Second Act Actors

In this episode, Dr. Janet McMordie speaks with Toronto casting director Hannah Antaki about how casting actually works day to day, what actors often misunderstand, and why the best casting relationships are collaborative rather than adversarial. Hannah also shares her unusual path from theatre and law school into talent agency work and then casting, plus the projects she is most excited about rig...

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time. This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, an...

Discover how Laurel Ash DeHaan transitioned from a 35-year career as a CRA auditor to pursuing her passion in acting. In this episode, she shares her journey, lessons learned, and her inspiring pursuit of a second act in the entertainment industry. Main Topics Covered: Laurel’s transition from government work to acting after retirement The influence of her daughter Lauren Ash’s career on her journ...

Blythe (she/her) holds her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Alberta, but calls Toronto home, where she is an active member of the community. For Gangway she is currently working on their play Digital Divergence , a design first creation process centring on who we are in different mediums. For her solo projects, Blythe is developing her play Uplifting Stories for Seniors , whi...

In this episode, seasoned actors Janet McMordie and Dale share candid insights into their careers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, soft skills, and strategic relationship management in the entertainment industry. They discuss how embracing who you are, creating your own work, and navigating industry challenges can lead to greater success and fulfillment. Key Topics: The reality of the...

This week's industry guest is Meg McGuire, a Toronto-based talent agent who transitioned from stage management and acting to representing some of Canada's top comedic talents. Learn about her insights into the industry, managing comedians, and advice for actors navigating their careers. In this episode: Meg's unique path to becoming a talent agent The skills she applied from stage management and t...

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time. This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, an...

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time. This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, an...

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time. This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, an...

She's BAAAAAAACK!!! Settle in, get yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy the longest episode of Second Act Actors to date. Kathleen Munroe has an amazing story to tell and this episode is everything you need to hear in this dumpster fire world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time. This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, an...

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time. This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, an...

In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time. This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, an...

I am so thrilled to bring you to recording of my second live charity episode! This episode was also a celebration of 200 episodes of Second Act Actors!! Three incredible actors joined me: Kathleen Munroe, Jo Vannicola, and Tricia Black! We chat about their careers, challenges, and triumphs. Their stories reveal the complexities of transforming a passion for acting into a sustainable career and hig...

In this episode, Eric Johnson discusses his unique journey into acting, sharing personal stories and insights about the industry. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious, the collaborative nature of acting, and the continuous learning process. Host Janet McMordie also provides a unique perspective by drawing parallels between acting and her medical career, highlighting the shared need for...

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Jen Viens explore the multifaceted world of the entertainment industry, touching on themes of mentorship, the evolving role of intimacy coordinators, and the challenges faced by actors and producers alike. Jen shares her journey from acting to producing and intimacy coordination, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and respectful environmen...

In this conversation, Kelsey Lacombe shares her journey from being a musical theater performer to physiotherapist and now blending the two! She discusses her experiences at Stratford, the challenges and joys of balancing her dual careers, and the personal sacrifices involved in the performing arts. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of not limiting oneself, pursuing passions, and the value of reachi...

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Kelly Michael Stewart discuss Kelly's journey into the film industry, and the intricacies of programming a film festival. They discuss the unique appeal of horror films, the importance of community in film festivals, and provide valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. Kelly shares insights on balancing multiple roles in the film industry, creating...

In this conversation, host Janet McMordie chats with Sophie Engelhardt shares her journey from being a medical doctor to pursuing a career in acting, discussing the challenges and joys of transitioning between these two worlds. She emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and staying true to oneself, even when it means making unconventional choices. Takeaways Do the things that make ab...

Adam Lupis shares his journey from being a barber to pursuing a career in acting. He discusses the challenges he faced, the transition during COVID, and his passion for storytelling. Adam emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and offers advice for aspiring actors. Takeaways: -Everything great comes with sacrifices. -Acting is about exploring human behavior. -If you have the drive, don...

In this engaging conversation, Ashwyn Singh shares his journey from a computer scientist to a stand-up comedian, discussing the cultural shocks he faced after moving to Canada, the challenges of the comedy industry, and the importance of artistic freedom. He reflects on his experiences with open mics, the impact of his background in computer science on his comedy, and offers valuable advice for as...

In this engaging conversation, Melissa Millett shares her journey into the world of animal training, highlighting the passion that drives her work. She discusses the importance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of the film industry, the role of animal coordinators, and the preparation required for animals on set. Melissa offers valuable advice for actors working with animals, emphasizin...

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Cindy-Ann Boisson explore Cindy-Ann's journey into stand-up comedy and the importance of storytelling and humor in bridging personal pain. Cindy-Ann shares her experiences from her first performance to building a career in comedy, emphasizing the significance of self-love and passion over monetary gain. The discussion highlights the challenges and...

In this conversation, Anthony Chin-Quee: Writer & Doctor shares his transformative journey from a medical career to becoming a television writer. He discusses the emotional challenges faced during medical training, the importance of storytelling, and how he found his passion in writing. Tony reflects on his experiences in the Grey's Anatomy writing room, the cultural shifts in medicine, and th...

In this engaging conversation, Madison Caan shares her journey from a young performer to athlete to actor and producer. She discusses her experiences in LA and New York, the importance of community in Toronto, and her unique approach to acting. Madison emphasizes the value of hard work, genuine connections, and the need for artists to explore various creative avenues beyond acting. Her insights pr...