Equity Foundation Podcast

Resilience is two things: the capacity to withstand difficulties and to rebuild after adversity. Resilience is normally an essential quality but in 2020 it is more important than ever before. Join experienced psychologist Dr Julie Crabtree and look at the some of the key qualities we know are associated with resilience including your belief systems, the ability to be flexible, adaptable and the kinds of personal disciplines you need. These themes will be developed and expanded on over two podcasts as you learn the vital skill of developing resilience.

US casting director Kerry Barden talks to a group of Australian and NZ Equity members online about the casting process, his past and current projects, the challenges and highlights of his career, his advice for actors and what he has learnt along the way. Kerry's projects include Boy’s Don’t Cry, Spotlight, Sex and the City, 13 Reasons Why, Dallas Buyer’s Club, August Osage County, Pitch Perfect, The Help, Prisoners, Still Alice and Good Will Hunting. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Thursday May 21, 2020.

Adelaide-based actor Alicia Case interviews Neighbours stars Sharon Johal and Alan Fletcher about what it is like to work on one of Australia's fastest paced and longest running productions. This discussion covers everything from the Neighbours audition/casting process and learning lines to on-set processes, diversity on Australian TV and filming post COVID-19. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on June 27, 2020.

An hour of chats with these two accomplished, fabulously funny creatives as they are interviewed by actor Lucy Wigmore. Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami talk about their careers and their involvement with some of New Zealand's most critically and commercially successful film and television productions and share their advice for those looking to have versatile and long lasting careers. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Friday July 24, 2020.

In this online Equity Foundation address acclaimed acting coach Miranda Harcourt will speak and show material about text, how we learn it, how our thoughts form it and inform it, how it creates character and how we can speak it fluidly with a sense of ownership and spontaneity. An essential class to take your acting to the next level. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Tuesday August 4, 2020.

Join the Australian casting director of Mystery Road, Rake, Redfern Now, Cleverman, Anousha Zarkesh, in conversation with actor Charmaine Bingwa. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Friday June 5, 2020.

Join award-winning Australian showrunner, writer and director Tony Ayres (Stateless, Clickbait, Family Law, Barracuda) in conversation with actor Jessica Tovey as they discuss Tony's involvement with some of Australia's most critically and commercially successful screen productions. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Wednesday June 3, 2020.

Writer and performer Michelle Law (Single Asian Female, Rosehaven S3, Get Krack!n S2 and Homecoming Queens) in conversation with stage and screen actor Patrick Jhanur. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Friday June 12, 2020.

Non-commercial voicoever covers e-learning, Explainer Videos, How-To Videos, Website Navigation and many others. Non-commercial both ‘sells’ and gives ‘information and instruction’, so these scripts are sometimes long and not always easy to get your head around. This session will give you some insights into the kinds of scripts you come across and techniques for how to approach them. This is an edited version a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Tuesday June 23, 2020, as part of the Equity Foundation’s "Let's Talk" recurring series on all aspects of voiceover. Hosted by one of Australia’s leading voice actors and voiceover technique coaches, Abbe Holmes.

Our series on all aspects of voiceover continues with this livestream for any performer wanting to get in to the commercial voiceover world. Abbe talks about the voice actor relationship with Advertising Agencies, Studios, Radio Stations and Agents; where the work is and how you get cast. This is an edited version of a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Tuesday June 9, 2020. Hosted by one of Australia’s leading voice actors and voiceover technique coaches, Abbe Holmes.

If you’re a performer who wants to know more about the landscape of voiceover in Australia, this is for you. Whether it’s commercial, non-commercial, character work and animation, Abbe will talk about who the players are, what and where the work is and how you get cast. If you’ve always thought voiceover could be for you or you’ve done some work but want to know more about how to break in, Abbe will cover all aspects of the voiceover industry and answer your questions. This is an edited version a live stream event for MEAA Equity members that took place on Wednesday May 26, 2020, as part of the Equity Foundation’s "Let's Talk" recurring series on all aspects of voiceover for Equity members. Hosted by one of Australia’s leading voice actors and voiceover technique coaches, Abbe Holmes.

Audio book narration has been growing steadily over the past little while and can be an incredibly rewarding and satisfying creative experience, unlike any other performing work. Abbe Holmes will be joined by Justine Sloane-Lees, Audio Book Producer at Square Sound, and Stig Wemyss, an award-winning Audio Book Narrator, to cover all aspects of the industry. This is an edited version a live stream event that took place on Wednesday May 13, 2020, as part of the Equity Foundation’s "Let's Talk" series on all aspects of voiceover for MEAA Equity members. Hosted by one of Australia’s leading voice actors and voiceover technique coaches, Abbe Holmes.

This is the first session in our recurring "Let's Talk..." series on all aspects of voiceover for Equity members. Right now, you need a home studio to be able to work in voiceover. In this zoom session Abbe talks about how to set one up, about mics, interfaces, editing programs, sound proofing, Source Connect and costs.

US casting director Jeanie Bacharach talks to a group of Equity members about the US casting process and her past and current projects including The Marvellous Mrs Maisel and Nashville.

A chance for Howard Fine to give an overview of his teaching philosophy and his rigorous belief in technique. Equity members talked to Howard about his actor-training that promotes self-reliance and a safe emotional and psychological approach. The Equity Foundation thanks the Howard Fine Acting Studio Melbourne for their support of this event.

Equity NZ President and New Zealander of the Year Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira recently interviewed Sam Neill about his life and career, and what he has learnt along the way. Sam Neill has more than 75 films and over 45 television programs to his credit. He is a passionate supporter of many environmental and social justice causes and has been a proud Equity member since 1979.

The voice over industry can be a mystery to those outside it. This is a chance to find out how it works and get key information about what you need to be a working commercial voice over artist.

This is an edited version of our recent live stream where Miranda discussed screen acting and naturalism. Miranda’s approach is based on years of writing and performing Verbatim theatre in prisons in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, as well as her work as an on-set acting coach with renowned actors and directors on films all over the world. In her work with actors and directors Miranda aims to shift paradigms, empowering creatives to realise their own talent. She introduces simple but innovative ways of thinking about and achieving connection and character. She has developed a series of tools and exercises for use in rehearsal and on-set that get actors to where they need to be, fast.

This is an edited version of a recent Equity Foundation live lecture and Q&A with leading voice and dialect coach Katherine Beck. This is a chance for Equity members to learn the tools to enhance your American accent and create an authentic American character.

This is an edited version of a recent Equity Foundation Live Stream. Join leading Australian psychologist Dr Julie Crabtree for an online discussion about coping as a performer during these uncertain times. Julie has worked extensively with creative people and through her doctoral research into creativity and mental health she is at the forefront of our understanding of how to be both healthy and creative. This is a great chance for some simple and practical advice from a professional who understands your unique circumstances.

Meditation coach Deone Zanotto shares two mindfulness exercises for performers.

US Casting Director Jeanie Bacharach shares her insights into the industry with Alan Fletcher. Recorded live in Melbourne May 2018.

During this The Equity Foundation In Conversation Australian director Garth Davis ('Mary Magdalene', 'Lion') discusses his film-making process and his approach to working with actors. Garth is interviewed by esteemed producer/acting coach Miranda Harcourt. This event was held in Auckland in May with the support of Rialto Cinemas, Transmission Films and the Australian High Commission.

What is the difference between the American and Australian audition process? How important is it to have a believable American accent? How can I prepare for pilot season? In this podcast Josh Bitton and Sharon Davis discuss the ins and outs of the American and Australian acting industries. Joshua Bitton is an actor, teacher and coach. Most notably he was Eminem’s acting coach on the set of' 8 Mile'. He has worked with Nicole Da Silva, Hamish Michael, Josh Helman, Ashley Zukerman, Cal Mickey, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Omar Benson Miller, and many more. As as actor he has appeared on over three dozen TV shows and numerous films. He teaches classes in NYC and LA. The podcast is produced by The Equity Foundation and sponsored by Media Super.

Mindfulness of your cuppa by Sarah Borg. Prepare your favourite hot beverage and use it as an anchor in this short practice to help centre your mind in the present moment.

Pre Audition calm-down and energise up by Simon Ward. In the hallway before an audition. Everyone else is better than me and I have to go in! A mindful way of calming down and keeping your focus.

Post performance solo or group cool down by Simon Ward. A brilliant performance! Welcome yourself back to the world without a bumpy re entry.

Step out of performance mode by Sarah Borg. A short grounding practice to help transition out of performance mode. Great for those times after an audition, rehearsal, a day on set... especially those performances that might be tricky to let go of.

An intimate and detailed discussion about craft and career with two of Australia’s most in-demand performers, Don Hany and Patrick Brammell. Moderated by performer, Jane Harber. Recorded at The Malthouse Theatre on the 4th February 2017.

Artistic Directors Kip Williams (Sydney Theatre Company), Lee Lewis(Griffin) and Eamon Flack(Belvoir) share rare behind-the-scenes insights into the journey of bringing exciting works and artists to the Australian stage. The directors discuss their past and current projects, the challenges and highlights of their careers, what they have learnt along the way and their plans for the future. Moderated by performer Helen Dallimore. *Please note at 59:32 the recording stopped due to technical difficulties. Recorded at Belvoir on Monday January 30th 2017.

From the ditzy blonde to the Middle Eastern terrorist, stereotypical representations of women, minorities, seniors and other historically marginalised groups are all too common on our stages and screens. What can we do as individuals and an industry to ensure the characters we create don't perpetuate stereotypes? Is it possible to help reframe the conversation, while creating and sustaining your career? Panellists will share their real world experiences in creating a different narrative. Speakers: Tony Ayres - Scripted Producer, Matchbox Pictures Kate Hood - Performer Osamah Sami - Performer Maysa Abouzeid - Performer Moderator: Sonya Suares - Performer

More and more performers are stepping into production roles such as writing, producing and directing in a bid to create the kinds of stories and characters they want to see on our screens and stages. Four slashies discuss the challenges and rewards of taking on different creative roles, what lead them there and what they learnt along the way. Speakers: Robyn Butler - Writer, Performer, Producer Candy Bowers - Writer, Performer, Comedian, Hip Hop Artist, Director, Producer Damon Gameau - Performer, Filmmaker Shaun Micallef - Performer, Comedian, Writer Moderator: Queenie van de Zandt - Writer, Performer, Producer

Madeline Di Nonno is the Chief Executive Officer of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the only research based non-profit working with the entertainment and media community to improve gender diversity in entertainment through research based programs. Di Nonno leads the Institute's strategic direction and brings over thirty years experience in media, marketing and business development in the entertainment, non-profit, digital media and consumer packaged goods industries. Recorded in Melbourne at The Equity Summit on Sunday December 4 2016.

What are the issues that female performers must face on a regular basis and what tools can we use to address them? Join us for a discussion about what rights female performers have and how we can all be empowered to create an industry in which women are treated with equality, respect and dignity. Speakers: Zoe Angus - Director, Actors Equity Australia & New Zealand Nicolina Lademann - Senior Associate, Litigation, Marshalls + Dent Lawyers Ferne Downey - President, International Federation of Actors Anna McGahan - Performer Simone Ball Santamaria - Performer Moderator: Nadine Garner - Performer

Some of Australia's most successful storytellers reflect on their careers, bringing female stories to the screen, what they wish for the future of our industry and how we get there. Speakers: Gillian Armstrong - Director Sue Maslin - Producer Ana Kokkinos - Director Nadia Tass - Director Moderator: Danielle Cormack Recorded at the Equity Summit in Melbourne on Sunday December 4 2016.

Statistics about the gender imbalance in the entertainment industry are stark. Women are still missing in a major way. Industry leaders discuss what we are doing as an industry, the current movement for change, what changes they want to see when it comes to the representation of women and what they see coming down the line. Speakers: Brett Sheehy, Artistic Director, Melbourne Theatre Company Georgina Naidu, Performer Leanne Tonkes, Producer, Sense & Centsability Michelle Guthrie, Managing Director, ABC Moderator: Leah Vandenberg, Performer Recorded on Monday December 5th 2016 at The Equity Summit: Gender on the Agenda.

Damon Herriman In Conversation with Lorna Lesley. Top Australian actor Damon Herriman shares vital tips about working in the U.S. covering everything from visas, insurance, pilot season to the audition process and the importance of persistence. Recorded in Sydney on 16 May 2016.

Wesley Enoch In Conversation with Simon Burke AO. Recorded in Sydney on 18 April 2016.

From Quintilian to Method, Zeami to Suzuki … this panel will explore theories of acting, delving into their perceived differences and commonalities, the process behind them, what they require of the performer, what their ultimate goal is, any psychological or physical impact they may have of the performer’s health or well-being and how this is dealt with. Panellists Kristine Landon-Smith (Lecturer in Acting, NIDA) Dean Carey (Creative and Founding Director, Actors Centre Australia) Professor Ian Maxwell (Dept of Performance Studies, University of Sydney) Moderator: Kim Krejus (16th Street Actors Studio)

Auditioning is an inevitable part of a performer’s life but the process itself – what happens before an performer walks in the room and what happens when they leave – often seems shrouded in mystery. What light can a group of successful casting directors shed on the process? How is technology changing the way we audition? What is the best advice Australia’s leading casting directors can give? Speakers: Nikki Barrett (Barrett Casting) Greg Apps (Greg Apps Casting) Kirsty McGregor (Kirsty McGregor Casting) Serena Hill (Sydney Theatre Company) Moderator: Amanda Bishop (Performer)

