Equity Foundation Podcast

With the current heightened uncertainly within the performance industry and the broader global instability, any kind of ‘tick the box’ approach to our wellbeing is just not working as it used to. This podcast delves into next level strategies to help us navigate the risks and hazards of the industry at this time. We will be discussing:

- Understanding our negative emotions and how to manage them

- Forming a strong, personal identity. Developing a coherent identity which is not based on our success as an actor, whether we get a call back or get offered the part

- Exploring being emotionally ‘detached with love’ from the industry. Caring enough to invest deeply in our work but not caring so much that it impacts on our mental health

- Creating new narratives for defining success

- Discovering how to anchor ourselves in the midst of personal and global uncertainty

Dr Julie Crabtree M.A. Dip Ed, FCHP, FCCOUNP, CCLP, MAPS, MBPSs, CPsychol. Clinical and Counselling Psychologist Secretary APS Arts and Performance Interest Group Director Zebra Psychology As an experienced clinical psychologist, Julie has worked extensively with a range of people and is experienced in treating complex issues. Also through her doctoral research into creativity and mental health, she is at the forefront of our understanding of how to be both healthy and creative and has a unique approach to treating the concerns of those within the performance industries. In her practice, she regularly sees performers, creatives and their partners who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, performance anxiety and the range of concerns that face those in the creative industries.

Seventy-one percent of MEAA members are deeply concerned about AI replacing human-led creativity. MEAA is campaigning for strong regulation through an Australian AI Act and for big tech to pay a levy for using artists’ work to train AI. Join MEAA’s Policy team, Lilia Anderson and Matt Byrne and Industrial Officers Miles Hunt and Tess Chappell with MEAA President, Michael Balk chairing, for a vital briefing on AI and performers. They’ll unpack how AI threatens the creative industries, the risks for performers, how MEAA is pushing governments and companies to act, and what safeguards could protect your image, voice and data.

An opportunity to hear from the Sydney Theatre Company's Artistic Director Mitchell Butel who will talk to actor Danielle Cormack about the actor-director relationship, the steps that artistic directors take to choose productions, the casting process and STC's plans for the future.

Mitchell Butel is a multi-awarded director, performer, writer and producer and Sydney Theatre Company’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO. Mitchell holds four Helpmann Awards, four Sydney Theatre Awards and two Victorian Green Room Awards for his work as a director and actor in Australia. He has worked extensively for State Theatre Company South Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre, Belvoir, Bell Shakespeare, Griffin, Malthouse, Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Opera, Pinchgut Opera, The Production Company, The Hayes Theatre and for the Sydney, Adelaide and Perth Festivals on over 200 professional productions.

Join Director of Photography Emma Paine (Colin from Accounts, NCIS - Sydney, Watching You, Four Years Later) and Queenie van de Zandt as they explore the actor and DOP relationship. As an actor it is important to understand every role on a production and how your work intersects with all involved. DOP's are an integral part of the storytelling process as they are responsible for creating the look of the film. Their primary duties include developing a film's visual style, determining lighting and composition and planning camera angles. The conversation will also cover Emma's extensive work locally, how the DOP’s process impacts actors’ and what we see on screen. This conversation may be particularly useful for actors with a theatre background who are not as familiar with the complexities of screen acting. Audience members will leave with a better understanding of how to work effectively with a DOP on their next job.

Learn how to deliver under pressure with actor, WAAPA grad and founder of The Resilient Actor, Damien Strouthos. This practical session gives you the tools to stay grounded in high pressure auditions, emotionally connect to character and give your best work even when the stakes are high. And maybe even a cheeky crying hack or two.

Damien Strouthos is an award-winning actor, best known for his work in the Foxtel series The Twelve and HBO Max/BBC’s The Tourist, with a career spanning film, television, and theatre. On screen, he’s appeared in Heartbreak High(Netflix), One Night (Paramount+), Last King of the Cross (Paramount+), Home and Away, and Pieces of Her (Netflix). His feature film credits include Transfusion, directed by Matt Nable, I Am Woman, and Peter Rabbit 1 and; 2. Damien is also an accomplished theatre performer, having worked with Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Belvoir, and Sport for Jove, most recently appearing in Death of a Salesman opposite Anthony LaPaglia.

This is an exclusive in conversation with legendary filmmaker George Miller AO — the creative force behind the Mad Max franchise, Happy Feet, Babe and so much more. George will sit down with Equity President Jason Klarwein to reflect on his remarkable career, share insights into his bold creative process, and delve into his unique collaboration with actors. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the craft, this is an unmissable chance to hear from one of the world’s most imaginative directors.

This is a chance to work with Katherine Beck on what it takes to master NOT mimic the US accent. Attendees will work on the placement of sounds and how to achieve the accent authenticity in just 66 days.

Katherine Beck is a leading voice and dialect coach who works regularly with actors at The Actor’s Hub, The Actor’s Pulse, Screenwise, International Screen Academy and on film and theatre productions. She is the co-founder and co-author of Hollywood Speak: The Australian Actor’s Resource Guide to Creating an Authentic American Accent. Born and raised in Chicago, Katherine is a native American accent speaker.

Steven Tylor O’Connor, a two-time Emmy and multiple Artios Award winning Casting Professional at Aufiero/Horn Casting in the US, will talk to Equity member and actor Danielle Cormack about the US casting process, the actor/casting director relationship, his advice for actors and what he has learnt along the way.

Steven has won Casting Associate of the Year at the Heller Awards in 2024. Steven also sits on the Board of Directors for Casting Society and serves in Executive Leadership as their Treasurer / VP of Finance.

The role of intimacy director is now a familiar one - so where are we now? Given the impact and significance of the role this is a chance for an update by one of the most successful intimacy directors, Chloe Dallimore AM with Helen Dallimore in the interview chair. Topics discussed include:

- How to work effectively with your intimacy director (ID)

- What can you ask the ID when you are on set…

- How you can go with not knowing how to work with an ID to realising that you can’t work without them.

- What can/does the ID director bring to the set?

- What can actors and crew do to ensure correct protocols on set without an ID

Would you like to better understand how a film set works and how actors collaborate with the Second Assistant Director? The 2nd AD is the main point of contact for all actors on set. During pre-production, they break down the script, organise fittings and rehearsals, and arrange transport and facility requirements for cast members. Once filming begins, they prepare the next day’s call sheet, ensure actors are ready when needed, and coordinate transport, make-up, and wardrobe schedules. Working closely with the 1st AD, they help keep everything running smoothly. Join Second Assistant Director Nick Hadland and Equity member Monica Main as he shares insights into his role, how he works with actors, and what you need to know about on-set protocols—so you can feel confident and prepared when you step on set.

Credits: Nick has worked on a diverse range of film and television productions in the Assistant Director's department including: Heartbreak High, Last King of the Cross, Mr Inbetween, Interceptor, Total Control, Ruby’s Choice and more recently Stan's Sunny Nights and the film SOS: Send Help.