Empowered Artist Collective Podcast - for actors, singers, dancers, writers, creators and performers

In our final episode of season one, host and EAC founder, Jennifer Apple, records her first solo episode in which she reflects on the first 41 episodes and the Empowered Artist Collective community overall. She shares overall themes from the season as well as takeaways, tools, quotes, and inspiration from the guests who have been so generous with their wisdom, time, creativity & experience. Plus, Jennifer gets open and vulnerable about the journey thus far. If you have been a consistent listener of the EAC Podcast, this episode will be a powerful reflection of all you have heard thus far. If you are new to the community - welcome! - then this episode is a perfect introduction to the topics and themes we discuss.

About Jennifer: Jennifer Apple is a multi-hyphenated artist who hails from NYC. She originated the role of Anna in the 10x Tony Award Winning The Band's Visit First National Tour and has performed at regional theaters like Chautauqua Theater Company, American Conservatory Theater, Goodspeed Musicals, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. She has developed & workshopped a ton of new plays & musicals, and lent her voice to multiple original cast recordings. Jennifer has appeared on TV in Law & Order: SVU and New Amsterdam and holds an MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, CA. As an Acting Coach, she specializes in: BFA/MFA auditions; finding new monologues specifically for you; acting the song/monologue; breaking down the text, Shakespeare, and scene study. She is also the founder & executive director of the Empowered Artist Collective and hosts The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast. 

Jennifer’s IG: @JenniferApple_

Jennifer’s Website: www.JenniferApple.net

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

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In this episode, Jennifer talks with Heidi Marshall, acting coach & teacher, filmmaker, and director, all about on-camera acting, self-tapes, and preparation. Heidi shares her journey toward becoming a sought-out acting coach in this industry, the way she works with artists, and some stories of clients. They share tools on how to feel empowered with your choices as an actor, ways to find newness, embrace all parts of yourself as a human, and how to be kinder to yourself in the process.

About Heidi:

Heidi Marshall is a top industry acting coach for auditions, screen tests, and performance coaching.Heidi Miami Marshall’s career has spanned over 25 years as an Acting Coach, Film and Theater Director, Casting Director, and Acting Studio Owner. Her entire career informs her coaching eye and influences her aesthetic for working with actors. Originally, Heidi was the lead Casting Director at The Telsey Office for the Broadway musical RENT, as well as for 70+ projects in theater, film, TV, commercial, and voiceover. Heidi has also directed on the Broadway shows The Addams Family, Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohéme, and The Color Purple. Renowned Director Luhrmann says,  “All of Heidi Marshall’s work has led me to see that she’s a director of first rate talent and ability.”  Now the owner of a top acting studio, she’s coached countless actors into roles. She is frequently hired by directors and production studios to prep actors for auditions, screen tests and performance. Her acting clients have appeared on big and small screens and stages, from network TV to indie film to blockbuster hits, from regional theaters to Broadway. Notable collaborators include John Turturro, Baz Luhrmann, and Rob Marshall (no relation). As someone constantly in audition coaching mode, Heidi has her eye on the ever-evolving biz and loves supporting the actor through phases of audition prep, self-taping, screen tests, and performance. Heidi enjoys shaping material in response to the actor’s natural presence and humor. Also a director, Heidi’s simultaneous filmmaker career provides a keen sensitivity to what is needed from actors. Her directorial skills quickly shape scenes and help actors make bold, clear, playful, and strong choices. Her filmmaking skills help actors move from analysis into playing the scenes in space and time with incredible attention to detail. Casting Directors, Agents, Managers, and Directors have teamed up with Heidi to get their actors across the finish line in auditions, screen tests, and production. Heidi has worked with high-level performers who have never acted before as well as seasoned, award-winning veteran actors. Her actors range from youth to people of a certain age and span diverse backgrounds and orientations. Each artist is a talent that she adores supporting in the process of creating strong and uniquely-yours self-tapes and performances. Follow some of Heidi’s clients on screen and stage: Halle Bailey, Jack Harlow, Julianne Nicholson (EMMY Award winner), Fantasia, H.E.R., Thomas Doherty, Chaka Kahn, Rueby Wood (EMMY nominee), Maren Morris, Rhiannon Giddens, Danielle Pinnock, Jesse James Keitel, Analisa Velez, Raul Castillo, Saycon Sengbloh, Lily-Rose Depp, Michael Cimino, Angela Lewis, Winnie Harlow, Alexandra Turshen, and Little America (Apple TV+). She also has clients shining bright across countless Broadway stages.

Heidi Marshall Studio's IG: @heidimarshallstudio

Hedi Marshall’s Website: www.heidimarshall.com

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

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In this episode, Jennifer talks to Andrea Prestinario about queerness in musical theater. Andrea shares her journey as a queer performer & producer and what lead her to co-found Ring of Keys, a nonprofit artist service organization for queer and trans artists in musical theatre. They talk about the need for queer visibility and representation, creating change even if it takes time, and what it means to lead by example & trust your intuition. 

About Andrea: Andrea Prestinario is a queer award-winning performer and producer who has worked at 20+ theatres throughout the country over the last 15 years, including NYTW, Asolo Rep, American Conservatory Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Lyric Opera Chicago, Gulfshore Playhouse, Writers’ Theatre, York Theatre, and more. Favorite roles include Alison in Fun Home (Baltimore Center Stage), Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls; (Weston Playhouse), Eliza in My Fair Lady; Maureen in RENT (Paramount Theatre), Martha in 1776 (Asolo Rep), and Louise in Gypsy (Drury Lane Oakbrook). She received a Jeff Award for her work as Violet in Side Show (Boho Theatre). A graduate of Ball State University and The School at Steppenwolf, she is also the Co-Founder of Ring of Keys: a nonprofit artist service organization for queer and trans artists in musical theatre. She created RoK’s signature programming: Queering the Canon: A Concert Series which she produced in addition to producing other concerts for the org (Joe’s Pub, Birdland). She produced/conceived her solo show sMOkeyTOWN: The Songs of Smokey Robinson which played throughout NYC (54Below, Laurie Beechman) and Chicago.

Andrea’s IG: @andreaprestinario

Andrea’s Website: www.andreaprestinario.com

Ring of Keys Website: www.ringofkeys.org

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Gizel Jiménez about how to show up and be yourself no matter the room you find yourself in. Gizel shares her personal journey in this industry, as well as her upbringing, family trauma, and personal growth through it all. They talk about acting as a vessel of expression, envisioning your future, and surrounding yourself with your accomplishments. Plus, they discuss the need for finding healthy releases, pushing boundaries of expectations, and reminding yourself of your worth. 

About Gizel: Gizel Jiménez will recur in AppleTV+'s upcoming series, Bad Monkey. Previously, she recurred on Showtime's Dexter: New Blood and played a substantial role in Lin Manuel Miranda's Netflix film, Tick, Tick...Boom! She made her Broadway debut as Nessarose in Wicked. Off-Broadway: Avenue Q (first ethnic actor to portray Kate Monster), Miss You Like Hell (Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel nominations), Big River (Encores!), and Party People. Starred at NYS&F in Alice By Heart; Williamstown in Marsha Norman's Secret Soldiers. National tour: West Side Story. TV: NBC's Law & Order SVU, HBO's Divorce, Neighbors (web series). 

CW: This episode briefly mentions losing a parent, grief & trauma.

Gizel’s IG: @gizeljimenezofficial

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Corrie Legge about building a dream life, redefining success for oneself, and bringing more ease & alignment into one’s life. They each have different understandings of the words “goal” and “vision,” as well as “balance” and “harmony,” so they share their interpretations. Plus, they unpack the need to ask yourself “why,” cultivating unification around all aspects of your life, and the importance of expressing yourself in all its form.

About Corrie: Corrie Legge is a multi-passionate actor and productivity coach for creatives. As an actor and voiceover artist, she has appeared in many independent films, national commercials, animation, video games, audiobooks, and more. She's also a filmmaker with several short films under her belt, and multiple feature scripts in the works! As a coach, Corrie helps multi-passionate actors take control over their dreams and build thriving creative careers without sacrificing the holistically fulfilled life they deserve.

Corrie’s IG: @creatingwithcorrie

Corrie’s Website: www.creatingwithcorrie.com

Corrie’s Email: [email protected]

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Neuro Performance Coach, Jessica Raaum Foster, about how we can overcome obstacles & pain in our bodies by learning how to play with our brains. Jessica shares her journey to this work and the way it has changed her life and the lives of so many artists. She shares tools for us to tackle stress and threats in the nervous system, create more space for movement, and incorporate curiosity and play. They talk about the importance of being present, giving oneself permission, and recognizing the power of one’s brain. 

About Jessica: As a Neuro Performance Coach, Jessica Raaum Foster helps people get out of pain and improve performance by teaching them how to communicate with their nervous systems effectively. She uses practical tools and techniques taken from cutting-edge neuroscience to help people understand and overcome obstacles to better health and performance. She works with a wide range of clients ranging from people stuck in pain to elite-level athletes and performers looking for an edge up!

Jessica’s IG: @JessicaRaaumFoster

Sarah’s Website: www.NeurologyofPresence.com

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Sarah Dacey Charles about her 30-year acting career, what has sustained her long journey, and what keeps her coming back. They get into heart conversations around redefining expectations as an actor and putting things into perspective. Sarah reminds us to keep our eyes on our own paths and the importance of surrounding ourselves with community. 

