Explore every episode of the podcast Actor-101

In this episode, Lauren & Marie talk with The Actor's House alum Maximo Salas, currently starring in HBO's hit show Rooster with Steve Carrell. Here we discuss the ups and downs of being a working actor, the journey getting to be a working actor and what he has to look forward to in his career!

In this episode, Lauren and Marie further discuss the latest news in the Paramount/Netflix buyout of Warner Bros.

Lauren and Marie talk with Jackson Kelly about his upcoming series he is shooting in Toronto called The Body which will air on Netflix later in 2026. Jackson has an incredibly unique self tape audition approach, and we discuss his approach in depth as well as his mentality as a working actor who has seen success in this business but maintains the importance of keeping your focus priorities straight!

In this episode, Lauren and Marie discuss the latest news in the Paramount/Netflix buyout of Warner Bros.

In this episode, Lauren & Marie take on some of the many thoughtful questions sent to us! We hope this episode can help clarify some things you have been wondering about!

In this quick hit episode, Lauren & Marie discuss what actors can expect going into the holiday season as well as agency protocol!

In this episode, we are navigating the college audition waters with info on audition prep, monologue choices, interviewing skills and school programs to definitely check out!

With one of the leading casting sites currently in a negotiating holding pattern with SAG, agents and managers alike are frustrated with newly inflated monthly subscription pricing on top of fees paid for by actors.

Here we discuss the platform's current standing with agents and managers; giving some insight into the issues at hand.

In this episode, Lauren and Marie dive into Stella Adler and her method of acting! The Stella Adler method teaches actors to use their imagination and understanding of the world, not personal memories, to create deep, believable characters.

Here we delve into Lee Strasberg’s The Method, where the main idea is for the actor to pull from their own emotional experiences and emotions to create an authentic performance.

Here we delve into the Meisner Technique, where the main idea is for the actor to focus not on themselves, but on the other actors in the scene; Being present in the moment and establishing an emotional connection with your fellow actor(s).

In our second "Methods of Acting" series, we explore Practical Aesthetics founded by David Mamet and William H. Macy.

This series is meant to give an overview to actors wanting to explore the different methods of acting in an effort to help choose one that clicks with them and their craft!

Your objective drives the scene - so get in the drivers seat and take your scene for a joy ride! All cheesy jokes aside, in this episode, we discuss a very common thread among all the varying methods of acting: your character's objective.

Tired of hearing - or rather NOT hearing "NO?" Well, you aren't the only one!

Rejection in this business is, unfortunately, a very common theme. When an actor does not receive a callback or hear anything back, that is the silent killer of dreams.

Here are tools and fresh perspectives on how how an actor can pull themselves up by the bootstraps when starting to self doubt or lose their enthusiasm for the thing they were once so passionate about!

In this episode, we discuss an actors preparation going into episodic season as well as a check list for every actor (whether you are heading to college or simply gearing up for Fall) to "check in" with themselves/reps/casting sites, etc. This episode is for every actor - no matter where you are in your journey!

When preparing an audition tape, it's common for actors to seek guidance from coaches to fine-tune their performance. However, involving too many voices—whether from acting coaches, friends, agents, or peers—can lead to confusion, overthinking, and a diluted performance. This is often referred to as the “too many cooks in the kitchen” problem. While feedback can be valuable, over-coaching can strip away the actor’s authentic instincts and result in a performance that feels mechanical or overly rehearsed. A strong audition tape should showcase the actor’s unique interpretation of the role, emotional truth, and clear choices. This topic explores how actors can recognize when they’re receiving too much input, how to choose the right kind of support, and how to trust their own creative instincts. It offers insider tips on how to work effectively with one trusted coach (if needed), maintain artistic ownership of the role, and avoid the common trap of trying to please too many perspectives—ultimately creating a more compelling and truthful audition.

Here we focus is on etiquette, boundaries, and industry standards. This episode will serve as a guide for behaving with professionalism — something especially important in the entertainment industry, where personal connections can affect careers.

Is Hollywood moving to Texas?

Texas Senate Bill 22 establishes a $1.5 billion film tax incentive over the next decade to attract film and television productions. This substantial investment aims to make Texas a more appealing location for production companies. The initiative is expected to boost the state's entertainment industry and create more job opportunities for Texans.

Acting training isn't just for actors! Here we talk about how acting carries over into your personal life and ways you can reap the benefits of training as an actor outside of show business!

In this episode, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions from all across the board! Definitely geared towards those starting out in the business, however, those seasoned actors might ,earn a thing or two as well!

Here we talk with Broadway actor, Steven Cutts, who has made the transition from the theatre medium to film and TV. We explore tips and tricks for actors to be able to seamlessly go between the two formats as well as gain an understanding of how they are different, yet similar!

Here we discuss the move almost every actor makes after gaining an agent or manager: quit classes. It is mind boggling, the thought process behind quitting classes once an actor gains a rep. They figure, "I have a rep now - I have earned what I set out to do now I can just audition!" WRONG. Being in class is more important after getting a rep more than ever! Now you have to STAY COMPETITIVE in your market. In this episode, we discuss why staying in class is important in addition to what your rep's expectations are after signing a client.

In our first "Methods of Acting" series, we explore the Uta Hagen technique. This series is meant to give an overview to actors wanting to explore the different methods of acting in an effort to help choose one that clicks with them and their craft!

Jackson, a former student at Young Actor's House and now based in Los Angeles, shares his insights on being a working actor in film and TV and how his audition tapes help set him apart from other actors! He is currently a Series Regular on SyFy's CHUCKY, booked the Disney+ Pilot of WITCH MOUNTAIN with Bryce Dallas Howard, recurring on LUCKY HANK with Bob Odenkirk, LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY with Brie Larson, huge Guest Star on ABC's GOOD DOCTOR with Freddie Highmore, the lead in a movie in theaters now called HARD MILES with Matthew Modine & Sean Astin and currently filming the Peacock pilot TEACUP with Scott Speedman to name a few!

Here we discuss why it is so important to be fearless in your audition taping choices! Bold choices and confidence go a long way in creating a successful taping!

Here, in our first episode of 2024, we condense information into a straight forward appraoch to beginning a career in acting! We break down the fundamentals to get you started as well as offer helpful tips and tricks along the way!

Here we discuss the outcome of the SAG strike and reflect in some great Actor 101 podcast moments of 2023!

Here is a brief overview of key ways to get an agent!

On this episode, we talk with Craig Holzberg, the owner and head agent at Avalon Artists Group! Avalon Artists Group is a full-service talent agency representing actors across the United States with offices located in Los Angeles and New York and representatives in Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami. They offer representation in Film, TV, Theatre, Commercials, Voice-Over, Print, Industrials and Hosting. Here, Craig shares his insights as an agent of over 25 years!

What happens next now that the WGA has struck their deal!? Listen here to find out what to expect next!

Here we discuss the art of voice over and how our friend Vincent got started in his career! In the wake of the WGA/SAG strike, we do not talk about any of his live action content, but focus on his massive VO resume as well as his tricks to developing his characters! Lots of great information and incite into the world of voice over! Follow him @thevincentmartella. His many VO credits include: Swift Spark and the Defense Five: The Animated Series; Batman: Death in the Family; M.W.C.A. (Musical Without a Cool Acronym): Virtual Edition, Batman: Under the Red Hood and Camp WWE Milo Murphy's Law Yu-Gi-Oh! 

Some friendly reminders to keep updated on all things ACTOR!

Here we speak to the latest info regarding the WGA/SAG strike!

Here we speak with Reagan and hear all her insight from an agents perspective! She has so much great advice for actors and delves into how she and her team operate at Coast to Coast.

Let's examine the difference between these two types of comedy and how to approach your audition knowing what type of energy to bring to your reading!

Today we speak with our dear friend and industry professional: Casting Director Amber Horn! She is such a wealth of knowledge and has so much great information to share with actors and parents! Here she talks about the industry, self tapes, various projects she has worked on and tons of great advice for all actors, new and experienced!

In this episode, we continue to discuss the SAG/AFTRA strike and all the new developments as well as address some of the common pitfalls new actors make starting out in this business!

WE SUPPORT SAG ACTORS AND THE WGA!

This episode on the historic SAG strike, we detail what the expectations are in terms of what actors can and cannot do during this time. We also discuss the issues SAG is having and what they want to do to resolve them.

In Part I of our talk with Lilla Crawford, an actress known for her role as Little Red in Into The Woods with Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp, as well as countless other projects such as a Series Regular on Netflix's The Who Was Show, HBO's Pretty Little Liars and Disney's Raven's Home, to name a few, speaks with us about her own journey starting out as a child actor in Hollywood and New York. Here she delves into how she got her start, the trials and tribulations of landing her Broadway shows, Billy Elliott to beating out over 5,000 actresses for the coveted role of Annie in the broadway revival of Annie. Part I takes us through Lilla's start in the business and how it has brought her to where she is today!

Over the years we have seen it all on sets! Here we discuss the proper work ethic to have on set, detailing all of the things one wouldn't think matters while working on a set!

Here is take a look at the general differences between the roles of an agent and a manager. Is one better over the other? Is it beneficial to have both at the same time? How much money are we talkin' comes out of your paycheck? This episode will give you a better understanding of these different types of reps and what they can do for you!

With a midnight deadline for all negotiations to be agreed upon, it is looking like the Screen Actor's Guild is looking probable for a strike where they will join the fight with the WGA.

Explore how to successfully tape for commercials and how they differ from a theatrical self tape!

A fundamental guide to self taping including things to look out for before submitting your tape to your agent and when to seek a professional coach/facility to help!

Here we talk to Lindsay Goldapp of Stomping Ground Theatre about the importance of improvisation for actors. Lindsay hails from The Second City in Chicago where she studied the art of improvisation and sketch comedy. Here she explains how improv impacts every aspect of the audition process and helps with reacting organically within your scene work!

Here we dissect actor breakdowns to fully understand the language and information given to actors for their auditions!

We are voicing our support for the writers that they come to fair terms soon!

Avoid the pitfalls of poor communication or an overbearing presence to your team! Maintain a healthy relationship with your reps using these helpful tools and insights!

An actor's resume is unlike a typical corporate or clerical resume! It has a very simple yet uniform template that the entire industry has adopted. Listen to this straightforward approach on how to build your resume to look like the professional actor you want to be!

Headshots can be such a chore...especially when you don't know how to approach getting them done right! Here we chat with Shea Anne of Shea Anne Photography! A renowned headshot photographer who answers all the burning questions of how to get your headshots done right! Everything from do's and don't's to rights from wrongs! Enjoy hearing all her insights into how to have successful headshot session.