Second Act Actors

On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Ken Ferguson, another second act actor who came to the screen after a very varied career which included turns as a court reporter, a teacher, a professional bather, and a traveler.  Since starting acting, he’s had background roles in major films such as Suicide Squad, and he’s also appeared in many commercials and in a self-directed project where he took baths in strangers’ houses.

Ken gives some great advice that will be helpful to any other new actors, from how to tell a good agent from a bad agent, to what the difference in schedule is between a union and a non-union actor. He also explains how his acting classes with Second City and Lunacy Cabaret helped him to prepare for going to real auditions. Later, we talk about type casting, which can sometimes help an actor to book roles but can also be a constraint.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast so that you don’t miss out on fun conversations with other new actors, sharing their wisdom and their perspective.

Timestamps

[0:33] Clicking with acting class buddies

[4:10] The parts that casting directors expect you to play based on your appearance

[6:17] The big secret about casting directors

[7:38] Ken’s very first acting role

[9:30] Moving to Japan and becoming a teacher

[13:20] Ken’s many first acts

[17:10] Taking clown classes

[20:08] Ken turns 30 and breaks a tooth, breaks his phone and starts acting

[22:32] Ken’s bath series

[23:08] Ken’s advice on how to pick a good agent

[25:43] The difference between being a union and a non-union actor

[26:42] Having a recognizable look as an actor

[29:29] The pluses and minuses of typecasting

[30:24] What Ken learnt about the film industry in his Second City acting classes

[33:53] Booking a role as ‘that creepy guy’

[34:48] The overlap between being a court reporter and an actor

[37:34] What acting means to Ken now

[39:52] The activities that bring Ken joy and his plans for the coming year

Links

Ken on Instagram

Ken on IMDb

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

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Trish Rainone works both in front and behind the camera. Most recently, she is a producer on A CHRISTMAS LETTER, debuting on CBC and CBC Gem. Trish also makes a small cameo as Sally, the biker bar waitress. Trish and producing partner, Rebeka Herron are also the founders of the Sault Film Festival, celebrating the voices of Northern Ontario, Canada. On-screen, Trish plays the tough prisoner, Top Dog (Nikki Picano), on the series PINK IS IN (Bell Fibe TV.) She co-directed season two, airing in March 2022. Trish is the co-creator of the comedy series MY ROOMMATE'S AN ESCORT and appears as the non-confrontational, small-town roommate Heather in two seasons of the show (SEEKA TV.) It's first season debuted on Youtube, gained over a million views and was featured on the pop culture tv series eTalk on CTV. Her directorial-debut short film MILK airs on Amazon Prime US/UK and Vimeo world-wide. Trish co-hosts the podcast that celebrates short scripts, DRUNK READ-THRUS, with Rebeka Herron. The two are going into their third season. Trish can usually be found with a cup of coffee in-hand, she enjoys eating cheese and once a year she regretfully cuts her own bangs.   

Links

Trish on Instagram

Trish on Twitter

Trish on TikTok

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Second Act Actors has a guest who had a variety of experience before starting her acting career. Trish Rainone completed a degree in film studies and psychology and went on to work with autistic children before a stint managing a café. However, her lifelong passion for acting eventually won out, and she’s had a successful career both in front of and behind a camera, including a role on the Bell Fibe TV’s comedy series Pink Is In.

Trish talks me through her pathway into acting, explaining how her job in the café helped to develop her acting skills and gave her insider knowledge on how to get more exposure. She also gives me the full origin story of Pink Is In and shares tips on how your attitude is key to making connections and gaining experience in the world of film. Having an open mind and learning to be motivated by the nos as well as the yeses is a great mindset to have if you’re starting out as an actor! Later on, Trish dives into how writers and producers view the process of auditions and booking roles, which is great insider advice that can help new actors to feel less lonely and helpless.

