PODCAST · arts
Actor’s Notes
by Giovanni Axibal
Actor’s Notes is a solo podcast exploring acting, improv training, communication, mindset, discipline, and the process of creative growth.Hosted by Giovanni Axibal, each episode reflects on real experiences! from Second City improv classes to auditions, creative blocks, confidence, and the lessons that show up while doing the work.This isn’t advice from someone who’s “arrived.” It’s documentation from someone actively becoming.Actor’s Notes blends performance craft with life lessons, emotional awareness, and honest reflection New episodes weekly.
Episodes
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Let Go of the Plan | Second City Improv for Actors 2 Week 4
you can’t listen to your scene partner while planning your next line 🎭 week four of improv for actors 2 at second city. letting go of preconceived ideas, listening to body language, and committing with confidence—even when you don’t have the perfect answer. plus, why giving yourself something to...
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Listen Before You React | Second City Improv for Actors 2 Week 3
turns out musical improv was really a lesson in listening 🎭 week three of improv for actors 2 at second city. surprise singing, getting out of my comfort zone, and the confidence that comes from a scene partner who supports you. plus, the moment i realized i was reacting before i’d even…
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Trust Your Instinct | Second City Improv for Actors 2 Week 2
you don’t need the perfect line to make a scene work 🎭 week two of improv for actors 2 at second city: trusting your instinct, focusing on your scene partner, and making today “the day.” plus, why one mistake shouldn’t stop you from taking another risk. what helps you get out of your head during…
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Stay a Student | Second City Improv for Actors 2 Week 1
honestly, there's always more to learn 🎭 my first week of improv for actors 2 at second city. new instructors, different personalities, and a reminder to keep a student mentality and work together. what helps you stay open to learning? all my links: https://beacons.ai/giovanniaxibal
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Don't Be Funny, Be True | Second City Improv for Actors 1 Week 7
ever catch yourself hunting for the joke instead of actually listening to your scene partner? yeah, me too 🎭 the last class of improv for actors 1 at second city. why being true beats being funny, what subtext really is (and how "i love you" can mean two totally different things), emotions vs...
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What to Do When You Blank | Second City Improv for Actors 1 Week 6
ever blank out mid scene and feel like everyone noticed? honestly that might be the best part 🎭 week 6 of improv for actors 1 at second city. giving your scene partner a heightened name, what to do when your mind goes empty, why you're only one half of the scene, building the house brick by…
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Go Back to the Basics | Second City Improv for Actors 1 Week 5
ever feel like you're stuck and not learning anything new? honestly that might be the point 🎭 week 5 of improv for actors 1 at second city. the silent scene game, giving your scene partner a name, setting the environment before you say a single word, and why who, where and what do you want keeps...
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Follow the Fear | Second City Improv for Actors 1 Week 4
ever start a scene and spend the whole time talking about someone who isn't even there? same 🎭 week 4 of improv for actors 1 at second city, officially halfway through. new choice, word association, giving each other names, and why the person right in front of you is always more interesting than...
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Bring a Brick, Not a Wall | Second City Improv for Actors 1 Week 3
ever freeze in a scene because you missed what your partner just said? same 🎭 week 3 of improv for actors 1 at second city. three line scenes, coming home, bring a brick, and why an argument and a conflict are not the same thing. if you only caught the last word, use what's there. how you feel...
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Commit Even When It Feels Wrong | Second City Improv for Actors 1 Week 2
ever drop an accent halfway through because you feel ridiculous? same 🎭 week 2 of improv for actors 1 at second city pushed me into character work, animal physicality, and letting a character be someone i'm not. i'm still learning to commit, look at my scene partner, and trust what's happening...
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You Can Say No in Improv | Second City Improv for Actors 1 Week 1
ever say yes to something in a scene just because you thought you had to? same 🎭 first week of improv for actors 1 at second city and i'm learning that saying yes to the reality doesn't mean your character has to agree with everything. back to the basics with tall tom, accepting the gift…
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Confidence Changes Everything | Second City Improv Week 7
ever hold back on a choice because you're worried it'll come out wrong? same 🎭 finishing improv 1 at second city and reflecting on the thing i kept coming back to: trusting myself enough to commit. accents, awkward moments, going blank, and bringing that same confidence onto my first feature…
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Stop Trying to Be Funny | Second City Improv Week 6
week 6 at second city and the reminder is simple: you don't have to force the funny 🎭 ever get so focused on saying something clever that you stop listening to the person in front of you? this week i'm talking about being truthful, giving your scene partner something to work with, and trusting...
