Second Act Actors

In this engaging conversation, Ashwyn Singh shares his journey from a computer scientist to a stand-up comedian, discussing the cultural shocks he faced after moving to Canada, the challenges of the comedy industry, and the importance of artistic freedom. He reflects on his experiences with open mics, the impact of his background in computer science on his comedy, and offers valuable advice for aspiring comedians. The discussion also touches on memorable moments in his career and his upcoming projects, emphasizing the pursuit of authenticity in art.

Takeaways

• Comedy allows for a unique form of freedom of expression.
• Artistic freedom is a pursuit that requires self-awareness and courage.
• Memorable moments in comedy often come from breaking societal norms.

Website: https://www.ashwyn.me/

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In this engaging conversation, Melissa Millett shares her journey into the world of animal training, highlighting the passion that drives her work. She discusses the importance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of the film industry, the role of animal coordinators, and the preparation required for animals on set. Melissa offers valuable advice for actors working with animals, emphasizing the need to understand animal behavior and the unique challenges presented by different species. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI in film, memorable moments from her career, and her excitement for future projects, all while advocating for the respectful treatment of animals in the industry.

Takeaways

• The passion for animal training is key to success in the industry.
• Navigating the film industry can be confusing without proper mentorship.
• Mentorship is crucial for understanding the complexities of working on set.
• Animal coordinators play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals on set.
• Preparation and training are essential for animals to perform well in film.
• Actors should follow the guidance of animal trainers to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Interacting with animals on set requires understanding their behavior and needs.

https://www.ultimutts.ca/ 

https://indogswetrust.ca/ 

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In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Cindy-Ann Boisson explore Cindy-Ann's journey into stand-up comedy and the importance of storytelling and humor in bridging personal pain. Cindy-Ann shares her experiences from her first performance to building a career in comedy, emphasizing the significance of self-love and passion over monetary gain. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of being a comedian, along with valuable advice for aspiring artists.

Takeaways

• Stand-up comedy allows for a unique connection between pain and humor.
• The importance of self-love in pursuing creative endeavors.
• Navigating the comedy scene requires resilience and adaptability.
• Storytelling in stand-up is different from traditional storytelling.
• Finding humor in painful experiences can be therapeutic.

Cindy-Ann's website

Get tickets for Cindy-Ann's show on Oct 1st at Comedy Bar Danforth

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In this conversation, Anthony Chin-Quee: Writer & Doctor shares his transformative journey from a medical career to becoming a television writer. He discusses the emotional challenges faced during medical training, the importance of storytelling, and how he found his passion in writing. Tony reflects on his experiences in the Grey's Anatomy writing room, the cultural shifts in medicine, and the significance of humor in coping with the stresses of the medical profession. He offers advice for those looking to transition into creative fields and emphasizes the importance of loving what you do.

Takeaways

• Storytelling can be a powerful tool for processing experiences in medicine.
• Finding emotional resilience is key to thriving in creative fields.
• It's important to make time for creative pursuits in daily life.
• Loving what you do is essential for personal fulfillment.

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In this engaging conversation, Madison Caan shares her journey from a young performer to athlete to actor and producer. She discusses her experiences in LA and New York, the importance of community in Toronto, and her unique approach to acting. Madison emphasizes the value of hard work, genuine connections, and the need for artists to explore various creative avenues beyond acting. Her insights provide valuable advice for aspiring actors and highlight the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Success is defined by the ability to make choices, not having them made for you.
• Athletes possess qualities like discipline, work ethic, and resilience that are valuable in any career.
• The acting industry now requires versatility; being just an actor is no longer sustainable.
• Genuine connections in the industry are crucial; reach out with authenticity and purpose.
• Embrace vulnerability in art; it's a delicate process that connects deeply with audiences.
• Learn the rules of the industry to creatively break them and find your unique voice.
• Physicality and authenticity in performance can enhance the portrayal of characters.
• Building a supportive community is essential for creative growth and success.

https://www.screaminggoatfilms.com/

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HAPPY TIFF SEASON TO EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATES!!

In this conversation, Peter Kuplowsky shares his journey from a passionate film enthusiast to a prominent curator and independent film producer. He discusses the evolution of his curatorial voice, the unique experience of Midnight Madness at TIFF, and the importance of networking in the film industry. Peter also offers valuable advice for aspiring curators and filmmakers, emphasizing the need to stay curious and seize opportunities.

Takeaways

• Networking is crucial in the film industry; many opportunities arise from connections.
• Curators should seek out interesting decisions in films to engage audiences.
• Aspiring curators can start small, even in their living rooms.
• Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.

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In this conversation, Chloe Szczyglowski shares her journey into the world of makeup artistry, detailing her early exposure to the film industry through her father. She discusses her education, the various niches within makeup artistry, and the importance of networking in building a successful career. Chloe emphasizes the significance of makeup in enhancing performances and also offers valuable advice for aspiring makeup artists and actors in her chair.

Takeaways

• Networking is crucial for success in the makeup industry.
• Makeup can significantly enhance a performer's confidence.
• There are many niches within makeup artistry, each requiring different skills.
• It's important for performers to communicate their makeup preferences.
• Kindness and professionalism are essential in the industry.

Find Chloe on Instagram @beautybychloeszcz

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In this episode, host Dr. Janet McMordie chats with the multi-talented Tricia Black, an actor and comedian known for their dynamic performances in shows such as Pretty Hard Cases, Small Achievable Goals and the upcoming Netflix show Tall Pines. Tricia shares their unique journey from the vibrant world of East Coast dinner theater to the bustling sets of major productions. With humor and honesty, they discusses the highs and lows of pursuing a career in the arts, offering valuable lessons for aspiring creatives.

Takeaways:

-Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

-Profound learning often occurs outside the classroom. Gain hands-on experience through real-world opportunities.

-Focus on storytelling that resonates with audiences. Authenticity and passion can shine through any budget constraints.

-Build relationships within the industry. Support fellow artists and work together to create impactful projects.

https://www.itstriciablack.com/

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Join host Dr. Janet McMordie as she chats with her medical school friend and colleague, Dr. Kate Gerster, an OB-GYN and musical theater actor. Discover how Kate balances her medical career with her passion for the arts, the importance of community theater, and the joy of pursuing creative outlets.

They chat about the importance of maintaining creativity alongside a demanding career and Kate provides insights into the vibrant theater scene in Peterborough! She ends with encouragement for anyone considering a leap into the arts

Tune in next week for another inspiring episode of Second Act Actors!

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In this conversation, the legendary Robert McLachlan shares his journey from a young boy fascinated by photography and film to becoming a successful cinematographer. He discusses the evolution of visual storytelling, the intricacies of cinematography, and the creative process behind filmmaking. Robert offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers and reflects on memorable moments from his career, including his work on Game of Thrones. He emphasizes the importance of passion, hard work, and the willingness to learn in the entertainment industry.

Takeaways

• Cinematographers play a crucial role in visual storytelling.
• Preparation and collaboration are key in filmmaking.
• Aspiring filmmakers need persistence and dedication.

https://www.mclachlan.camera/

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