Where Working Actors Talk

Allen Rowe (FBI Most Wanted, The Last Ship, Hawaii Five-0, ) has been a long time student of Stan Kirsch Studios. In this episode, he joins his mentor Colleen Foy to look back on his unique journey as an actor. Allen shares his early struggles, including flying between San Francisco and Los Angeles for auditions and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Born in Taipei, Taiwan and being of Chinese descent meant that Allen had to deal with a lack of roles that he saw himself in early on. It was because of his community and classes at studios like SKS that kept him going and allowed him to craft his iconic, memorable auditions that led to roles on shows like 'Monk' and 'CSI Cyber.' Allen also discusses his experience working in Asia as a series regular on Tou Du (Wei Xian lu Cheng) and what he’s hoping for in the future. If you’ve been looking for motivation to keep going and remain resilient, this is the episode for you.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Allen

00:24 Early Acting Struggles and Auditions 

01:15 Breakthrough and Career Milestones 

02:04 Challenges and Learning in Acting Classes 

06:04 Memorable Audition Stories 

07:29 Dealing with Rejection and Staying Active 

10:58 Script Analysis and Preparation Techniques 

20:17 On-Set Experiences and Networking

24:09 Reflecting on Early Career Experiences 

24:25 Navigating the One-Hour Drama Auditions 

25:43 Transitioning to Acting in Asia 

27:36 Challenges and Successes in China

28:37 Returning to the US and Building Connections 

31:06 Aspirations for a Series Regular Role 

33:41 Exploring Different Genres and Roles 

34:25 Portraying My Grandfather 

36:40 Representation and Diversity in Acting 

41:30 The Art of Self-Taping

 43:44 Inside the Actor's Studio Questions

EPISODE LINKS:

· Allen’s IMDb

· Follow Allen on IG @theosky8

Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠

Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠

⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠

Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Audrey Helps Actors meets the Working Actor Podcast. This week actress Audrey Moore takes a look back on her career, how she navigates acting as a lifestyle, and the magical thinking to burnout loop that every actor faces. As she and host Colleen Foy  dive into the intricacies of Audrey's career and her experiences in the acting industry, they discuss what it was like to being Emmy-nominated to the daily realities and challenges actors face. Audrey shares valuable insights into the audition process, leveraging relationships in the industry, and managing the highs and lows of the profession. You will leave this episode knowing the importance of sustaining your  passion, dealing with rejection, and navigating the fine line between fantasy and reality throughout your entire career. 

00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming Audrey 

00:45 — Audrey's Emmy Experience 

04:54 — Audition Stories and Acting Insights 

11:38 — The Reality of Acting Careers 

17:54 — Magical Thinking to Burnout 

26:35 — The “Fantasy of the Dress” Metaphor

27:10 — The Reality Check 

27:35 — Emotional Experiences and Self-Worth 

28:47 — Magical Thinking in Careers 

29:57 — Live Tweeting and Fan Connection 

30:53 — Navigating Industry Expectations 

35:03 — The Green Light Game 

39:58 — Career Levels and Networking 

43:40 — Balancing Information and Burnout 

44:20 — Maintaining Relationships with Reps 

50:47 — Final Thoughts and Gratitude

EPISODE LINKS:

· Listen to the Audrey Helps Actors Podcast

· Audrey Moore’s IMDb

· Follow Audrey on IG @audreyscoresmoore

· Follow the Audrey Helps Actors IG @audreyhelpsactorspodcast

· The Audrey Helps Actors Website

Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠

Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠

⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠

Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

In this episode, host Colleen Foy interviews television director April Winney, discussing her career trajectory from theater to becoming a sought-after director known for her rapport with actors. They delve into April's isolated upbringing in the Sequoia National Forest, her shift from acting to directing in college, and her pivotal years in Chicago's theater scene. April shares her journey into film and TV, working as a script supervisor for 15 years, and eventually directing for shows like 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D' and ‘Tracker’. They also explore her experiences in casting, the importance of authenticity in auditions, and navigating the challenges of directing. April's passion for mentoring actors and teaching them how to excel as guest stars on TV sets highlights her commitment to the craft and her supportive nature.  

