Acting is hard. Staying in love with it is harder. Here's what helps.

In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, seasoned Broadway and TV veterans Patrick Richwood and Benjamin Howes dive deep into what keeps working actors inspired through decades of triumphs and trials. A must-watch for working actors, acting students, and passionate performers, this honest, hilarious, and moving conversation explores why we fall in love with acting—and how we stay in love with it. From discovering your artistic tribe and navigating toxic rehearsal rooms to the power of collaboration, storytelling, and personal impact, this episode is a heartfelt masterclass in resilience, creativity, and community in the professional acting world. Whether you're just starting out or grinding in NYC’s audition rooms, this is your reminder of why we do what we do.

🎭 What IS a big break, really?

In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, seasoned performers Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood dive deep into the elusive concept of the “big break” in an actor’s career. From getting discovered by legendary director Garry Marshall to navigating showcase contracts and life-changing auditions, this conversation is packed with hilarious, heartfelt, and honest insights every working actor, acting student, and aspiring star needs to hear. Whether you're grinding in regional theatre, hustling in NYC, or aiming for your first TV role, this episode is a must-listen for actors in film, television, and theatre who want to book more jobs, build lasting careers, and raise their profile in the industry. 🎬✨

🎭 How do I use Social Media to help me build my acting career, without burning out? How Does “Type” Differ from “Personal Brand” for Actors? In this candid and insightful conversation, seasoned New York City actors Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood unpack some of the most pressing questions for today’s working actors: how does your “type” differ from your personal brand — and how does that impact casting in film, television, and theatre? This episode is a must-watch for actors at all levels who are trying to navigate social media without ending up under the bed, book more work, and increase their visibility with casting directors. With decades of Hollywood, Broadway, theatre, and screen experience between them, Patrick and Benjamin explore how branding, consistency, and self-expression intersect with modern-day casting decisions. If you're a working actor, studying acting, or ready to level up your profile and get in more rooms, this video offers real talk, personal strategies, and a whole lot of laughs. ❤️🎬

Being an understudy is one of the most challenging and underappreciated roles in the acting world. In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Patrick Richwood and Benjamin Howes dive deep into the highs, lows, and unexpected surprises of stepping into someone else’s shoes on stage. From nerve-wracking performances to career-changing moments, they share firsthand experiences and industry insights every actor—whether working, studying, or looking to book higher-profile roles—needs to hear. Tune in for backstage stories, expert tips, and a candid discussion on what it really means to be an understudy in theater!

This conversation provides a fantastic look into the experiences of understudies in the theater world, with a lot of personal insights shared from both actors involved. The camaraderie, preparation, challenges, and even moments of invisibility—there's a depth of honesty and understanding here that comes with the territory of being an understudy. The light-hearted moments (like the story of garlic breath bonding) and the more serious reflections (the "invisibility cloak" and the weight of responsibility) create a full picture of what it's like to step into someone else's shoes while navigating the complexities of theater life.

It also highlights some lesser-discussed aspects of the job, such as the emotional and physical challenges of understudying, the pressure to be ready, and the dynamics between understudies and the rest of the cast and crew. The balance between individuality and loyalty to the original performance is another compelling point, showing the nuance required in such a role.

The personal stories about how understudies are sometimes sidelined or made to feel invisible, despite the effort and talent they bring to the table, are particularly striking. It speaks to a culture in the theater world that could do better to acknowledge and support these roles.

There’s a deep understanding of the power of preparation and confidence too, and how important it is for an understudy to own their moment. The episode wraps up with a bit of humor and warmth, showing how embracing the moment, being present, and working together as a team are key to making these experiences work.

Name Checked: Shirley MacLaine, Carol Haney, Peter Scolari, John Treacy Egan, Marilu Henner, Jim Parsons, Chris Sieber, Mario Andretti, Susan Blackwell

In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, veteran actors Patrick Richwood and Benjamin Howes delve into the evolving world of self-tapes and how they’ve become an essential part of booking more work, particularly in TV, film, and theater. They share personal insights, including how self-tapes have shaped their careers, how they manage tight turnaround times, and tips for ensuring your self-tape stands out. The conversation explores the challenges of virtual auditions, the importance of being adaptable with your performance, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of booking roles from self-tapes. If you're an actor looking to improve your self-taping process and book more roles that elevate your profile, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and real-world experiences. Tune in to discover how you can master the art of self-tapes and increase your chances of landing more high-profile work in the competitive world of acting.

Name Checked: Jim Parsons, John Doyle, Lisa Birnbaum, Martin Short, Barbara Stanwyck, Susan Blackwell.

Working away from home and living out of a suitcase. Or two. And a backpack. Plus some boxes of stuff. Patrick and Benjamin discuss finding your place in a new town, what to pack, what to send ahead, and some survival strategies for long term away-from-home life.

Name checked: Raymond J. Lee, Cameron Adams, Julia Cameron, Howard McGillin, Sal Mistretta, Angela Lansbury, George Hearn.

You still have to make money between acting jobs, so what do you do?

• - ACTUAL hustlers!
• - High school jobs
• - Can you do a show AND have a job?
• - Restaurant escapades
• - Mimes arent' scary!
• - Working for a world famous director
• - Teaching & coaching
• - Property princes & organizers

Name checked: Mike Nichols

Don't go stale, stay moist and tender.

• - Performing with talented friends
• - Stirring the energy soup
• - You're in charge Marjorie!
• - Get a hobby
• - Why do we do what we do?
• - Energy mindset
• - Doing it ugly until it's good
• - Ethel Merman. Just because .

Name checked: Annabeth Gish, Colman Domingo, Ethel Merman

Getting to grips with Casting Directors!

• - Memories like elephants, for better or worse
• - Casting Directors can be good directors AND good eggs!
• - Building a relationship with Casting Directors
• - The importance of type
• - Television casting
• - The value of the open call/EPA/chorus call
• - Pay for play
• - Your old friend, mindset

Name checked: Tara Rubin, Mel Brooks, Susan Stroman, Merri Sugarman, Bernie Telsey, Paul Hardt, Jay Binder, Gayle Seay, Scott Wojcik, Austin Pendleton, Rock Hudson

After the self tape comes the callback - IN PERSON!

• - Rituals about getting in the room
• - A chance to act, ONE NIGHT ONLY!
• - Mindset & chemistry
• - vs Self Tapes
• - How to start
• - The Reader
• - Great audition fails
• - Listening and taking adjustments
• - How much material is too much?

Name checked: Al Pacino, Susan Blackwell, Tom Hanks, Alaska Thunderfxck, Sally Wilfert, Mel Brooks, Susan Stroman, Tina Landau, Merri Sugarman, Tara Rubin