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 ⁠

In this episode, award-winning Afro-Latina actress and filmmaker Loren Escandón shares her inspiring journey from Cali, Colombia, to Hollywood. Growing up surrounded by cartel violence, Loren’s mother enrolled her in ballet to keep her safe, which sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. She shares how her early training in ballet, tango, and jazz eventually led her to theater and television, as well as the challenges of navigating cultural shifts and learning to embrace her accent. Loren has appeared in hit series including Gentefied, 9-1-1, S.W.A.T., Selena: The Series, Truth Be Told, and Freevee’s Casa Grande. She is best known for her breakout role as Marisol in Netflix’s Purple Hearts. Beyond acting, Loren is an accomplished director and writer. Her debut, Phone Tales, premiered at multiple festivals, and her latest short, Los Patines, has won numerous awards including Best Short at the San Pedro International Film Festival and Best Latino Short and Director at the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival. Throughout the conversation, Loren emphasizes resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of representation in storytelling. She offers insights into her creative process, her experiences navigating multiple cities and cultures, and her vision for what’s coming next.00:00 Introduction and Early Life 00:25 Discovering Ballet and Storytelling 01:32 Transition to Acting and Moving to the US 02:27 Navigating the Acting Industry 03:48 First TV Role and Learning the Ropes 05:49 Settling in LA and Finding Representation 11:24 Audition Challenges and Self-Acceptance 16:59 The Importance of Training and Comedy 25:17 Wardrobe and Character Embodiment 26:50 Collaborative Costume Design 27:22 Realism in Acting 28:57 Transition to Directing 31:57 Creating Los Patina 34:50 Challenges and Triumphs 39:34 Future Projects and Aspirations 46:44 Reflections and Inspirations 49:46 Inside the Actor's Studio QuestionsEPISODE LINKS:· Loren’s IMDb· Follow Loren on IG @lorenescandonHost: ⁠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 ⁠

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 ⁠

Allen Rowe (FBI Most Wanted, The Last Ship, Hawaii Five-0, ) has been a long time student of Stan Kirsch Studios. In this episode, he joins his mentor Colleen Foy to look back on his unique journey as an actor. Allen shares his early struggles, including flying between San Francisco and Los Angeles for auditions and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Born in Taipei, Taiwan and being of Chinese descent meant that Allen had to deal with a lack of roles that he saw himself in early on. It was because of his community and classes at studios like SKS that kept him going and allowed him to craft his iconic, memorable auditions that led to roles on shows like 'Monk' and 'CSI Cyber.' Allen also discusses his experience working in Asia as a series regular on Tou Du (Wei Xian lu Cheng) and what he’s hoping for in the future. If you’ve been looking for motivation to keep going and remain resilient, this is the episode for you.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Allen00:24 Early Acting Struggles and Auditions 01:15 Breakthrough and Career Milestones 02:04 Challenges and Learning in Acting Classes 06:04 Memorable Audition Stories 07:29 Dealing with Rejection and Staying Active 10:58 Script Analysis and Preparation Techniques 20:17 On-Set Experiences and Networking24:09 Reflecting on Early Career Experiences 24:25 Navigating the One-Hour Drama Auditions 25:43 Transitioning to Acting in Asia 27:36 Challenges and Successes in China28:37 Returning to the US and Building Connections 31:06 Aspirations for a Series Regular Role 33:41 Exploring Different Genres and Roles 34:25 Portraying My Grandfather 36:40 Representation and Diversity in Acting 41:30 The Art of Self-Taping 43:44 Inside the Actor's Studio QuestionsEPISODE LINKS:· Allen’s IMDb· Follow Allen on IG @theosky8Host: ⁠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 ⁠

Audrey Helps Actors meets the Working Actor Podcast. This week actress Audrey Moore takes a look back on her career, how she navigates acting as a lifestyle, and the magical thinking to burnout loop that every actor faces. As she and host Colleen Foy  dive into the intricacies of Audrey's career and her experiences in the acting industry, they discuss what it was like to being Emmy-nominated to the daily realities and challenges actors face. Audrey shares valuable insights into the audition process, leveraging relationships in the industry, and managing the highs and lows of the profession. You will leave this episode knowing the importance of sustaining your  passion, dealing with rejection, and navigating the fine line between fantasy and reality throughout your entire career. 00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming Audrey 00:45 — Audrey's Emmy Experience 04:54 — Audition Stories and Acting Insights 11:38 — The Reality of Acting Careers 17:54 — Magical Thinking to Burnout 26:35 — The “Fantasy of the Dress” Metaphor27:10 — The Reality Check 27:35 — Emotional Experiences and Self-Worth 28:47 — Magical Thinking in Careers 29:57 — Live Tweeting and Fan Connection 30:53 — Navigating Industry Expectations 35:03 — The Green Light Game 39:58 — Career Levels and Networking 43:40 — Balancing Information and Burnout 44:20 — Maintaining Relationships with Reps 50:47 — Final Thoughts and GratitudeEPISODE LINKS:· Listen to the Audrey Helps Actors Podcast· Audrey Moore’s IMDb· Follow Audrey on IG @audreyscoresmoore· Follow the Audrey Helps Actors IG @audreyhelpsactorspodcast· The Audrey Helps Actors WebsiteHost: ⁠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 ⁠

In this episode, host Colleen Foy interviews television director April Winney, discussing her career trajectory from theater to becoming a sought-after director known for her rapport with actors. They delve into April's isolated upbringing in the Sequoia National Forest, her shift from acting to directing in college, and her pivotal years in Chicago's theater scene. April shares her journey into film and TV, working as a script supervisor for 15 years, and eventually directing for shows like 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D' and ‘Tracker’. They also explore her experiences in casting, the importance of authenticity in auditions, and navigating the challenges of directing. April's passion for mentoring actors and teaching them how to excel as guest stars on TV sets highlights her commitment to the craft and her supportive nature.  00:00 — Introduction and Celebrity Doppelgangers 01:10 — Growing Up in Sequoia National Forest 03:27 — Journey to Becoming a Director 04:18 — From Theater to Film and TV 05:01 — Learning on the Job: Script Supervisor to Director 09:24 — Breaking into TV Directing 10:34 — Directing on Different Shows 10:49 — The ABC Disney Program and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 13:16 — Directing on Tracker and Location Scouting 19:02 — Teaching Guest Stars: Workshops and Classes 25:55 — Technical Tips for Actors 26:44 — Respect and Challenges for Actors 27:31 — Casting Decisions and Positivity 29:23 — The Casting Process 31:43 — What Directors Look for in Self-Tapes 34:12 — The Importance of Slates 42:52 — Balancing Emotions in Performances 46:46 — Maintaining Well-being During Shoots48:14 — Navigating Industry Changes 49:57 — Final Thoughts and Upcoming ClassesEPISODE LINKS:· Aprill Winney IMDb· Follow Aprill on IG @aprillwinney· Acting with the Director with Aprill WinneyHost: 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 

