Offstage Acting

Sometimes an actor goes through all of the training and all of the courses and pays all their dues and does very well and enjoys the education and the process… and then steps out into the bright lights of the industry with all its mechanisms and professional trappings, takes a long look around and says: "Meh. You know what? I don't think this is for me. I don't love it."

And today, Todd Kramer and Jay Reum talk to just such an actor. His name is Rob Cairns. But don't worry about good old Rob—he's landed on his feet.

Rob trained at UEA and the Oxford School of Drama, dove deep into the craft, and came out the other side with clarity: the acting life wasn't his forever path. Instead, he pivoted into a life behind the mic—becoming an audiobook producer and founding Voice Reel London, where he now helps actors and voice artists craft high-quality showreels and narration work.

Jay and Todd recently collaborated with Rob on an audiobook project, and in this episode, they talk all things training, transitions, self-awareness, and sound waves. It's a real look at how one actor stepped back from center stage—and found a new way to perform.

⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 03:00 – When actors realize acting isn't "it" 06:30 – Rob's acting training and Oxford journey 10:00 – The "smart quitter" mindset 13:00 – What drama school really prepares you for 15:30 – Jay and Todd's training comparison 18:30 – From actor to audio engineer 22:00 – Founding Voice Reel London 26:00 – Creating voice reels for today's industry 30:00 – Todd's audiobook adventures 33:00 – The joys and pains of audiobook narration 36:30 – Rob's pivot during COVID 40:00 – The audition disillusion 43:00 – Are you cut out for the actor life? 46:00 – Measuring passion vs. practicality 49:00 – What Rob loves about sound production 52:00 – Todd & Jay riff on zodiacs & Aries vibes 56:00 – "Manifesting" your own creative pivot 59:00 – Final thoughts from Rob

💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Rob's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways!

🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Rob Cairns: Voice Reel London

💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum

📣 Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #voiceover #audioproduction #dramaschool #actorpivot #oxfordschoolofdrama #voicereels #audiobookproduction #careerchange #voicereellondon #creativecareer

It's opera offscreen! 🎼 Todd and Robert review Maria Callas, exploring the emotional highs and tragic lows of the soprano's life. Is this a heartfelt tribute or a performance piece in disguise?

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan? 🎸 Todd and Robert discuss James Mangold's biopic A Complete Unknown. What works, what doesn't, and why it may be one of the most quietly risky films of the year.

#ACompleteUnknown

#movie #acting #actingtraining #film #moviereview #moviereviews #FilmReview #MovieDiscussion #CinemaLovers #FilmCritic #MovieTalk #TrailerReview #NowPlaying #MovieBuff #FilmAnalysis #CinephileCommunity #MovieDebate #HollywoodTalk #IndieFilms #BlockbusterMovies #FilmFanatics #MoviePodcast #FilmGeeks #MovieRecommendations #MustWatchMovies #CinematicExperience #cinema #hollywood #filmmaking #director #actor #screenwriting #movietrailer #trailers #nowwatching #cinephile #movielover #behindthescenes #setlife #filmcritic #moviescene #movienight #filmcommunity #onset #cinematic #moviestar #filmbuff #movieaddict #boxoffice #indiefilm

Today's guest is Nathan Osgood, a boundary-blurring actor, voice artist, and jazz musician whose career spans decades and dimensions.

Todd Kramer and Jay Reum dive into a lively, layered chat with Nathan, whose life has taken him from East End pubs to Broadway, BBC editing suites to Cyberpunk 2077, and Soho jazz clubs to West End stages. Adopted by a Native American G.I. and raised by a Cockney mum, Nathan's unique upbringing shaped a chameleon-like versatility that's made him a standout across mediums.

They cover everything from the "hurry up and wait" grind of film sets, to the jazz trio that's been packing out London pubs for years. With stories about Meryl Streep, Cillian Murphy, and narrating Mark Twain, Nathan keeps it both hilarious and heartfelt. Whether you're a theatre purist, a VO nerd, or someone who just wants to stay creatively lit, this one's for you.

⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 03:00 – Meet Nathan Osgood 05:30 – Born British, Raised Mohawk-Cockney 08:00 – From Film Editor to Full-Time Actor 11:30 – Early Acting Days and Big Stage Breaks 14:20 – Jazz Life on the Side 17:00 – Broadway, West End, and the National 20:00 – What Actors Really Remember From Set 24:00 – The Long List of Collaborators 28:30 – Audiobooks and Accents Galore 31:00 – Winning the Earphones Award 34:00 – Lego Star Wars and Cyberpunk Cameos 37:00 – Life as a Voice Actor 40:00 – Mentoring the Next Gen of Performers 43:00 – The Grit and Grind of Staying in the Game 47:00 – Balancing Jazz, Acting, and Family 50:00 – Soho Sets and Sunday Rehearsals 53:00 – Dialects and Character Play 56:00 – Why the Work is Always the Reward 59:00 – Advice for Lifelong Creatives

💬 Join the Conversation What inspired you about Nathan's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways!

🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Nathan Osgood: IMDb

💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum

#️⃣ Hashtags #acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #act #actorslife #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing #voiceacting #jazzguitar #broadwayactor #cyberpunk2077 #audiobooknarrator #marktwain #lego #sohojazz #nathanosgood #creativecareer

Robert Eggers resurrects the vampire myth in Nosferatu—but is it chilling, or just cinema cosplay? 🧛‍♂️ Todd and Robert sink their teeth into this dark reimagining and debate its place in horror history.

LINKTREE

Jay Reum and Todd Kramer sit down with actor Isaac Gonzalez Rossi, a charming Cuban-American performer whose journey from the vibrant streets of Miami to the bright lights of Hollywood feels genuinely cinematic.

With a passion for storytelling sparked early in life, Isaac talks openly about finding his footing as an actor, navigating identity, ambition, and opportunity, and steadily building a career role by role. Along the way, he reflects on heritage, craft, and the confidence required to keep showing up in an industry that rewards persistence as much as talent.

Warm, funny, and refreshingly honest, this conversation explores what it means to grow into yourself as an artist — and how charm, discipline, and heart can carry you a long way. A true Latin prince charming, with the work ethic to back it up.

00:00 – Welcome & introducing Isaac Gonzalez Rossi 03:40 – Growing up in Miami and early creative sparks 08:30 – Discovering acting and the pull toward storytelling 13:50 – Cultural identity and representation 19:10 – Leaving home and chasing bigger opportunities 24:30 – First steps toward Hollywood 30:00 – Charm, confidence, and being yourself on screen 35:40 – Auditions, setbacks, and momentum 41:10 – Roles that helped shape his career 46:30 – Balancing ambition with authenticity 52:10 – What Isaac looks for in characters 57:40 – Lessons learned along the way 01:03:10 – Advice for actors coming up now 01:08:30 – What's next on the horizon 01:13:50 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

What resonated with you in Isaac's story? Are you navigating identity, ambition, or a big leap of your own as an actor? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways.

🎧 Podcast & more: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/offstageacting ❌ X: https://x.com/OffstageActing 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/offstageacting 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@offstageacting 🌐 Todd's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 🌐 Jay's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jayreum

#acting #actingpodcast #actor #actors #actorslife #WorkingActor #LatinActors #HollywoodJourney #CareerStories #IsaacGonzalezRossi #ToddKramer #JayReum #OffstageActing

Tim Otis is an actor who has appeared in countless film and TV projects and has done - get this - a staggering 100 commercials. Well, when both your father and stepfather were actors from Hollywood's golden age, chances are you'll end up somewhere in the entertainment industry. But Tim's path is far from typical. Based in Prague, he's also a sought-after DJ, longtime radio presenter, vinyl purist, and passionate advocate for addiction recovery. He's a dad, a husband, a brother to fellow actor Ted Otis Jr., and (fun fact) the son of an heiress to the Listerine fortune - maybe that's why he always ends up playing some kind of medical professional...? In this episode, Todd Kramer (@toddkramer) and Jay Reum catch up with their old friend to hear stories from a life lived boldly across stages, sets, and DJ booths. Tim reflects on the commercial grind, navigating the Czech casting scene, growing up on Hollywood backlots, and how he's found purpose beyond the camera. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 02:10 – Tim Otis intro & career teaser 04:30 – Saving a life at a VO agent party 08:00 – Training for whitewater rescue 11:00 – DJ days in Prague's hottest clubs 13:30 – Booking work in early 2000s Eastern Europe 15:20 – Life as "the commercial guy" 18:00 – Being the CEO, doctor, or clipboard guy 20:40 – Prague's casting scene then vs now 23:15 – A hundred ads and counting 25:00 – Family legacy: growing up with Clifford David 28:10 – A stepfather's warning: "The rejection business" 30:00 – Commercials, radio, and vinyl passion projects 33:20 – Loving radio & broadcasting 36:00 – Self-tapes vs in-person castings 38:20 – Regional advice: Prague, Budapest, Sofia 41:10 – Tim's first acting gig story 43:00 – Day jobs and sustaining the creative hustle 45:30 – A journeyman actor's mindset 48:00 – Gratitude, preparation & faking confidence 50:30 – Shoutouts, memories, and mutual admiration 52:00 – Outro & final thoughts

💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Tim's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways!

🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Guest Links: https://linktr.ee/optimism1 💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum

This episode is one of the most raw and powerful conversations we've had on Offstage Acting. Actor, mentor, and creative soul Richard Camacho joins us to talk about transformation — not the kind that happens in the makeup chair, but the kind that happens deep within.

From time spent in prison to performing Shakespeare, from homelessness to helping others break cycles of trauma, Richard's journey is a testament to the healing and redemptive power of the arts. It's a gripping, emotional, and at times spiritual conversation — with plenty of laughs along the way.

