ActorSpeak with Austin Basis

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Rachael Drummond (Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Bombshell, Jimmy Kimmel Live!). 

In Part 1, we talk acting technique, awkward adolescence, how she discovered improv comedy, and teachers Salem Ludwig, Alan Miller, and more! 

With a BFA from Boston University, Rachael Drummond is an actor and improv comedienne whose credits include Shameless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Bombshell, and she can often be spotted in sketches on Jimmy Kimmel Live! As an improviser, Rachael has been on house Harold teams Trophy Wife at iO West, and Crush, at Upright Citizens Brigade- along with the indie team Dork Horse and the sketch team Strong Words- also at UCB. She also wrote & performed in the sketch show, Top Story! Weekly. At Acme Comedy, she’d perform regularly on stage with the improv shows The Armando and Lady Biker Gang. She’s also completed the training program at The Groundlings, so her improv & sketch comedy background is extensive. And her work-ethic is unmatched! You may have also seen her in any number of national commercials, including for the Toyota Sienna a.k.a. the “Swagger Wagon.” Her other credits include: Great News, Speechless, Fresh Off the Boat, and Parks & Recreation on TV; and the films Bear City 3 and Killer Party. She’s not only an extremely talented actress, comedienne & SuperMom, but she’s also a friend. And she's the Hillary Clinton my Bernie Sanders...! 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Kristoffer Polaha (Life Unexpected, Wonder Woman 1984, Mad Men, Get Shorty, Mystery 101). 

In Part 2, we discuss our chemistry on Life Unexpected, his love of film, watching Colin Firth work, the audition process, Brando vs. Jesus, faith, and a film/TV set as a parable for life. 

Kristoffer Polaha is best-known for his starring role in the critically acclaimed TV series Life Unexpected on The CW. Other series credits include Get Shorty with Ray Romano & Chris O’Dowd, Condor opposite William Hurt, and Ringer with Sarah Michelle Gellar. In addition to co-starring with Rainn Wilson in Backstrom, he had a multi-season role on the acclaimed series Mad Men and Castle. He’s also well-known for starring in Hallmark Channel movies such as Dater’s Handbook with Meghan Markle, and the Mystery 101 franchise on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. A native of Reno, NV, Kris received a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in NYC. He first received attention for his portrayal of JFK, Jr. in the TV movie America’s Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. Story. He has appeared in numerous independent feature films since, including Where Hope Grows, Devil’s Knot with Colin Firth & Reese Witherspoon, and Run the Race. Kris had featured roles opposite Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman 1984 and in Jurassic World: DominionI. In addition to his work as an actor, producer & director, Kris is co-authoring a new book series called “From Kona With Love” with Anna Gomez. Their first book Moments Like This had a very successful release. He's also involved with several charities, including being an ambassador for World Vision, a board member for herARTS in Action, and the founder of The Polaha Family Circus Foundation. He is also the creator of a live show called The Polaha Chautauqua on IGTV. Not only have his talents taken him and his family far and wide to pursue his acting career, but his heart and faith have always kept him grounded, down to earth and close to home. He’s deeply thoughtful, sincere and kind as an actor AND a human- and the best bar-owning TV loft-mate I’ve ever had! He's the Baze to my Math and an actor, a philosopher, a philanthropist, and a great friend. 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Kristoffer Polaha (Life Unexpected, Wonder Woman 1984, Mad Men, Get Shorty, Mystery 101). 

In Part 1, we talk Winnie The Pooh, his rocket fuel moment in A Streetcar Named Desire, his high school teacher Hamish Tyler, Stella Adler technique, "mixing the cement," and the new Wild West. 

Kristoffer Polaha is best-known for his starring role in the critically acclaimed TV series Life Unexpected on The CW. Other series credits include Get Shorty with Ray Romano & Chris O’Dowd, Condor opposite William Hurt, and Ringer with Sarah Michelle Gellar. In addition to co-starring with Rainn Wilson in Backstrom, he had a multi-season role on the acclaimed series Mad Men and Castle. He’s also well-known for starring in Hallmark Channel movies such as Dater’s Handbook with Meghan Markle, and the Mystery 101 franchise on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. A native of Reno, NV, Kris received a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in NYC. He first received attention for his portrayal of JFK, Jr. in the TV movie America’s Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. Story. He has appeared in numerous independent feature films since, including Where Hope Grows, Devil’s Knot with Colin Firth & Reese Witherspoon, and Run the Race. Kris had featured roles opposite Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman 1984 and in Jurassic World: DominionI. In addition to his work as an actor, producer & director, Kris is co-authoring a new book series called “From Kona With Love” with Anna Gomez. Their first book Moments Like This had a very successful release. He's also involved with several charities, including being an ambassador for World Vision, a board member for herARTS in Action, and the founder of The Polaha Family Circus Foundation. He is also the creator of a live show called The Polaha Chautauqua on IGTV. Not only have his talents taken him and his family far and wide to pursue his acting career, but his heart and faith have always kept him grounded, down to earth and close to home. He’s deeply thoughtful, sincere and kind as an actor AND a human- and the best bar-owning TV loft-mate I’ve ever had! He's the Baze to my Math and an actor, a philosopher, a philanthropist, and a great friend. 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways, Supernatural, The Office, This Is Us, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows). 

In Part 2, we talk series regular work, Ellen Burstyn leading by example, not recognizing Denzel on Roman J. Israel, Esq., more GHOSTFACERS, and the importance of Asian American artists in our industry. 

The amazingly talented Brittany Ishibashi most recently starred as the villainous Tina Minoru in Marvel’s hit show Runaways on Hulu, and as Tamiko Masuda on CBS’ Hawaii Five-0. She also played another iconic villain, Karai, in Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. Born in Orange County, CA, Brittany was raised in a home filled with the arts. Brittany discovered her passion for musical theater at a young age, and went on to be a triple threat- excelling in dance, music & acting. She continued her formal education at UCLA’s prestigious School of Theatre, Film & Television, while building her acting resume outside of class. Her first big break came right after she graduated from high school & was cast by J.J. Abrams on the hit show Felicity. Brittany has gone on to work consistently over the years on numerous television series, including: This Is Us, The Unicorn, Political Animals, The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, Grace and Frankie, Young and Hungry, and Supernatural. After an exciting debut at Comic-Con, she reprised her role as Maggie Zeddmore in the Supernatural spinoff series GHOSTFACERS- which has developed a worldwide fan base. Brittany’s energy, spirit & talent comes through in everything she does. This was especially true when she brought her dramatic chops to my short film The Fear We Share & blew everyone away with her stirring performance. She is a talented friend who provides a solid laugh track whenever we get together! 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways, Supernatural, The Office, This Is Us, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows). 

In Part 1, we talk about seeing RENT, her life-changing car accident, Richard Green, Joan Scheckel, GHOSTFACERS, and how she uses music to inform her work. 

The amazingly talented Brittany Ishibashi most recently starred as the villainous Tina Minoru in Marvel’s hit show Runaways on Hulu, and as Tamiko Masuda on CBS’ Hawaii Five-0. She also played another iconic villain, Karai, in Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. Born in Orange County, CA, Brittany was raised in a home filled with the arts. Brittany discovered her passion for musical theater at a young age, and went on to be a triple threat- excelling in dance, music & acting. She continued her formal education at UCLA’s prestigious School of Theatre, Film & Television, while building her acting resume outside of class. Her first big break came right after she graduated from high school & was cast by J.J. Abrams on the hit show Felicity. Brittany has gone on to work consistently over the years on numerous television series, including: This Is Us, The Unicorn, Political Animals, The Office, Grey’s Anatomy, Grace and Frankie, Young and Hungry, and Supernatural. After an exciting debut at Comic-Con, she reprised her role as Maggie Zeddmore in the Supernatural spinoff series GHOSTFACERS- which has developed a worldwide fan base. Brittany’s energy, spirit & talent comes through in everything she does. This was especially true when she brought her dramatic chops to my short film The Fear We Share & blew everyone away with her stirring performance. She is a talented friend who provides a solid laugh track whenever we get together! 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Nina Lisandrello (Beauty And The Beast, FBI, Nurse Jackie, Law And Order). 

In Part 3, we discuss what the actor's job is, her favorite directors, black representation in Hollywood, George Floyd, social justice, the pandemic, and the future of storytelling. 

A filmmaker, actress and writer, Nina is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. As an actress she cut her teeth in commercials and low budget indie films before taking the role of Tess Vargas on the highly successful CW show Beauty And The Beast. Her other TV credits include FBI, NCIS: New Orleans, Nurse Jackie, and Law And Order, among others- and she appeared in the animated feature film The Spine Of Night, which recently premiered at SXSW. As of late, Nina has branched out- directing short films, including Vacant (which she wrote and directed), writing screenplays, and is currently developing several projects throughout the media landscape. Most recently, she became the Chief Creative Officer of Black Lives Matter, Greater NY. Nina’s most impressive quality is her ability to be good at everything...! She swiftly navigates the entertainment & media world from acting to writing to directing to activism to innovation, and she is constantly forging new ground with her talent, vision & impeccable taste. She was my work wife on BATB & remains a good friend. 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Nina Lisandrello (Beauty And The Beast, FBI, Nurse Jackie, Law And Order). 