Listen to the end to find out Trish’s number 1 tip on how to prepare yourself for a successful career in acting, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast to hear more interviews with talented actors breaking into the film industry.

Timestamps

[2:22] Seeing Snoop Dogg in real life

[6:28] Trish’s pathway to acting

[8:02] Booking a role in a horror film

[9:49] Trish’s passion for acting

[11:35] How managing a café helped Trish to become a better actor

[13:23] Tapping into a creative advertising budget

[14:16] Moving to Toronto to pursue acting

[16:27] Just say yes: How Trish gained her on set experience

[17:30] The origin story of Pink Is In

[18:25] Trish’s tip: Get rid of your ego to broaden your horizons

[20.12] What surprised Trish about starting an acting career

[24:45] Coping with the ups and downs of acting

[27:58] It’s not about you, it’s about the acting

[29:50] The producer’s point of view on booking roles

[35:22] Facing doubt from family and friends outside the industry

[39:40] Trish’s number 1 tip for getting into acting

[41:35] What Trish is looking forward to for 2022

[43:20] An upcoming role for Janet?

[46:05] How to land a job in the film industry

Links

Trish on Instagram

Trish on Twitter

Trish on TikTok

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on this week’s episode of Second Act Actors has had a very varied and interesting life. Ken Arnold grew up wanting to be a professional baseball player and played for the Baltimore Orioles, but he encountered injuries and other issues in his athletic career. When he was let go by his team at the age of 25, he wondered what he should do with the rest of his life and by chance, he settled on acting. Since then, he’s had appearances on The Wire, Law and Order and House of Cards, and he’s also moved into directing, writing and producing.

If you’re looking to get into acting, you’ll want to tune into this episode to learn from Ken. He gives a TON of fantastic advice that new actors will find very useful, including what he tells new actors in his acting classes to help them to gain confidence. He also shares insights on how to have a successful career as an actor and get ahead in the industry. Listen to the end to hear Ken’s words of wisdom for getting into acting later in life, which might give you the kick you need to let go of the fear that’s holding you back.

Subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast so that you never miss an episode with other guests just as cool and funny as Ken, who all took the leap into acting and their second act of life.

Timestamps

[0:36] Ken’s appearance on The Wire

[1:30] Ken’s college years and first act as a baseball player

[4:25] A twinge in the knee and an operation

[6:20] Moving to Winnipeg, then Texas

[7:58] What’s next after baseball for Ken? 

[9:06] Finding an acting class through the Yellow Pages

[10:58] Leaving baseball behind for good

[12:45] The roots of Ken’s acting career in his childhood and first act

[14:03] What are the similarities between being a professional baseball player and a professional actor?

[17:10] “Acting is the art of relaxation” and other inspiring things Ken says to actors in training

[19:15] What’s the number one thing that you need to be to become an actor?

[21:38] What surprised Ken about working in the entertainment industry

[23:40] An on set story with an unusual gig that Ken had booked

[27:07] Ken gives an insight on what it was like to work on The Wire

[29:24] The importance of building relationships in the entertainment industry

[31:11] Ken’s exciting upcoming projects

[32:48] Shooting a western in Austria, in a pandemic

[35:27] How would Ken’s family describe his job?

[36:47] Appletinis With Ken: Ken’s live show on Facebook

[39:46] Final words from Ken and a shout out to his supportive wife

Links

Ken’s website

Ken on Instagram

Ken on Facebook

Ken on Twitter

A Comedy of Horrors on Facebook

A Town Called Purgatory on Facebook

We Own This City on IMDb

Appletinis With Ken on Twitter

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Second Act Actors, I take a break from talking with actors to connect with Helen Tansey, who transitioned from a career in modelling to become a full time photographer. Today, she’s known for taking headshots of some of the most famous actors and celebrities, and she captures their essence in a unique and dynamic way. Her work has been featured on TV and in many magazines.  

