Second Act Actors

Today's episode is a special one, straight from the heart of the Sundance Film Festival. I've titled it "Sundance Potpourri" because it's a collection of mini interviews with some incredible talents I had the pleasure of meeting in Park City, Utah. First up, we have Ian Bawa, a director from Winnipeg, who shared his journey from "failed law student" to a filmmaker. His short film "My Son Went Quie...

Part 1 of my Sundance Film Festival content! I had an incredible time at the festival and it all began with this panel. Join moderators, WeAudition's Richard Cambridge & Darren Darnborough, LIVE as they unpack the transformative power of casting in film with insights straight from the Sundance Film Festival's Craft of Casting panel. Listen in as three top casting directors share their expertis...

***There is an audio echo during the first couple minutes of our interview but I promise you it goes away at 2:00!!**** In this conversation, Andromeda discusses her experiences and upcoming projects in the acting industry. She shares the challenges she faced and how she navigated them. Andromeda also talks about her upcoming movie release and the impact of strikes on the industry. She shares her...

In this industry episode of Second Act Actors, career coach Brian Patacca shares his journey from acting to coaching and how he helps actors navigate their careers. He emphasizes the importance of being interested and engaged in life, as well as embracing one's uniqueness. Brian explains his coaching process, which includes dispelling myths, focusing on casting profiles, and understanding the busi...

In this episode of Second Act Actors, host Janet McMordie and her guest, Amy Lawley, discuss their frustrations with auditions and the lack of specificity in casting calls. They share their experiences in the acting industry and the importance of visualizing characters. They also talk about the therapeutic aspect of acting and how it allows them to explore different emotions and experiences. Janet...

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Charlot Daysh, an actor from Norway, shares her journey in the acting industry with host Dr Janet McMordie. She talks about her early acting career, formal training, and moving to Canada. Charlot emphasizes the importance of using life experiences in acting and doing research to relate to characters. She discusses the differences between the Norwegian and Cana...

In this conversation, Janet McMordie speaks with WeAudition creators, Darren Darnborough and Richard about the importance of building a global community in the entertainment industry. They discuss the origins of WeAudition and how it has expanded during the pandemic. They also highlight the value of finding specific types of people for auditions and the upcoming features for WeAudition. The conver...

L.A Sweeney is a Toronto based actor and an absolute dynamo. In this conversation, Janet and LA discuss their experiences in acting and the importance of creativity. They talk about the initial intimidation of acting and the feeling of always being left behind having not gone to theatre school. LA shares her journey of discovering her desire to act and pursuing it, including taking a break and ret...

My first ever live show!! Deb McGrath and Colin Mochrie, celebrated figures in comedy and acting, join me on this captivating live episode of Second Act Actors. Deb's journey, from her early passion for musical comedy to her pivot into voice and animation, is a testament to her resilience and talent. Meanwhile, Colin's foray into improv and his pivotal role in 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' showcase h...

Michelle Arvizu is a seasoned actor and coach who knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in the acting industry. With a deep passion for storytelling and a natural talent for connecting with others, Michelle has become a sought-after mentor and guide for aspiring actors. Her own journey has taught her the importance of finding the right mentor or coach to navigate the oft...

Cynthia Crofoot is a dynamic force in the world of acting and filmmaking. From a young age, Cynthia's natural talent for the dramatic arts was evident, as she would write her own scripts and stage performances for her loved ones. While pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Crime and Deviance, Cynthia's passion for theater and acting remained strong. Juggling a day job and her art...

Spencer MacIntyre, a seasoned actor with a knack for navigating the unpredictable acting industry, joins me on Second Act Actors. Having started his acting career at the young age of six, Spencer brings a unique perspective to the table. He effortlessly exudes comfort in front of the camera, a skill that many aspiring actors struggle to master. With experience in both theater and screen acting, Sp...

Meet Ruth Kaufmann, a multi-talented actor based in the vibrant city of Chicago. From a young age, Ruth knew she wanted to entertain and captivate audiences. She made her first foray into acting in kindergarten and hasn't looked back since. Despite her father's belief in "real jobs," Ruth pursued her passion, attending college and graduate school while always keeping her love for acting alive. Jug...

Ahmed Mokdad is a talented actor who has navigated the challenges of pursuing his acting dreams while overcoming parental pressure and skepticism. With a passion for storytelling and a love for comedy, Ahmed discovered his interest in acting during high school where he participated in drama classes and musical theater productions. Despite initial doubts from his parents, Ahmed's dedication and tal...

Unifying local stories ignite a powerful community movement as passionate Artistic Director Iain Moggach breaks down barriers, redefines theater, and immerses audiences in the raw emotion of live performances. Iain Moggach is a seasoned theater professional with a passion for local storytelling. From his early days as a theater kid to his current role as the Artistic Director of Theater by the Bay...

Nadia George's journey into the world of acting is a testament to the power of personal growth and following one's passions. As a child, Nadia had a love for community theater, but life took her in different directions. It wasn't until she returned to university years later that she rediscovered her passion for acting. Realizing how much she missed being in front of the camera, Nadia made the deci...

Write what you love and what's in you. There's always an audience. - Rod Garcia Rod Garcia is a seasoned professional in the creative industry, with a wide range of experiences and expertise. From his early days as a writer and performer, to his tenure as a literary and talent agent in Beverly Hills, Rod has demonstrated a deep understanding of the entertainment world. Throughout his career, he ha...

“Dreams are awesome and we need to have them, but we need to back them up with action”. That’s what actor, business coach and IMDB expert Kari Nissena told me when I interviewed her for this fantastic episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, where we discussed being a second act actor, getting specific with branding and more. This episode is packed with practical advice for working actors, so don...

Chris Gaunt's journey into the world of acting is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of one's dreams. After years of focusing on a successful career in the business world, Chris felt a longing for something more. Acting had always been a passion of his, but he had set it aside to prioritize other aspects of his life. However, the desire to dive headfirst into the deep end of th...

Do you want to unlock the key to a thriving creative career, filled with self-belief, determination, and a clear sense of purpose? Get ready to meet Andrea Osvárt, a woman who knows the power of purpose and determination. As a young girl in Hungary, Andrea, dared to dream of a career in acting, something almost unthinkable at the time. Undeterred by societal norms, she embarked on a journey that s...

This episode of Second Act Actors features a hard hitting story told with joy and emotion by acting coach John Stevens. John shares details of his father’s death and how he worked through his trauma by discovering acting and performance, via a stint as a clown’s apprentice! Join us for this interesting, emotional conversation that’s packed with insights into John’s incredible life story and his ap...

Have you always had a burning desire to pursue acting but believed it was too late to start? Perhaps you've been told that your age puts limitations on your dreams, leading you to feel frustrated and discouraged. The pain of not taking action and staying stuck in the belief that it's too late can be suffocating. But what if I told you that it's never too late to follow your passion for acting and...

First act actor and second act actor meet to swap experiences and perspectives on breaking into this notoriously tough industry! On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to actor Adam Murciano who grew up in an acting family and decided to pursue acting and ended up becoming a famous podcaster along the way.    Adam tells me what it was like to see his parents and grandparents regu...

What does it take to overcome your family’s expectations and your perfectionism and become a successful screenwriter? Well, Chris Soucy’s solution was to feel the fear, do it anyway and write a script every week for a year. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to another creative professional who’s finding his way in the industry.   Chris tells me about his early childhood...

In a world where dreams have no expiration date, Amy Lyndon offers a lifeline to second actors pursuing their passions later in life. But just as they're ready to take the leap, a shocking revelation leaves them questioning everything. Will they find the courage to continue their journey, or will their dreams remain unrealized? Find out in this riveting interview with Amy Lyndon.   Meet Amy Lyndon...