In a business this competitive, navigating the slings and arrows to find happiness is a revolutionary act. Pursuing an acting career is hard. Heck, just being an actor, an artist in a violent world, is hard. You can feel unseen, discouraged and lost. There are challenges at every turn. And yet, amidst all the challenges, there is a way to be an actor, to pursue an acting career, and be a happy, whole human being. It takes focus and discipline but it’s possible. Risa and Steve sit down with BGB Master Teachers, Sydney Walsh and Cate Cohen, to discuss the path to happiness as an actor. Listen in and let us know what resonates with you. Email us at info@bramongarciabraun.com and comment on our IG posts! 

Ep. 43: How To Be A Happy Actor

Beyond the BS- mastering the latest audition/self-tape “trends,” getting the hottest agent or hiring the best personal trainer- there exist the real, less-talked about elements of success. After many decades in the business and a decade of guiding some of the best and most successful actors on the planet at the BGB Studio, Risa and Steve reveal the bad-ass practices that not everyone has the capacity for, but that are required for success. This is how amateurs become professionals. This is that Next level shit. Listen in. 

Ep. 42: That Next Level Shit

An artistic community is an essential part of your success. In order to do amazing audition/self-tape work consistently, you'll have to combat the isolation and inhumanity of the Industry with the collaboration, connection, and care that you only find from community. The right artistic community lifts you up, challenges you to be better, keeps you accountable, reinforces your values, reminds you that you are an actor, and that art matters. On the 10 year anniversary of BGB, Risa and Steve explore the power of this artistic community, and how you can leverage artistic community for your own success.

Ep. 41: The Importance of An Artistic Community

Risa sat down to talk about the Commercial Casting world with not one- but two incredibly talented commercial casting directors. Danielle Eskinazi (to whom Risa gave her first job decades ago!) and Renita Gale (see bios below) are both long standing CDs who are passionate and talented artists and truly care about actors. We are excited to have you listen as they share how they got into the biz, why they have stayed, how the commercial landscape has changed and lots about the audition process these days. AND why we all must walk through the door when the universe opens it for us. Commercials are a major opportunity for actors to book work- and Danielle and Renita LOVE being dream makers.

Ep. 40: Opening the Door to Commercial Casting: with Danielle Eskinazi & Renita Gale

Self-tapes are here to stay. But at this point in their evolution, they have the potential to consume you; to pull the entire focus of time and attention as you navigate the technical elements, the lack of collaboration, and the limitations of the process. We see a crisis in our Industry. The proliferation of this process has made actors forget about art. It’s time to take stock, to rework what the self-tape is, and stir up a Revolution in the process that places art first. And PS: that’s how you book work! 

Ep. 39: The Self-Tape Crisis

Richard Hicks is a Casting Director for film, television and theatre (see bio below). He’s done it all, he loves it all, and his work is beautiful. We’re excited to have you listen to our conversation with Richard, and we hope that it humanizes casting directors even more, which is one of our missions- to remind each other and our community always that we are ALL dancing between art and commerce, and we are doing it together. That the faces of the business are simply human beings, often vulnerable, navigating the Industry while making work the best they know how. And that casting directors love actors and are your champions. Richard has always been and will always be that. 

Richard Hicks, CD: We’re All In This Together

Jason Clodfelter is hardly whom you might think of when you imagine a big Hollywood Studio TV (Co) President. He’s sensitive, caring, personable, charming, thoughtful, and an artist - a fantastic writer, director, actor, and collaborator. Risa got to know Jason in class every week where the work was intimate and intense, and he went all in. And, as he tells us here, his job at Sony TV became an act of artistry, something he needed if he was going to continue to work in what can be considered a soul-sucking job. But he found another way! And listen in to what Jason says about self tapes- what he knows and doesn't know about your experience with self-tapes. But mostly, we want you to listen to Jason’s humanity. He’s not some faceless power-broker executive. He’s a human being.

