acting like an actor – Details, episodes & analysis

this week we have actor, writer and business owner Kasey Esser. he is known for his work on series such as “Fated to my Forbidden Alpha,” “Goodbye My CEO,” “Flash Vows” and many more. Kasey was labeled as the genres “breakout star” by the Rolling Stone. we chat about how vertical web series are changing Hollywood, the importance of a business mindset, and how to pave YOUR way in the industry. Kasey's insta: https://www.instagram.com/kaseyesser/?hl=en follow us on insta!! ⁠https://instagram.com/actinglikeanact...⁠ tiktok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeana...⁠ youtube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanacto...⁠ email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/sophiejordancol...⁠ website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: ⁠ • FREE BEATS NO COPYRIGHT - "Unique" | ... ⁠ podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://www.instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ%3D%3D

our first guest @ashleymichellegrant is an actress from arizona who has been taking the industry by storm with her work on the vertical web series. these shows have done everything from had her do an Australian accent, to taking her to China, and to making her imdb star meter so low she’s in the ranks with some of your favorite netflix and HBO stars. Ashley is known for her grounded performances and even more grounded personality ;)
we chat about how everyone’s path in the industry is different and how you can make your own, how Ashley booked her first vertical and how you can too, and how at the end of the day nothing really matters except your soul (oh yes, we went there.)

follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanact... tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeana... youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanacto... email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancol... website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat:    • FREE BEATS NO COPYRIGHT - "Unique" | ...   podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://www.instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ%3D%3D

this week we have one of my fave humans, kyra wisely she's known for her work on tons of artsy films like A Trail of Dead Flowers, The First, and Positive she's also known for being a vertical series QUEEN (she's done 9) on shows such as The Forbidden Alpha, Oops I Married a CEO by Mistake, Dracula's Kiss and More. kyra's story is super cool because after growing up dancing in her late teens she switched to focusing on acting. she moved to LA at 18 and started booking immediately. her booking stats are CRAY which is especially fascinating to me because she's open about how she hasn't had a ton of traditional formal acting training. she has learned a lot on set. we chat balance, learning acting by doing it, leaving your day job and VERTICAL SHOWSS!! if you want to start acting but feel "behind" because you haven't been doing it for ages, this episode is for you. if you're thinking about leaving your "day job" to act full time, this episode is for you if you struggle with balance as a creative, this episode is for you (again YEET) if you want to book one of those vertical shows, this episode is for you (kyra has done NINE) kyra's insta: https://www.instagram.com/kyrawisely/ 00:00:00 intro 00:01:30 kyra's awesome reel 00:03:38 irritating ice breakers 00:05:35 kyra's acting origin story 00:07:50 how kyra moved so young 00:13:40 how kyra built her reel 00:17:00 the importance of submission reports 00:18:30 finding the right agent for you 00:24:05 how kyra learned the importance of assertiveness 00:27:00 self submitting and striving to secure the next gig 00:29:46 the project that resonated with kyra 00:31:29 kyra's experience with reelshorts 00:39:00 changing the way you approach an audition and seeing results 00:45:30 men who are creepy in the casting process 00:51:10 kyra and sophie's experience on set together 00:56:57 what kyra wants people to know about her 01:04:45 fast frisky five 1:07:40 kyra's closing sentiments follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

https://www.tiktok.com/@sophiejordancollinss?_t=8ailTSDeG0R&_r=1 https://open.spotify.com/show/5s3snuZbImpYsLR8i7zoMc?si=hBrkFGZQQrWp467_X-OIVA instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiejordancollins/ https://sophiejordancollins.com/acting/ 1 Corinthians 16:14

follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

This week we have actor Elijah Van Zenten Elijah is known for his work on shows like Become the Idol and Murf the Surf and his work on films such as Tip and Mad Scientists Al Maxima He’s also done a ton of modeling work and some fun random shoots love island, love at first lie, and a ton of book covers we chat about how acting just sorta fell into his life, how he balances handling multiple gigs, and the differences of being on set as an actor vs a model if you’re struggling to balance the life of a creative this episode is for you if you want advice on how to book gigs this episode is for you if you're an actor who also is intrigued by modeling this episode is for you if you’re a human being this episode is for you Elijah’s insta: https://www.instagram.com/elijahvanzanten/

00:00 intro

1:20 elijah's backstory

4:20 the set experience as a model vs an actor

6:58 mike posner set story

8:33 studying at groundlings

09:50 fun gigs and how sophie and elijah met

12:10 elijah's elvis music video

13:50 being humble and taking questionable jobs

15:25 advice elijah wish he had before starting his acting journey

16:40 elijah's "aha" moment that led to bookings

20:50 when elijah realized acting was his thing

23:48 how elijah takes care of himself

26:00 learning to embrace the slow periods as an actor

28:00 benefits of joining acting late

29:10 classes vs private coaching

30:45 cons of over rehearsing your lines

33:30 vertical shorts and the future of our industry

34:40 elijah's experience on Crazy Beach

39:36 fast frisky five

42:25 elijah's closing words of inspiration follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

