That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Embracing the mistake that allows humanity to seep into your performance. Commanding the performance to not fall apart when you are messy and making mistakes. Something that happens that was not planned is a GIFT and usually the most captivating moment!

This week's guest caught the improv bug in college and hasn't looked back since. Rebekka Johnson began her on-screen career putting her comedy skills to good use in an MTV prank show called Boiling Point. Since then she's been a writer, producer, director, and actress---all in the name of making an audience laugh. She shares with us how creating the work she loves with her best friends and collaborators has lead her to countless opportunities to shine. From an audition opposite Kristen Wiig, to finally booking her series regular role in GLOW, her story is an example of an artist who puts in the work and doesn't give up, even when success feels impossible. From negotiating her own contract for a pilot, to how her years of grinding and preparation has empowered her to step into her strength and be fearless in her comedy. Best known for her work in the musical comedy trio The Apple Sisters and on Netflix's wrestling comedy GLOW, Rebekka Johnson has performed in various sketch and improv shows across the country for over 10 years, including The Neutrino Video Projects which was an official selection at the HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. She is a co creator of the award winning Apple Sisters which performed in the 2008 Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. Rebekka voiced many characters in the upcoming Comedy Central animated series, Ugly Americans. She currently performs with Bandit, a Mainstage Harold Team at IO West and recently directed her comedy film, CONSENT. IG: @hellorebekka

This week, the "P" word really peaked my interest. How do we give ourselves the permission to be a vessel for the storytelling business and how we give permission to live our lives to the fullest as artist. Permission has been a challenge to fully embrace. This week I had several challenges around giving permission to just be where I am.

In today's episode, I got to sit down with an extraordinary actress who has crafted a diligently curated body of work defined by her remarkable range. Carmen Ejogo has played major roles in Sam Mendes' Away We Go, Sparkle with Whitney Houston, It Comes at Night, Roman J. Israel, Esq., Alien: Covenant, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, and most recently opposite Mahershala Ali in the new season of True Detective. Characteristically tight-lipped about her personal life, Carmen generously pulls back the curtain to reveal how she's made it this far and how her commitment to her vision has afforded her a career that has captivated audiences and critics alike. She shares how she says no more often than she says yes, and how this discernment has empowered her to keep a clear vision for the stories she wants to give voice to. We also get to chat about how she prepares for an audition, how she balances her art with the business of the industry, and how she decided from the very beginning of her career that her body of work would be defined, not by her appearance, but by her talent, determination, and humanity. INSTAGRAM: @carmenejogo

Remembering where and how we got the job or the opportunity is just as important as the JOB. This is a simple suggestion of how to cultivate the relationships that will help you sustain your career.

For today's episode, we're chatting with Casting Director, Kendra Castleberry. She walks us through a full-circle tour of a casting director's journey — from Intern to assistant, and associate to top Casting Director, her career is not unlike that of an actor. Negotiating ambition with reality, and dreams with security, she's managed to find her niche in an industry that captured her attention from the very beginning. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Kendra always loved TV and dreamed of a day when she would be a part of making it. Years later, she transplanted to Los Angeles, and discovered her passion for casting. Past television projects include: "Grimm", "Zoo", "Castle", "Warriors" (pilot), "Star-Crossed" (pilot), "Matadors" (pilot), "Happy Town," "The O.C.," "Wildfire," "October Road" and the series regular recasting of "Life on Mars." She is currently partnered with Billy Murphy, and recently completed work on "Limetown" (starring Jessica Biel, Stanley Tucci and Marlee Matlin) for Facebook Watch and "Take Two" (starring Rachel Bilson and Eddie Cibrian) for ABC.Her extensive resume includes shows like CASTLE, GRIMM, THE O.C., and Facebook's upcoming crime series LIMETOWN (starring Jessica Biel and Stanley Tucci).

Full disclosure of when/how to have loyalty to YOUR business versus your team (agents/managers). The real discussion around the formation of your team, treating it like dating and being loyal to YOUR business plan.

Amanda Schull is an American actress and former ballet dancer, born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She's known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars, Suits, 12 Monkeys, and in Nicholas Hyter's 2000 drama, Center Stage. She began her performing career as a dancer, studying at Indiana University and apprenticing with the San Francisco Ballet, where she ulitmately joined the company after the completion of Center Stage. She retired from dancing in 2006 and has since built a career as an actress. She has also appeared in One Tree Hill, Hawaii Five-0, The Mentalist, Grimm, and Bones. Her story is full of both personal inspiration and practical tips for managing an artistic career---from walking away from a network test, bombed auditions, and difficult directors, to working on multiple hit TV shows, creating relationships with empowered artists, and learning to trust in her voice, how she stands up for herself and her work, down to her first three steps in an audition. IG: @amandaschull

Casting Director turned Agent turned acting coach, Dana Bowling shares her wisdom with actors after years of being in various degrees of supporting the actor in the storytelling business.

Today we chat with Paul Adelstein, from Private Practice, Prison Break, Scandal, and Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, as he lays out his 30 year career for us, sharing some of the most inspirational, motivational, and insightful stories, and how he's managed to turn countless challenges into opportunities to win. Beginning in Chicago, he began his career as a member of John Cusack's commedia-style theatre company. We talk about how the rigor of this group prepared him for anything, and as he shares with us here, there was a lot to be prepared for. From the jobs he's lost, to the ones that have come to define his career, he's unappologetically honest about what it takes to persevere and stay focused, even when everything seems to be falling apart. From a pre-audition pep-talk from John Travolta, to a meeting with Shonda Rhimes that lead to a direct offer, his journey proves that things always work themselves out, and often lead to beautiful, seemingly fortuitous, full-circle moments that make an artistic life worth the uncertainty and risk. Regardless of where you are on your journey, whether you're at a peak, or feel stuck in a valley, today's conversation is for you. Full of encouragement and optimism, this bird's-eye-view of a career is a reminder that things are always working out for good. Your good and for the good of great storytelling. INSTAGRAM: @pauladelstein

Set etiquette on being the best partner and what to expect from your scene partner. Time is money. Do your work so you can show up and be on the playground with your peer.

Today we're chatting with actress, Amanda Warren, whose incredible artistry is matched by her wisdom, insight, and extraordinarily grounded and compassionate energy. She has established herself with a resume that is not only lengthy, but loaded with some of TV and Film's most respected projects in recent years. From her work with Martin McDonagh and Darren Aronofsky to Denzel Washington, Francis McDormand, and beyond, her work ethic and craftsmanship has earned her the respect of her peers and gained the attention of artists across the industry. She shares how she works on set, what she's learned from working with world-class artists, and how she stays focused on her own journey---putting in the work, one step at a time. Most recently her on screen work includes THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI, THE PURGE for USA, MOTHER, HOUSE OF CARDS, BLACK MIRROR, THIS IS US, HBO's THE LEFTOVERS, and Apple TV's new series DICKINSON. IG: @amandawarrenofficial

Do nerves get the best of you? Here are a few tips that I use and have borrowed from the many guests that have come by That One Audition. Have 10 minutes before your audition, listen here and get out of your negative side of the brain and into the flowing side of your artistry.

Today we chat with Adam Shapiro about what it is to be enough, being re-cast in the feature adaptation of a passion project, to the insightful advice Director Jason Winer gave just before testing for a pilot, to starting your own theatre company. From his work on The Affair, Sense8, Grace & Frankie, The Mindy Project, and Snowfall, to his roles in Now You See Me, The House Bunny, and Steve Jobs, as well as on Broadway in Waitress---you've likely seen today's guest before… Adam is currently filming the upcoming season of Showtime's The Affair, and recently filmed the lead role in a new TBS half-hour comedy pilot and roles in the upcoming indie films It Happened In LA (Sundance 2017), Feed, The Female Brain, and Social Animals. He's been seen as Avie Tevanian in Aaron Sorkin's Steve Jobs, arcs the Netflix series from the Wachowskis: Sense8, ABC's Cristela, Audience Network's Kingdom, and the NBC comedy Trial & Error, as well as guest starring roles on Grace & Frankie (Netflix), Snowfall (FX) and The Mindy Project(FOX). Recent television credits include: Bones, CSI: Cyber, The Mysteries of Laura, Betrayal, 1600 Penn, Scandal, Mistresses, and Grey's Anatomy. More Film Credits: Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant, The Answer, Sister, Nobody Walks in LA, Ctl Alt Delete, I Am Not A Hipster, Short Term 12, Now You See Me, A Single Man, The House Bunny, The Den. Adam is also a co-founder of IAMA Theatre Company, and has recently starred on Broadway in the Tony nominated Waitress. Adam was most recently nominated for Ovation Awards for IAMA's LA premiere of The Recommendation by Jon Caren (Winner Best Production 2014) and for Best Lead Actor in a Musical for Hey, Morgan! a world premiere comedy by Matthew Fogel and Isaac Laskin, Directed by Matt Shakman at the Black Dahlia Theatre. More stage credits include: Rent, You are Here, The Accidental Blonde, the world premieres of Leslye Headland's Bachelorette and Assistance (IAMA Theatre Company), and "David" in Paul Grellong's west coast premiere of Manuscript (The Elephant). IG: @ShappyShaps

Biggest F word in a world of creativity can actually be your biggest lesson. FIRED. FAILURE. To avoid embarrassment of the ego, one must review what the blockages that landed me here and how can I learn from this detour in life. You are not alone.

Todays guest has over 100 film and TV credits to her name and a career that began with roles in repertory theatre in Portland, Oregon, and ultimately lead her to Los Angeles where she discovered improv and sketch comedy and became a member of The Groundlings. She shares how her experiences doing improv in LA prepared her for the rest of the business, including joining the cast of SNL for one season, and how her departue from the show, seemingly premature at the time, made way for countless new opportunities to expand her storytelling capacity. A natural talent with an undeniable energy, Michaela Watkins has made her mark through a variety of impressive and unforgettable roles. Watkins can currently be seen in the fourth and final season of the hit Hulu show CASUAL. The show has received critical acclaim with a Golden Globe nomination and recognition in THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER calling it "funny, strongly realized, self-assured and a joy to watch. After watching an episode, you want another." She plays the lead role of 'Valerie Cole', a newly divorced sex therapist who is re-entering the world of casual dating. Up next, Watkins can be seen playing Rob Delaney's Sister in the new season of CATASTROPHE and playing a tightly wound, full of bravado, federal prosecutor hell-bent on putty Dory (Alia Shawkat) and Drew (John Reynolds) behind bars in the next season of SEARCH PARTY. Watkins can be seen in the first and second season of Amazon's Golden Globe winning show, TRANSPARENT. Additionally, she can be seen in the Netflix limited series WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER opposite Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd. Prior to that, she was last seen playing the eccentric and loveable 'Jackie' on the ABC critically-acclaimed series TROPHY WIFE opposite Bradley Whitford and Malin Ackerman. Other past television credits include VEEP, THE GOLDBERGS, MARRIED, THE COMEDIANS, NEW GIRL, ENLIGHTENED, MODERN FAMILY, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, PARENTHOOD, KEY AND PEELE, THE KROLL SHOW, DRUNK HISTORY AND CALIFORNICATION. On the creator side, Watkins executive produced, created and wrote the comedy series BENCHED with Damon Jones, which aired on the USA Network. This series starred Eliza Coupe. IG: @MichaelaWat LINKS: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1143861/ INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/michaelawat TWITTER: www.twitter.com/michaelaWat NBC Article 1: https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/update-arianna-huffington/n12372 NBC Article 2: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/cast/michaela-watkins-14986 Groudlings Article: https://www.groundlings.com/performer_detail.php?id=343 TVLine: https://tvline.com/2019/03/26/michaela-watkins-the-unicorn-cbs-comedy-pilot-cast/ Deadline: https://deadline.com/2019/03/the-unicorn-rob-corddry-michaela-watkins-co-star-cbs-comedy-pilot-john-hamburg-1202582494/ THUMBNAIL: Actress/Writer Casual Transparent Trophy Wife Wanderlust Catastrophe Enlightened Benched

Finding your voice and how you will be representing your artistry through the instrument that YOU are. Branding yourself means to develop a unique professional identity and coherent message that sets you apart from others either in your industry. What is your unique value? How do others see you?

Today we're chatting with TWO extraordinary women who took the advice we've all heard, "Create your own content," to the extreme and landed themselves with Series Regular, Writing, and Producing roles on their own comedy show on TV Land. These ladies began performing together in sketch groups in Chicago, where they created their own short-form webseries that ultimately lead them to Los Angeles, where they sold their show TEACHERS to TV Land. 50 episodes later, and they're here to share what they've learned about acting, producing, auditioning, and being a boss! Katie O'Brien hails from Omaha, Nebraska, but is now an actress and comedienne living and working in Los Angeles. Katie has appeared in Nora Ephron's, Love, Lost and What I Wore, Key and Peele, and is currently one of the creators, writers, executive producers and stars in TV Land's hit, underground comedy, Teachers. Katie has also appeared on the Today Show, Comedy Central's @ Midnight and Kocktails with Khloe. Katy Colloton is one of the creators, executive producers, writers and actors on the TV Land show Teachers. This year she has developed TV for NBC Universal and a feature with Bluegrass Films and Scott Stuber. Katy received her B.A. in theater and psychology from Vanderbilt University. Before moving to LA, Katy performed comedy in Chicago at Second City, iO, and The Annoyance Theater. IG: @thatoneaudtion

Dissecting the EGO and how it challenges creativity. How to create and step outside the EGO (the end result) that inhibits real creativity from flourishing.

For today's conversation, we're changing things up and taking a look at things on the other side of the camera. We're chatting with someone who's made their career writing and directing major hollywood movies for the past twenty years. He's come a long way from his father's liquor store in Massachusetts, and he tells us exactly how, after graduating from school and writing a letter to his hollywood idol, he found himself sharing a beer and chatting about his favorite movies with director Sam Raimi! Now, after having directed stars like William H. Macy and Jason Statham, he shares what it's like sitting in the director's chair, and how he's managed to pull off getting films made when seemingly impossible circumstances stand in the way. Tony Giglio is and American film director born in Medford, Massachusetts. He studied and obtained a B.A. at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He worked his way up from a Production Assistant to become one of Hollywood's most versatile Writer-Directors. He gained experience in the entertainment industry on projects like HEAT, IN ENEMY HANDS, TERMINATOR 2, LIAR LIAR, CELTIC PRIDE, BULLETPROOF, DANTE'S PEAK, and FEAR. Most recently, he has directed DOOM: Annihilation, set to be released in 2019. Previous films include CHAOS, EXTRACTION, TIMBER FALLS and DEATH RACE.

There are no small parts, so remember to make it your world. This is a full breakdown of Co-star responsibility in the story. How to handle your one line or a few lines on set.

Todays conversation is an open, candid, and humorous dialogue with Chris Geere who's on-screen career began with a Coke Zero commercial in the UK, and ultimately lead him to a series regular role. He talks about getting cut from the final edit of Band of Brothers, how a clever self-tape landed him with an offer to work with M. Night Shyamalan, and honestly shares how even after booking the ever-coveted "series regular role," he's finding new depths to what is required of an actor and artist when a life and career changing opportunity comes to an end. He's most known for his hilarious and honest portrayal on the hit FXX show, You're the Worst, as well as his work on Modern Family, After Earth, and in the soon-to-be-released film Detective Pikachu with Ryan Reynolds. Chris Geere is a British actor born in Cambridge in 1981 and brought up in the Winchester area of Hampshire where his family still lives. He was initially interested in pursuing a career as an artist until a drama teacher encouraged him to play in his school's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', whereupon he admits that he was truly bitten by the acting bug. He gained a place at the Guildford School of Acting, winning out over nearly three thousand other applicants. Some time after graduation he had a spell as a bit part player with the Royal Shakespeare Company and since then has become familiar on British television, notably in the school series 'Waterloo Road.' In 2017 he moved to the States, appearing in Modern Family and taking the lead in the eccentric comedy drama 'You're the Worst.' IG: @cwgeere

We are all ageless in artistry if we allow ourselves to be. Today I am assessing the experience around T.I.M.E in a creative career.

Today we have a really special conversation with an actress who has defied what we're often told is possible in a Hollywood career. She started on stage with the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, but didn't make it to Los Angeles till she was nearly 40. She is an example of what can happen when an artist decides to be the exception, embrace fear, and relinquish over-thinking. We also get to chat about failure, how it is a vital part of success as an actor, and how she's been able to take professional and personal challenges, and turn them into opportunities to tell stories with some of Hollywood's most innovative artists. She's developed an incredible body of work that includes working with the Cohen Brothers, booking 9 (count them!) 9 guest stars in one year, and most notably her role on Amazon's Transparent. Amy Landecker started her career as a theatre actor in Chicago IL, where she worked with the Steppenwolf and Goodman theaters. A transfer production from Chicago brought her to NYC and the Public Theatre. While in New York, she worked at the Barrow St Theater and Second Stage. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she was tapped to play "Mrs. Samsky" in the Coen brothers' Oscar-nominated A Serious Man (2009). After a long series of guest star and recurring roles in shows like Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Louie, and The Paul Reiser Show, she landed her current starring role as "Sarah Pfefferman" in the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning series, Transparent (2014). Amy has also written pilots for FX and Amazon and is a top VO talent in animation and commercials. Instagram: @amylandecker

Today's guest is a powerhouse force of knowledge, inspiration, and passion. From her big break on Law & Order, to her work with David O. Russell, she is full of incredible stories that detail her determination and unwillingness to give up. Her approach to her career has been uniquely strategic---she's made her personal growth just as important as her artistic growth, and through that she's cultivated a resilience that enables her passion to stand firm through every high and every low that comes with a dynamic Hollywood career. Elisabeth Röhm is a German-American television and film actress. She is best known for playing Assistant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn in the American TV series Law & Order and Detective Kate Lockley in the TV series Angel, and for her work with David O. Russel in American Hustle and Joy. In addition to her on-screen work, she is also an accomplished writer. As an advocate and voice for women's fertility issues and heart disease, she is a featured blogger for People Magazine, as well as a published novelist. Instagram: @elisabethrohm

Today's guest is a vibrant force of passion and hard work and, for those of you interested in how the world of Broadway works and how it differs from TV and Film, she is a genuine triple threat---From eight shows a week in New York to recurring roles on TV, she's spent 20 years in this business, putting in the work and thoroughly enjoying every step of the journey. Jackie Seiden is an actor/singer/writer born in Highland Park, IL. She graduated early Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor in Science and a Music Theatre Certificate. After graduating, Jackie moved to New York City and was cast in her dream show, "Hairspray" on Broadway. She was also in the original company of "Good Vibrations" on Broadway, and originated Mary Delgado on the 1st National Tour of "Jersey Boys" along with many other off Broadway productions, tours, regional shows, and worked with greats like Twyla Tharp and Bob Dylan. After performing as Pinky Tuscadero in Garry Marshall's production of Happy Days, she moved out to Los Angeles permanently where she met her husband Jason Winer (Director/Producer). Since moving to LA Jackie has worked on many films and television shows ("Jersey Boys" with Clint Eastwood, "New Year's Eve" with Garry Marshall, " Jack and Jill," with Adam Sandler "Christmas Switch," "The Catch," "Modern Family," "Life in Pieces," etc., and performed all over as a part of the For The Record Live company. IG: @thejackieseiden

Neal Bledsoe is an actor, writer and journalist. Admittedly he is now more confident in the tools of his expression but admits he still doesn't know what he is doing. Falling in love with the work and the his characters after a stint in rehab, Neal shares the utility of the business. From voice to walk, he has manifested some of the best characters on MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, UGLY BETTY, SHAMELESS, SMASH, IRONSIDE, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and SEX AND CITY 2. Accomplished stage actor, writer and visual artist Neal Bledsoe bares it all. Down to what to not ask agents/managers in meetings, how to prioritize the work and learning to have faith that he can't control the business. He honestly shares the details of his journey in self-discovery, proving that questioning everything, including yourself is key to cultivating an honest and authentic body of work. IG: @becauseibledsoe

Neal Bledsoe is an actor, writer and journalist. Admittedly he is now more confident in the tools of his expression but admits he still doesn't know what he is doing. Falling in love with the work and the his characters after a stint in rehab, Neal shares the utility of the business. From voice to walk, he has manifested some of the best characters on MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, UGLY BETTY, SHAMELESS, SMASH, IRONSIDE, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and SEX AND CITY 2. Accomplished stage actor, writer and visual artist Neal Bledsoe bares it all. Down to what to not ask agents/managers in meetings, how to prioritize the work and learning to have faith that he can't control the business. He honestly shares the details of his journey in self-discovery, proving that questioning everything, including yourself is key to cultivating an honest and authentic body of work. IG: @becauseibledsoe

Alanna Ubach has cultivated a career marked by the kind of range that many actors dream of. A bonified character actress,with equal parts grit and grace, she is unequivocally honest about her experience in Hollywood, generously sharing what she's learned along the way. Hardly recognizable from one character to the next, Alanna Ubach has starred in nearly 150 theater, film, and TV projects. Born in Downey, California to a Mexican-born mother and Puerto Rican father, Ubach has been a working actress since childhood. Following her television debut on "Romper Room," she joined the Lee Strasberg Institute's Children's Program. At 15, she fearlessly travelled to New York to star in WPA's Off-Broadway production of "Club Soda." She made her mark in the industry playing the family housekeeper-turned wedding caterer and Gaylord's first lover in "Meet the Fockers," the sorority sister/best friend to Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde," and the sex-starved Israeli neighbor on "Hung." In addition to her role as Jo on Bravo's first original scripted series, "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce," She can also be heard lending her voice to Disney/Pixar's Oscar winning animated film "Coco," featuring an all-Latino cast, where she plays great-great-grandmother Mama Imelda. IG: @alannaubach

New Year! New You! Over this intensity of the New Years resolutions? Well, this episode is all about giving you the tools to actually understand your values and how to effectively manifest them at any point in your life. Each of these women used their transformative journeys to invest in a product to help others do the same! Alyshia Ochse: Author of Life Letters Brianna Brown Keen: Manifest Your Mission Planner Marnie Alton: Transforming her artistry to a different stage that helps shift your mind, body and spirit (LA Barre Belle Studio) Leslie Becker: The Organized Actor Life Letters Manifest Your Mission LA Barre Belle Marnie Alton Workout The Organized Actor Silver Edition

What We Are co-founder, actress, musician and producer Nikki Deloach shares the brave, beautiful tenacious, unforgettable career moments that shaped her 30 year career. This woman is a purposeful, driven and talented storyteller but more importantly she is one who prioritizes vulnerability and openness. She shares the highs and lows of being a veteran of both the music and film industry from the success of the cult classic 90's show The Mickey Mouse Club to losing everything to making a come back and taking a break. Nikki Deloach is best known for her portrayal of Lacey Hamilton on the hit and critically-acclaimed series Awkward for five seasons. Nikki's other credits include Love & Other Drugs, North Shore, Windfall, Grey's Anatomy, and Mad Men. When she is not busy showcasing her talent onscreen, DeLoach is expanding her repertoire behind the scenes. She has re-teamed with Hallmark to develop and produce the upcoming Christmas project Reunited at Christmas, which she will also star in. Nikki Deloach on Instagram: @nikdeloach

Our episode today is a must listen for actors who want to learn how to orchestrate a career. This is an conversation about empowering yourself as an artist, about staying power, about the necessity to invest in yourself, and the importance of having a vision of where you want to go in your career and how to align everything in your life around that vision. Our guest today has fully arrived as an artist and is here to stay! Leven Rambin is an award winning actress and director originally from Houston, Texas who trained and taught at Playhouse West in New York City. Leven began her career at just thirteen years old on the set of "All My Children" as Lily Montgomery. Since then she's worked on dozens of films, including "The Hunger Games," "Chasing Mavericks," "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters," and "Two Night Stand." Most recently she starred in Ramaa Mosley's independent film "Lost Child" as an army veteran who has returned to her home in the Ozarks to find a young, mysterious boy in the woods. She is currently working on the film "London Calling" with Ron Perlman and Malcolm McDowell and "The Dirt," which follows the origin story of Mötley Crüe. Her television credits include "Grey's Anatomy," "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," "One Tree Hill," "Scoundrels," "Wizards of Waverly Place," "The Tomorrow People," and "Private Practice." Leven joined the cast of "True Detective" in the shows second season before portrating Chloe Jones on Hulu's "The Path," starring alongside Aaron Paul and Michelle Monaghan. She is currently leading WGN's crime drama "Gone" with Chris Noth and Danny Pino. "Gone" follows Leven Rambin's character Kick Lannigan, a survivor of a famous child-abduction case, after joining a special task force dedicated to solving missing person and abduction cases. IG: @levenrambin

In our second conversation with Elliot Knight we take a deeper look into everything, from his relationship to auditioning, to how he makes the distinction of being in love with the performance, the storytelling, and the craft rather than the industry and what that difference means for him. He talks about wanting to be the kind of performer who reveals rather than masks. This is a conversation for anybody that needs reminding to own and honor the space you take up, to be expansive, to be vulnerable in your art, and how to let life imitate art. Elliot Knight is an English actor best known for his break out performance in the British television series "Sinbad," playing the titular role. Knight received his theatrical training at The Manchester School of Theatre before landing the coveted role. Knight appeared as a recurring character in the BBC crime drama "By Any Means" before making his US television debut in ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder," joining Viola Davis, Aja Naomi King, and Alfred Enoch. Knight joined the cast of ABC's hit fantasy series "Once Upon a Time" as Merlin in the show's fifth season. He starred alongside Juliet Rylance and Antony Starr in "American Gothic" before being cast in Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith's "Life Sentence," which aired on the CW. "Life Sentence" follows Lucy Hale's character Stella as she navigates life after her terminal cancer is cured, her family, and her relationship with her husband, played by Elliot Knight. The show is currently available on Netflix. You can catch Elliot on Greg Berlanti's DC universe "Titans," which has just finished its first season. IG: @itselliotknight

Award-nominated actress, writer, and director Keesha Sharp sheds light on the courage it takes to break the rules and go after what you want, how fear choked her voice out of musically performing, fighting expectations and results, deciding when to change agents and how facing fear ultimately will open up the blessings. This conversation connects the dots about showing up for your craft 100% of the time and how you never know what job might land you the ticket for the next big job. In 2019, Keesha not only returns to the screen as Trish Murtaugh in the international hit series "Lethal Weapon" for FOX, but also introduces her directorial skills to the show, which premiered its third season on September 25, 2018. Combining action and drama with friendship and humor, season three of "Lethal Weapon" follows Detectives Roger Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) and the newly introduced Wesley Cole (Seann William Scott) as they combat crime in Los Angeles. Sharp shines as Trish, a district attorney, mother, and devoted wife and confidante to Roger. Sharp was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2017 NAACP Image Awards for her work on the show. On the film front, Sharp was also most recently seen starring opposite Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, and Sterling K. Brown in "Marshall". The film follows the story of Thurgood Marshall (Boseman), the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases. Sharp's standout work as Buster Marshall earned her a third NAACP Image Award nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category. Additionally, Sharp is currently shopping an Eartha Kitt biopic, set to head into production in 2019. Having been compared to the icon since her early theater days and dubbed by many reviewers as a "young Eartha Kitt," Sharp will portray Kitt in the leading role of a film that promises iconic songs, compelling childhood stories, and triumph through political blacklisting, all told through salacious details.

Today's conversation is a crash course into the journey of an animator. It's about how a young man who never met an art medium he didn't like chose to pursue a highly competitive and challenging career and truly thrived in his art form. We follow Joshua Beveridge's early memories in a home filled with art history books, as a kid always painting and drawing or sculpting, to attending a College of Art and Design to being the Animator Director on "Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse". Joshua Beveridge is a Head of Character Animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks. His other titles have included Animation Director and Supervising Animator. Beveridge earned his BA in Computer Animation from the Ringling College of Art and Design before landing his first professional job on Disney's adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Since then he's worked on various teams as a Character Animator, Supervising Animator or Lead Animator in popular films such as "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2," "Alice in Wonderland," "Hotel Transylvania 2," "Arthur Christmas," "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," and "Storks." His work on Warner Bros "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith and Alice Braga, garnered a 2008 Visual Effects Society Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Animated Character in a Live action Motion Picture. Beveridge's latest animated feature film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has broken the mold (again) for telling stories. Quotes: "The idea of animation being a job people did was kind of like a lightbulb, aha, moment." "You have to be comfortable with making things. Just making something is better than trying to make something perfect and letting that paralyze you from trying." "We're manipulating every single shape and motion and form is sculpted, crafted, posed and a decision. Nothing happens accidentally." "Talent is such a small percentage of anything really great. Work ethic is the most important. Work ethic runs circles around talent any day and I was an early subscriber to that." "The actual process of truly being an animator I didn't learn until on the job and I think that's a luxury that I don't think exists anymore." "I feel like with every promotion I've gotten it's really just been another way to help more animators." "There's nothing impulsive about animation." "If you are afraid in art that's usually an indication that you're on the right path." "There's no such thing as enough information. All we're doing is trying to be as observant as possible." Joshua Beveridge IMDB Instagram https://joshuabeveridge.com/ Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Official Trailer https://www.ianimate.net/ https://www.animationmentor.com/ Storks Trailer

This is a conversation about what it means to demand our worth as artists and women, what that looks like when you are trying to break out of being a guest star and how our guest is asking for that series regular. Camille Chen discusses how to be a good guest star, how she uses and works with the reader in the room, and the small and huge successes along the way. We talk about how she became the Queen of Commercials, improving for Aaron Sorkin, side hustles, to being an acting coach and why improv was the most beneficial class she took in college. These are the expansive, inspiring, knowing your own worth, honest stories that have all lead Camille Chen right here. Camille Chen is a film, television and commercial actress best known for her work in "Game Night," where she joined Jason Bateman and Kyle Chandler as well as her portrayal of Samantha Li in Aaron Sorkin's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Throughout her career Camille has guest starred in nearly 50 television shows, including "Californication," "American Horror Story: Asylum," "Castle," "Backstrom," Criminal Minds," "Dog Therapist," "Bones," and "Lucifer." She recently played a recurring role on USA's "Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G." a true crime series based on the investigations that followed the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. You can watch her next on ABC's "Single Parents." She's worked in numerous popular commercial spots, including State Farm, Motorola and Old Navy. IG: @thatasianactress

We were so lucky to sit down for a second conversation with Marianna Palka. She's a triple threat artist (writer/director/actor) with such a singular vision and voice to bring us closer together, change humanity and give the world a deeper understanding of the human condition. This is a conversation about creating the kind of work that is so needed in our landscape today. Her first film "Good Dick" came from a desire to explore how a sexual assault victims find intimacy and birthed from her frustrations about the lack of good, interesting/complex/ real characters for women. As Maya Angelou inspired her to write her scripts isolated in a hotel for a long weekend, she shares her writing ethic and her confidence to take ownership of her creativity and our shared responsibility to change the world. This is a MUST listen for all creative types!. These are the fearless, moving, authentic, compelling, owning your own space stories that have all led Marianna Palka right here. Marianna Palka is Glasgow born and Los Angeles based filmmaker, actress and writer. She studied at the acclaimed New York Atlantic Theater Company before beginning her career in theater, film and television. Palka wrote, directed and starred in "Good Dick," a 2008 Sundance Film Festival's Grand Jury Prize nominee, joining Jason Ritter, Martin Starr, Mark Webber and Tom Arnold in an exploration of intimacy and connection after sexual trauma. Palka's critically acclaimed feature film "Bitch" premiered at Sundance last year and tells the story of a woman who transforms under the enormous pressure of motherhood, leaving her absent husband, Jason Ritter, to discover what it means to be a parent. Additionally Palka directed "Always Worthy," "Heirloom," "I'm the Same," and "Egg," starring Christina Hendricks, Alysia Reiner, David Alan Basche. Her recent work include "Mississippi Requiem," a series of four short films written by William Faulkner and developed by James Franco, "We Are Boats," "Spoonful," "The Adventures of Thomasina Sawyer," and "The Lion's Mouth Opens," Lucy Walker's short documentary following Palka's own relationship to Huntington's Disease and her risk of inheriting. Palka is currently starring in Netflix's Golden Globe nominated "GLOW" as Reggie Walsh. IG: @mariannapalka

This week we dive deep into the journey of finding your spotlight by saying yes, hustling and doing the work. Work can come in the form of sitting around a campfire expressing your art to your fellow actor, coaching others to their potential, or holding the space for other actors opportunities as the best damn reader in town. Getting to work with Josh as an actor, coach or reader will highly improve your level of artistry. With over 20 years experience, Josh Bitton is hitting his stride in the light of highly complex characters and understanding that the gratitude for what you have will land you the happiness of being right where you are. Joshua Bitton is a stage, film and television actor best known for his work in HBO's critically acclaimed series "The Night Of" as Maldonado and for his portrayal of Sgt. J.P. Morgan in Steven Spielberg's award-winning World War II mini series "The Pacific." Bitton's been featured in numerous hit television projects, including "Castle," "The Mentalist," "Bosch," and "Justified." Additionally he's guest starred in "Grey's Anatomy," "The Last Tycoon," "American Vandal," "Reverie," "Lucifer," and "Daredevil," to name a few. His film credits include "National Treasure," "Larry Crowne," "For Love of Money," and "The Tangle." He's currently teaching acting classes in Los Angeles. From drama to comedy, Joshua Bitton has appeared in dozens of award-winning projects in film and television over the years and is positioned for his most exciting year yet. In 2018, he can be seen starring on CBS All Access' new mystery drama series, "One Dollar," opposite John Carroll Lynch, Leslie Odom Jr., Aleksa Palladino, and Hamilton Clancy. IG: @Joshua Bitton

Actor, writer, and producer Arturo Del Puerto got his first headshots at 14 years old by stealing his mother's credit card. Creating opportunities for himself and being paid to learn has been his mission to landing him in Los Angeles. Arturo gives insight about being rejected twice from a prestigious acting conservatory in Spain, making his way to America, and finding his mentor/teacher, casting director Felicia Fasano. Stepping into assist Fasano in the casting room, Arturo shares the tips and tricks of watching actors coming in to audition and how he landed his first series regular job on the hit HBO series CAMPING. Arturo Del Puerto is a television, film and voice actor best known for his performances as Luis Flores in AMC's "Fear The Walking Dead," as well as his work in "The Last Ship" and "Independence Day: Resurgence." Puerto has guest starred and featured in numerous television series, most recently including "Claws," "Glow," "The Flash," "Better Things," and "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders." Puerto lended his voice in two Disney animated series, a reimagined "DuckTales" as Panchito Pistoles and as Rico in "Elena of Avalor." Puerto recently appeared in Dax Shepard's Highway Patrol officer comedy "CHIPS" and worked alongside Joey King and Luke Pasqualino in "Smartass." You can currently catch Puerto in Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner's newest HBO series "Camping," following a group of old friends on a camping trip as it spirals out of control. Puerto is also in production for Ronald D. Moore's "For All Mankind," a sci-fi series due in 2019.

Pen Densham is an author, an art photographer, and an Oscar nominated filmmaker and screenwriter. He founded the Trilogy Entertainment Group with his partner John Watson, creating hit films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Blown Away, Larger Than Life, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys and Backdraft. Densham and Trilogy Entertainment have produced numerous television series and mini-series, including Syfy Channel's The Outer Limits, the successful and long running anthology series following science fiction tales. They've also produced The Twilight Zone, The Magnificent Seven, Poltergeist: The Legacy, and The Creature. Additionally, Densham is author of the bestselling book "Riding The Alligator," a creatively driven screenwriting guide. Part two conversation dives into the deep layers of interpreting and surrendering to the themes that are important to us as artists and people, what our soul spigots are, our life scripts and our passion projects. Pen takes us through what it was like to edit a film for the first time, to overcoming the imposter feeling as a writer, to learning how to best sell a film, and how he and his writing partner Oscar nominated writer\producers.

Pen Densham is an author, an art photographer, and an Oscar nominated filmmaker and screenwriter. He founded the Trilogy Entertainment Group with his partner John Watson, creating hit films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Blown Away, Larger Than Life, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys and Backdraft. Densham and Trilogy Entertainment have produced numerous television series and mini-series, including Syfy Channel's The Outer Limits, the successful and long running anthology series following science fiction tales. They've also produced The Twilight Zone, The Magnificent Seven, Poltergeist: The Legacy, and The Creature. Additionally, Densham is author of the bestselling book "Riding The Alligator," a creatively driven screenwriting guide. Part one is a visceral conversation about existing in this world as a creative person and what your responsibility is as a storyteller. Pen shares the difficulties he had growing up because he didn't feel his creativity was nourished, and how he learned to thrive in his proces, making leaps and bounds towards his future, persuading The Rolling Stones to let him photograph them at just 15 years old, building an artist's community, working alongside renowned documentarians, to his coping mechanisms around self doubt and the sometimes overwhelming anxiety creative people are more likely to have. We talk about evolutionary habits, spirituality, the most effective way of framing and relating a potential story, the euphoria he feels when he's learning and teaching, his fearful journey through the writing process, to becoming a published author of a besting selling book.

Mehcad Brooks is an actor, musician, and producer raised in Austin, Texas. From bringing characters to life on screen, to writing and producing films, and recording soulful music under an alias, award-winning actor and musician, Mehcad Brooks, has become known in the entertainment industry for his raw and refined talent, charisma, and moving presence. Throughout his successful and celebrated career Brooks is best known for his work in USA's "Necessary Roughness," for his portrayal of Terrence King, starring alongside Scott Cohen and Callie Thorne. He is also known for his characterisation of Eggs in Alan Ball's HBO series "True Blood," and for his work in ABC's hit show "Desperate Housewives," portraying Matthew Applewhite. Additionally Brooks starred in Noah Hawley's docu-drama "My Generation," and "The Deep End." His film credits include his breakout role is Jerry Bruckheimer's "Glory Road" as Harry Flournoy, which followed the 1966 first all-black college basketball teams starting line-up and their eventual NCAA national championship win. Brooks was also featured in "In the Valley of Elah," "Adulterers," "Wildlife," "Just Wright," and "About Last Night." Brooks is currently starring in Greg Berlanti's "Supergirl" as James Olsen in the shows fourth season, along with Melissa Benoist and David Harewood. You can catch his most recent film, Tyler Perry's "Nobody's Fool," starring Brooks, Tiffany Haddish and Whoopi Goldberg in theatres now. While bringing characters to life remains one of Mehcad's biggest passions, his love for telling stories through music is equally important. Writing and recording under the moniker KING GVPSV, Mehcad recently released his debut, full length album "May 20th" on July 13, 2018. The album features 16 soulful brand-new tracks, including the single "Tears Away" which has been featured in an episode of his series "Supergirl." The album was inspired by multiple near-death experiences that Mehcad has endured, all taking place on May 20th and forever changing his life. IG: @mehcadbrooks

Our guest today is a multi talented, New Mexican born and raised actor with a penchant for carpentry, and an exceptional ear for accents. He is a chameleon, whether he's playing the villain or the anti hero, from the countless 99 seat theatres he performed in after he graduated USC, building sets out of school, to acting alongside heavy hitters like Emily Blunt, Miles Teller, Josh Brolin and Chris Pine. Dylan Kenin is a theatrically trained actor best known for his work in television and film. Recently he was featured in Joseph Kosinski's Only the Brave, acting alongside Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges, based on the true story of a group of elite firefighters in the Granite Mountain Hotshots. He is best known for his work on Sicario as a Delta Leader in the drama following an FBI agent in a government task force. He is also known for Hell or High Water, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and Shot Caller. Kenin has guest starred and featured in many television shows, including being a recurring guest on Seth MacFarlane's The Orville as Captain Haros, Yellowstone, NCIS: New Orleans, Rebel, Westworld, Roots, and Rebel.

"It's a hell of a drug, storytelling..." Amy Scott takes us on her journey of storytelling through cutting and directing the messages that the world must explore! Her tenacity and fearlessness in pursuing the films she wanted made, her ingenuity and painstaking detail, her drive and talent, and the fact that she taught herself how to expertly fine tune her narrative and lovingly portray her subjects while editing and directing is beyond inspiring. This conversation explores the subject of her Sundance nominated film "Hal, her life in Los Angeles, motherhood, 70's cinema, invaluable how to's, getting those creative chills, crowdfunding, and why she wouldn't be in any other career. Amy Scott is a Los Angeles based filmmaker and editor originally from Lawton, Oklahoma. Throughout her twelve year career she's created films, shorts and music videos. After receiving her BFA in Film Studies from University of Oklahoma she spent a decade in Chicago, Illinois working as a documentary filmmaker, editor and as media producer for the University of Chicago, the head digital archivist at the Chicago History Museum under Studs Terkel. Scott also taught as an instructor of documentary film at Chicago Filmmakers. Scott is best known for her work as editor on projects such as The History of Caves, Me, The Beast & The Angel, and Fully Loaded. Her Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize nominated feature-length directorial debut Once I Was: The Hal Ashby Story follows the life and career of filmmaker Hal Ashby.

This conversation with Ben Lawson is true look inside a working actors highs and lows; how long it can take for a casting director to find that perfect project for you, his first experience on the set of a huge movie, and what it feels like to lose your confidence and then gain it back in spades. Sometimes it might take 6 months in New York City to shift your focus, to unblock the fear around auditioning and booking and trust in your own artistry. This conversation is about the journey in an actors career, not about the destination. Ben Lawson is an Australian film and television actor best known for his portrayal Damien Rennett in ABC's "Designated Survivor," Netflix's hit series "13 Reasons Why," as Coach Rick, and "The Deep End." He has guest starred and featured in various shows, including "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," "Grim," "Billions," "Modern Family," iZombie," "Love Child," and "Secrets & Lies." He began his 26 year career in the popular Australian soap opera "Neighbours." IG: @bennyvegas

This is the perfect episode for anyone trying to find a shift in their career, or in their artistry, for the actors who are wanting to make brave decisions in their life and in their approach of character. Our guest today is the incomparable Jenna Elfman, an efferevescent performer and person. This is an inspiring listen about how she navigated life after DHARMA & GREG, the fumbles, the touchstones, and the vulnerabilities in learning a new character on FEAR THE WALKING DEAD. Jenna Elfman is a film and television actress who started her career as a dancer and appeared in music videos by various artists, including Depeche Mode and Anthrax. She is best known for her role as Dharma in "Dharma & Greg," the hit series that led her to earn three Emmy Awards nominations and a Golden Globe Award. Elfman is also known for her work in the ABC comedy series "Imaginary Mary," "Growing Up Fisher," "1600 Penn," "Damages," and an appearance on "Shameless." She's also had guest appearances in "Two and a Half Men," Royal Pain," "My Name is Earl," and "The Mindy Project." In film she's best known for "Keeping the Faith," which she starred in with Ben Stiller and directed by Edward Norton, "Can't Hardly Wait," Ron Howard's "Edtv," with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and "Big Stone Gap," with Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. Currently she's starring in the hit AMC series "Fear the Walking Dead." IG: @jennaelfman

Ever wondered how you are going to land a career changing role without a manager or agent? This episode is all about the craft and keeping your head down and doing good work. Good work is the best branding for an actor and creates angels in the industry (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jason Bateman). Trevor Long has had some remarkable angels shed light on his 20 year artistry and he lays it all out here. Trevor Long is a film, stage and television actor with twenty years of experience to his name. He is best known for his stand out, recurring role as Cade Langmore, in Netflix's highly acclaimed series "Ozark," acting alongside Laura Linney and Jason Bateman. He is also known for his work in "Low Winter Sun," the AMC series following the murder of a police officer by a fellow detective in Detroit. Long starred in Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly," as Steve Caprio, along with Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and Richard Jenkins. He stars in and co-produces the upcoming horror thriller "Seeds," directed by Owen Long. The film follows Long's troubled character Marcus after he retreats to the New England Coast. Long has guest starred in numerous television shows throughout his career, including "Blacklist," "Unforgettable," and "Blindspot." He is a longtime member of acclaimed NY LAByrinth Theater Company. IG: @trevorlong721

Live at the MNActing Studio, That One Audition hears the real deal from Becki Newton about her Ugly Betty audition, how she started in the business and what luck and circumstance has made her a household name. We talk about motherhood, family, and how her world split open all at once, and how she found the kind of balance she wanted in her career. These are the laugh out loud, divine timing, confident, brave and open stories that led Becki Newton to where she is today. Becki Newton is an television, film and voice actor best known for her exacting and hilarious role as Amanda Tanen in Ugly Betty, the hit ABC comedy following a New York fashion magazine and a young woman's journey to self acceptance and success. She is also known for her recurring role as Quinn in How I Met Your Mother, acting opposite of Neil Patrick Harris. Newton starred in Fox's The Goodwin Games, a comedy following the lives of three estranged siblings and the circumstances that brought them back together after their father's death. She's also starred in Love Bites as Annie Matopoulos, an anthology series about relationships, surrogacy, and modern romance. She guest starred in Weird Loners, American Dad!, American Dreams, and Charmed. Most recently Newton joined HBO's Divorce as series regular Jackie, starring alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Molly Shannon, and Thomas Haden Church. IG: @itsbeckinewton

Risa Bramon Garcia has a career spanning over 35 years, working as a writer, director, producer, and casting director. She's worked in theatre, television, and film and has directed two feature films, 200 cigarettes, and The Con Artist. Garcia's directed for HBO, Lifetime, The Twilight Zone, and Comedy Central. Theartically she's directed numerous shows in Los Angeles and New York and has been an integral member of The Ensemble Studio Theatre for 30 years. She began her casting career with her partner Billy Hopkins with the incredibly success feature film Desperately Seeking Susan, and since then her casting career includes more than 65 feature films, including The Doors, The Joy Luck Club, Speed, JFK, Wall Street, Angel Heart, Fatal Attraction, Twister, and True Romance. In television she's cast beloved shows such as Roseanne, Masters of Sex, The Cape, and A Gifted Man. Risa is a teacher and coach at The BGB Studio (BramonGarciaBraun) with her partner Steve Braun in Los Angeles, California. IG: @bgbstudio

Brittany S. Hall is an actress best known for her work in HBO's Ballers in her portrayal of Amber, starring alongside Dwayne Johnson and John David Washington. She has been featured in many television and film projects, including Satisfaction, Being Mary Jane, Survivor's Remorse, Quarry, and Drumline: A New Beat. She will join Sanaa Lathan, Ernie Hudson, and Ricky Whittle in Haifaa Al-Mansour's "Nappily Ever After," a Netflix original romantic comedy. Brittany Hall takes us through her experience with reality television, alter egos, her time as an urban model, a music video girl, into a talented, powerful actress. IG: @iambrittanyhall