In this conversation, Valerie Lalonde shares her journey from a shy theater enthusiast to a professional actor. She discusses the importance of support from her family, her experiences in school, and the challenges of transitioning to the competitive acting scene in Toronto. Valerie emphasizes the need for artistic fulfillment outside of auditions, the significance of vulnerability in acting, and the importance of trusting oneself as an artist. She concludes with encouraging advice for aspiring actors to pursue their passions and embrace their unique experiences.

Takeaways

• Finding artistic fulfillment outside of auditions is crucial for actors.
• The business side of acting can be overwhelming and unexpected.
• Emotional vulnerability is essential in acting, making it a challenging profession.
• Celebrating small wins in acting can help maintain motivation

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In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Raffael Ponce-Valencia explore Raffael's journey from a late start in acting to finding his passion through various life experiences. They discuss the importance of teamwork, the transition from sports to acting, and the lessons learned along the way. Raffael shares personal anecdotes that shaped his perspective on life and creativity, emphasizing the beauty of pursuing one's dreams despite challenges. He discusses the challenges of self-doubt and rejection, the joy of creating opportunities, and memorable experiences on set. Raffael also highlights the significance of self-compassion and mental health in the pursuit of artistic endeavors, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys and be kind to themselves.

Takeaways

• Teamwork is crucial in both sports and acting careers.
• Gratitude plays a significant role in enjoying one's career.
• Fear of starting can be overcome with self-motivation.
• Rejection is a part of the acting journey; learn to embrace it.
• Creating your own opportunities is essential in the industry.
• Mental health plays a crucial role in artistic success.
• Embrace failure as a part of the growth process.
• There is a unique journey for everyone in the acting world.

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In this engaging conversation, Watson shares her journey from a small town to the world of theatre, discussing the importance of community, self-belief, and the impact of the pandemic. The conversation delves into the complexities of navigating the Canadian arts scene, highlighting the need for change and the importance of confidence in performance. Watson and Janet express frustration over the inaction among artists, the unique support for local art, and the difficulties of competing with larger global industries like Hollywood. They emphasize the importance of legacy building, the need for commercial viability in storytelling, and the role of marketing in promoting Canadian content. The discussion also touches on gender dynamics in the industry and the fear of change in artistic careers, concluding with advice for aspiring actors to embrace their unique paths.

Takeaways

• Self-belief is essential in overcoming doubts about acting.
• Navigating the industry requires adaptability and resilience.
• Confidence in performance is built through experience and self-discovery.
• Legacy building is crucial for the future of Canadian arts.

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In this conversation, 4x Emmy nominated hairstylist Raissa Patton shares her unique journey, detailing her family background, early influences, and the challenges she faced in the hair and makeup industry. She discusses the importance of unions, the surprises she encountered in her career, and offers valuable advice for actors on how to collaborate effectively on set. She emphasizes the importance of communication, the value of collaboration, and the lessons learned from setbacks. Raissa also expresses optimism for future opportunities and the significance of being prepared for the unpredictable nature of the industry.

Takeaways

• Building a career in hair and makeup requires creativity and collaboration.
• Networking and connections are crucial in the film industry.
• Actors should come prepared for hair and makeup fittings.
• Collaboration on set involves balancing the needs of directors and actors.
• Freelance work can lead to financial instability without proper support.
• It's essential to be open-minded and consider others' ideas in creative processes.
• Building relationships with crew members can lead to lifelong friendships.
• The transformative power of hair and makeup can significantly impact performances.
• Embracing the journey and learning from experiences is vital for growth.

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In this conversation, Jacob Wyse shares his unique journey from aspiring doctor to actor, highlighting the importance of creativity, family support, and the courage to pursue one's passion. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a career in acting, the balance between logic and creativity, and the excitement of navigating the unknown in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the need for passion and courage in pursuing one's dreams, while also reflecting on memorable moments in his acting journey. He discusses the surprises of the industry, including the unpredictability of success and the challenges of being an actor.

Takeaways

• There's an unspoken connection with the audience during performance.
• Acting can serve as an emotional release and creative outlet.
• Building a community is essential when moving to a new city.
• Engaging in local activities can foster connections in the industry.
• Life is too short to not pursue your passions.