About Sarah: Sarah Dacey Charles’ 30-year acting career spans Network TV, Broadway and Film. Sarah recently guest starred on The Blacklist. She is also featured on Prodigal Son, House of Cards, Jessica Jones, & Law & Order: SVU to name a few. Her Broadway and National Touring credits include Les Miserables, 9 to 5, The Musical and Sunset Boulevard. Favorite theatre roles include Vivian Bearing in Wit, Fosca in Passion, and Gloucester in King Lear. Her film portrayal of Barbara Stanwick earned Sarah the LIFF Best Actor Award. MFA from UC, Irvine.

Sarah’s IG: @sarahdaceycharles

Sarah’s Website: www.sarahdaceycharles.com

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jennifer talks to seasoned Broadway performer & dancer, Afra Hines, all about what it means to understudy, swing, cover, and standby a show. They break down the responsibilities of each and the way each is contracted. Afra shares helpful tools for learning multiple tracks, being proactive, and staying organized. Plus, they talk about crafting your resume and website to reflect where you would like to go artistically and how you can advocate for yourself & your career. 

About Afra: Currently performing in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, and last seen in the Broadway musical Hadestown (where she understudied the role of Persephone), Afra Hines is a veteran performer with 9 Broadway credits to her name. Some of her favorites include SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical where she played Michael/Maid and understudied Disco Donna Summer (performing the role 25 times), In The Heights (Original Broadway Company with Lin-Manuel Miranda), Shuffle Along (Original Broadway Company alongside Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter and Joshua Henry with choreography by Savion Glover), Ghost (Original Broadway Company, understudy Clara/Louise), and Motown (understudy Tina Marie). She also spent a year on the First National Tour of HAMILTON (Angelica Tour) playing San Francisco and Los Angeles. Additionally, Afra was a Radio City Rockette for 7 years. You can see Afra in NBC’s Annie Live!, and the miniseries Fosse/Verdon with Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, on FX. Other television work includes Boardwalk Empire (Onyx Dancer), Curb Your Enthusiasm (Hamilton ensemble), The Detour (B.Frank ensemble), Mozart In the Jungle, and SNL.

Afra’s IG: @afrahines

Afra’s Website: www.afrahines.com

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Stephanie Hogan about submitting to film festivals. Stephanie shares the importance of clarifying one’s intentions and goals around film festival submissions, networking with an open mind, and budgeting finances in advance for submitting & attending events. They get into the nitty-gritty of using Film Freeway and how the process of creation can be incredibly empowering.  

CW: street harassment 

About Stephanie: Originally from NH, Stephanie Hogan is now a local NYC actor! She graduated from Carnegie Mellon’s Musical Theater program and has performed in regional theaters, commercials, and off-Broadway. Most recently, she has written, produced, and acted in her own and her friends’ film projects. Stephanie absolutely loves her fellow artists and nurturing aspiring performers in the US and Portugal (where she has family). She is thrilled to be talking with Jennifer on the Empowered Artists podcast!!

Stephanie’s IG: @stephoganlogan

East End Productions: www.eastendproductions.net

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Christine Schneider, a manual therapist for professional voice users, all about using and taking care of one’s voice. Christine shares her personal journey that lead her to this work, the way she approaches treatment with clients, and the importance of using breath & movement. She elaborates on how our voice and bodies function & provides tools for staying on top of your vocal health, building a team, and being present with yourself.

NOTE: Christine wanted to clarify that there are between 30-40 thousand neurons in the heart.

About Christine: Christine Schneider has been a pioneer for manual laryngeal therapy in the US for over a decade. Her private practice in NYC, LifeLight Massage Therapy PLLC, specializes in laryngeal and TMJ treatments for professional voice users. Working alongside New York’s top Laryngologists, Speech Pathologists and Voice teachers, she provides the manual component for vocal rehabilitation and vocal health maintenance. In addition to her practice, she created The Visceral Voice, a program and podcast which brings her passion and knowledge for vocal health, anatomy, self-massage, and movement to the wide variety of vocal athletes throughout the world.

With Taylor Techniques, Christine has extensive training in Myofascial Assessment and Release and is an approved provider and educator.

Her other specializations include, Visceral Components of the Neck and Thorax, Visceral Manipulation, and Neuromeningeal Manipulation from the Barral Institute, Treatment of Whiplash and Related Disorders, and CranioSacral Therapy.

She is also a certified Movement Specialist with training from The Brookbush Institute, Gray Institute, Immaculate Dissection, NASM, and the Institute for Integrative Health and Fitness Education. She is thrilled to be working as the movement coach for the 2022-23 Metropolitan Opera LIndemann Young Artist Development Program.

Graduating from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor’s in Music in both Vocal Performance and French Horn Performance, Christine’s first expression of love for the voice was as a professional performer all around the world. She is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA, AEA, AGVA, and is a Voting Member for PAVA (Pan American Vocology Association). She is also the head of Research and on the Advisory Board for The Academy of Noise.

Christine's IG: @TheVisceralVoice

Visceral Voice Website: www.thevisceralvoice

Life Light Massage Website:  www.lifelightmassage.com

Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple

Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo

Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast

EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective 

EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective

EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/

Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/

Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices