Actor Aesthetic

What is actually worth spending money on as an actor?

In this week's episode of Actor Aesthetic, Maggie is sharing the investments she's making in this season of life (from dance classes and rehearsal studios to career tools, wellness routines, and even the little things that make everyday life easier).

After going through a major career transition and taking a closer look at her finances, she's realized that not every expense is created equal. Some purchases help her become a better performer, some protect her peace, and some are simply worth it because they make life more enjoyable.

In this episode, Maggie talks about:

Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of a creative career, freelancing, auditioning, or just trying to figure out what's actually worth your money, this episode is a reminder that investing in yourself doesn't always have to look glamorous—it just has to support the life you're trying to build.

Resources Mentioned

Health insurance can feel intimidating, especially as an actor.

In this episode, Maggie shares voice memos from actors across the country who open up about their real-life experiences with health insurance, including:

• Qualifying for Equity health insurance through theatre work

• Getting coverage through employer-sponsored plans

• Using marketplace insurance after turning 26

• Navigating Medicaid and state healthcare programs

• Finding actor-specific healthcare resources

• Balancing survival jobs and healthcare benefits

• What actors wish they knew before choosing a plan

One of the biggest takeaways? There isn't one "right" way to get health insurance as an actor.

Every performer's path is different, but the more we talk openly about these topics, the easier it becomes to navigate them together.

If you'd like a Part Two featuring additional actor stories and insurance experiences, send Maggie a message on Instagram @actoraesthetic.

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Resources Mentioned in This Episode

After a long break from the podcast, Maggie is back for an honest life update about everything that’s happened over the past few years... from working in performance marketing and fashion, to burnout, identity shifts, getting married, and figuring out what resilience actually looks like in your 20s and early 30s.

In this episode, Maggie talks about:

If you’ve ever felt behind, lost, burnt out, or unsure of your next chapter, this episode is for you.

FOLLOW ACTOR AESTHETIC:

Thanks for listening and for growing with me ;)

Hot take: If you're relying only on acting income to survive in 2025… you're either incredibly lucky, or dangerously stressed.

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Maggie breaks down the real financial blueprint behind her life as a working actor — including exactly how much she makes, what she pays in rent, how she saves for her wedding, and why a full-time job hasn’t killed her theatre dreams (in fact, it’s helped her thrive).

Whether you're fresh out of school, deep in the hustle, or just tired of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.......... this episode is your permission slip to build stability your way.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: [email protected]

Feeling disconnected from your rep book? In this episode, Maggie Bera shares how to rebuild your audition binder with songs that reflect your personality, casting energy, and vocal strengths. She breaks down why most sopranos struggle to find current, callback-worthy material—and how to fix it.

Plus, Maggie shares the origin story behind one of Actor Aesthetic’s most popular downloads, now completely revamped for 2025: 100+ Contemporary Audition Songs for Sopranos.

🎵 Grab the updated list here → actoraesthetic.com/shop

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: [email protected]

After nearly a year away from the mic, I’m back... with a story I never thought I’d be telling.

On May 13, I had cervical disc replacement surgery at C6-C7. In this episode, I’m opening up about what led me to that decision, how the recovery process has really felt, and what it’s been like returning to the stage, the audition room, and my full-time job after surgery.

If you’ve ever pushed through pain or felt like your body was holding you back, this one’s for you.

We’re talking:

If this episode resonates, share it. Post it to your IG story, tag @ActorAesthetic, and send it to someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: [email protected]

Thinking about moving back to NYC to pursue your career in theatre? Now that the pandemic has subsided, here's what you need to know.

Also discussed on this weeks podcast is side jobs for actors (remote and hybrid), balancing your part time and full time gigs with acting, working towards financial stability outside of the arts, EPA's and ECCs, and how to deal with sickness during auditions, rehearsals and performances.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: [email protected]

The spookiest week of the year... and it's not Halloween (even though TJMAXX put out all their Halloween decorations already... can't we have one more month of summer?!)

Going into a tech week of her own, host and actor Maggie Bera breaks down exactly what to expect walking into tech week for a musical.

Buy the Fontus lozenges here. 

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: [email protected]

If you're not performing professionally on Broadway, on tour, or on a cruise ship, where might one find work? Regional theatre!

In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera breaks down booking regional theatre jobs, packing and travel tips, Non-Equity vs Equity contracts, Equity Chorus contracts vs Equity Principal contracts, out-of-town actors vs. local actors, housing for regional contracts, auditioning in NYC, and MORE!

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: [email protected]

From working your side job in the holding room, to playing the waiting game, to Equity audition rules (and unspoken rules), to running around NYC signing up before the audition closes, this episode literally has it all.

40 minutes of JAM-PACKED info you'll want to hear before your next audition.

Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected].

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow host Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: [email protected]