Second Act Actors

In this conversation, John Thomas Gauthier shares his journey into acting, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced while pursuing his passion in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, networking, and staying motivated amidst the ups and downs of an acting career. John also provides valuable advice for aspiring actors, particularly those looking to enter the...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Amy Crater discuss Amy's journey from high school to Chicago, the challenges she faced throughout it all, and her eventual return to acting in Arizona. Amy shares her insights on navigating the unpredictable landscape of an acting career. She emphasizes the importance of intuition, the value of life experiences, and the necessity of finding stability amidst...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Pascal Langdale delve into the education system for actors, the illusion of a career ladder, and the necessity of finding joy in the craft of acting. Pascal emphasizes the importance of practicing and honing one's skills, regardless of industry recognition, and the need to maintain a sense of play in the art of acting. He emphasizes the importance of charac...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Alaine Hutton explore the intricacies of acting, the importance of listening, and the transition from sports to the performing arts. They discuss the challenges actors face in maintaining authenticity on camera, the skills transferred from athletics to acting, and the surprising business aspects of a career in the arts. The dialogue emphasizes the need for...

In this engaging conversation, Chai Valladares and Janet McMordie explore the nuances of being a Canadian actor in the industry, discussing the balance between gratitude and a sense of belonging. They delve into the importance of recognizing one's worth, the joy that Canadian actors bring to productions, and the challenges they face. The discussion also touches on the significance of comfort on se...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Ava Val explore Ava's journey into stand-up comedy, detailing the challenges, learning processes, and the importance of community and mentorship in the industry. The discussion highlights the vulnerability of performing stand-up, the evolution of the comedy landscape, and the surprises encountered over her career. She shares advice for aspiring comedians an...

In this special episode, in collaboration with the Firecrackers podcast, Janet McMordie and Naomi Snieckus explore the evolution of their podcasting journeys and the importance of community in creative fields. They discuss the influence of their parents on their creative pursuits, the challenges of navigating the acting industry, and the invaluable skills gained from improv that enhance their prof...

In this conversation, Colin McMurray shares his journey from working in a department store to becoming a successful talent agent. He discusses the importance of spotting talent, the daily responsibilities of an agent, and how actors can empower themselves to succeed in the industry. Colin also addresses the challenges faced by actors, especially those entering the industry later in life, and empha...

In this engaging conversation, Andy Paige shares her remarkable journey from a small town to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. She discusses her early aspirations of being a sportscaster, her unexpected transition to reality television, and the challenges she faced after a life-altering accident. Andy emphasizes the importance of resilience, networking, and planting seeds...

Salvatore Antonio shares his journey into the acting business and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the need to identify personal goals and preferences in order to make strategic career choices. Salvatore also highlights the impact of storytelling and the role of actors in connecting with people. He encourages aspiring actors to stay on the ladder of their career and be resilient...

Filmmaker Casey Walker shares his journey into the entertainment industry, detailing his early passion for movies and the challenges faced in both television and filmmaking. He discusses the importance of storytelling, the realities of gatekeeping in the industry, and offers practical advice for aspiring filmmakers. Throughout the conversation, Casey emphasizes the need for perseverance, creativit...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Serge De Marre discuss the nuances of voiceover work, tracing Serge's journey from a small radio station to becoming a successful voiceover artist. They explore the importance of creating a comfortable work environment, the evolution of voiceover styles, and the necessity of training and specialization in the field. The discussion also touches on the impact...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Nadine Charleson explore Nadine's journey into the acting world, her experiences in various cities, and her transition into voiceover work. They discuss the challenges of the acting industry, the importance of self-worth, and the creative process behind auditions, particularly for high-profile projects like Star Wars. Nadine shares insights into her imagina...

In this conversation, Ally Murphy shares her journey from teen actor to flight attendant and back to the acting world. She discusses the challenges of body image in the industry, the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, and offers valuable advice for aspiring actors, particularly those starting later in life. Ally shares her insights on re-entering the film industry, emphasizing the...

In this engaging conversation, Chris Dattoli shares his journey into the world of voice acting, discussing the importance of regional accents, the challenges of career transitions, and the passion that drives him. He emphasizes the significance of networking, learning from experienced coaches, and the emotional techniques he employs to connect with characters. The discussion also touches on the jo...

In this conversation, Elizabeth von Isser shares her unique journey from a career in engineering to becoming an actor and screenwriter. She discusses the challenges of ageism in the entertainment industry, the importance of building a supportive community, and her experiences in indie filmmaking. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for individuals to take initiative in their creative pursuits and not wa...

In this conversation, Sonia Iris Lozada shares her journey from fashion design to acting and the surprises she encountered in the entertainment industry. She also discusses the parallels between fashion design and acting, as well as her passion for writing and how her creative process is influenced by her background in acting. The conversation explores the themes of societal division, curiosity, g...

In this episode of Second Act Actors, host Dr. Janet McMordie welcomes the talented Richard Comeau, actor and Canada's first Indigenous fight director. Richard shares his unique journey into the performing arts, starting from a high school experience marked by shifting dreams—from aspiring baseball player to pilot—until a chance encounter with a drama teacher changed his path. Currently starring i...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and director/filmmaker/acting coach Sophie Ann Rooney discuss the importance of collaboration and the artistry of acting. They emphasize the need for actors to understand and appreciate the work of other professionals in the industry, such as filmmakers, composers, and costume designers. Sophie also highlights the importance of taking direction and being open t...

Daniel Levinson, FDC Fight Master and Owner of Rapier Wit joins me and discusses his journey from theater school to becoming a fight director. He shares his experiences with theater school, the challenges he faced, and the evolution of his career. He discusses his approach to stage combat and choreography. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and historical accuracy in fight scenes, and ho...

Montreal-based Casting Director, Andrea Kenyon shares her journey of becoming a casting director and the daily process of casting a show. She emphasizes the importance of the audition breakdown and how it inspires agents and actors to suggest and portray the right characters. Andrea also highlights the collaboration between casting directors and actors, debunking the misconception of conflict betw...

HAPPY TIFF!!! Time to network...FOR YOUR LIFE!! I'm kidding...but this episode is for all you nerds out there who struggle with networking authentically (me, hello). I chat with M.I.T professor, Mark Herschberg. He teaches networking at M.I.T...you might've heard of this little school... He emphasizes the need to focus on the relationship rather than the outcome when networking and provides practi...

In this conversation, David John Clark and Janet McMordie discuss the joys and challenges of pursuing a career in acting. David shares his journey into acting, starting as an extra and eventually realizing his passion for the craft. David's day job, although undisclosed, provides him with valuable experiences and insights that he can draw upon in his acting roles. They explore the emotional connec...

On this episode of Second Act Actors, Daniel Karp shares his journey into the entertainment industry and the importance of community and self-discovery. He discusses the challenges of choosing a career path and the impact of the arts on personal growth. Daniel also talks about the surprising aspects of the entertainment industry and his transition into teaching. His advice for new actors emphasize...

The conversation between host Janet McMordie and lawyer turned actor, Robert Sciglimpaglia explores the similarities and differences between the practice of law and the practice of acting. They discuss how both professions require focus, concentration, and the ability to make connections with others. Robert shares his journey from being a lawyer to pursuing a career in voiceover and acting. He emp...