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Get Out of Your Head | Second City Improv Week 5
starting improv 1B at second city and apparently i brought a whole checklist into my head 🎭 ever know exactly what you're supposed to do in a scene and still get stuck thinking about all of it? same. this week i'm talking about giving your scene partner a name, building a relationship in three...
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Who, Where, What Do You Want | Second City Improv Week 4
last day of improv 1A at second city and i was running on 3 hours of sleep after a 5 hour drive 🎭 ever hold back in a scene because you're waiting for someone to save you? same. in this one i get into freeze tag (not the one from recess), why you should tag your scene partner out early instead…
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Why Questions Kill Your Scene | Second City Improv Week 3
week 3 at the second city and we upgraded "yes, and" to "hell yes, and" 🎭 ever catch yourself firing questions at your scene partner? or blank so hard you forget your own name? same. in this one i get into why asking questions is basically stealing from your partner, the coming home game that...
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Celebrate Your Mistakes | Second City Improv Week 2
week 2 at the second city and honestly this one hit different 🎭 you ever freeze up in a scene and default to bossing your partner around? same. in this episode i get into why so many improvisers fall back on anger or teaching, why you should "kill your babies" (thanks Del Close), and why one...
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What I Learned From 22 Weeks of Improv | Second City Improv Week 1
The fastest way to become a better actor, improviser, and scene partner might be to stop trying to be perfect. Giovanni reflects on his first week at Second City Chicago and the improv lessons that changed how he thinks about confidence, specificity, and taking up space on stage.From the “yes…
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Why Your Upbringing Makes You a Better Actor Than You Think
Actors Notes , where Giovanni turns the lens on his own life as a half-Russian, half-Filipino actor. He shares how growing up between two cultures taught him to read subtext, trust instinct, and make bolder creative choices in auditions. He also breaks down why your upbringing, cadence, humor…
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Asha Banks Shares Her Acting Experience
The conversation covers a range of topics including Filipino food, cultural exploration, childhood experiences in acting, and the importance of training and resilience in the acting industry. The discussion delves into rejection, self-taping, and the challenges of auditions for child actors. It...
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I Modeled for Nike: Here Is What Professionalism Actually Looks Like
Follow my acting journey and find more resources:https://beacons.ai/giovanniaxibal I recently had the opportunity to model for Nike, and the experience reminded me that booking the job is only one part of being a professional actor or model. In this episode of Actor’s Notes, I’m sharing what the...
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3 Acting Lessons I Learned After 66 Hours of Improv
After 22 weeks and 66 hours of improv training, I finished Improv for Actors 2 with three lessons I want to carry into every class, audition, and opportunity that comes next: listen, have fun, and adapt. In this episode of Actor’s Notes, I reflect on the fear I felt entering my first improv…
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Actor's Notes Ep. 5 — The Most Important Lesson I Learned in Improv This Week
Actor's Notes is a solo podcast where I document what I'm learning in real time through acting, improv training, and the process of becoming better in life and in craft. In this episode, I reflect on a lesson that's bigger than acting: progress isn't always obvious. Sometimes growth doesn't come...
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I Drove 10 Hours to Second City Chicago for Acting Class
I drove 10 hours to Chicago for one acting class at The Second City.This is Actor's Notes: A series documenting my journey to becoming a better actor through classes, auditions, improv, and everything I'm learning along the way.🎭 New episodes every week.📱 All Socials &...
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The Biggest Thing Holding Actors Back
Actor's Notes is a solo podcast where I document what I'm learning in real time, through acting, improv training, and the process of becoming better in life and in craft. In this episode, I share observations from my acting class and discuss various acting tips I've picked up. This isn’t advice,...
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The Reality on a Film Set — Nobody Warned Me About This!!
Actor’s Notes is a solo podcast where I document what I’m learning in real time, through acting, improv training, and the process of becoming better in life and in craft.In this episode, I reflect on my first experience being on a film set, what I expected, what actually happened, and the...
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My First Feature Film Taught Me This
ALL LINKS HERE: https://stan.store/gioaxibal Actor's Notes is a solo podcast where I document what I’m learning in real time, through acting, improv training, and the process of becoming better in life and in craft. This episode focuses on the actor life and offers acting advice from my personal...
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The Monologue Technique Nobody's Talking About
Actor’s Notes is a solo podcast where I document what I’m learning in real time, through acting, improv training, and the process of becoming better in life and in craft.In this episode, I reflect on what I’m learning about monologues, from cold reading under pressure to understanding that it’s…
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Becoming an Actor Is Messier Than I Thought
All Behind the Scenes on SNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/dwq6npbSI just finished my first improv class at Second City in Chicago… and it wasn’t what I expected.I went in thinking improv was about being funny, quick, and entertaining.But what I actually learned completely changed how I look at...
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The Night Before My First Feature Film!
Filming a feature film often means unusual hours, and today is no exception! 🎬 Join me for a "day in the life" as we navigate a late call time and the "behind the scenes" reality of "filmmaking". This "celebrity" lifestyle isn't always glamorous, especially when it involves working through the...
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I took MrBeast’s advice… here’s what happened
I posted 100 videos… and honestly I’m just getting started.I used to overthink everything! the camera, the edits, what people would think. But somewhere along the way I realized the point wasn’t to be perfect… it was to get better. This is what I’ve learned so far, what surprised me, and how I’m...
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Becoming An Improviser | My Improv Journey at The Second City
Follow the Journey Here: https://stan.store/gioaxibalSnapchat: https://snapchat.com/t/SGJuY6juJoin me as I take you inside my journey through improv comedy training at The Second City in Chicago, one of the most iconic comedy institutions in the world.Over the past several weeks, I’ve been...
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Becoming An Improviser | Training Where Steve Carell & Tina Fey Started
Follow the Journey Here:https://stan.store/gioaxibalSnapchat: https://snapchat.com/t/bFfCm2IuWe just completed Week 5 of Improv for Actors at The Second City in Chicago, one of the most famous improv training programs in the world.If you’re searching for acting classes in Chicago, improv classes...
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Becoming An Improviser | Reality Check on Week 3!!!
Join me on my personal success journey through week three of improv lessons at The Second City in chicago. This video documents my experience and what I'm learning, reflecting on the process of becoming an improviser. It's all about how to act and embracing lifelong learning in the world of…
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Becoming An Improviser | Second City's Improv For Actors: Week 4 Update
We're four weeks into an Improv for Actors class at The Second City in Chicago! This video gives you a peek into the world of improv comedy and the creative process. It's truly amazing to see the foundational techniques of improvisation being taught in such an iconic improv theater, a place where...
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Becoming An Improviser | I Drove 5 Hours For This Acting Class!!
Just wrapped up improv for actors number one at The Second City here in chicago illinois! 🎭 It's rare I get to film inside, but I found a quiet spot to share my experience with improvisation. The Second City offers a fantastic range of classes, from sketch to writing, all aimed at honing your...
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Becoming An Improviser | We Just Finished Improv at Second City (Our Honest Thoughts)
I just finished 8 weeks of Improv 1 at The Second City in Chicago, and this episode of Actor’s Notes is a full reflection on the experience and what we learned on how to improvise. In this video, my friend Christina and I share our honest thoughts on what we learned, how improv changed the way we...
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Becoming an Improviser | My First Day of Improv For Actors at Second City
Just wrapped up improv for actors number one at The Second City here in chicago illinois! 🎭 It's rare I get to film inside, but I found a quiet spot to share my experience with improvisation. The Second City offers a fantastic range of classes, from sketch to writing, all aimed at honing your...
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Becoming an Improviser | I Froze in Improv Class — Here’s What It Taught Me About Life
After improv class at The Second City, something small but important clicked for me.I went into class over-prepared.I had relationships planned.Environments mapped out.Scenes already living in my head.And when it was my turn… I froze.This video is part of my Actor’s Notes series, reflections from...
