Trevor James is a bi-coastal actor currently living in Los Angeles. Theatre credits include: Tony in the international production of West Side Story in Tokyo, Japan, Jack in Into the Woods at The Guthrie, Sunday in the Park with George at Pasadena Playhouse, Frankie…
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how I met my agents in NYC (and how you can find representation)
Wondering how exactly to find an agent in NYC? In this episode, actor and host Maggie Bera dishes the story of how she first met her now agents, 3 different ways you can get in front of representation in NYC, senior showcases, the importance of trust in an actor-agent relationship, and the…
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social media is changing for actors... learn how to ride the wave while you can
Join actor and host Maggie Bera for a deep dive into the changing social media terrain for actors. Learn practical strategies to harness authenticity, engage with the latest online trends, and elevate your digital profile. Stay informed, stay relevant. Perfect for actors serious about enhancing...
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how to join actors’ equity association
Breaking down the 3 ways to join Actors Equity Association: Open Access, Equity Contract, and the 4 A's. Read more about the stage union at actorsequity.org. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera Facebook:...
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a day in my life of a TWO SHOW DAY! (and how to survive these monster days)
Did someone say TWODOSHAY???!?!?!?! In this episode of the Actor Aesthetic podcast, we dive into the art of conquering the challenging world of two-show days. Join host and actress Maggie Bera as she dishes her strategies to help actors not only survive but thrive. Whether you're a seasoned...
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”The Power Of Social Media For Performers” BroadwayCon Panel with Maggie Bera, Tyler Joseph Ellis, Kaisha Huguley + Cara Rose DiPietro
Through candid conversations about our experiences as working actors, we can slowly bridge the informational gap between training programs and "the real world" - leading to a more accessible industry for the next generation of artists. Join host Maggie Bera and social media icons Kaisha S.…
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week 2 of rehearsals, tech week, and OPENING of Escape to Margaritaville at the Engeman Theater
It's OFFICIALLY 5 o clock somewhere! Maggie's making her Engeman Theater debut as Tammy in Jimmy Buffet’s Escape To Margaritaville.... and we opened this week! Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of professional theatre and discover the challenges and triumphs that come with a quick rehearsal...
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my first week of rehearsals in NYC for Escape To Margaritaville + what I’ve learned
Fins up!!! Maggie's making her Engeman Theater debut as Tammy in Jimmy Buffet’s Escape To Margaritaville.... and rehearsals started this week. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the theatrical journey and discover the challenges and triumphs that come with a quick rehearsal process for an...
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the extremely hard truth about being an actor in NYC (and how to survive the numbers game)
Theatre is all about storytelling. We step onto the stage, under the lights, and we tell a story. But there's another story, one that isn't told enough - the story of the life of the performer off-stage. The hard truth about being an actor in NYC. Actor Aesthetic unplugged ;) Spread love and…
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how NYC equity auditions work for non-equity actors (w/ Jessica Junqua)
Whether you're a non-equity actor going to your first Equity audition, or a young actor curious about the biz, this episode is for you. Join host Maggie Bera and special guest Jessica Junqua as we unravel what really goes on behind the scenes at Broadway auditions in NYC... especially for...
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beyond the big apple: an actors’ guide to the ORLANDO theatre community w/ Ashley Vankirk
Did you know there is more than one place to find work as a musical theatre actor in the United States? In fact... there are many! Special guest Ashley Vankirk shares her insights into the theatre community of Orlando, where she now calls home! Originally from California, Ashley got her BFA in...
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10 things I wish I knew before going to college for musical theater
Are you considering pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in musical theatre? A BA in theatre? Or any college degree in the arts? Host and NYC-based actress Maggie Bera shares 10 things she wishes she knew before getting her BFA in musical theatre. From the importance of networking to the...
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how to master the art of the self-tape audition (and book the job)
In the era of COVID-19, self-tape auditions have become more common than ever. But even beyond the pandemic, more and more casting directors are turning to self-tapes as a way to streamline the audition process. That's why it's more important than ever to master the art of self-taping. In this...
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how to STAND OUT from the crowd in your auditions
What's the number one thing you might be missing from your auditions? Spontaneity. In this episode of the Actor Aesthetic podcast, host Maggie Bera shares tips and advice on how to find spontaneity in your auditions. Being spontaneous in auditions can help you stand out in a crowded field of…
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the audition survival guide: what every actor needs to know
Auditioning for a musical theatre production can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, actors can enter the audition room feeling confident and ready to shine. In this episode, we explore the essential steps to prepare for a musical theatre audition, from doing research on the show…
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how pop music revolutionized musical theatre (and what that means for actors)
Broadway goes... pop? In this episode, we explore how pop music has transformed the world of musical theatre, from the 1960s to today. Host Maggie Bera discusses the shows that first began to incorporate pop music into their scores, and how this new sound created a fresh and exciting experience…
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I went to 3 auditions, my day job, and filmed a self tape in 1 day lol (here’s how)
In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera dishes the details on v v v v busy day in her life going to not one, not two, but THREE auditions in NYC, work in NJ, and then film a self tape. lol. Get your copy of the Actor Aesthetic Audition Journal Template: www.actoraesthetic.com/journal.…
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a day in my life as an actor during the busiest time of audition season
Wake up, work, audition, REPEAT! It's getting busy over here y'all. In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera dishes the details on a day in her life during the busiest time of audition season right in the heart of NYC. Get your copy of the Actor Aesthetic Audition Journal Template:...
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from viral hit ”Little Miss Perfect” to full-fledged MUSICAL with award-winning composer Joriah Kwamé
You know that musical theatre song everyone was singing on TikTok in 2020? "Little Miss Perfect?" That's all Joriah Kwamé. And believe it or not, it wasn't part of a musical. In fact, it was written for a competition helmed by Mean Girls star Taylor Louderman. In this episode, host and actor…
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what the hell is going on with Equity auditions?
A lot has changed for our industry over the past few years. Especially Actors' Equity Association. In this episode, NYC actress and host Maggie Bera breaks down the recent pivots made by the union, how they've affected auditions, and what you need to know to put your best foot forward (whether...
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your next binge-worthy bluegrass musical with husband and wife duo Douglas Waterbury-Tieman (creator) + Annabelle Fox (actress)
A bluegrass musical? Say MORE! In this episode, actress + host Maggie Bera sits down with husband and wife duo Douglas Waterbury-Tieman and Annabelle Fox to chat about their exciting new musical, Johnny and the Devil's Box. Johnny and the Devil's Box Show Synopsis Johnny Baker is the best fiddler...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Actor Aesthetic, hosted by New York City-based actress Maggie Bera, is a podcast designed to educate artists for pursuing career in the theatre industry.
HOSTED BY
Maggie Bera
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Actor Aesthetic have?
Actor Aesthetic currently has 217 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Actor Aesthetic about?
Actor Aesthetic, hosted by New York City-based actress Maggie Bera, is a podcast designed to educate artists for pursuing career in the theatre industry.
How often does Actor Aesthetic release new episodes?
Actor Aesthetic publishes regularly with 217 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Actor Aesthetic?
You can listen to Actor Aesthetic on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Actor Aesthetic?
Actor Aesthetic is created and hosted by Maggie Bera.
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