00:00 – Opening 02:30 – Meeting Richard: energy, intensity, and presence 06:00 – Growing up in East LA: identity and danger 09:00 – First jail stint and the beginning of a pattern 12:30 – How prison changed his outlook 16:00 – Discovering acting in a halfway house 19:30 – "It wasn't a career — it was a lifeline" 22:00 – First play, first Shakespeare moment 26:00 – Theatre vs. therapy: using the stage to heal 30:00 – Jay on rage, grief, and masculine silence 34:00 – Acting as activism: giving voice to the voiceless 38:00 – Richard's approach to roles: heart, soul, story 42:00 – Building a life after the system 46:00 – Helping others break cycles through art 50:00 – Big dreams and grounded wisdom 54:00 – Wrap-up and final reflections

💬 Join the Conversation Which part of Richard's story hit you the hardest? Drop us a comment or tag us — we want to hear from you.

🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW

🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/offstageacting ❌ X: https://x.com/OffstageActing

#BogotaTheatre #TheatreCommunity #LivePerformance #ActingCommunity #TheatreLife #StageStorytelling #ActorsOfTheWorld #TheatreArts #CulturalExchange #TeatroBogotá #TeatroColombiano #ArteYCultura #ComunidadTeatral #EscenaBogotá #ArtesEscénicas #TeatroIndependiente #FestivalDeTeatro #Actuación #HistoriasEnEscena #BogotáCultural #TeatroParaTodos #ComunidadesCreativas #ArteQueTransforma #TeatroSocial #EscenaLatina #BogotáArte #TeatroYComunidad

This one's just us. 🎭 No guest. No filters. Just two working actors — Todd Kramer and Jay Reum — getting real about what it takes to stay in the game when everything feels stuck.

We talk about burnout, creative droughts, shifting priorities, bad auditions, fighting for mental clarity, and figuring out what really fuels you as an artist. It's funny, it's fierce, and it's the kind of episode every actor should bookmark for the next time they feel like quitting.

Whether you're broke, blocked, or just plain tired, this Bonusode will remind you why we do it — and how to keep doing it on your own terms.

00:00 – Opening 02:30 – Actor New Year chaos: what even is this industry 07:30 – Creative slumps and why they sneak up on you 12:30 – What's the point when nothing's working? 17:30 – The future, the fear, and forging your own path 22:30 – What motivates us (and what definitely doesn't) 27:30 – Small wins, big perspective 31:30 – Holding space for your actor self 36:00 – Final words: keep going

💬 Join the Conversation Been in a slump lately? Tell us how you're staying motivated (or not). Drop a comment or DM us.

🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/offstageacting ❌ X: https://x.com/OffstageActing

• 🔗 Todd's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer

• 🔗 Jay's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jayreum

#actingpodcast #actorlife #motivationforactors #burnout #workingactors #toddandjay #offstageacting #actorsupport #creativityslump

Ho ho hold on to your caps boys and girls, gather round and meet Stephen Wickham, the UK's one-and-only Real Santa. His beard is so real, so lush, so downright jolly that it has its own fan club (with Jay as the self-appointed, president).

Stephen doesn't just play Santa. He is Santa. No, really. Just don't ask about the reindeer. The insurance premiums are enough to make an elf cry. But here's the twist. When he's not climbing down chimneys or listening to your child ask for a the latest iPhone, Stephen is an actor. A proper actor. We're talking 40 years of stage-and-screen credits, Christmas commercials, and roles where he wasn't even required to say "Ho ho ho" (although we bet he did anyway).

So join Todd Kramer and Jay Reum as they dive headfirst into Stephen's Santa-shaped life. They'll unwrap the myths, sip the eggnog, dodge the tinsel, and discover how one man turned a casting brief into a full-blown sleigh ride of a career and find out how one man makes a living playing Father Christmas when all he ever gets paid in is milk and cookies.

⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening 02:00 – Santa crashes the intro 03:30 – Meet Stephen Wickham 05:10 – Becoming the UK's real Santa 07:30 – Commercials, movies, and holiday magic 09:45 – Early acting days and first tours 12:15 – Working with Bill Kenwright 14:30 – The beard is real 15:50 – Getting cast in Mrs. Brown's Boys 17:20 – Embracing the Santa niche 19:10 – Acting versus Santa gigs 21:40 – Playing the "big guy" roles 23:00 – Childhood inspirations and early performances 25:30 – Life on the road with Joseph 28:00 – The craft of repetition and performing 30:15 – Actor grind: travel, trains, and tinsel 32:00 – Family legacy in film industry 34:20 – From Darth Vader to Father Christmas 36:30 – The real Santa's website 38:00 – Joy in performance 40:00 – Audience reactions and holiday spirit 42:00 – Staying grounded and grateful 44:00 – Closing thoughts from Santa

💬 Join the Conversation What resonated with you in Stephen's story? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways!

🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎧 Full Podcast & More: https://offstageacting.com/podcast 🤩 Facebook: https://facebook.com/OffstageActing 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/OffstageActing 🌍 Guest: https://www.therealsanta.co.uk

💫 TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer 💫 JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum