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