00:00 — Introduction and Celebrity Doppelgangers 

01:10 — Growing Up in Sequoia National Forest 

03:27 — Journey to Becoming a Director 

04:18 — From Theater to Film and TV 

05:01 — Learning on the Job: Script Supervisor to Director 

09:24 — Breaking into TV Directing 

10:34 — Directing on Different Shows 

10:49 — The ABC Disney Program and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 

13:16 — Directing on Tracker and Location Scouting 

19:02 — Teaching Guest Stars: Workshops and Classes 

25:55 — Technical Tips for Actors 

26:44 — Respect and Challenges for Actors 

27:31 — Casting Decisions and Positivity 

29:23 — The Casting Process 

31:43 — What Directors Look for in Self-Tapes 

34:12 — The Importance of Slates 

42:52 — Balancing Emotions in Performances 

46:46 — Maintaining Well-being During Shoots

48:14 — Navigating Industry Changes 

49:57 — Final Thoughts and Upcoming Classes

EPISODE LINKS:

· Aprill Winney IMDb

· Follow Aprill on IG @aprillwinney

· Acting with the Director with Aprill Winney

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Host Colleen Foy speaks with her talent manager Paulo Andres about his 23-year career in the industry. They delve into Paulo's journey from aspiring actor to successful manager, highlighting the transition and his dedication to his clients. Paulo shares why he signed Colleen, what stands out in submissions, how to find joy in the industry, and why he believes all actors need to pursue their career full-time. From personal anecdotes from his time as an actor to discussing how he approaches manages his clients, Paulo shares how he has adapted to the changes in the business over the years and the importance of perseverance. This episode is a valuable resource for everyone who is looking for a rep, and for all those looking for the motivation to keep going.  

00:00 — Introduction and Background

00:26 — Early Career Struggles 

01:36 — Finding the Right Manager 

02:29 — Building a Career in Acting 

03:00 — The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence 

04:26 — Navigating the Industry 

05:55 — The Role of a Manager 

08:09 — Personalized Client Management 

10:35 — Challenges and Insights 

23:53 — Pitching and Networking 

25:48 — Crafting Effective Pitches 

26:18 — The Role of a Manager 

26:44 — The Importance of Submissions 

27:41 — Challenges in the Industry 

29:47 — Self-Tapes and Auditions 

38:51 — Adapting to Industry Changes 

42:24 — Maintaining Creativity and Community 

45:36 — The Blank Theater Involvement 

49:45 — Navigating Representation Challenges 

56:17 — The Personal Side of Management

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Paulo on Instagram @thepaoloandres

· Paulo’s IMDb Pro

· The Blank Theater

· Follow The Blank Theater on Instagram @theblanktheater

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Rigging the System in Your Favor: An Actor's Journey with DaJuan Johnson

Host Colleen Foy and guest DaJuan Johnson reconnect on this episode, taking us through DeJuan’s journey as an actor in Los Angeles. Together, they reflect on his 15-year career from his humble beginnings in theater to notable TV roles on Bosch, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS. DaJuan gets candid about his struggles in the industry and gives advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of being an actor by rigging the system in your favor, the importance of mindset, and strategies for lifelong success. From his Emmy campaign to making an impression with cookies, this conversation will leave you encouraged in getting to exactly where you want to be in your career. 

00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming DaJuan Johnson

00:11 — Reflecting on 15 Years of Friendship

00:17 — DaJuan’s Journey to Los Angeles

00:36 — Early Struggles and Realizations

01:38 — Finding Seriousness in Acting

03:02 — Meeting and Learning from Stan

04:37 — Booking the First Role

08:59 — The Impact of Bosch on DaJuan’s Career

16:31 — The Importance of Mindset and Coaching

19:17 — Navigating the Modern Acting Industry

27:40 — Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Care

28:13 — The Reality of Talent and Persistence

29:21 — Mindset and Personal Growth

29:54 — Navigating the Acting Industry

31:18 — Rigging the System in Your Favor

32:42 — The Emmy Campaign Journey

33:58 — The Importance of Visibility

42:52 — Auditioning and Building Relationships

45:16 — Holding the Vision, Not the Circumstance

50:05 — Validation and Self-Worth

54:53 — Final Reflections and Advice

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow DaJuan on IG @dajuanjohnson

