Where Working Actors Talk – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 Background

00:26 — 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 Management

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Paulo on Instagram @thepaoloandres

· Paulo’s IMDb Pro

· The Blank Theater

· Follow The Blank Theater on Instagram @theblanktheater

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 

Rigging the System in Your Favor: An Actor's Journey with DaJuan Johnson

Host 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 Johnson

00:11 — Reflecting on 15 Years of Friendship

00:17 — DaJuan’s Journey to Los Angeles

00:36 — Early Struggles and Realizations

01:38 — Finding Seriousness in Acting

03:02 — Meeting and Learning from Stan

04:37 — Booking the First Role

08:59 — The Impact of Bosch on DaJuan’s Career

16:31 — The Importance of Mindset and Coaching

19:17 — Navigating the Modern Acting Industry

27:40 — Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Care

28:13 — The Reality of Talent and Persistence

29:21 — Mindset and Personal Growth

29:54 — Navigating the Acting Industry

31:18 — Rigging the System in Your Favor

32:42 — The Emmy Campaign Journey

33:58 — The Importance of Visibility

42:52 — Auditioning and Building Relationships

45:16 — Holding the Vision, Not the Circumstance

50:05 — Validation and Self-Worth

54:53 — Final Reflections and Advice

EPISODE 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 YouTube

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 Daniels

00:46 — Early Career and Dance Training

03:30 — Breaking into the Industry

07:14 — Becoming a Laker Girl

12:31 — Joining SKS & The Value of Comedy Training

15:16 — Portraying Josephine Baker

19:37 — The Impact of a Juicy Role

20:41 — Defining a Triple Threat

21:36 — That One Where Colleen and Tiffany almost Worked Together

22:25 — The Intensity of TV Roles

22:40 — Auditioning Under Pressure

25:26 — Staying in Character

28:06 — Landing 'That Girl Lele'

34:07 — Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere as Adults for Kid Actors

35:01— Inside the Stan Kirsch Studio

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Tiffany Daniels on IG @itsmetiffd

· Tiffany’s Website

· Tiffany’s IMDb

· Tiffany’s Links

· Watch “Pieces of a Woman”

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 

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 Foy

Editor: Kristyn Daniel

Music 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