Helen and I dive into the topic of age discrimination, which is a problem everywhere but particularly in the film industry in North America. Helen launched a project to photograph women over the age of 40, whom she calls ‘Sundari Women’, to showcase their beauty and to celebrate the process of ageing. As Helen says, fighting age discrimination starts with us and with refusing to be side-lined.

Later, we talk about dealing with rejection, which is a constant problem of starting out as an actor. It’s very difficult to give it your all in an audition and to be incredibly vulnerable in front of strangers and to still be turned away. Helen finds this vulnerability in actors to be a real gift, and they’re some of her favourite clients to work with because they can be open and honest, even when they’re struggling in their career.

Listen out for Helen’s tips on getting headshots for new actors, and subscribe to the podcast so that you don’t miss an episode.

Timestamps

[2:07] How Helen started her second act of photography after being a model

[4:00] What Helen gained from her modelling career

[5:51] Setting the subject of the photo shoot at ease

[8:31] What Helen does to keep her creative fires burning

[10:50] Using meditation to become a better actor

[15:30] “Fighting against age discrimination starts with us”

[19:00] What surprised Helen about starting in a new industry

[22:05] The only acting audition that Helen attended

[22:52] Facing rejection as a new actor

[26:25] Helen on working with actors

[27:49] Advice on paving your way to a career transition

[29:54] Helen’s advice to new actors looking to get headshots

[31:40] A solo song during a photoshoot

[34:53] How Helen’s family would describe her job

Links

Sundari Photography website

Helen on LinkedIn

Helen on Instagram

The Feminine Warrior Podcast

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I got to chat with Sarah Cleveland, another second act actor who started her acting career once her family had grown up and she had more time and energy to explore her passion. Originally from Canada, she moved to Kentucky where she featured in Disney’s film The Music Man. This experience confirmed her love for acting and helped her to develop a professional network who also became her close friends.

Sarah’s acting career hasn’t followed a traditional path as she faced many changes in her life, from working in the United States to working in Canada. She defines her first act as being a mom, which helped her develop her organisational skills and also gave her the flexibility to adapt to the turbulent world of acting.

Together, Sarah and I discuss the bonds that actors make on set and how to balance being supportive of your colleagues against the backdrop of a very competitive industry. We also touched on the role that a family can play in supporting an acting career and Sarah gives advice to any other moms looking to begin an acting career. At the end of the episode, Sarah drops an exciting hint about her next big project.

Subscribe to the Second Act Actors Podcast to hear more inspiring interviews with people who risked it all to pursue their dream career.

Timestamps

[3:17] Sarah introduces herself and her family

[5:04] The roots of Sarah’s passion for acting

[6:27] A freezing day on set ending in a bowl of chilli and supportive acting friends

[9:11] Transplanting an acting career from one country to another

[11:57] Sarah’s first act: Being a stay-at-home mum

[14:39] Being an actor means giving up control

[15:45] What surprised Sarah about getting into the entertainment industry

[18:10] Balancing competitiveness and support with your actor colleagues

[20:29] The trigger that jump started Sarah’s acting career

[22:15] How Sarah’s family have supported her career

[23:35] Sarah’s advice for anyone considering evolving from their first act as a mum to become an actor

[25:41] How Sarah’s family would describe her career

[26:15] The difficulty of announcing your career to strangers

[28:42] Yes, working in the arts is a serious career option

[31:48] Sarah’s feature film A Father’s Fight and her next film I Can

Links

Sarah Cleveland’s website

Sarah Cleveland on Instagram

Sarah Cleveland on Facebook

Sarah on IMDb

Trailer for the I Can feature film

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with my friend and fellow actor Jessica Myrie. We met on my first ever booking as an actor!

Jessica starts off by talking about her self-care regime of breathing and mindset work, which she believes is an essential tool if you’re looking to get into acting. She credits her success in the film industry to her mindset, as she’s worked hard to establish a positive mindset and to become resilient to setbacks. As she explains, if you love acting then you need to be in the industry for the long haul, even if you don’t find success straight away. It takes a long time to get established so if you’re expecting quick wins, you may well be disappointed!

Later on, Jessica gives advice to other would-be actors looking to break into the industry, covering the importance of having financial stability so you have capital to invest in yourself, your training and your headshots. This might mean keeping your day job going as you start looking for acting work, but it doesn’t mean that you’ll never be an actor. If this is the situation you’re in, listen out for Jessica’s tips on how to balance acting and your day job.

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to show your support for the podcast and leave a review to help other actors in the community to find the show.

Timestamps

[1:47] How I met Jessica

[3:53] Breath and mindset work in the acting industry

[7:12] Why Jessica started focusing on her mindset and self-care regime

[9:00] How Jessica got into acting

[13:08] What changed when Jessica got an agent

[14:36] Being a go-getter in the acting world

[17:59] Hanging in the acting industry for the long haul

[20:00] Jessica on switching from being money-oriented to happiness-oriented in her career

[23:48] You might have to work for free at the beginning, but not forever

[25:58] What surprised Jessica about working as an actor

[27:29] Leonardo DiCaprio and the love of acting

[30:46] How to get into show business, even if you didn’t go to theater school

[33:47] Tips on choosing the right photographer for your headshots

[36:00] Jessica talks about her self-doubt in the tough times and how she overcame it

[37:14] What Jessica learnt from her acting training

[40:21] Don’t give up your day job

[42:08] It’s got to align with acting

[44:26] What Jessica is looking forward to for 2022

[46:51] Look out for Jessica’s YouTube channel and upcoming feature film

[50:18] Breaking into the industry without a support community

[51:59] Jessica on using her marketing background to promote Black Actors Canada

[53:16] Black Actors Canada is open to everyone

Links

Jessica on Instagram

Jessica on YouTube

Jessica on IMDb

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with Francesca Decker, a fellow doctor actor!! Francesca’s route into acting came about through her mother’s terminal illness, which occurred when Francesca was at medical school. After her mother’s death, Francesca started to make changes to her life and found the time and space to start acting classes, which blew her mind and sparked a passion that has stayed with her since. Eventually she and her husband moved to Los Angeles so that she could pursue an acting career.

Francesca and I talk about the therapeutic process of acting and how getting in touch with your inner child can allow you to access deeper emotions. We then move on to analyze how being a doctor can help with acting, which Francesca believes has really helped her. Later, Francesca gives advice on overcoming image issues when seeking a career in acting, especially when pregnant, and we get into the topic of balancing the demands of motherhood and acting. It’s not easy, but things seem to be changing little by little!

Please subscribe to the podcast so that you don’t miss more inspiring stories from people who were brave enough to embrace their passion. 

Timestamps

[4:04] Francesca introduces herself and talks about her medical career

[6:00] Francesca’s mum’s illness and the birth of the concept of a human doctor

[9:28] Coping with grief and learning to focus on doing just one thing

[13:26] Francesca’s first acting classes

[16:37] Making the decision to move to Los Angeles and to go all in on acting

[18:16] Trying to cope with a habit of emotional restraint as a doctor

[22:05] The shame and fear of grief

[23:56] Improving your acting skills by getting in touch with your inner child

[25:18] Acting was going great….until March 2020

[27:21] Francesca’s intermission of practicing medicine during the pandemic

[28:57] What being a doctor can bring to being an actor

[31:32] Pursuing an acting career whilst pregnant, and other images issues

[37:40] Auditioning for acting roles when pregnant

[42:40] A supportive family network

[45:54] What surprised Francesca about starting acting

[48:03] Balancing acting and motherhood

[49:53] Breastfeeding on set as a background actor

[52:07] Being a doctor during the pandemic

[55:43] Francesca’s words of wisdom on pregnancy and how it changes how women are perceived

Links

Francesca on Instagram

A human doctor website

A human doctor on Facebook

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today on the Second Act Actors Podcast is the talented Karrie Kwong, an actress whose first act included a corporate role in advertising which she’s only recently left to pursue acting full time. She has credits in TV shows such as Coroner, which complement her appearance in a national TV commercial. She’s also founded a production company that focuses on showcasing women’s stories.

Karrie and I talk about her pathway from advertising into acting, which she planned meticulously, working on both her mindset and her financial stability. She’s also brought other elements from her advertising career into her life as an actor, such as providing services to other actors like coaching and a demo reel service. We also discuss the importance of working on your acting skills to hone your craft. Karrie believes that acting is a product that you deliver, and only regular practice helps to deliver a quality product.

Later in the episode, Karrie and I get into the subject of protecting your emotional health. She tries to take care of herself and live a balanced and full life, because she thinks that whatever’s going on in your life can come out in your acting. She’s also done extensive work on herself to learn how to correct her limiting beliefs and to manifest her success.

Please subscribe to the podcast and rate and review it to help other aspiring actors to find the show.

Timestamps

[1:45] Karrie’s first act

[3:37] Her transition into full-time acting

[6:44] Overcoming imposter syndrome in acting

[12:23] Karrie’s defining moment when she knew she could give up her day job

[14:04] Mindset work and using your logical brain to prepare for a transition into acting

[16:57] “Actors should never only be actors”: What your first act can bring to your second act

[20:58] It is all about who you know, but not because of nepotism

[22:38] What Karrie’s learnt about acting since she started

[24:40] Protecting your aura and emotional health as part of acting

[29:19] Your emotional state comes out in your acting

[31:13] My own balance between my first and second act

[34:28] Karrie’s advice for people switching into acting

[39:05] Mindset work for aspiring actors

[43:26] Karrie’s memorable acting moment

[45:35] What Karrie’s family say about her job as an actor

[47:40] Gaining control over your future

Links

Karrie Kwong website

Karrie on Instagram

Karrie on Facebook

Karrie on IMDb

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with actress, director, author, and producer Lisa Crawford. Lisa has had an incredible journey towards acting, which includes being an elevator technician, managing casinos, and gender transition.

Lisa and I discuss the merits of using background work as a transition into an acting career, as background work can help you to develop professional connections and learn acting techniques at the same time as being paid and fed. Lisa also talks about her show Pink Is In, the second season of which is coming out in March 2021 on Bell Fibe TV. The show was born out of a chance meeting on set between Lisa and other background actors, who decided to make a comedy set in a women’s prison together. Thoroughly Canadian in spirit, the show has a cast of diverse characters who have stories that go beyond their gender identity and sexual orientation.

Lisa gives tips on transitioning into acting from a different career and she also explains how to avoid burnout when pursuing an acting career. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories of people who turn to acting later in life and to learn how you can start your own acting career.

Timestamps

[1:15] Lisa introduces herself and talks about her early experiences of film and background acting

[5:11] Lisa’s first films

[7:50] Patient roleplaying as an acting job

[9:56] Lisa’s childhood dream to make films

[12:58] Background acting as film school

[15:00] The origins of Lisa’s new show Pink Is In

[18:24] Representation and diversity in Pink Is In

[20:45] Rejecting typecasting and giving actors the chance to try out a different role

[23:35] What surprised Lisa about working in the entertainment industry

[26:27] The difference between first act actors and second act actors

[28:08] Lisa’s advice on switching into a career in acting

[29:56] How Lisa’s past experiences have helped to further her acting career

[32:38] Avoiding burnout in acting

[34:35] The funniest story I have heard in a long time

[36:11] How Lisa’s family would describe her career

[37:47] January is the waiting month…fingers crossed for good news

Links

Lisa on Instagram

Lisa on Twitter

Pink Is In website

Pink Is In on Instagram

Pink Is In on Facebook

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.