Second Act Actors

In this episode, seasoned actors Janet McMordie and Dale share candid insights into their careers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, soft skills, and strategic relationship management in the entertainment industry. They discuss how embracing who you are, creating your own work, and navigating industry challenges can lead to greater success and fulfillment.Key Topics:The reality of the grind and underestimated effort in podcasting and actingThe power of creating your own content and opportunitiesHow coming into your face—owning your unique look and voice—can propel your careerNavigating age and appearance shifts, including embracing gray hair and changing industry standardsThe significance of professionalism and soft skills in building industry relationshipsStrategies for approaching high-profile colleagues and handling set dynamics with respectThe impact of social media on an actor’s career and maintaining appropriate conduct onlineThe value of authenticity, self-awareness, and being true to yourself in your career journey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's industry guest is Meg McGuire, a Toronto-based talent agent who transitioned from stage management and acting to representing some of Canada's top comedic talents. Learn about her insights into the industry, managing comedians, and advice for actors navigating their careers.In this episode:Meg's unique path to becoming a talent agentThe skills she applied from stage management and theater to her role as an agentHow to effectively communicate with your agent for better opportunitiesThe challenges and rewards of working with comedians versus dramatic actorsTips for actors on preparing self-tapes and maintaining motivationNavigating career changes and the importance of mentorship and ongoing learningThe importance of love for the craft over fame in acting careersTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Meg McGuire, talent agent at Baxter Agency 02:06 - Meg's journey from community theater to agency work 03:32 - Transition from stage management to talent representation 08:01 - Skills from stage management that help in talent agency work 10:48 - A typical day in the life of a talent agent 13:30 - How actors can support their agents through communication 15:07 - The nuances of working with comedians and comedy acting 17:07 - The skills inherent in comedy and how actors can hone them 19:02 - The impact of live energy versus self-tapes in comedy 22:24 - The emotional highs and lows of talent management 23:02 - Advice for actors entering the industry later in life 24:53 - The role of patience, persistence, and understanding industry dynamics 25:11 - When and why actors might consider changing agents 28:49 - Building long-term relationships with agents 31:55 - Memorable moments and success stories in Meg’s career 33:07 - Upcoming projects and personal milestones 35:03 - Final words of wisdom for aspiring actorsResources & Links:The Baxter AgencySecond CityToronto's Comedy Scene Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.