Host Colleen Foy speaks with her talent manager Paulo Andres about his 23-year career in the industry. They delve into Paulo's journey from aspiring actor to successful manager, highlighting the transition and his dedication to his clients. Paulo shares why he signed Colleen, what stands out in submissions, how to find joy in the industry, and why he believes all actors need to pursue their career full-time. From personal anecdotes from his time as an actor to discussing how he approaches manages his clients, Paulo shares how he has adapted to the changes in the business over the years and the importance of perseverance. This episode is a valuable resource for everyone who is looking for a rep, and for all those looking for the motivation to keep going.  00:00 — Introduction and Background00:26 — Early Career Struggles 01:36 — Finding the Right Manager 02:29 — Building a Career in Acting 03:00 — The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence 04:26 — Navigating the Industry 05:55 — The Role of a Manager 08:09 — Personalized Client Management 10:35 — Challenges and Insights 23:53 — Pitching and Networking 25:48 — Crafting Effective Pitches 26:18 — The Role of a Manager 26:44 — The Importance of Submissions 27:41 — Challenges in the Industry 29:47 — Self-Tapes and Auditions 38:51 — Adapting to Industry Changes 42:24 — Maintaining Creativity and Community 45:36 — The Blank Theater Involvement 49:45 — Navigating Representation Challenges 56:17 — The Personal Side of ManagementEPISODE LINKS:· Follow Paulo on Instagram @thepaoloandres· Paulo’s IMDb Pro· The Blank Theater· Follow The Blank Theater on Instagram @theblanktheaterHost: 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 

Rigging the System in Your Favor: An Actor's Journey with DaJuan JohnsonHost Colleen Foy and guest DaJuan Johnson reconnect on this episode, taking us through DeJuan’s journey as an actor in Los Angeles. Together, they reflect on his 15-year career from his humble beginnings in theater to notable TV roles on Bosch, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS. DaJuan gets candid about his struggles in the industry and gives advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of being an actor by rigging the system in your favor, the importance of mindset, and strategies for lifelong success. From his Emmy campaign to making an impression with cookies, this conversation will leave you encouraged in getting to exactly where you want to be in your career. 00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming DaJuan Johnson00:11 — Reflecting on 15 Years of Friendship00:17 — DaJuan’s Journey to Los Angeles00:36 — Early Struggles and Realizations01:38 — Finding Seriousness in Acting03:02 — Meeting and Learning from Stan04:37 — Booking the First Role08:59 — The Impact of Bosch on DaJuan’s Career16:31 — The Importance of Mindset and Coaching19:17 — Navigating the Modern Acting Industry27:40 — Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Care28:13 — The Reality of Talent and Persistence29:21 — Mindset and Personal Growth29:54 — Navigating the Acting Industry31:18 — Rigging the System in Your Favor32:42 — The Emmy Campaign Journey33:58 — The Importance of Visibility42:52 — Auditioning and Building Relationships45:16 — Holding the Vision, Not the Circumstance50:05 — Validation and Self-Worth54:53 — Final Reflections and AdviceEPISODE LINKS:· Follow DaJuan on IG @dajuanjohnson· DaJuan’s IMDb· DaJuan’s Website· Listen to the Think Bigger Actors Podcast· Think Bigger Coaching· DaJuan’s Resources· Dajuan’s YouTubeHost: 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 

Actress, producer, and overall superstar Britney Young shares her journey from Tokyo to America, graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and establishing herself in Hollywood. Britney candidly discusses her behind-the-scenes roles on TV shows like 'The Mentalist' and 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,' and her big break as Carmen Wade on Netflix's ‘GLOW.' She highlights the importance of community, learning the industry, and not  sweating the small stuff. Host and Britney’s coach here at SKS, Brock Ciarlelli, delves into Brittany's transition from production to acting, her experiences working on GLOW,' and her mindset through career ups and downs. They also explore her return to acting classes at Stan Kirsch Studios to refine her skills, the supportive network it provided, and what her life has been life after wrapping a series regular role. You will walk away with a sense of how persistence, authenticity, and genuine connections are crucial in navigating the acting industry.00:00 — Introduction to Brittany Young00:28 — Early Career and Transition to Acting02:28 — Behind the Scenes Experience10:40 — The Glow Audition Story18:05 — Life After Glow23:04 — Joining SKS Studio26:32 — Booking and Specificity26:39 — Comedy Week and Typos27:58 — Day-to-Day Life of an Actor28:49 — Navigating the Industry33:32 — Audition Process and Challenges36:31 — Preparation and Mindset43:04 — Rejection and Authenticity44:12— Rapid-Fire Questions47:33 — Instagram StoriesEPISODE LINKS:· Follow Britney on IG @britneyyoung· Listen to Britney and her sister talk movies on the Movie Night Podcast· Britney’s IMDbHost: 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 

You may know Brock Ciarlelli from his work on iconic projects like ABC’s The Middle,  Universal Pictures’ BROS, Netflix’s Glamorous, and Hulu’s Dr. Odyssey or from working with him in class. Whether he’s mentoring, acting, writing, or producing, Brock has had quite the journey in Hollywood. In this episode, host Colleen Foy gets into all of the twists and turns in Brock’s journey. They delve into what it was like for Brock to grow  up in Colorado and then to book his recurring role on ABC's 'The Middle' while still in high school. They discuss his academic background in mathematics, his industry internships, and his multi-faceted career. The conversation highlights the non-linear path of the acting industry, the importance of perseverance, and the lessons they've both learned along the way. Brock and Colleen also touch on the significance of proactivity, maintaining an your abundance mindset amidst the industry's highs and lows, and the value of genuine connections and humility on set. 00:00 — Introduction and Guest Welcome00:49 — Brock's Early Life and Career Beginnings02:38 — Landing the Role on 'The Middle'08:03 — Navigating the Acting Industry18:12 — The Journey of 'Susu in the City'20:49 — Managing Emotions in the Industry26:10 — Diversifying in the Entertainment Industry28:57 — Learning from Industry Insights30:31 — Balancing Boldness in Auditions30:50 — Research and Preparation35:11 — Navigating Set Dynamics39:47 — Proactivity and Self-Reflection40:45 — Personal Insights and Reflections43:14 — Favorite Words and Pet Peeves45:43 — Creative Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs50:03 — Dream Jobs and Least Favorite Jobs52:09 — Final Thoughts and GratitudeEPISODE LINKS:· Brock’s IMDb· Follow Brock on IG @brockciarlelli· Listen to Brock’s podcast “Middling with Eden and Brock”Host: 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 