this week we have ATL actress Rae Derosa Rae is known for her work on shows such as Amazon Primes “The Summer I turned Pretty” and Hulu's “Tell Me Lies.” She also stars in films such as Lifetime’s “My Professors Guide to Murder” and “California Dreamin’.” She chats with us about how she booked her first guest star, why she tried out both NYC and ATL, and the realities of booking a big show and then transitioning back to life. If you’re curious about the ATL market, this episode is for you If you want to know how someone books a guest star on a major role, this episode is for you If you’re curious about life after booking a big show, this episode is for you Rae was such a joy to chat with and she has such a lovely mindset regarding this business and how it’s hard, beautiful and weird all in one. Rae's insta: https://www.instagram.com/raederosaa/?hl=en00:00 intro1:07 irritating ice breakers3:55 Rae's story5:15 how Rae started booking big projects8:25 Rae's experience on "The Summer I Turned Pretty"13:50 when a role is meant for you 15:05 what the shooting process was like18:53 what changed in Rae that lead her to booking big shows21:10 Rae's first lead role and working with Haylie Duff24:00 acting in a female lead film26:30 Rae's process for approaching a role31:12 Rae's move to nyc34:12 atlanta's acting market 36:30 the bizarre treatment of atlanta actors 38:30 atlanta's tight knit community41:30 thinking outside of the box as an actor43:00 the upside of working in atlanta's market46:12 fast frisky five48:10 Rae's closing words follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

this week, we have actor, writer, and director Nick Garabedian I met Nick about a year and a half ago doing a commercial a few months after he graduated and since then he's gone on to do TONS of commercials, films, and you've guessed it those vertical shows ;) we chat about how logistically he transitioned from studying theatre in school to being a working actor, intimacy scenes, and how to start creating your own work. if you're in college for acting or fresh out and need tangible advice for the business, if you're curious about intimacy scenes Orrr if you're waiting to start creating your own projects, this episode is for you Nick's insta: https://www.instagram.com/nick_garabedian/?hl=en 00:00 intro 1:00 what Nick's been up to 4:51 irritatting ice breakers 7:21 going to college to study theater 10:30 mean acting teacher horror stories 15:38 how Nick started booking 20:30 arlo's clubhouse 22:30 Nick's childhood acting stories 25:05 Nick's directing career & what lies in 2024 26:30 troll boy 27:57 the hardest part of the business 30:00 the best part of the business 32:00 the vertical series 36:50 the complexities and challenges of intimacy scenes 41:25 the 48 hour film festival 45:10 how Nick takes care of himself 48:10 fast frisky five 51:55 Nick's closing sentiments follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

this week we have actress, model, and entrepreneur Rose Rosenfeld Rose moved from Australia to pursue acting and modeling. She began her career in NYC modeling for brands such as Covergirl and later moved to LA to pursue film. Her TV and theatrical credits include Neighbors, The Last Straw, Numb, and Barry to name a few. Rose has been able to be a working actor and model while also traveling, building a strong social media presence and even launching various business endeavors. She is the perfect example of someone who really paved her own path in this industry and didn't let external voices dictate her career moves. we chat mindset, motivation, and even discuss some darker things that happen in our industry. if you struggling to know "what to do" as an actor if you want to pursue other creative endeavors outside of acting or if you just need an extra kick of motivation while you pursue your creative endeavors this episode is for you. Rose's insta: https://www.instagram.com/rose_rosenfeld/?hl=en follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

GUYYYsss this week we talk all things representation with the representation whisperer Brian Patacca helps actors get what they want without all the struggle. He's helped 724 actors all around the world find representation and clients call him "The Representation Whisperer". Through his wildly popular online courses #agentgoals® and Audition Magnet®, Brian teaches actors how to market themselves authentically, use gratitude to open doors, and book the roles they were born to play. His coaching clients include Tony Award-winners, Broadway stars, Network Series Regulars, Filmmakers, Writers, and Stand-Up Comedians. He proves that when they follow their purpose instead of playing by a tired set of industry rules (read: limiting beleifs), they can skip the drama, generate momentum, and build excitement around who they are and what they love to do the most-estttttt if you're struggling to get reps, are not happy with your current reps, or just are feeling overall negative with your mindset around acting this conversation will be so beneficial for ya Brian's program "Make Agents Want You": https://makeagentswantyou.com/mawy-eg-reg23/ Brian's insta: https://www.instagram.com/briansaysthat/?hl=en 00:00 intro 1:20 introduction to Brian 2:20 Brian's process on training actors to land agents 6:50 Sophie's first agent and how to avoid bad representation 11:00 how to know when you may have a bad agent 15:25 overcoming negative mindsets when pursuing an agent 19:20 avoiding unnecessary baggage as an actor 22:10 the importance of keeping a gap when selling yourself 24:40 the steps to landing your first agent 31:10 Brian on showcases 32:20 being an actor vs being an acting career coach 34:50 how to be honest and professional about your career 39:00 how can actors be great clients for acting coaches 42:10 what Brian has learned from his years of coaching actors 44:04 fast frisky five 46:20 Brian's closing words and program info follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

this week we have actress, singer, dancer, director, and producer Tori Kay (TK;) she quite literally DOES IT ALL. she has been performing since she was a kid- touring with Kidz Bop and doing commercials, then moving into TV/film work on shows like "Cheerleaders" and "OMG" and films such as Lifetime's "A Daughters Deceit." she also has a full blown music career where she both writes and performs all the time. she's known for her very performative shows that hold a lot of emotion and killer dance moves ;) oh and in addition to all of this she also has a full time job and does her own content creation. we chat about how she balances it all, building a strong mindset and creative comparison. if you are an actor and have a billion other passions- this is for you if you could use a stronger mindset- this is for you if you ever struggle with comparison as a creative- this is for you Tori's insta: https://www.instagram.com/torikayunedited/?hl=en follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanactorpodcast?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeanactor?_t=8fPzDmt0Wxm&_r=1 youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanactor?si=ZYnQSZ4g7Fz8Gb2w email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie’s instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancollins?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: https://youtu.be/qQGD2iMqDyQ?si=4g3iJBZAI2jGaKQe podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==