The Working Actor NYC

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. 🎬✨

🎭 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.