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Becoming an Improviser | The 3 Improv Rules That Will Transform How You Communicate
ADD ME ON SNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/KPFiwWEu What if the way you communicate is holding you back… and you don’t even realize it? Taking improv classes at Second City Chicago has completely changed how I think, speak, and connect with people. In this episode, I break down the 3 most…
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Becoming an Improviser | What I Learned After 4 Weeks of Improv
Watch all the BTS of my trips to Chicago and The Second City HERE: https://stan.store/gioaxibalAfter four weeks of showing up, making mistakes, and learning the foundations of improv, I wanted to document what this experience actually felt like, especially as an actor.If you’re thinking about...
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A Matthew McConaughey Trick Before My First Feature Film
I booked my first feature film! This isn’t a highlight reel or audition tips, it’s just me talking honestly about how Matthew McConaughey influenced my process and the acting lessons that resonated with me over the years. If you’re an actor or creative navigating this industry, I hope my thoughts...
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I Booked My First Feature Film After 4 Years of Acting!!
I booked my first feature film! This isn’t supposed to be highlight reel or the best acting tips or audition advice, It’s just me talking honestly about how it feels, what’s going through my head, and how I’m preparing for it. These are honestly the Acting lessons that I've learned that resonated...
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Becoming an Improviser | The Second City | Week 3
https://stan.store/gioaxibal Just wrapped up week three of improv classes at Second City Chicago! 🎭 It's a long haul from Kentucky, but the improv comedy and improv exercises are always worth it. I'm really seeing some personal growth and improved communication skills through these sessions....
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Why Most Actors Are Faking It | Meisner Technique
Ever wonder what it truly means to be truthful in acting? This video explores the art of acting beyond just memorizing lines or showing emotion, focusing on how to improve acting skills by embracing authenticity. We dive into an actor's mindset that centers on living authentically, questioning…
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Becoming an Improviser | The Second City | Week 2
https://stan.store/gioaxibal This episode of Actor’s Notes is a reflection on beginning my improv journey at Second City. I talk about what it actually feels like to walk into that classroom, the nerves, the ego, the excitement, and the humility of starting something new. There’s a difference...
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What Acting Has Taught Me About Uncertainty
https://stan.store/gioaxibal In this episode of Actor's Notes, we take a conversational approach to discuss various aspects of the acting world. We cover everything from effective self tape audition techniques to navigating the intricacies of acting auditions and self tapes. This is a casual…
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Escaping Silence vs. Embracing It
https://stan.store/gioaxibalIn this video, we explore the unexpected challenges of silence within improvisation, contrasting initial assumptions with the actual experience. We discuss how improv techniques can help navigate uncomfortable moments of quiet, promoting a deeper understanding of the...
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What Acting Is Teaching Me About Listening
https://stan.store/gioaxibalIn this video, we explore the crucial 'difference between hearing and listening', a 'life lesson' I truly grasped after experiencing a moment where 'my mind went blank'. It's not just about sound, but about active engagement. We'll discuss effective 'listening skills'...
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What Improv Is Teaching Me About Control
https://stan.store/gioaxibalLately, I've noticed a subtle tension that shows up in my body during unexpected moments. This isn't panic or fear, but rather a physical manifestation of anxiety when things don't go as planned or I'm unsure of the next move. Understanding this connection between...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Actor’s Notes is a solo podcast exploring acting, improv training, communication, mindset, discipline, and the process of creative growth.Hosted by Giovanni Axibal, each episode reflects on real experiences! from Second City improv classes to auditions, creative blocks, confidence, and the lessons that show up while doing the work.This isn’t advice from someone who’s “arrived.” It’s documentation from someone actively becoming.Actor’s Notes blends performance craft with life lessons, emotional awareness, and honest reflection New episodes weekly.
HOSTED BY
Giovanni Axibal
CATEGORIES
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How many episodes does Actor’s Notes have?
Actor’s Notes currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Actor’s Notes about?
Actor’s Notes is a solo podcast exploring acting, improv training, communication, mindset, discipline, and the process of creative growth.Hosted by Giovanni Axibal, each episode reflects on real experiences! from Second City improv classes to auditions, creative blocks, confidence, and the lessons...
How often does Actor’s Notes release new episodes?
Actor’s Notes has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Actor’s Notes?
You can listen to Actor’s Notes 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’s Notes?
Actor’s Notes is created and hosted by Giovanni Axibal.
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