Jason Clodfelter: A Journey from Actor to Writer to Co-Prez Sony Pictures Television

Nothing makes Risa and Steve happier than creating space and facilitating a path for actors to find their voices as creators: filmmakers, writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, etc. When they started BGB, Risa and Steve brought their love of the process of creating from theatre, film, and television into the work that they- and all our teachers- practice in class. And out of that, they have nurtured the fullest expression of each artist’s unique voice, along with the practice of artistic leadership. In and out of class, we all make films together and we continue to watch BGB actors take the reins in their work and collaborate together in the world. It’s been incredible to witness and to be a part of. Risa sat down with four BGB actors turned writers/producers/directors who have collaborated together in class and have evolved over the past few years as serious creative contenders in our business. Caroline Lindy, Dominic Burgess, Ellyn Jameson, and Johnathan McClain are the real deal. They are working TV professionals and filmmakers. And that’s because they have done the work of making work. They’ve written and directed and produced short films, feature films, and television shows, realizing their voices in ways they never imagined possible. They did it by doing it. They DO it by doing it. They also value collaboration and partnership in this process, because we are mostly not meant to do this alone. Out of those collaborations, more and more work has sprung. And here on The Acting Podcast, they each share how trusting their heart and gut have guided their talent. And the work has flowed from that. This is everything! Listen in to this conversation recorded in person at BGB- which was also a beautiful reunion for Risa and these four filmmakers. We know it’ll resonate with you as it did with Risa, and our hope for you is the same as it was and is for these four amazing artists: Do what you love, find more of what you love, realize the potential of your unique creative voice in acting and beyond, and love it all. Oh, and after they finished recording the podcast, Caroline, Dom, Ellyn, and Johnathan each shared some incredible news about the projects that are in the works that they can’t fully talk about because the final contracts are signed- but… there is a financed feature film, a deal to write a feature, a directing gig on an upcoming major miniseries, and several more scripts and films in the works. As it should be! 

The Pursuit of Happiness - with Caroline Lindy, Dominic Burgess, Ellyn Jameson & Johnathan McClain

Every actor will inevitably find themselves in the desert, struggling to make it all work. At many points along the way, you will look at yourself in the mirror and wonder if it's time to step away from your passion, your pursuit. Is it time to give up acting? Risa and Steve discuss this important… and scary question. Listen in- we invite you to ask the question and find some answers in this episode!

Ep. 35: Is It Time To Give Up Acting?

Often we think of successful Industry folks as out of reach and fancy and hard to connect with, especially after decades of huge success. And here at BGB and on the Acting Podcast we try to dispel that belief and remind ourselves that we are ALL human in this, we are all challenged, we are all figuring it out. We got to zoom with brilliant casting director, April Webster, this week and talked with her about the work she does, how she approaches self-tapes and zoom auditions, what advice she has for actors, how she approached the iconic franchises of Star Wars and Star Trek, and what means the most to her about the work we do TOGETHER. We love the heart, humanity, deep love of the work, and mind-heart-body-spirit connection that April brings to her casting, and we’re thrilled to bring this inspiring conversation to you.

April Webster: Galactic Casting Director

At their best, acting teachers have the ability to create a healthy space in which actors can engage in the consistent practice of their art, deepening their awareness and understanding of themselves and the world. And also, acting teachers have a legacy of falling short. There are amazing teachers doing the hard work of examining ego in the interest of facilitating growth in others. And on the other end of the spectrum there are actual abusive predators who leverage the unearned status and power that is sadly associated with the title "Acting Teacher." And in the middle there are all sorts of biases, ignorance of power structures, and social influences at play (often around gender, race, Queerness, ability), or even just a rigidity about what acting should be.We hear actors' experiences about acting teachers, and there are conversations that need to happen around the dynamics at play.  Every acting teacher, studio, school, or academy must examine their beliefs and practices.  No acting teacher or studio is above this conversation. That includes us. And every actor must be aware of the dynamics involved so they train and grow in a healthy environment.

Why Acting Teachers Suck

Risa and Steve sit down in-person with Sam Valentine aka One Broke Actress. Sam is a working actor, a content creator, a coach, a podcaster, an actor’s advocate, the poster actor for the side hustle, with a significant social media presence and a foray into youtube, and the creator of One Broke Actress. Together they talk about what BROKE really means and how to embrace it. And they dive into what gets Sam up in the morning, what drives her and fires her up, and what continues to challenge her, even after all this new success. AND how One Broke Actress has changed how she approaches all areas of her career and her creative life, which we’re really interested in as it relates to all of you listening.So wherever you’re listening, take a page from Sam’s playbook and consider what steps you can take- steps that are authentic to you- to turn your talent into work. Sam’s journey is inspiring; we want yours to be as well!

Owning the BROKE in One Broke Actress: A Conversation with Sam Valentine

In this first episode of Season 3, Risa and Steve talk about how to navigate this new and challenging time in order to find your way in an Industry that’s also redefining itself. We’ve all changed in the past 2 years, and now, Risa and Steve invite you to start with the following: Stop, look inside, create space, and figure out who you are right now so that your acting can be current, an expression of this very moment. From there, you can offer your art with presence, vulnerability, listening, self-awareness, kindness, empathy, human connection, artistic leadership, and generosity. These are values that we practice and celebrate here at BGB, values and practices that will affect your audience on an emotional level and fill a great need in the Industry. Which is now- more than ever- a direct path to success. And yet success isn’t measured in jobs booked; it’s measured in the ups and downs of a career that happens over decades. So, your health (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual) is essential in order to take care of both you and your community and to become a whole, happy artist, your tank full, offering your voice, your talent, your art! Have a listen! We know this will resonate. Let us know what speaks to you. Email us and find us on social to continue the conversation.

How to Have a Post-Covid Acting Career

In this conversation about that big topic: Self-Tapes- taking up most of the audition real estate- Risa and Steve offer ways in which you can move past all the (real, tangible) challenges of self-taping, even the trauma around it, and discover the freedom, joy, and deep curiosity you need to get the attention of any Casting Director and book work regularly. Your Self-Tapes don’t have to hurt anymore! We're excited to offer ways to shift your mindset, bring all of your talent to bear in your work on-camera- even if you’re home alone, turn your Self-Tapes into art, and return to feeling like an actor, always. And when you do that, you’re able to show up fully, confidently, and creatively free, again and again, and inevitably success follows.

So listen, open your hearts and minds, and see how this discussion helps you re-imagine your Self-Tapes!

Self-Tapes Don't Have to Hurt

BGB Master Teacher Sydney Walsh teaches Risa how she makes steak, shares insight on mushrooms as she cooks them LIVE, and connects it all to your audition + self-tape practice. “You can follow the recipe and still be deeply creative.”Just like cooking… as an actor, you must create space and time to prepare a meal and allow it to simmer and grow into something delicious. This goes for your self-tape or audition as well- being fully present in order to allow your imagination to inform what you create and be in the process of making something new each time. You must allow each “take”- each dish- to unveil itself in the moment, accepting and inviting that it will be different and fresh every time, trusting the process of cooking it, and thus enabling a more profound, pure, and inventive creation.

Cooking Your Self-Tape

We're sharing a special conversation Risa + Steve had on a recent IG LIVE that has become a fantastic podcast episode about Practice! Here we go deep into what kind of practice you need to cultivate in order to book jobs, to rekindle the joy your work, and to have the confidence you’re looking for to meet this amazing and challenging career path you've chosen for yourself. Listen in and see what aligns with you as well as what mindset shifts you might start to make to solidify a practice for your career, for your art, for your life. 

The Practice That Leads to Success

Risa and Steve sit down with an incredible group of successful multi-hyphenates- Milena Govich, Will McCormack, Grasie Mercedes, and Brea Grant- all of whom started their journeys as actors and have since grown into other roles in the Industry, making names for themselves as writers, directors, producers, and showrunners. Together they discuss their unique paths, and how they’ve found empowerment and fulfillment by stretching themselves in multiple areas of their careers, acquiring agency to expand their artistic lives in the process.P.S. And it’s made them stronger, freer actors.OUR GUESTS:Milena Govich:  IMDb, Instagram, TwitterWill McCormack:  IMDb, InstagramGrasie Mercedes:  IMDb, Instagram, Official SiteBrea Grant:  IMDb, Official Site, InstagramMORE ON RISA        MORE ON STEVEExplore these related BGB resources and take your craft and career to the next level!CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Creator Classes! Currently on Zoom.JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A FREE virtual workshop with Risa & Steve.Have you heard the previous episodes in Seasons 1 + 2? Make sure to listen NOW!

Not Just An Actor: Making Your Own Box

Risa and Steve sit down with a dynamic group of actor-parents- Heather Brooker, Eddie Cahill, Anna Silk, and Cate Cohen- all with extensive and varied careers – to talk about what it means to be a parent while navigating their artistic careers & the Industry. They discuss their journeys, their challenges, and their joys- and how parenting has not only informed their acting, but acting has made them better parents.Explore these related BGB resources and take your craft and career to the next level!FREE PDF: 5 Self-Care Practices That Lead to Career SuccessHeather Brooker:  Official Site, Motherhood in Hollywood Podcast,  IMDb, Instagram, TwitterEddie Cahill:  IMDb, Instagram, TwitterAnna Silk:  IMDb, InstagramCate Cohen:  BGB Teacher Page, Official Site, Instagram, Twitter, FacebookMORE ON RISA        MORE ON STEVECHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Creator Classes! Currently on Zoom.JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A FREE virtual workshop with Risa & Steve.Have you heard the previous episodes in Seasons 1 + 2? Make sure to listen NOW!

