OPENING DOORS: The Young Actor Workspace Podcast

Join Lisa and David for a wide-ranging discussion with four incredible managers who represent young artists: Rikki Dale, Ashley Doss, Nikki Mincks, and Robin Spitzer Miners. This week’s Mailbag question: “What etiquette is expected in the waiting room of a casting office?”   RIKKI DALE Rikki Dale is a talent manager representing talent in TV, film, and theater throughout the country. She has clien...

Lisa and David talk with studio teacher KRISTIN MINKLER, whose work includes “Abbott Elementary” and so many more of your favorite shows, about both the education and child welfare aspects of her job, and how young performers and their parents can best collaborate with the studio teacher. Topics covered include work hours, work permits and what to do when confronted with particular issues that can...

Lisa and David talk with the incredible Bobby Soto about his journey from child actor to adult star, his respect for acting and everyone involved in the filming process, and the importance of not outsourcing your own power.    This week’s Mailbag question: “As the parents of young performers, do you have any tips for dealing with rejection?”   BOBBY SOTO   Bobby Soto can be seen in the Amazon feat...

Lisa and David talk with award-winning casting director Suzanne Goddard-Smythe about bringing your best to auditions, finding inspiration in classic performances, and what she looks for when casting the young actor.   This week’s Mailbag question: “How can I help my young actor prepare for an audition that requires an accent or dialect?”   SUZANNE GODDARD-SMYTHE An Emmy nominated Casting Director...

Lisa and David talk with one of the West Coast’s top youth voice-over agents, Vince LeBica of DPN Talent Agency, about launching and building your career as a young voice-over artist.   This week’s Mailbag question: “What is the most important class that a young actor can take?”   VINCE LEBICA Vince LeBica started at DPN Talent Agency in Beverly Hills 11 years ago. DPN is known as a top-tier voice...

On this premiere episode of Season Two, Lisa and David talk with Thom Nemer, the talented young star of the Disney+ feature, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip," and his incredible mom, Lenny Levin.   This week’s Mailbag question: “How do you talk with kids about slowdowns in the industry?”   THOM NEMER Thom Nemer has established himself through his diverse range of...

Lisa and David talk with the multi-talented TANNER BUCHANAN (Robby Keene on the hit Netflix series “Cobra Kai”) about the benefits of taking artistic risks, the value of acting, dance and other training, staying true to your values, and the importance of always learning new things. Lisa and David address this week’s mailbag question: “How do you know if tape submissions are being viewed?”   We hop...

Lisa and David speak with the multifaceted JAMES DUFF, an actor, Broadway playwright, Emmy-nominated screenwriter, and showrunner/creator about how the young actor can approach material with mature and controversial themes, why it’s okay to decline an audition if the role makes you uncomfortable, the importance of telling authentic stories, the role of the showrunner, and much more. This week’s ma...

Lisa and David welcome Anne Henry, co-founder of BizParentz, the nation's foremost non-profit organization serving professional young performers and their families, for an invaluable conversation about ways to stay safe while pursuing an entertainment career, how to avoid scams, the importance of trusting one’s instincts, navigating social media, and much more. Lisa and David address this week’s m...

Lisa and David speak with CESD’s PEDRO TAPIA, one of Los Angeles’ top agents for youth performers, about the actor-agent relationship, including how to get an agent, how to handle slow work periods, the transition from child to young adult performer, the importance of enjoying the process, and much more. Lisa and David address this week’s mailbag question: “How do I know if the relationship with a...

Lisa and David welcome award-winning Casting Director KRISHA BULLOCK (iCarly, Victorious, Henry Danger, more) for a wide-ranging discussion covering the importance of studying consistently, “speaking in your own voice” when auditioning, fully embracing your choices, and the most important thing about self-tapes. Lisa and David discuss this week’s mailbag question: “How do you know if your child ha...

Lisa and David talk with Disney "Descendants" star Brenna D'Amico about the importance of creating your supportive community, her relationship with social media, not letting others define you, and her friendship with the late Cameron Boyce and her other co-stars. From the mailbag, Lisa and David discuss when an actor should and should not work for free. The Cameron Boyce Foundation honors the lega...