· DaJuan’s IMDb

· DaJuan’s Website

· Listen to the Think Bigger Actors Podcast

· Think Bigger Coaching

· DaJuan’s Resources

· Dajuan’s YouTube

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Actress, producer, and overall superstar Britney Young shares her journey from Tokyo to America, graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and establishing herself in Hollywood. Britney candidly discusses her behind-the-scenes roles on TV shows like 'The Mentalist' and 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,' and her big break as Carmen Wade on Netflix's ‘GLOW.' She highlights the importance of community, learning the industry, and not  sweating the small stuff. Host and Britney’s coach here at SKS, Brock Ciarlelli, delves into Brittany's transition from production to acting, her experiences working on GLOW,' and her mindset through career ups and downs. They also explore her return to acting classes at Stan Kirsch Studios to refine her skills, the supportive network it provided, and what her life has been life after wrapping a series regular role. You will walk away with a sense of how persistence, authenticity, and genuine connections are crucial in navigating the acting industry.

00:00 — Introduction to Brittany Young

00:28 — Early Career and Transition to Acting

02:28 — Behind the Scenes Experience

10:40 — The Glow Audition Story

18:05 — Life After Glow

23:04 — Joining SKS Studio

26:32 — Booking and Specificity

26:39 — Comedy Week and Typos

27:58 — Day-to-Day Life of an Actor

28:49 — Navigating the Industry

33:32 — Audition Process and Challenges

36:31 — Preparation and Mindset

43:04 — Rejection and Authenticity

44:12— Rapid-Fire Questions

47:33 — Instagram Stories

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Britney on IG @britneyyoung

· Listen to Britney and her sister talk movies on the Movie Night Podcast

· Britney’s IMDb

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

You may know Brock Ciarlelli from his work on iconic projects like ABC’s The Middle,  Universal Pictures’ BROS, Netflix’s Glamorous, and Hulu’s Dr. Odyssey or from working with him in class. Whether he’s mentoring, acting, writing, or producing, Brock has had quite the journey in Hollywood. In this episode, host Colleen Foy gets into all of the twists and turns in Brock’s journey. They delve into what it was like for Brock to grow  up in Colorado and then to book his recurring role on ABC's 'The Middle' while still in high school. They discuss his academic background in mathematics, his industry internships, and his multi-faceted career. The conversation highlights the non-linear path of the acting industry, the importance of perseverance, and the lessons they've both learned along the way. Brock and Colleen also touch on the significance of proactivity, maintaining an your abundance mindset amidst the industry's highs and lows, and the value of genuine connections and humility on set. 

00:00 — Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:49 — Brock's Early Life and Career Beginnings

02:38 — Landing the Role on 'The Middle'

08:03 — Navigating the Acting Industry

18:12 — The Journey of 'Susu in the City'

20:49 — Managing Emotions in the Industry

26:10 — Diversifying in the Entertainment Industry

28:57 — Learning from Industry Insights

30:31 — Balancing Boldness in Auditions

30:50 — Research and Preparation

35:11 — Navigating Set Dynamics

39:47 — Proactivity and Self-Reflection

40:45 — Personal Insights and Reflections

43:14 — Favorite Words and Pet Peeves

45:43 — Creative Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs

50:03 — Dream Jobs and Least Favorite Jobs

52:09 — Final Thoughts and Gratitude

EPISODE LINKS:

· Brock’s IMDb

· Follow Brock on IG @brockciarlelli

· Listen to Brock’s podcast “Middling with Eden and Brock”

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Unlocking Social Media Success for Actors with Heidi Dean

In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Dean, a social media strategist for actors and the author of 'Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive, and Survive Online.' Heidi shares her journey from a 20-year acting career to becoming the go-to expert for actors navigating social media. She offers invaluable insights on leveraging social media for career growth, including the importance of building relationships, defining your story, and finding the right platform. This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies tailored for actors who want to use social media effectively without being overwhelmed! If you’ve been feeling resistance in starting a social media, you will walk away from this episode with tangible tips on presenting yourself the way you want to be seen online in a posting schedule that is sustainable for you!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 Introduction to Heidi Dean

00:46 Heidi's Journey from Actor to Social Media Strategist

03:40 The Importance of Social Media for Actors

05:46 Building Relationships Through Social Media

08:35 Finding Your Unique Social Media Voice

14:02 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform

19:33 Consistency and Content Planning

20:08 The Myth of Consistency in Social Media

21:09 Finding Your Posting Rhythm

22:37 Experimenting with Posting Frequency

23:20 Balancing Social Media and Life

25:39 The Importance of Branding and Design

28:24 Common Social Media Mistakes Actors Make

29:30 Building Genuine Connections Online

32:11 The Value of Followers and Engagement

37:06 Resources for Actors on Social Media

38:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

EPISODE LINKS:

· Read “Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive and Survive Online” by Heidi Dean

· Follow Heidi on IG @marketingforactors

· Heidi’s Links

· 30 Days of Post Ideas

· Marketing 4 Actors

· Mojo App

· Canva

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

SKS Faculty Real Talk Roundtable, the entire faculty comes together to talk about all things industry. CEO Kristyn, Studio Director Colleen, and actors and coaches Aleks, Angela, and Brock come together to discuss their experiences and offer guidance to the SKS community. They talk about the challenging start to the year with the LA wildfires, strikes, and how to navigate life when you still need to show up for auditions and opportunities with full dedication. They touch on a wide range of subjects including the craft of acting, audition preparation, overcoming personal obstacles, and maintaining a positive mindset. They also reflect on their transitions from students to teachers and the evolving dynamics of the industry while retaining the core values of the Stan Kirsch Studios community. The episode highlights the shared passion, resilience, and mutual support among actors everywhere right now. Success is infectious!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introduction & Acknowledgements

00:26 — Navigating Challenges in 2025

02:02 — Audition Anecdotes and Techniques

03:49 — Reflections and Lessons from 2024

14:05 — Setting Intentions for 2025

20:12 — Audition Preparation Strategies

39:21 — The Challenges of Self-Taping

39:49 — Understanding the Scene's Context

41:34 — The Importance of Repetition and Practice

42:05 — Collaborative Coaching and Instincts

43:18 — Adapting to Audition Requirements

45:29 — The Role of Specificity in Acting

01:01:21 — The Journey from Student to Teacher

01:11:51 — Continuing the Legacy of SKS Studios

01:14:41 — Community and Support in Acting

EPISODE LINKS:

· Learn More about Our Teachers Here

· Follow Colleen @colleenfoy

· Follow Aleks @iamaleksristic

· Follow Angela @angefornero

· Follow Brock @brockciarlelli

· Follow Kristyn @kristyndaniel

· Abundance Bound

· Think Bigger Coaching with DaJuan Johnson

· The Cold Read App 

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

When your world crashes down around you, how do you continue moving on? In 2015, Maryam Myika Day welcomed her daughter Ayodélé Olayinka into the world and said goodbye to her husband. Through that joy and grief came a reckoning and realization of who she wanted to be as an artist going forward in her life, and she reexamined the ways her art could reach others. Maryam shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer in prominent dance companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Broadway's '42nd Street,' to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. Maryam talks about the founding of her production company, Epiphany 3 Films, to create opportunities for herself and others, and her impactful work in film and digital media. She also delves into her personal life, sharing the profound challenges she faced and how these experiences fueled her artistic and professional growth. One way she channeled her grief into action was by writing a book with her daughter, “This is My Story”, that talks about her husband’s passing, what he left behind, and all the ways he is remembered. She also speaks on the importance of mentorship, and her passion for teaching writing and empowering other artists to take a chance on themselves because we just don’t have the time. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of investing in yourself.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introduction and Guest Background

00:26 — Early Career in Dance

01:15 — From Broadway to Film

02:56 — Founding Epiphany 3 Films

05:25 — Mentorship and Skill Development

17:37 — Personal Challenges and Triumphs

28:29 — A Moment of Realization

28:48 — Turning Grief into Strength

28:55 — A New Beginning in 2016

29:07 — Using Life's Challenges as Fuel

29:34 — Gratitude Amidst Loss

30:07 — A Mother's Determination

31:12 — Writing a Book Together

31:44 — The Journey of Healing

32:32 — Empowering Through Storytelling

34:14 — From Book to Animated Series

34:55 — Teaching Others to Write

38:41 — The Importance of Mentorship

47:01 — Astrology and Life's Path

52:51 — Final Reflections and Gratitude

EPISODE LINKS:

· Read “This is My Story” by Ayodélé Olayinka

· Ayodélé’s Website

· Get into “THE WORKSHOP: How to create and sell your own children's book”

· Maryam’s IMDb

· Maryam’s Website

· Follow Maryam on IG

· Follow the North of 40 Podcast on IG

· The North of 40 Podcast Links

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios