I AM PRO with Charlie Brooks

In this brand new episode, Charlie sits down with the incredibly talented Martin Callahan, a comedy genius and actor. Martin was born and bred in Manchester and trained at the Abraham Moss Centre. He joined the touring company of Chess and played the part of the Arbiter for a number of performances. He then went into pantomime as an Ugly Sister, followed by a national tour of My Fair Lady. This conversation dives into Martin's journey into the world of acting, exploring his background in musical theatre and his experiences in both straight acting and musical performances. ⁠
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Martin opens up about his approach to comedy and shares how he honed his fantastic timing. The two also reflect on the significance of vulnerability, trust, and being open to learning in the acting field. They touch on how to keep things fresh in a long-running show, the ins and outs of navigating the industry as a musical theater actor, and offer some valuable advice for aspiring young actors.   Martin also shares his strategies for keeping performances fresh in long-running shows and reflects on his career trajectory, including the near-miss with a significant role in the "Lord of the Rings" films. The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on the highs and lows of his career and the importance of staying adaptable

It’s another brilliant conversation filled with insights from seasoned professionals, brimming with tips, techniques, and motivational cues—a must-listen!⁠

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What if chasing your dream of acting was more than just about fame and fortune, but also a path to building self-confidence and resilience? In this latest episode, Charlie sits down with Liam Fox, who you might know as Dan Spencer from Emmerdale. He shares his incredible journey from being a shy, chubby kid to becoming a respected actor. Liam opens up about the ups and downs of the acting world, including how to deal with rejection and the common misconception that all actors are naturally confident. His experiences really emphasize the importance of not worrying about what others think and instead nurturing genuine relationships.

They also dive into the fascinating world of stage acting —discussing the switch from television to stage and how to keep a long-term role fresh and exciting. You’ll get a glimpse into the creative processes behind writing for musical theatre and how personal stories can shape compelling narratives. Liam’s journey, from taking the stage in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" to crafting scripts inspired by his family, showcases the diverse skills and emotional depth needed in this industry. Be sure to tune in for this episode filled with valuable insights and heartfelt reflections on the life of an actor navigating the complexities of the entertainment landscape!

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In this month's new episode, Charlie is joined by actor Dan Buckley.   Dan Buckley's incredible journey as he navigates the challenges of Mountview Theatre School, overcoming obstacles and rediscovering his love for acting is such a great listen. Through honest reflections, Dan shares how he turned difficult experiences into opportunities for growth and how he found his voice in the world of drama schools and professional settings.

Charlie and Dan discuss the joy of collaboration between seasoned actors and eager graduates. They delve into the importance of respect, training, and creativity in fostering successful partnerships, and how both trained and untrained actors can find their way to the stage.  Taking a deep dive into the world of character creation, acting techniques, and the delicate balance between self-doubt and confidence, Dan offers valuable insights into the dynamics between actors, directors, and writers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Dan's stories are packed with lessons for anyone passionate about the performing arts.

Don't miss out on this inspiring episode where creativity, discipline, and passion come together in a beautiful collision.

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What if your deepest insecurities could become the driving force behind your greatest passions? In today's episode, we sit down with the talented Rukku Nahar, who opens up about her incredible journey from a shy, reserved child to a confident and accomplished actor. You'll hear the pivotal moments that transformed her reluctance into a burning passion for the stage, all thanks to a timely nudge from her supportive father.

Rukku shares her honest experiences of navigating the acting industry, from facing countless rejections in her pursuit of an agent to the emotional highs and lows of balancing school commitments with demanding auditions. Her story is not just one of perseverance but also of critical decisions that validated her path. Signing with her first agent was a turning point, providing the support that fueled her career, and making the choice to prioritize acting over academics was a bold step that paid off in unexpected ways.

Join us as Rukku takes us behind the scenes of her rigorous drama school training, where she learned the importance of authenticity and discipline. Discover her meticulous approach to character development and the unique insights she gained from her diverse roles in theater and television, including her time on EastEnders. Wrapping up with heartfelt advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the performing arts or looking for inspiration to follow their dreams.

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In this podcast episode, host Charlie Brooks interviews actor David Gyasi, delving into his journey from his beginnings in London to his successful Hollywood career.  He discusses how early influences shaped his acting career, including a pivotal college performance that won over his father's support. David's dedication to his craft and connection to his heritage shine through in every role.

David shares insights into his acting process, emphasising the importance of authenticity and preparation, particularly through auditioning and character exploration. He recounts his experience working on different sets, from small-scale productions to major films like "Maleficent," highlighting the varying degrees of rehearsal time and collaboration involved.

The conversation also touches on personal challenges, including grappling with identity and acceptance, with David sharing a transformative experience related to a role in "Man in an Orange Shirt." Both David and Charlie reflect on handling rejection in the industry, emphasising the importance of staying motivated, maintaining perspective, and trusting in the process.  Throughout the interview, David's journey serves as an inspiring example of dedication, perseverance, and the transformative power of storytelling.

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In this month's new podcast episode, Charlie interviews emerging playwright, Alex Hill, who shares his experiences moving his play "Bum Flare Play" from the Edinburgh Fringe to the Southwick Playhouse.  Coming to the end of his time at drama school, Alex slowly realised that he need more than that to become a success in the industry.  The challenges of a global pandemic and the excitement of European football was an interesting time for our society, where people were acting in rather bizarre ways, and it was a news story of just one of these strange incidents that stuck with Alex, and then became the premise of his play.  You just never know when inspiration is going to hit!

Alex and Charlie discuss the discipline and resilience required to write as well as the influence of personal rituals and the British weather on productivity. In particular, he emphasises the importance of finding your own creative rhythm for success in the arts.  The interview delves into the realities of the festival circuit, with Alex providing insight into the financial and emotional challenges of the Edinburgh Fringe. He highlights the transformative power of collaboration in theater, as demonstrated by his partnership with show director Sean.  

This episode shares valuable insight from Alex and is a lovely, fun conversation between the two friends.

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In the latest iampro podcast episode, Charlie chats to fellow 'Ocean at the End of the Lane' co-star Millie Hikasa.  Millie stared alongside Charlie for the year long touring production, and over that time have become very close; one of the great things about these long term projects being the friends you make.

Millie and Charlie share about the hustle to stay sharp between acting jobs, and the unexpected perks found in "muggle jobs" that can keep both the body and the actor's instrument finely tuned.  They dive deep into how drama school during a pandemic shaped Millie's craft, and instilled a confidence that goes beyond the stage. The episode is peppered with anecdotes on how overheard dialogues can spring into full-blown narratives, and why a notepad is an artist's trusty sidekick. They peer into the shadowy doubts that can haunt even the most experienced performers and reveal how to navigate the path to self-belief, and the importance of celebrating hard-earned accomplishments.

They discuss how resilience, more than talent, can be a true north in navigating the choppy waters of the acting industry, where rejection is as common as curtain calls.   This is a lovely episode that showcases the reality of working in theater and all the highs and lows that come with that.

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In this episode, Charlie is joined by long-time friend and colleague David (or Dave as he is known) Beton, a published author and  director whose life experiences have shaped his unique artistic perspective. From his working class roots and to challenging times as a young adult, Dave opens up how these moments shaped his creative vision. Dave's collaboration with Louis Arnold is an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, showing that determination and a clear artistic direction can make a lasting impact, even for outsiders in the industry.

Dave discusses the delicate dynamics between directors and actors, balancing leadership and collaboration, and the pressures he faced during his first studio project. He emphasizes the importance of fostering confidence in a diverse cast and highlights the contribution of everyone involved in the filmmaking process.

This conversation is a valuable resource for professionals and newcomers alike, exploring the essence of risk-taking and humility in acting. Dave shares personal anecdotes that show the power of preparation and voicing creative ideas, revealing how unexpected film magic can unfold. Charlie and Dave's deep admiration for the artistry and teamwork in film and television shines through, offering a gentle reminder about the significance of determination and enthusiasm in creative accomplishments.

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This episode takes you on a captivating journey with iampro member, coach and actress Enva Lewis, who is freshly off her debut in the film "How to Have Sex." We delve into the intimate world of acting, unearthing her unique experiences, from landing her first role to establishing genuine relationships within the industry. She shares her personal connection with her character, shedding light on the unique style of the film and the critical learning experiences around the subject of assault that the cast traversed. 

Ever wondered how films influence our personal lives and conversations? As we discuss the ripple effects of her debut film on her family and community, Enva reveals how it sparked much-needed discussions about sex and consent. Her father, a mental health nurse, even used the film as a conversation starter among his colleagues, leading to profound discussions on the subject. This journey of self-discovery also takes us through her exciting audition stories, including her recent tryout for a beloved book series, reminding us of the importance of having a solid support system in the industry. 

The industry can be a rollercoaster, and staying grounded is essential. Enva offers an insider’s view of her struggle to balance university life with acting and the importance of pursuing passion over fame. She also shares her experiences with iampro and how it has become a crucial ally in her career. Her insights are invaluable for anyone seeking to break into the industry. So, tune in and let her story inspire your own journey in the world of acting.

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Georgia Taylor is an actress who you will probably recognise as Toyah Battersby from ITV’s Coronation Street. She has had numerous other roles including Ruth Winters in the BBC’s Casualty and Kate Barker in crime series Law & Order: UK. 

In this chat with iampro founder Charlie Brooks, Georgia talks about how she found her passion for acting, self-doubt and navigating fame. She also gives her advice for people looking to break into the industry and reflects on the rollercoaster ride of being an actor. 

#iampro #actress #coronationstreet

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