In Part 2, we talk about BATB, learning from Kristin Kreuk, Elisabeth Rohm creating chemistry, and the priorities of comedy vs. drama. 

A filmmaker, actress and writer, Nina is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. As an actress she cut her teeth in commercials and low budget indie films before taking the role of Tess Vargas on the highly successful CW show Beauty And The Beast. Her other TV credits include FBI, NCIS: New Orleans, Nurse Jackie, and Law And Order, among others- and she appeared in the animated feature film The Spine Of Night, which recently premiered at SXSW. As of late, Nina has branched out- directing short films, including Vacant (which she wrote and directed), writing screenplays, and is currently developing several projects throughout the media landscape. Most recently, she became the Chief Creative Officer of Black Lives Matter, Greater NY. Nina’s most impressive quality is her ability to be good at everything...! She swiftly navigates the entertainment & media world from acting to writing to directing to activism to innovation, and she is constantly forging new ground with her talent, vision & impeccable taste. She was my work wife on BATB & remains a good friend. 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor Nina Lisandrello (Beauty And The Beast, FBI, Nurse Jackie, Law And Order). 

In Part 1, we discuss The Music Man, David Fincher, being the daughter of a singer, Wynn Handman, William Esper, drinking sensory hot cocoa, and Terms of Endearment... a LOT! 

A filmmaker, actress and writer, Nina is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. As an actress she cut her teeth in commercials and low budget indie films before taking the role of Tess Vargas on the highly successful CW show Beauty And The Beast. Her other TV credits include FBI, NCIS: New Orleans, Nurse Jackie, and Law And Order, among others- and she appeared in the animated feature film The Spine Of Night, which recently premiered at SXSW. As of late, Nina has branched out- directing short films, including Vacant (which she wrote and directed), writing screenplays, and is currently developing several projects throughout the media landscape. Most recently, she became the Chief Creative Officer of Black Lives Matter, Greater NY. Nina’s most impressive quality is her ability to be good at everything...! She swiftly navigates the entertainment & media world from acting to writing to directing to activism to innovation, and she is constantly forging new ground with her talent, vision & impeccable taste. She was my work wife on BATB & remains a good friend. 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis continues to speak with actor James Immekus (Lucifer, The Good Doctor, Grey's Anatomy, Mad Men). 

In Part 2, we talk about improv, our love of rehearsal, working with good people, and being fully rounded artists- more than just actors. 

Born in Crystal Lake, Illinois, James grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia, and graduated from the DePaul Theatre School in Chicago with a BFA in Acting. His vast theatre experience includes The Goodman Theatre in Chicago, The Contemporary American Theatre Festival in Shepherdstown, WV and the Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, where he appeared in The House of Blue Leaves alongside Jane Kaczmarek, John Pankow, Kate Burton, and Diedrich Bader. But James has really made a name for himself with his extensive TV guest star work. He has over 25 guest stars & recurring roles to his credit in some of the biggest shows on television. He’s not only an extremely talented actor & artist who respects his craft, but he’s also a great friend & groomsman of mine...! And I couldn’t think of better person to share this first episode of ActorSpeak with. 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com 

On this episode of ActorSpeak, Austin Basis speaks with actor James Immekus (Lucifer, The Good Doctor, Grey's Anatomy, Mad Men). 

In Part 1, we discuss James' love of Ladyhawke, Viola Spolin, his mentor Rick Murphy, doing Boxboarders!, and making our way in LA together. 

Born in Crystal Lake, Illinois, James grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia, and graduated from the DePaul Theatre School in Chicago with a BFA in Acting. His vast theatre experience includes The Goodman Theatre in Chicago, The Contemporary American Theatre Festival in Shepherdstown, WV and the Center Theatre Group's Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, where he appeared in The House of Blue Leaves alongside Jane Kaczmarek, John Pankow, Kate Burton, and Diedrich Bader. But James has really made a name for himself with his extensive TV guest star work. He has over 25 guest stars & recurring roles to his credit in some of the biggest shows on television. He’s not only an extremely talented actor & artist who respects his craft, but he’s also a great friend & groomsman of mine...! And I couldn’t think of better person to share this first episode of ActorSpeak with. 

WE AUDITION is a video-chat community where actors can audition, self-tape, rehearse, and get expert industry advice. USE promo code: ACTORSPEAK to get 25% off when joining at WeAudition.com