Rejection isn’t the end — it’s part of the job.

Actors face rejection constantly — but what does it really mean, and how do you keep going when it hurts? In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, hosts Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood break down the truth about rejection: why it feels so personal, why it’s not a verdict on your talent or your worth, and how to shift your mindset so it doesn’t derail your career.

You’ll learn 8 practical strategies for handling rejection as an actor, from building resilience and reframing the “no,” to protecting your mental health and staying motivated between auditions.

Whether you’re a working actor in NYC, a student actor just starting out, or a performer looking to book more work, this episode will give you the tools to survive rejection and thrive in your acting career.

The Working Actor NYC is your go-to resource for honest, real-world insight into building a career in acting. Every other Monday, catch our co-hosted Podcast episodes — packed with candid stories and laughs — and on alternating Mondays, dig into our Practical series: tactical solo episodes full of actionable tips and tools to help you work smarter, stay inspired, and build the acting career you actually want.

🎭 Hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with insider intel, actor tools, and behind-the-scenes truths from the heart of the industry. You got this. Keep going!

Stop guessing. Start submitting smart.

Want a legit acting agent? Here's how to actually get one — and keep them. In this Part 2 deep dive of The Working Actor NYC Podcast, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood break down what really works when it comes to landing great representation in today’s industry.

Now that your materials are ready (headshot, resumé, reel, website), what’s next? We walk you through the submission process — how to get your work in front of the right agents, at the right time, in the right way. No more sending your career into the void.

Plus: how to maintain a great relationship with your rep once you’ve signed, and how to recognize the red flags that might mean it’s time to move on.

🎭 The Working Actor NYC is your go-to resource for honest, real-world insight into building a career in acting. Every other Monday, catch our co-hosted Podcast episodes — packed with candid stories and laughs — and on alternating Mondays, dig into our Practical series: tactical solo episodes full of actionable tips and tools to help you work smarter, stay inspired, and build the acting career you actually want.

🎭 Hit that subscribe button to stay up to date with insider intel, actor tools, and behind-the-scenes truths from the heart of the industry. You got this. Keep going!

Getting a good agent isn't luck - it's strategy.

In this first half of our two-part deep dive, we're breaking down what it really takes to land a legit agent—and what you need to know before you even hit "send" on that email.

We’re covering:

• What agents can and can’t do for your career
• Patrick’s real-life stories from both Hollywood and New York
• The exact materials you’ll need to stand out: headshots, resumés, reels, and websites

Whether you're just starting out or need a serious materials refresh, this episode has you covered—with Benjamin and Patrick’s signature humor and honesty.

📌 Part 2 drops August 18th, where we’ll tackle the science of submissions: how to get your materials in front of the right people at the right time, build strong relationships with your rep, and know when it’s time to walk away.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

Ever walked out of an audition sweating bullets and replaying every word in your head? Same. Let’s fix that.

In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood break down the real, messy, very human anxiety that comes with being a working actor—and what we actually do about it.

We cover 14 practical coping strategies that have helped us (and countless friends) navigate: 🎭 Post-audition silence and uncertainty 💰 Financial instability when your next gig isn’t lined up 🔍 The endless, soul-crushing comparison game …and all the other wild curveballs that make actor life both amazing and anxiety-inducing.

With honesty, humor, and a few decades of collective experience, we share how to keep your sanity, stay creative, and keep moving forward—even on the hard days.

If you’ve ever thought, “Is it just me?”—spoiler: it’s not. And you don’t have to white-knuckle it alone.

Feeling stuck? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood dive into procrastination and perfectionism — the two sneaky career killers actors face every day. 🎭

We share why it happens, what it looks like specifically for actors today, and real strategies to break the cycle: accountability buddies, “schedule over mood,” and more.

We’ve been there. We get it. And we’re here to help you get unstuck.

🎙 Subscribe for honest, funny and practical talk about making it as a working actor in NYC and beyond.

Watching the Tonys as an actor: Here's what hit us.

What do the 2025 Tony Awards have to teach working actors who are… not currently at Radio City? In this episode, Patrick Richwood and Benjamin Howes talk about everything from the incredible diversity of this year’s winners to the emotional rollercoaster of watching your friends sing live on national TV while you’re eating leftovers in sweatpants. 💁‍♂️

We dig into how representation really does matter, how comparison can sneak in if you’re not careful, and why seeing your peers succeed can actually be fuel—not failure. Spoiler: no one is immune to the occasional spiral, but there are ways through it.

If you've ever watched the Tonys and thought, “Why not me?”—this one’s for you. 💥

Booked a Broadway show… by writing it himself.

What if the thing that books you next isn’t another audition—but something you create yourself?

In this episode, I sit down with Tony-nominated actor and writer Hunter Bell, whose self-created musical [title of show] made it all the way to Broadway—and earned him a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical.

But this conversation isn’t just about musicals. It’s about how creating your own work—at any scale—can unlock your career. A scene with friends. A self-tape you write. A skit. A social media post. A short film. A web series. You don’t need permission to get started—you just need to start.

Hunter shares first-hand advice on taking creative control, building something from scratch, and what it means to make your own space in the industry. And since we’ve been friends for 19 years (I was Hunter’s understudy on [title of show]!), you’ll also get some laughs, some real talk, and a ton of insight.

✨ Whether you're a working actor, a student, or someone hustling to level up—this episode will leave you inspired to make something today.

🔗 Subscribe to The Working Actor NYC for more interviews, insights, and industry motivation.

Okay—real talk. How many times have you been told, 'You’ve gotta network!'... and immediately felt your soul leave your body?

I know it’s not just me, because some of you responded on our TikTok and Instagram pages that you feel the same way.

Whether you're on set, in the rehearsal room, or grabbing a drink after class—there’s this pressure, this low-key panic that says, 'Be likable. Be remembered. Make a connection!'

But here’s the thing: most of us are going about it totally wrong.

Networking doesn’t have to be awkward, fake, or cringe. In fact, if it feels like networking… you’re probably not doing it right.

In this episode, we’re flipping the script. We are sharing real, honest ways to connect—with casting, crew, directors, even other actors—without ever feeling like you’re selling yourself.

This is for the actor who wants real relationships, not just contacts in their phone.

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. 🎬✨