Doing It All: Career, Art & Parenthood

In the midst of this time of great uncertainty and upheaval for actors across the globe, and as the Industry slowly reopens, it is paramount for actors to be aware of new on-set protocols, how to advocate for yourselves in every area of your work and careers- including having a voice in your union- and how to keep your creative spirit alive. In that pursuit, we are thrilled to offer our conversation with Gabrielle Carteris, president of SAG-AFTRA, and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s chief operating officer as well as the union’s Safety & Reopening Lead, currently working with specialists in the science and medical fields to advocate for a safe reopening for actors and everyone in the Industry.OUR GUESTS:Gabrielle CarterisIG: @gabriellecarterisGabrielle Carteris was re-elected SAG-AFTRA president on August 29, 2019. Carteris became president April 9, 2016, after serving two terms as executive vice president. Carteris became a household name playing Andrea Zuckerman on BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 and recently starred in BH90210, a revival of the iconic show. Her extensive resume includes work in television, film and the stage, with recent credits including a recurring role on Code Black and guest-starring roles on CRIMINAL MINDS, MAKE IT OR BREAK IT, THE EVENT, LONGMIRE and THE MIDDLE. As a producer, Carteris created LIFESTORIES, a series of specials, and GABRIELLE, a talk show that she also hosted. In her role as SAG-AFTRA president, Carteris chairs the National TV/Theatrical Contracts Negotiating Committee and leads the President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement. Carteris is a vice president of the AFL-CIO and serves on the executive council and represents SAG-AFTRA with the International Federation of Actors (FIA).Duncan Crabtree-IrelandIG: @duncanciDuncan Crabtree-Ireland is chief operating officer and general counsel of SAG-AFTRA. Crabtree-Ireland oversees the legal aspects of collective bargaining and contract enforcement for all SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements, as well as SAG-AFTRA’s legal, government affairs, professional representatives, international affairs, governance and diversity operations.He is a co-chair of the board of trustees of the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund, a member of the boards of SoundExchange and the SAG-AFTRA & Industry Sound Recordings Distribution Fund, a delegate to the International Federation of Actors (FIA) and teaches international law as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California Law School. He is a past treasurer of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, a past Co-President of the LGBT Bar Association of Los Angeles, and serves by appointment as a judge pro tem of the Los Angeles Superior Court.SAG-AFTRA Covid resources: 1-844-SAFERSETwww.sagaftra.org/backtoworkExplore these related BGB resources and take your craft and career to the next level!CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Creator Classes!

Re-opening the Industry w/ Gabrielle + Duncan of SAG-AFTRA

In this episode, Risa and Steve talk with Mia Schachter- one of Hollywood’s top intimacy coordinators- about their role in the Industry + how actors can advocate for themselves in any situation with regards to intimacy, sex, nudity, and consent of all kinds. Whether choreographing sex scenes, negotiating nudity riders, or simply having the backs of actors on set, Mia discusses what they actually do (and you’ll find this as fascinating and necessary as we did), along with their background, the challenges around creating safe sets, what they do to help actors feel safe and empowered, and how they see the future of film and television- and acting- in regards to intimacy, boundaries, and facilitating the kind of freedom necessary for artists to dive into creating their deepest, most vulnerable work. This is a vital conversation for all actors and Industry professionals, and we want to hear from you on what speaks to you from this discussion! Explore these related BGB resources and take your craft and career to the next level!FREE PDF: 5 Self-Care Practices That Lead to Career SuccessThe Acting Podcast Ep 9: An Actor’s Consent: Navigating Vulnerable SpacesCHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Creator Classes! Currently on Zoom.JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A FREE virtual workshop with Risa & Steve.MIA SCHACHTER:Broadway World: Mia Schachter Keeping It Safe at THE WILD PARTYMia: IMDb + IG + WebsiteMia Schachter was born and raised in Los Angeles and returned in 2018 after working in theater in New York City for nearly ten years. Their background in theater, dance, casting, gender studies, and neuroscience informs their work. Their educational background includes a BA in Philosophy from Columbia with an emphasis on ethics and identity. Working for networks like HBO, Netflix, and Freeform, Mia’s job is to attune to the needs of actors and directors with scenes that include simulated sex, nudity, and sexual content, in order to make sure that everyone is emotionally and mentally safe on set, while helping showrunners and directors achieve their creative vision. They work with actors, directors, writers, producers, legal teams at studios and networks, costume and make up designers, and production crews, negotiating everything from sex simulation choreography to nudity riders, to providing emotional support to actors in intimate situations. Just like a stunt coordinator, they help make scenes look real and stay safe.

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