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In this engaging conversation, Alison Mullings shares her journey into the world of acting and podcasting, discussing the importance of storytelling, the challenges of theater school, and the evolving landscape of the acting industry. The dialogue highlights the significance of personal growth, family support, and the unique experiences that shape an artist's career. Alison's passion for celebrating Canadian talent and her reflections on education provide valuable insights for aspiring actors and creatives. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Alison's podcast, the inspiration found in conversations, and concludes with valuable advice on pursuing creative endeavors without waiting for permission.

Takeaways

• Family support is crucial, even if they initially doubt the career choice.
• Theater school can be a mixed experience, depending on personal investment.
• Education is often wasted on the young; maturity changes perspective.
• The acting industry is slowly changing to include more diverse body types.
• Hosting a podcast has helped Alison become more comfortable in her own skin.
• Networking is crucial in the creative industry.
• Starting projects without waiting for perfect conditions is essential.

https://www.alisonmullings.com/projects-8

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In this conversation, Casting Associate Kelly Boaz shares their unique journey from being an actor to a casting director, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. They emphasize the importance of mentorship in the casting industry, the nuances of auditioning, and the relationship between actors and casting directors. Kelly also provides valuable tips for actors to enhance their auditions and discusses the significance of agency representation in the industry. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and encouragement for aspiring actors.

TAKEAWAYS

• Transitioning careers can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Mentorship is crucial in the casting industry.
• The casting process involves collaboration and organization.
• Understanding the character's context is vital for auditions.
• Casting directors want actors to succeed and shine.

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In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Kat Fury discuss Kat's journey from a finance career in Singapore to pursuing acting in Toronto. Kat shares her experiences of moving to Canada, the challenges of starting a new career, and the supportive community within the acting industry. They explore the surprises and realities of acting, the importance of networking, and the whimsical nature of pursuing a career in the arts. She offers practical advice for those looking to make similar career changes, highlights memorable experiences in acting, and discusses her aspirations in fitness and comedy. Kat also stresses the significance of personal branding and entrepreneurship for artists, providing valuable resources for newcomers in the industry.

Takeaways

• Networking and taking classes are crucial in the acting industry.
• It's important to have hobbies outside of acting to stay motivated.
• Explore interests from childhood to guide your career path.
• Continuous learning and exploration are key to growth.

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In this conversation, John Mawson shares his unique journey from a successful career in the Merchant Navy to becoming an actor and filmmaker. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to pursue his passion for acting later in life, emphasizing the importance of commitment, continuous learning, and the collaborative nature of the arts. John also highlights his project 'Unsinkable,' inspired by a true story from World War II, showcasing his dedication to storytelling and resilience in the face of challenges. He shares insights on working with A-list actors, the release and reception of his project 'Unsinkable', and his aspirations for future film and TV adaptations.

Takeaways

• John emphasizes the importance of commitment and hard work in acting.
• The evolution of a story can be complex and multifaceted.
• Writing from a character's perspective can enhance storytelling.
• Good projects attract talent and collaboration.
• Writing is a technical skill that requires practice and learning..

https://wondery.com/shows/unsinkable/

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In this conversation, John Thomas Gauthier shares his journey into acting, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced while pursuing his passion in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, networking, and staying motivated amidst the ups and downs of an acting career. John also provides valuable advice for aspiring actors, particularly those looking to enter the industry later in life, and reflects on the realities of being a character actor in a visually driven industry. He emphasizes the importance of self-production in showcasing his range as an actor, while also reflecting on the support from his family and memorable moments on set. John looks ahead to future projects and offers insightful advice on finding joy in the creative process.

Takeaways

• Networking is crucial in the entertainment industry; it's often about who you know.
• Staying motivated involves surrounding yourself with supportive peers and exploring different roles.
• Formal education in acting does not guarantee success; passion and hard work are essential.
• Character actors often face challenges due to similar looks and types in casting.
• Being observant in everyday life can enhance acting skills. Having a unique appearance can be both an advantage and a disadvantage in acting.
• The relationship with oneself is the most important one.

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