Unlocking Social Media Success for Actors with Heidi DeanIn this episode, we sit down with Heidi Dean, a social media strategist for actors and the author of 'Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive, and Survive Online.' Heidi shares her journey from a 20-year acting career to becoming the go-to expert for actors navigating social media. She offers invaluable insights on leveraging social media for career growth, including the importance of building relationships, defining your story, and finding the right platform. This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies tailored for actors who want to use social media effectively without being overwhelmed! If you’ve been feeling resistance in starting a social media, you will walk away from this episode with tangible tips on presenting yourself the way you want to be seen online in a posting schedule that is sustainable for you!WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:00:00 Introduction to Heidi Dean00:46 Heidi's Journey from Actor to Social Media Strategist03:40 The Importance of Social Media for Actors05:46 Building Relationships Through Social Media08:35 Finding Your Unique Social Media Voice14:02 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform19:33 Consistency and Content Planning20:08 The Myth of Consistency in Social Media21:09 Finding Your Posting Rhythm22:37 Experimenting with Posting Frequency23:20 Balancing Social Media and Life25:39 The Importance of Branding and Design28:24 Common Social Media Mistakes Actors Make29:30 Building Genuine Connections Online32:11 The Value of Followers and Engagement37:06 Resources for Actors on Social Media38:36 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsEPISODE LINKS:· Read “Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive and Survive Online” by Heidi Dean· Follow Heidi on IG @marketingforactors· Heidi’s Links· 30 Days of Post Ideas· Marketing 4 Actors· Mojo App· CanvaHost: 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 

SKS Faculty Real Talk Roundtable, the entire faculty comes together to talk about all things industry. CEO Kristyn, Studio Director Colleen, and actors and coaches Aleks, Angela, and Brock come together to discuss their experiences and offer guidance to the SKS community. They talk about the challenging start to the year with the LA wildfires, strikes, and how to navigate life when you still need to show up for auditions and opportunities with full dedication. They touch on a wide range of subjects including the craft of acting, audition preparation, overcoming personal obstacles, and maintaining a positive mindset. They also reflect on their transitions from students to teachers and the evolving dynamics of the industry while retaining the core values of the Stan Kirsch Studios community. The episode highlights the shared passion, resilience, and mutual support among actors everywhere right now. Success is infectious!WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:00:00 — Introduction & Acknowledgements00:26 — Navigating Challenges in 202502:02 — Audition Anecdotes and Techniques03:49 — Reflections and Lessons from 202414:05 — Setting Intentions for 202520:12 — Audition Preparation Strategies39:21 — The Challenges of Self-Taping39:49 — Understanding the Scene's Context41:34 — The Importance of Repetition and Practice42:05 — Collaborative Coaching and Instincts43:18 — Adapting to Audition Requirements45:29 — The Role of Specificity in Acting01:01:21 — The Journey from Student to Teacher01:11:51 — Continuing the Legacy of SKS Studios01:14:41 — Community and Support in ActingEPISODE LINKS:· Learn More about Our Teachers Here· Follow Colleen @colleenfoy· Follow Aleks @iamaleksristic· Follow Angela @angefornero· Follow Brock @brockciarlelli· Follow Kristyn @kristyndaniel· Abundance Bound· Think Bigger Coaching with DaJuan Johnson· The Cold Read App Host: 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 

When your world crashes down around you, how do you continue moving on? In 2015, Maryam Myika Day welcomed her daughter Ayodélé Olayinka into the world and said goodbye to her husband. Through that joy and grief came a reckoning and realization of who she wanted to be as an artist going forward in her life, and she reexamined the ways her art could reach others. Maryam shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer in prominent dance companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Broadway's '42nd Street,' to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. Maryam talks about the founding of her production company, Epiphany 3 Films, to create opportunities for herself and others, and her impactful work in film and digital media. She also delves into her personal life, sharing the profound challenges she faced and how these experiences fueled her artistic and professional growth. One way she channeled her grief into action was by writing a book with her daughter, “This is My Story”, that talks about her husband’s passing, what he left behind, and all the ways he is remembered. She also speaks on the importance of mentorship, and her passion for teaching writing and empowering other artists to take a chance on themselves because we just don’t have the time. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of investing in yourself. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction and Guest Background 00:26 — Early Career in Dance 01:15 — From Broadway to Film 02:56 — Founding Epiphany 3 Films 05:25 — Mentorship and Skill Development 17:37 — Personal Challenges and Triumphs 28:29 — A Moment of Realization 28:48 — Turning Grief into Strength 28:55 — A New Beginning in 2016 29:07 — Using Life's Challenges as Fuel 29:34 — Gratitude Amidst Loss 30:07 — A Mother's Determination 31:12 — Writing a Book Together 31:44 — The Journey of Healing 32:32 — Empowering Through Storytelling 34:14 — From Book to Animated Series 34:55 — Teaching Others to Write 38:41 — The Importance of Mentorship 47:01 — Astrology and Life's Path 52:51 — Final Reflections and Gratitude EPISODE LINKS: · Read “This is My Story” by Ayodélé Olayinka · Ayodélé’s Website · Get into “THE WORKSHOP: How to create and sell your own children's book” · Maryam’s IMDb · Maryam’s Website · Follow Maryam on IG · Follow the North of 40 Podcast on IG · The North of 40 Podcast Links Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music 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 

Today we have on acting coach extraordinaire, the woman you want to be in a Career Corner with, and accomplished actor/writer/producer/ray of sunshine Angela Fornero. A seasoned actress and business-minded coach, we dive into her journey in the acting industry. Angela shares her extensive experience, from growing up in Los Angeles to becoming an integral part of Stan Kirsch Studios. She explains how she uses her practical knowledge from internships and various roles in crafting individualized career plans for actors. Angela discusses the challenges, mindset, and business acumen required to succeed in a competitive industry, emphasizing the importance of continual learning, self-production, and strategic marketing. Her insights provide valuable guidance for actors at all stages of their careers. This is an episode you definitely do not want to miss! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction to Angela Fornero 01:09 — Angela's Early Life and Background 02:39 — Journey into Acting 04:18 — Navigating the Acting Industry 07:43 — Joining Stan Kirsch Studio 10:44 — Angela’s Career Corner and Business Insights 12:29 — Interning in Casting and Talent Agencies 17:23 — Personalized Career Guidance 20:53 — Personal Insights and Experiences 21:16 — Understanding the Industry's Challenges 25:15 — The Importance of Mindset and Hope 25:57 — Actionable Steps for Career Growth 26:33 — Creating Effective Demo Reels 31:15 — Navigating Self-Tapes and Footage 36:16 — Headshots and Personal Branding 39:35 — The Power of Self-Producing and Social Media 42:20 — Gratitude and Final Thoughts EPISODE LINKS: · Book a Career Consult with Angela today!  · Angela’s Website  · Angela’s IMDb · Follow Angela on IG · Buckley Samspon Stylist · Amy Lyndon’s Coaching · Bonnie Gillespie’s Self Management for Actors  · Mentor Kevin E. West  Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music 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 

How do you enjoy the journey of being an actor? How do you stand up for yourself on set? How do you find your actor niche? Leonard Wu comes on the podcast to reunite with his former acting classmate Colleen Foy to talk about his journey and everything that he has experienced. From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ and ‘American Born Chinese’, Leonard shares his journey from growing up in Washington D.C., studying Chinese Peking Opera, to pursuing a career in Hollywood. He discusses his initial struggles, why he has always had a day job, his breakthrough on 'Veronica Mars,' and pivotal roles in projects like 'Revenge of the Green Dragons' and 'Marco Polo.' He also takes us through the process of preparing for an action-heavy role, and learning to champion his interpretation of his characters on projects. Wu also gets real about the impact of his cultural identity on his career, the challenges Asian-American actors face, and the importance of being prepared in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.  WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introducing Leonard Wu 00:23 — Early Life and Education 01:43 — College Years and Early Career 03:28 — Breaking into the Industry 04:41— First Big Break and Challenges 05:59 — Navigating the Acting World 07:05 — Theater and Day Jobs 07:45 — Major Roles and Opportunities 15:40 — Training and Preparation 21:33 — Navigating Creative Collaboration 22:16 — Reflecting on Career Challenges 23:12 — The Rise and Fall of Marco Polo 25:41 — Adapting to Industry Changes 29:09 — Embracing Theater and New Opportunities 35:12 — Experiences on Grey's Anatomy 39:25 — Future Aspirations and Reflections 40:03 — Inside the SKS Studio Questions EPISODE LINKS: · Leonard’s IMDb · Follow Leonard on IG @iamleonardwu Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music 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 

We’ve all felt how the acting industry has changed over the last few years. Even more than before, our individual journeys as actors show how there is no right path. This week, we are joined by ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ star Chelsey Crisp. Chelsey shares how a co-star role that she almost turned down, led her to her first series regular role on a hit show that lasted 6 seasons. She shows us a peek into her perspective on the casting process and bookings, and what she looks forward to in the next era of Hollywood. You’ll learn about Chelsey’s origin story, starting from her moving to LA at 18 to study theater, to navigating early career challenges, and finding her voice in comedy. You’ll hear firsthand about the importance of embracing one's unique path, the value of specific training and branding, and tips on navigating this ever changing industry. Chelsey also gets candid about dealing with the emotional highs and lows of auditioning, and how beneficial having that one good cry can be. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of resilience, passion for when that perfect role finds its way to you, and comfort in knowing we are all pursuing our acting dreams together. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction and Origin Stories 00:39 — Early Life and Theater Beginnings 01:17 — Academy Experience and Moving to LA 02:05 — Navigating Early Career Challenges 03:34 — Improv and Finding a Niche in Comedy 09:07 — Breakthrough Roles and Career Milestones 13:42 — Reflections on Industry and Personal Growth 17:30 — Transitioning to New Opportunities 19:14 — Landing a Series Regular Role 22:36 — Balancing Career and Personal Life 18:35 — Fresh Off the Boat and Call My Agent 26:47 — The Audition Process 30:21 — Navigating the Casting World 37:57 — The Impact of Industry Changes 46:37 — Inside the SKS Studio Questions EPISODE LINKS: · Follow Chelsey on IG @chelseycrisp · Chelsey’s IMDb · Chelsey’s Website Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music 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 

Tiffany Daniels discusses her multifaceted career in the entertainment industry with host Colleen. Known for her role in 'That Girl Lele,' Tiffany shares insights on her early career, including her prestigious year-long scholarship at the Edge Performing Arts Center and the challenges she faced balancing rigorous training with a full-time job. She takes us through her transition from dancing to becoming a Laker and Charger girl, before moving into acting roles across genres. Whether you've seen her as a series regular on 'That Girl Lay Lay', 'NCIS,' 'Big Bang Theory,' Josephine Baker in 'Timeless', or  'Station 19’, Tiffany is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. You will learn just how important confidence, adaptability, and collaboration are throughout your acting career, and how you should always go after your dream.WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:00:00 — Introducing Tiffany Daniels00:46 — Early Career and Dance Training03:30 — Breaking into the Industry07:14 — Becoming a Laker Girl12:31 — Joining SKS & The Value of Comedy Training15:16 — Portraying Josephine Baker19:37 — The Impact of a Juicy Role20:41 — Defining a Triple Threat21:36 — That One Where Colleen and Tiffany almost Worked Together22:25 — The Intensity of TV Roles22:40 — Auditioning Under Pressure25:26 — Staying in Character28:06 — Landing 'That Girl Lele'34:07 — Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere as Adults for Kid Actors35:01— Inside the Stan Kirsch StudioEPISODE LINKS:· Follow Tiffany Daniels on IG @itsmetiffd· Tiffany’s Website· Tiffany’s IMDb· Tiffany’s Links· Watch “Pieces of a Woman”Host: 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 

There is no “one path” to becoming a working actor. No one knows that better than Kate Mansi,  who transitioned from having a dance scholarship to pursuing acting at Pepperdine University. She walks us through how her life changed when she found her passion and what she did to take care of herself as she pursued her dream. From the ups and downs that came with auditioning, to finding a mentor in Stan, to battling imposter syndrome, Kate shares how she booked the iconic role of Abigail on “Days of Our Lives” and all that came after. She shares her mental health struggles and caring for herself in a consistently high-stress environment that came to a peak during 2020 when she had to fight for her healthcare. We also get a glance at Kate’s future, as she starts directing and working with the nonprofit organization The Artemis Agency. Kate’s commitment to self-exploration and her craft will leave you inspired, and with a better grasp of what life is like after landing a role that defines your career.  WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 01:31 — Katie's Early Life and Dance Background 03:04 — Transition to Acting 03:49 — College Years and Early Acting Gigs 05:34 — Booking 'Days of Our Lives' 07:19 — Challenges and Perseverance 17:13 — Winning the Emmy and Health Struggles 24:20 — Healthcare System Challenges 25:31 — Balancing Daytime Pressures 26:38 — The Importance of Asking Questions 27:25 — Overcoming People-Pleasing Behavior 28:55 — Helping Ourselves 32:07 — Embracing Authenticity in Acting 33:55 — The Journey to Casa Grande 41:16 — The Impact of COVID on Self-Tapes 43:44 — Future Aspirations and Directing 45:51 — Reflecting on Acting and Life 47:26 — Inside the Actor's Studio Questions EPISODE LINKS: · Follow Kate Mansi on IG  · Kate’s Store · Kate’s IMDb · The Artemis Agency  Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music 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 

Who knew that wanting to f*** Ray Bradbury would get you into Hollywood’s most coveted rooms? A Tisch graduate, actor and writer Rachel Bloom shares her journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on her early career milestones, including how she got her SAG card through various voiceover and commercial gigs. She and Colleen talk about  transitioning from a musical theater program to on-camera acting, and how early struggles with auditioning and agency interviews led to her first representation through a connection at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Rachel gets real about her nontraditional career path, and how one music video changed the trajectory of her career and led her to create shows like “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”, which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She talks about the challenges and realizations in auditioning, the importance of being true to oneself in the industry, and gives a sneak peak into her upcoming guest star role on Frasier Season 2 Episode 5 (airing Oct 10th) and her Netflix special, 'Death Let Me Do My Show’ (which drops on Oct 15). You will leave this episode inspired to embrace your own unique path in this industry, and that fart jokes are always funny.  WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Rachel's Journey to Getting Her SAG Card 03:07 — Early Career Struggles and First Reps 05:41 — Breakthrough with Viral Music Video and “Crazy Ex Girlfriend” 07:37 — Auditioning Insights and Techniques 17:59 — Creating and Collaborating in Comedy 20:45 — The Humbling Experience of Acting Classes 21:16 — “Reboot” and the Art of Comedy 21:59 — The Challenges of TV Show Cancellations 22:57 — Improvisation and Scripted Comedy 25:32 — Filming in Front of a Live Studio Audience for “Frasier” 28:44 — The Journey of Creating a Netflix Special 33:04 — Breathing Techniques and Acting Tips 35:22 — Inside the Actor's Studio: 10 Questions 37:30 — Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects Connect with Rachel Bloom:  · Rachel’s IG @racheldoesstuff · Rachel’s Links  · Rachel’s Website · Rachel’s IMDb EPISODE LINKS: · Upright Citizens Brigade · The Barrow Group · Crazy Ex Girlfriend · Reboot · Frasier  · Caitlin Reilly  · Watch “F*** Me, Ray Bradbury”  Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music 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 

In this episode, Gabe Gibbs discusses his path from Detroit to Los Angeles, starting with a successful end to his college career at Emerson. We talk about how Gabe booked a Subway commercial and a small movie role in the same week, which motivated him to move to LA. He shares experiences from his three years performing in 'The Book of Mormon,' the challenges of transitioning to LA after the Broadway grind, and the importance of constant preparation in class and staying creative. Gabe also elaborates on the value of creating content and utilizing social media to enhance his acting career, providing insights into balancing various aspects of a creative life. We even ask Gabe ten questions in our own SKS version of “'Inside the Actors Studio”, and it will leave you inspired to continue the work, and maybe build a canoe. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction and Early Career Beginnings 00:09 — First Big Break and Moving to LA 01:15 — Book of Mormon and Return to LA 02:46 — Adjusting to LA and Finding Creative Outlets 04:04 — Joining the Acting Studio 06:11 — Navigating the Acting Industry 11:01 — Importance of Preparation in Acting 19:07 — Understanding TV and Film Auditions 25:02 — The Canoe Story 25:17 — Christian's TV Episode Experience 26:34 — Lessons from Early Career Disappointments 27:16 — Dream Stacking and Managing Expectations 28:47 — The Actor's Journey 30:23 — Creating Your Own Show 33:34 — Inside the Actor's Studio Questions 36:44 — Conclusion and Farewell ·EPISODE LINKS: · Follow Gabe Gibbs on IG @gabegibbs  · Gabe Gibbs’ Tour Dates  · Gabe Gibbs Website · Gabe Gibbs IMDb · “Tumbledown” (2015) · CBS News Article “Subway: No more "yoga mat" chemical in our bread” · Gabe Gibbs and AJ Michalka in “Schooled” · “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992) · “There Will Be Blood” (2007) · James Lipton’s “Inside the Actors Studio” Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music 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

This week we sit down with SKS alum, actor Christine Ko. She walks us through her entire career. From moving to LA not even knowing what an audition is, to booking her first series regular role on a multi-cam sitcom. She tells us how SKS changed her life and set her career in motion, how drawing penises helped her book a lead role on the FX hit series DAVE, the importance of preparation and NEVER talking herself out of a role.WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT THE HEAR::19 Christine’s origin story and what led her to acting.2:41 How the SKS Audition Bootcamp changed her life and set her career in motion.8:15 Getting he audition for DAVE (FKA UNT LITTLE DICKIE PROJECT), feeling like she wasn’t right for the role, but doing her research, finding her own version of the character and going for it!14:22 Improv and drawing penises (yes, you read that right) during her Chemistry Read for Dave. “I don’t think I’m right for this anyway, so let’s just make a mess of it”. Spoiler alert: She booked the role!17:37 There is no right way to do this. This business is not linear.21:36 How Christine takes care of herself when things are slow.24:25 Christine’s audition prep process. The first email gives you SO much information – DO. YOUR. RESEARCH.31:50 Acting is so different than the BUSINESS of acting.34:50 The full audition process of her first series regular role on THE HALF OF IT (directed by legendary comedy director, James Burrows).44:56 “for a multi-cam, when you are reading it in front of the network, you NEED to say the line correctly. You don’t add an extra beat. You don’t add an extra word. Every single ‘the’, every single ‘uh’, is for a tone, a cadence.”48:09 “I’m gonna go for it. If I mess up, I mess up, but at least I know that I prepped for it”51:24 Be the CEO of your acting business.54:57 The audition process for Handmaid’s Tale, and how it was on the set of Handmaid’s.57:23 Working with Elizabeth Moss, and not being afraid as for what you need as an actor on set.58:04 What Christine takes with her on set: from her trailer, to base camp.59:14 What Christine does the night before filming.1:00 What advice would Christine give actors to let go after they send their self-tape in.Host: Colleen FoyEditor: Kristyn DanielMusic by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

The first episode of season 2 is here!! This week we talk to actor and SKS alum Raymond Lee. He walks us through his entire career, from moving to LA, getting his SAG card, the importance of a strong actor community (which he found at SKS!), booking his first series regular role, working with Tom Cruise on Top Gun, and his incredible experience as the lead on Quantum Leap. There is so much amazing advice for actors in this episode and we are so excited to share it with you!  WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:  1:05 How Ray got his SAG card acting in a Verizon droid commercial  3:11 Acting in theatre in LA and what led him to create his clown troupe, Four Clowns, and the opportunities that followed because of it.  7:46 Auditioning for TV roles in LA and the huge difference between theatre training and audition training. Discovering SKS and how it helped in train his audition muscle. “And it was so important at that time to learn how to audition, because auditioning is such a strength and a skill in and of itself. Once you’re on set, it can feel a lot different. But it was important that we had to figure out how to audition, which is where SKS case came in.”  10:04 At SKS I took away the most important lesson of all, which is to stay positive, to stay hopeful  10:24: You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall to the level of your training.  12:56 Demystifying the audition process in classes at SKS  15:46 You didn’t come to LA to sit on the bench……  18:19 Relocating to New York after being cast in the play Vietcong and how the role helped transform him into a true leading male actor.  19:47 How Colleen helped bring the leading man out of him during and audition coaching.  24:07 When actors say “I want to make this different”. It’s already different – YOU make it different. Embrace what you bring to the role.  25:21 The process of auditioning and booking the Alan Ball show Here and Now.  30:01 How becoming a dad changed Ray and changed the types of roles he was playing.  34:23 Ray shares his epic audition story for Top Gun: Maverick.  40:09 Life lessons from Tom Cruise on set of Top Gun. “as an actor, you can never know enough. I can do everything now at my age, because I was interested in doing everything. You need to be good at everything, because you never know when you’re going to use this stuff.”  44:05 INSIDE STAN KIRSCH STUDIOS SEGMENT (our ode to James Lipton) 48:17 How Ray took care of himself during the long hours of shooting Quantum Leap.  51:14 Colleen and Ray working together on Quantum Leap and how special it was to watch the first episode. For more about our studio, private coaching, self tape services and classes visit stankirschstudios.com 

This week we talk with Hollywood power couple and writing team, Kimberly and Brant Daugherty.  Just in time for the holiday season, we chat all about how they went from dating, to writing partners, how they sold and starred in their first Christmas movie (A Christmas Movie Christmas), what inspired their latest Hallmark Christmas hit (Joyeux Noel), how writing and directing has helped them grow as actors, and all the projects they have on the horizon.  This is one busy couple, and we are so grateful for their time.  WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 2:17: Kimberly's origin story. What brought her to LA and how she got into acting. How she got her SAG card, booked her first movie and got her first reps. 8:07: How Kimberly found SKS and started taking acting class with us. What is her favorite part of the SKS acting and audition training style. 10:01: Brant's origin story. How he went from behind the scenes as a PA on Bring it On, to getting an agent and jump starting his acting career. (Thank you Holland Roden)! 12:07: Brant and Kimberly meeting at Holland's birthday dinner 10 years before they actually started dating. 14:54: Brant may best be known for his role on Pretty Little Liars, but find out what role is most dear to him to date. 20:22: How Brant and Kimberly became writing partners a year after dating and what they learned from each other in the process. 22:01: How the concept for A Christmas Movie Christmas was born! 26:43: The process of getting the movie sold to Marvista Entertainment (which happened a lot faster than you might think!) 28:49: Was it always a given that they would play the leads, or was that something they were willing to give up, if they had to, in order to get the film made. Was it hard to wear so many hats on set, as both writers and actors? 33:53: How they manage the highs and the lows of this business. 37:50: All about their most recent Hallmark Christmas movie, Joyeux Noel, which recently premiered on the Hallmark Channel and was the most watched cable program of the ENTIRE day!! 41:40: "I think you guys have hacked life. 'I want to go to Europe, I want to see these markets. Let's write it, set it in Europe, pitch it, do it. Live our best life' 41:54: "Someone is out there doing that, and why shouldn't it be us? Someone's got that job...why not me" - Brant Daugherty 42:07: What would they tell our listeners who are feeling inspired by this episode? What is one actionable thing they could do today to get on the track of writing a project or creating something? 49:01: How Brant's 1 episode arc on Pretty Little Liars turned into 7 seasons! 51:10: "My goal every day was not to get fired" - Brant Daugherty 51:24: What's next for this dyanamic duo (besides having a 2.5 year old AND a newborn on the way!!) Spoiler alert: Kim has 4 projects currently in development!! 56:16: Are there any acting roles that they are dying to play, whether it's a type of character or genre? A Christmas Movie Christmas: https://www.hulu.com/movie/a-christmas-movie-christmas-91260c22-f865-4331-a03a-b5a5e34f2e0b Joyeux Noel: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/joyeux-noel

This week we talk with a woman who wears soooo many hats, and does it seamlessly. Dani Scott is an actress and producer currently working with Redacted Media. She lives for falling in love with new characters and complex stories, all with the goal of being a go-to comedic actress and award winning filmmaker. She has produced and starred in two features in the last three years, A Christmas Sunset and the upcoming The Demon Detective. She has worked for several comedy shows, as well as NCIS: LA, and has acted in several indie shorts and feature films. After graduating with her degree in acting from the University of Washington, she worked in casting in Seattle and LA for several years, before transitioning back to acting and starting as a producer in 2020. She has a penchant for sweets, is obsessed with dogs, and plans to travel the world her entire life. I LOVE this episode, because it reminds us that we have more control than we think in this crazy industry. Find out how SHE took control and became a wildly successful self-made producer, how her years in casting have helped her in every facet of her career, and her advice to any of you wanting to start producing for yourself! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 1:07 Dani's origin story in the business. How she got to LA, and the incredible advice her mentor, casting director, Jodi Rothfield gave her before moving out. (A must listen for any new actor moving to LA!) 4:55 How she immediately became a casting associate for a major television show, working under head casting director, Lisa Soltau. 7:54 Do casting directors give actors a second chance if they had a bad audition? 11:05 Casting WANTS to find new talent! They really do! 12:45 There is something charming about people on TV. Audiences want to watch the charm - even if you are playing the villain. Don't lose YOUR charm when you start acting! 20:30 The life changing moment Dani knew she wanted to switch gears and focus on acting and producing. 24:28 Working in casting led her to taking acting classes at Stan Kirsch Studios. She would look at other actor's resume's who she thought were great and see where they studied! 25:05 How studying acting at SKS was a game changer for her. 33:34 How she self produced her very first film, A Christmas Sunset, (during the pandemic, no less!) 39:09 How she got A Christmas Sunset to Amazon once it was finished. 40:47 All about her latest produced film, The Demon Detective - and everything she learned to do (or not to do) from her experience producing and acting in A Christmas Sunset. 52:58 For those listening, who are inspired to follow in Dani's footsteps and self create - what is one thing you could do today to help get things moving in the right direction. Dani's IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7880072/ Check out A Christmas Sunset: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Sunset-Cassandra-James/dp/B093JSLB67 For more information about our acting classes, audition coaching and audition taping, head over to http://stankirschstudios.com/services

This week we talk all things Demo Reels with 3 time Emmy-nominated writer, editor and producer Joe Gressis. Joe has been named Best Demo Reel Editor by Backstage Magazine twice, and he is here to share so many tips and tricks on what makes a great demo reel edit. This is a must listen for any working actor in LA! We taped this during the pandemic, and it is still, to this day, our most requested zoom recording! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: :43 Colleen meeting Joe at a SAG-AFTRA workshop and knowing immediately she wanted to work with him. 4:27 How working on the other side of production has helped him hone in on what casting directors, and directors are looking for in Demo Reels when they watch them 5:22 What are your thoughts on having multiple reels. Just comedy, just drama, everything mashed together? 8:28 What’s the deal with length? Is shorter really better? Do you need a speed reel? 11:24 Trim the fat of the scene, and make sure it is focused mostly on you (while still making sense, of course). 12:03 “You have served the project by being in it, and now the project needs to serve you”. 13:42 Do you front load your demo with scenes that show famous actors, even if it’s not your best work? 16:55 How do you make your demo reel “pop”. 23:44 All about “air checks” and how to get footage. You can’t have a reel if you can’t get your footage! To find out more about Joe visit https://www.joesreels.com/ To find out more about our LA and online acting classes visit www.stankirschstudios.com/services

Welcome to the SKS Acting Podcast, Where Working Actors Talk. This week Colleen Foy chats with one of my favorite people of all time and a former SKS teacher Josh Brener. Josh is one of the most talented actors I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and with over 70 IMDB credits, he is a wealth of knowledge in the entertainment industry. We hear how he prepped for some of the biggest auditions of his career,  the importance of trusting you’re enough as an actor, his thoughts on self tapes vs in person auditions… and how he handles the inevitable disappointments that every actor faces. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 2:31 Josh's origin story. Why he got into acting and why he decided to move to LA. 4:32 How Josh got his first acting agent and his SAG card and booking his first series regular on GLORY DAYS. 7:55 His audition process for THE INTERNSHIP - how he prepped for his chemistry read with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, while also being in consideration for WE'RE THE MILLERS and prepping to chemistry read with Jason Sudeikis. 15:43 When and how to use improv and "scripted' ad libs in auditions. 18:06 The importance of preparation and rehearsing under duress. "Play how you practice and practice how you play" - How the SKS style of teaching got him ready for these high stake situations. 21:20 The mental game of auditioning and how that differs from "acting". 24:02 Finding the note behind a note when a casting director or director tell you to "be'' the essence of another famous actor. Finding your version of that and bringing yourself to it. "Lead with yourself". 31:54 Trusting you are enough as an actor and you don't have to "do" so much. "You're thinking you're alive, you're present. And I think that's just the trust thing, right? Like, I don't have to, I don't have to turn it on here. Because this is enough." 38:24 How does Josh handle the inevitable disappointments that come with being an auditioning actor. Q&A FROM THE AUDIENCE 44:21 What is your dream role, that may not be something you would typically be cast as. 46:21 How do things change once you've been a series regular. Do you get treated differently when you audition. Are things different having one of the top 3 agencies? 50:31 Auditioning in the room vs. self taped auditions. 58:07 What do you do in between jobs, especially now during the WGA and SAG strikes, to stay inspired and feel creative. 1:02:42 Did you feel like the further you went into voiceover that you were seen being pulled out of live action more than Did you feel like it actually opened more doors for you? FOR MORE INFO ON SKS SERVICES VISIT: https://stankirschstudios.com/services

This week Colleen Foy chats with the incomparable Adam Tsekhman. Adam tells us how a family trip to Moscow landed him his first job in television, how he turned a recurring role into a series regular on a major hit tv show, how he handles disappointments in the industry, the importance of gratitude, and his feelings on saying no to jobs. He is charming, insightful, witty and just so real. Enjoy! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: :20 How did he first come to SKS, and what was his biggest take away from studying with us? 4:09 Adam's origin story: How he got into acting. 8:15 How his dad pushed him to leave NY and move to LA. "LA's not coming to you. You have to push it, you have to be aggressive". 9:48 How a family trip to Moscow led to his first television role. 13:42 The process of getting his first acting agent in Los Angeles. 18:51 All about finding his niche/branding as an actor, and how he feels about being typecast. 25:32 Making his own projects - Comrades and Americanastan and his thoughts on pushing the envelope and being controversial. "Everyone is fucking worried about being offensive. Not me, Colleen". 31:03 The casting process on DC's LEGENDS OF TOMORROW. 36:39 Why it's important to be a team player, be grateful, be a good person. Don't be an asshole. 40:42 How he took a 3 episode arc and turned it into a series regular. 43:50 When and how to fight for more as an actor and the fear it can bring up. 54:50 The process of auditioning for NIGHT AGENT and what it was like working on the show. 1:02:13 A little love for Colleen being an amazing actress, acting coach, and overall incredible person! FOR MORE INFO ON SKS VISIT: https://stankirschstudios.com/services

This week we have an illuminating chat with New York Times bestselling audiobook actor Elizabeth Knowelden. Listen as this multi-talented actress, singer and director opens our eyes to the wonderful world of voice narration, an industry untouched by the covid pandemic OR the current double strikes. Learn all the ins and outs and gain a ton of tips and tricks! (Transcript coming soon) **Disclaimer - This was recorded during a record heat wave in LA.  There will be a bit of AC noise throughout the episode. We understand the irony, given that this is an episode dedicated to voice acting and the technical aspects of it. 2:48 Elizabeth's journey from England to LA Starting in drama school in the UK. Knowing at a young age she was meant to end up in America. After drama school, joined a networking week in LA and moved out within 6 months. 7:35 What brought her to SKS When she moved to LA, she was auditing classes that were disturbing and left a bad taste in her mouth Had a lunch with a best friend who told her SKS was different and from the first consultation she knew this was the kind of school she wanted to be a part of. "Because there were certain things in the just the formulation of a script that if you don't do them, or if you do do them, it makes it much easier for them to visualize you and see you on screen in their specific show" It was like the heaven's opened up. 10:53 What brought her into voice artistry? Audio dramas that led to audio books Many different little tangents and random roads that led her down this path 13:58 Recording her first audio book Going into a studio vs building her at home studio during covid. Prepping for audio books and the characters. Audio books, audio drama, video games not being affected by the strike or covid. The beauty of being generate income from your own home, doing what you love. There is room for everyone's voice in this world. 23:12 What would she tell someone listening who wants to pursue audio narration? For audio books you do not need an agent. Everything else voice related, you do need an agent. Make a great demo reel. For audiobooks, send your demo to audio book producers and publishing houses. 35:15 Questions from the audience Do you ever struggle with the balance of slowing down your pace, but also trying to maintain the appropriate energy for the performance, Do you annotate your script to help you with changes of energy in the book. How to you maintain your vocal health? How do you go about cultivating relationships with producers and publishers? Any tricks for keeping track of the different characters?

This week we are diving into part 2 of our social media series, sitting down with Ulysses Morazan. Uly is not only an incredible actor, but over the past 5 years, he and his "current husband" have built and monetized a massive social media following with over 432,000 TikTok followers to date. Listen as he demystifies the process, and find out how this newfound passion has helped him in his acting career.  For all the laughs, follow him and his current husband on tiktok @ulyandernesto WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE: 2:41 How did you start your social media? *Started 5 years ago with his boyfriend (now "current" husband). *Began filming just for fun and fell in love with the creative process. *Started with the commitment of doing one youtube video a week, knowing that consistency was the most important thing. *Youtube felt a bit oversaturated, so they decided to get an IG account. That began growing much faster, and brands started reaching out. *Follow the money! *Everything changed with TikTok - so much easier to show who you are in video vs images. AND they got in at the beginning before it was oversaturated. 8:15 What makes a video go viral? *Hook in your audience as fast as possible to keep them on the platform as long as possible. *Video content being in "list" form (Buzzfeed is great at this!) *MAKE REALLY GOOD CONTENT. *Capitalize on a current trend. *Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. You can do everything "right', and it doesn't catch on. *Why Uly prefers videos NOT go viral, and instead cares about the community he is growing, the community that already likes and cares about his content. 12:31 Navigating the success of social media: *How did they navigate their first brand deals and how did they get them? *When did he decide to quit his day job and rely solely on this income? *How important branding is, and how he and Ernesto discovered what they are "selling". *The "I Love Lucy" formula and why it works for them. *How figuring out his branding on social media has helped his branding as an actor. *Has his following helped his acting career? 30:39 What should someone do who is just starting out? *It can be overwhelming at first - so just focus on 5 influencers you would like to model yourself actor. Ask yourself what your "version" of that is. Pay attention to their content. *Rip the bandaid off and just start posting, and realize it's not that scary and it gets easier and easier. *Be authentic...viewers are craving authenticity.

This week we sit down with Sam Valentine of the wildly popular podcast, One Broke Actress. Find out how she turned a private blog, into one of THE most influential and listened to podcasts amongst actors today. How she parlayed the success of One Broke Actress into a full blown career, which then allowed her to qualify for SAG health insurance for the first time ever since joining the union in 2017. She inspires us, she educates us, she makes us laugh! 0:00 Intro to Sam and how she started in LA 4:27 How to deal with bad reps. 6:37 Learning that theatre acting and tv/film auditioning are VERY different. 13:01 Starting One Broke Actress as a blog. 16:57 How One Broke Actress the podcast took off. 21:14 Signing the SAG contract for the podcast in Feb 2023, and how it led to SAG health insurance. 29:23 Is there a learning curve to social media? 37:05 Dealing with others judging your social media. 40:45 Sam's favorite episodes of her podcast over the years. Check out more about Sam and all of her platforms: https://onebrokeactress.com

We welcome Stephanie Czajkowski, who's inspiring journey is unlike any we have ever brought you. We talk about how, through her 3 cancer diagnosis, she embraced her power, discovered exactly who she is, and how it helped her approach her acting career in a whole new empowered way. She is a fighter, a survivor, and her attitude is so contagious we know  this talk with leave you full of inspiration and ready to take on the world.

This week, we sit down with actor and SKS alum Tim Chiou. We learn all about his start in the industry, his unbelievable chemistry read for NBC'S THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, how his auditions have changed since being a series regular...... and we hear his thoughts on the writer's strike.

SKS teachers, Colleen Foy, Brock Ciarlelli, Angela Fornero and Aleks Ristic, sit down with a cocktail and real talk about the tv/film industry and their life as auditioning actors. The talk about how to ward off burnout, ways to keep your creative muscles working, radical acceptance, how to be unfuckwithable, how to silence perfectionism and the feeling of "I MUST book this job". They cover everything from nerves in the audition room and on set, to table reads and how to us them to your benefit, what tv shows actors should be watching, how to stay in contact with casting without crossing boundaries, and how they REALLY feel about "to memorize, or not to memorize" lines. Nothing is off the table in this chat! Get ready to get inspired, learn a ton and rediscover your love for acting! https://stankirschstudios.com

With a combined 280 credits on IMDB, you won’t want to miss this epic round table zoom event. We talk all about their start in the industry, the greatest challenges each of them have faced in auditions and on set, how to say no when something doesn't serve you and KNOWING YOUR WORTH!! There are so many truth bombs in this discussion that will blow your mind! Inspired doesn't even begin to describe how I felt after hearing this! https://stankirschstudios.com Our guests: Catherine Haena Kim - most recently booked and shot the series lead of the ABC drama “The Company You Keep” opposite Milo Ventimiglia (THIS IS US) Bayardo De Murguia - Most recently booked an AMAZING recurring role on Apple Tv+’s hit show Acapulco. You will also recognize him as a series regular on the Netflix Show, TINY PRETTY THINGS, and he just completed filming on the Lifetime movie FATAL FANDOM. Hayley Marie Norman - She recently wrapped production on the Hulu series DOLLFACE, and was seen all of last year in a recurring role on NBC’s Kenan. Matthew Jayson Cwern - Matt basically never stops working! He has 6 tv show under his belt in 2022 alone, including THE BLACKLIST and NCIS: Los Angeles Hosted by our studio director: Colleen Foy, whose latest movie BLONDE is set to be released on Sept 23, 2022 www.stankirschstudios.com

Join Caitlin and Colleen as they chat about the farewell season of THIS IS US, her incredible journey as Madison, and of course all things acting! Caitlin is one of the most generous actors out there and we are so thrilled she was able to work this into her shooting schedule! https://stankirschstudios.com

When we recorded this chat, we couldn't mention the name of the film Staci was producing for Netflix starring Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, but now we can happily say we are so glad to get a behind the scenes look with Staci! And if you haven't seen DON'T LOOK UP, yet - we suggest you #Netflixandchill immediately!! As an actor, she has appeared in VICE, THE BIG SHORT, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D, 90210, and PARKS AND RECREATION. From her position in production, she’s gained a new understanding of how the business works. Former Thursday night SKS student and teacher. https://stankirschstudios.com

Alan is a multi-hyphenate in the truest sense. In front of the lens, he plays the internationally renowned detective, JACK REACHER for Amazon, based on the best-selling novels which have sold over 100,000,000 copies worldwide. Production is currently under way for Reacher’s first season. His turn as the pill-popping, alcoholic, vigilante, “Hawk” on HBO Max and Netflix’s hit drama, TITANS has garnered Alan praise from critics and fans alike. The show’s gritty third season will be released later this year. Past titles include “Gloss” in THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE, “Raphael” in Paramount’s, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES franchise and work alongside Robert Zemeckis as, BEOWULF. Alan has also found success behind the camera as an accomplished writer, director and producer. He produced and co-financed Amazon’s SEBERG, which sold internationally at Cannes in 2018 and premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2019. His first foray into writing and producing lead to the cultishly beloved Lionsgate feature, BMS: THE RISE OF THADLAND. He made his feature directorial debut with DARK WEB: CICADA 3301, a dark comedy he also produced, starred in and co-wrote with Joshua Montcalm. He sold the film to Lionsgate and it will be released March 2021. He wrote and directed the award-winning, short film, TREE HOUSE TIME MACHINE which he subsequently sold to Gunpowder & Sky subsidiary Dust. ​ When not on location, Alan enjoys boating and fishing near his quiet beach-side residence in sunny Florida or rugged hikes near his cabin tucked away in the north Georgia mountains with his wife, three young boys and their hefty Cane Corso, Bear. https://stankirschstudios.com

Elaine Loh spent over a decade as a working actor, training and teaching at SKS and booking roles on JANE THE VIRGIN, SUPERSTORE, S.W.A.T., IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY..., NCIS:LA, and many more, before finding her true passion - telling stories about our inclusive, diverse, and dynamic world. She was chosen as one of the Top 25 Writers to Watch in 2019 by the International Screenwriters Association. She has had scripts place in the world-renowned PAGE Awards, Austin Film Festival, Final Draft Big Break, and the ISA. She is currently writing for the GOSSIP GIRL reboot at HBO Max as well as DYNASTY. Bashir Gavriel is a former model turned writer/actor and a proud "Jamerican," signifying his Jamaican upbringing and American birth. A cardio/thoracic Registered Nurse, Bashir initially worked as a medical supervisor on dozens of TV shows and films. Studying at SKS on Monday nights, he has appeared on CRIMINAL MINDS, DEXTER, FRANKLIN & BASH, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, and DAYS OF OUR LIVES, to name a few. In 2016, he joined the WGA by selling a pilot script, PAROLED, to USA Network. As a writers’ assistant on the new POWER spin-off series for Starz, he co-wrote and produced the series' second episode with Showrunner Sascha Penn just before quarantine. https://stankirschstudios.com