The Working Actor NYC

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...

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...

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 remembere...

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 ex...

🎭 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 insig...

🎭 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 impa...

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 e...

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 s...

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, Bern...

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, T...