As part of the Equity Foundation’s In Conversation series, performers are given the opportunity to attend an intimate question and answer session with leading performers, producers, directors, writers and other members of the industry Mitchell Butel Mitchell is a triple Helpmann Award winning actor and singer. His theatre credits include The Government Inspector, Angels in America, Strange Interlude, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, The Laramie Project, A View from the Bridge, Dead Heart (Belvoir), Romeo and Juliet, The Grenade, Summer Rain, The Republic of Myopia, Harbour, Tartuffe, Mourning Becomes Electra, The Café Latte Kid, Summer of the Aliens, Six Degrees of Separation (STC), Tomfoolery, Urinetown, Piaf (MTC), Boeing-Boeing (Dainty), Stones in his Pockets, The Venetian Twins (QTC), Emerald City (Griffin), Laugher on the 23rd Floor (Ensemble), Meow Meow’s Little Match Girl, Woyzeck (Malthouse), Othello (Bell) and Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love (STCSA). Music theatre credits include South Pacific, Orpheus in the Underworld, The Mikado (Opera Australia), Assassins (Silo) Avenue Q (AAP), The Producers, Sugar, Little Me, Hair (Production Company), Grease, Little Shop of Horrors (DAE), Man of La Mancha and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (GFO) opposite Geoffrey Rush. Film/TV credits include Holding the Man, Hiding, The Broken Shore, Mr & Mrs Murder, Bordertown, Wildside, Grass Roots, Rake, The Bank, Two Hands, Dark City and AFI-nominated performances in Strange Fits of Passion and Gettin’ Square. Mitchell has appeared in three solo cabaret shows, Excellent Adventure, Now for the Weather and Killing Time (which is available on iTunes and just completed a sellout season at the Hayes Theatre). Mitchell received Helpmann Awards for The Venetian Twins, Avenue Q and The Mikado and Green Room Awards for Piaf and Hair. Proud member of Actors Equity since 1988 and a member of the National Performers Committee since 2007. He is also a Board member of Belvoir St Theatre. Tony Sheldon Tony Sheldon made his Broadway debut starring in PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT at the Palace Theater. He played the role of Bernadette for more than 1750 performances in Australia, New Zealand, London, Toronto and New York, winning the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut as well as nominations for the TONY Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Drama League Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award as Best Actor in a Musical. He was honored with his own caricature at Sardi’s restaurant in Times Square. For his performance in PRISCILLA he won the Toronto Theatre Critics Award and the DORA Award as Best Actor in a Musical in Toronto. In Australia he won the Sydney Critics Award, the Green Room Award, the Glugs Award and the Aussietheatre.com Award for Best Actor in a Musical as well as the MO Award as Musical Theatre Performer of the Year. He was also nominated for the Australian Dance Award and the Helpmann Award. In London he was nominated for the Olivier Award and the What’s On Stage Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Since his arrival in the USA, Tony has appeared as Horace Vandergelder in HELLO, DOLLY! at the historic Goodspeed Opera House, King Pellinore in CAMELOT for Theatre Under The Stars in Houston and in the films CARRY ME HOME with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and BUTTERFLIES OF BILL BAKER with Will Chase. He was featured on the tv series JOAN & MELISSA: JOAN KNOWS BEST and performed on THE VIEW, ROSIE! and THE NBC TODAY SHOW. In Australia, Tony won the 2005 Helpmann Award, the Sydney Critics Award, the Mo Award and the Glugs Award for his performance as Roger de Bris in THE PRODUCERS. He was also nominated for a Helpmann and a Green Room Award for his work in THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK in 2003. Tony played the lead role of Lawrence Jameson in the Australian premiere of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, to rave reviews. Media Super is the principal sponsor of the Equity Foundation.

Legendary Australian actor Philip Quast in conversation with Robyn Arthur.

In 2014 Actors Equity celebrates its 75th birthday and the Equity Podcast brings you an oral history collected over the past years which celebrates the achievements and milestones of actors. We will bring to you insights and observations from performers about their profession and why they value their Union membership.

In 2014 Actors Equity celebrates its 75th birthday and the Equity Podcast brings you an oral history collected over the past years which celebrates the achievements and milestones of actors. We will bring to you insights and observations from performers about their profession and why they value their Union membership.

In 2014 Actors Equity celebrates its 75th birthday and the Equity Podcast brings you an oral history collected over the past years which celebrates the achievements and milestones of actors. We will bring to you insights and observations from performers about their profession and why they value their Union membership.