The Moving Spotlight

Helena is a professional actress from Catania, Italy. You don’t want to miss this episode, where we deep dive into how to find community, grow your brand, and what it means to be an actor no matter where you live. Helena is also the the ‘L.A. Creative Circle’, a networking community for artists in Los Angeles, where she leads monthly workshops with top notch professional guests in the field and re...

Tania Richard performed on Broadway ‘The Song of Jacob Zulu’ with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. She recently appeared in ‘School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls’ play at the Goodman Theatre. Television appearances include Chicago Fire, Chicago Justice, Chicago PD, Empire, The Chi. She’s a published author and an award-winning playwright. Her writing has been featured on NPR's All Things Considere...

Tom Farnan is an actor and comedian who primarily stars in a variety of commercials. He moved to Chicago and immersed himself in theater and improv, not to mention being a cast member of ComedySportz, The Second City, and ImprovOlympic. As a commercial actor, Tom has appeared in numerous spots, with name directors; like Miller Genuine Draft with Pete Marquis, Bosch with Bart Timmer, and Orbit Gum...

Edgar talks us through his love of filmmaking, renting the proper equipment to get your film off the ground, and traps early student filmmakers fall into. He is a graduate of The Los Angeles Film School where he majored in Directing, Screenwriting, & Film Production. He is an active No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner where his passion for consistency and self-improvement shine. This also m...

Behzad Dabu is an actor, writer, and producer. On screen, you can see him as 'Simon Drake' on How To Get Away With Murder on ABC, as 'Amir' on the Showtime series The Chi, and on Disney’s The Lion Guard. He also appeared in episodes of All Rise, The Good Place, and Chicago P.D. Behzad also originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, &...

Sean Szatkowski is producing the upcoming comedy By The Grape Of God written by Kevin Hickey. This former Marine and Second City improviser talks us through raising money, inspiring the crew, and what he looks for in auditions. Sean is a genuine, hard-working, kind person who’s openness will make you want to support his journey. If you’re interested in supporting Sean’s upcoming comedy, here is hi...

Dana Black is a TV/film/voiceover and theater actor, and the podcast host of ‘I Swear on My Mother’s Grave’ podcast (featured on Apple podcasts twice in the last 3 months!). As an actor, Dana has worked on Big Leap, Empire, Chicago Med, Proven Innocent and Hot Date. She has worked in many theaters such as the Steppenwolf Theatre, Raven Theatre, and Goodman Theatre ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ DANA BLACK ⌲ IMDb: https...

Katherine Bourne Taylor is a Los Angeles actor, creator, comedian and Redhead About Town by way of Chicago & Dallas. She produced and starred in the short film Cool for Five Seconds, you may have noticed her in the pilot episode of the HBO series, Lovecraft Country. You can also catch her out on the town performing her alter-ego, Grown Up Orphan Annie, and as the lead in the upcoming indie fea...

CJ Goodwyn directed the Indie Features: Eyes of a Roman, Jackson, Goodnight Ellenbie, and GH5. Currently he is filming Sherlock Holmes: Mare of the Night. You’ll learn about CJ’s approach to directing, which includes the patience to teach on set (you’ll learn a lot), working with the same talented actors again and again, and being the driver behind creating your own projects from start to finish....

Ajarae Coleman founded Acting Resource Guru in 2012. Since then she has helped thousands of actors find quality representation, build relationships to book more jobs, and create structures to make meaningful progress in their careers. She leads a career coaching membership called ‘The Table’ that empowers actors to become industry leaders so they can lead fulfilling lives, enjoy a supportive commu...

Hess Wesley’s debut as a writer and co-director for the short film "Adonai" and has been recognized with over 25 film awards, including Best Short Film at the Burbank International Film Festival, the People’s Film Festival in Harlem, and the Urban Film Festival in Miami. He has acted in independent films, TV pilots, and more than 30 national and regional ads. Hess also founded his own pr...

Cody DiGerolamo’s TV credits include CBS’ ‘S.W.A.T.’, NBC’s ‘Grand Crew’, Hulu’s ‘Dollface’, YouTube’s ‘Hotel du Loone’, and Netflix’s ‘On My Block’. Cody worked opposite Maya Rudolph in a “Best Buy” campaign. He has appeared in numerous commercials for such products as Chevrolet, Nike, Samsung, McDonald's, KFC, Kellogg's Pop-Tarts, Tropicana, Toon Disney. Cody worked. Music wise, Cody has...

Maddie Starr Wicker, is an actor and creative currently in her Senior year at Emerson College. Maddie discusses topics like being a lifelong storyteller, living with the unexpected, if college is the right option for actors, and being okay with not knowing what’s next in your career. Maddie is so positive and so inspirational, you don’t want to miss this one! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ The Moving Spotlight Podcast...

Marcus has appeared on Frasier, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Black-ish. He’s a graduate of Northwestern University where he majored in Radio, Television and Film Production. He performs regularly with Upright Citizen Brigade Harold team LoverBoy. Marcus created Alley Way (alleywayseries.com) a comedy web series that he writes, directs and stars in. If you’re looking to level up your craft, Marcus also...

Sam Valentine is an actress from all over the Midwest. Sam has booked several national commercials, voiceovers, TV roles, and feature films. Most recently Bosch: Legacy (Amazon) and Hulu's The Orville. Sam also created and runs One Broke Actress, a podcast and website dedicated to sharing the honest world of the working actor. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ SAM VALENTINE ⌲ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3921523/...

Listen to John Lehr discuss creating ‘10 Items or Less’ and ‘Quick Draw’ and how improv allows the actors to play on set. He also discusses his journey on Friends (have you heard of it?) and bonding with the actors in a secret club in LA. Final fun fact, you may not recognize him, but John is one of the original Geico Cavemen!  ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ John Lehr ⌲ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0499856/ ⌲...

Jessica Lange thanked Bob Garret during her Emmy winning speech for the TV show Grey Gardens. He also worked closely with Gerard Butler for his quintessential role Erik, The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. And Drew Barrymore also said, “Bob Rules! He is an extremely bright and creative force of nature: meticulous, inventive, supportive and knowledgeable. Simply, the best!” Bob is amazing at b...

Brian Thomas Smith played Zack, the lovable, dim-witted, ex-boyfriend of Penny on THE BIG BANG THEORY for 9 seasons. From auditioning for commercials, co-stars, and pilots - Brian has bookings and experience on all levels! You probably recognize him also from BABYSPLITTERS, THE WEDDING PARTY, LETHAL SEDUCTION, CONCRETE BLONDES and shared scenes with Al Pacino and Annette Bening in DANNY COLLINS. H...

James Patrick Nelson began his Off-Broadway career in productions of Shakespeare and Chekhov with actors like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Ethan Hawke. He appeared in the west coast premiere of Broadway's 'Slave Play' at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, and he worked with Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally on the world premiere of his final play 'Immortal Longings'.  In t...

Courtney Rioux is an actor, coach, and podcast host living in Chicago. And now she's the mother of a 9-month-old! As an actor, you have seen her most recently on NBC's Chicago Med for 8 seasons! You’ve definitely heard her voice on a Jimmy Dean commercial, or seen her as the Spokesperson for Hot Shot. Courtney hosts the podcast ‘The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux’. She coaches actors who feel st...

We go into a deep dive with Pej on doing open mics, finding your true passion, and self love. Pej has been on an adventure since moving here from Iran. He has been doing open mics, hosting his own, and cemented his place in the stand up circuit of Northern California.  Also, stick around until the end, he sings! And it’s beautiful. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Pej Ahmadi ⌲ Podcast: pHumblepodcast ⌲ IG: https://w...

Nathan Agin is the creator of The Working Actor's Journey, connecting artists with lifelong professionals. He hosts a podcast under WAJ with 5 seasons of interviews and Q&As. Nathan is also an audiobook narrator with 40+ credits, including titles for HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and several independent publishers. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Nathan Agin ⌲ The Working Actor's Journey:  https://workin...

“Don’t just bet on yourself, INVEST in yourself.” Jamar is filled with insightful words of wisdom, dropping knowledge at every turn. A talented performer, he recently won “Best Improv” at the New England Talent Showcase. John  shares with new actors, How to stay motivated when the phone hasn’t been ringing for 6 months.  Listen to Jamar’s inspiring story, from class clown to Theater Acto...

New England Talent Showcase founders, Joyce Vaudreuil & Safiya Sanyika,  discuss advising Actors and Models in the Northeast on how to find representation, and train to succeed in front of agents.  The New England Talent showcase is an opportunity for artists in smaller markets to be discovered! Actors and models perform for agents, personal managers, and casting directors looking fo...

Having worked in casting for 22 years, helping found a theater company, and now is a Director and Actor. Chris Game has experienced all aspects of storytelling and loves the entire process. Lifelong learner and generous with his knowledge. Chris is the supportive acting teacher you’ve always been looking for! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ CHRIS GAME ⌲ IMDb:   https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1495931/ ⌲ IG:   http...