The Actor's Instrument: Tools for the Long Game with Hassiem Muhammad

In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Arti Ishak—actor, director, writer, and producer—for a candid conversation about challenging the status quo in the entertainment industry. They explore toxic theater culture, the financial instability many actors face, and the importance of advocacy through initiatives like the Chicago Inclusion Pro...

In this episode, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Krisha Marcano, Dean of Theater at Boston Conservatory and former Broadway performer, to explore how actor training is evolving in today’s industry. They discuss the shift to self-tapes, the importance of adaptability, how actors can monetize their skills, and why entrepreneurship is becoming essential. Krisha also shares what she looks for in actor...

What does it actually take to build a sustainable life as an actor? Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Matias De La Flor to explore how creatives can take ownership of their careers by building a holistic lifestyle—one that supports both their artistry and financial well-being. From mindset shifts to practical strategy, this episode offers a clear roadmap for actors who want long-term success b...

Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor and headshot photographer Kayvon Esmaili to unpack how branding shapes casting decisions. They explore what makes a headshot effective, common mistakes actors make, and why clarity in your materials is often more important than range when it comes to getting called in. TikTok: @kayvon_es_my_lee Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad 🎵...

What does the rise of AI mean for audiobook narrators and voice actors? In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, director, and audiobook narrator Andy Paris to explore the evolving world of audiobook performance. Andy explains what makes narration a unique craft and shares insights from his experience working in the audiobook industry. The conversation also...

Actor and producer JB Chen joins The Actor’s Instrument to discuss how independent films create new opportunities for actors—and why creatives shouldn’t wait for permission to build momentum in their careers. JB shares how he became an associate producer on the indie feature The President’s Cake, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section and won the Audie...

 In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Michael Silberblatt for a direct and empowering conversation about ownership, initiative, and building a sustainable acting career. Too many actors get stuck in “waiting mode” — waiting to be discovered, signed, or chosen. Michael challenges that mindset and makes the case for a proactive app...

Award-winning director Timothy Douglas, a key collaborator and interpreter of August Wilson’s work, joins Hassiem Muhammad to discuss acting, rehearsal, and the future of storytelling in the age of artificial intelligence. From directing Radio Golf to working directly with Wilson, Timothy shares lessons on readiness, humility, and truth in performance — and why live theater still matters in a worl...

Broadway actor John Clay III joins Hassiem Muhammad to talk about performing Ragtime at Lincoln Center Theater, the mindset required of an understudy, and how actors manage ego while competing professionally. They discuss discipline, faith, marriage, endurance, and why a sustainable acting career depends on building a full life outside the industry. This episode is about playing the long game — be...

Host Hassiem Muhammad talks with actor Ugo Chukwu about preparation, patience, and what it truly means to be ready when opportunity arrives. This conversation explores consistency in training, confidence during slow periods, and the behind-the-scenes work actors must do to build sustainable careers rooted in craft rather than hype. 🎭 Follow Ugo Chukwu: @ugolessinsta 🎙 Follow The Actor’s Instrumen...

Acclaimed actor Harry Lennix (The Matrix, Ray, Purpose) joins host Hassiem Muhammad for a wide-ranging conversation on classical training, artistic responsibility, and career longevity. Fresh off Broadway’s Tony Award–winning Purpose, Harry reflects on craft, Black cultural legacy, and why fundamentals still matter in a self-tape era. He also shares his vision for the Bronzeville Renaissance Proje...

Barbara Davis, Chief Operating Officer of the Entertainment Community Fund, joins host Hassiem Muhammad to unpack the wide range of resources available to actors, artists, and entertainment professionals—many of which remain underutilized. From financial assistance and housing support to healthcare, mental health services, and career counseling, this conversation reframes the Fund as not just a cr...

Actor, writer, director, and producer Andrew Pastides joins host Hassiem Muhammad to break down the realities of producing an independent feature film. Andrew shares the inspiration behind his upcoming film St. George, the challenges of fundraising, and what it means to be a collaborative, values-driven presence on set. A must-listen for actors and creatives navigating the indie film world. Follow...

In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with career consultant Annie Chadwick, founder and co-owner of Up To Date Theatricals, for a practical conversation about treating your acting career like a real business. Annie challenges the outdated idea of “waiting to be chosen”, and explains why every actor must see themselves as the CEO of their own company. Together,...

Career coach Stuart Hyslop joins host Hassiem Muhammad for a candid conversation about goal setting for actors and creatives navigating nonlinear careers. After four months of coaching, Hassiem shares how shifting away from outcome-based goals helped him gain clarity, improve productivity, and feel more empowered in his acting career. Stuart—an experienced productivity coach and certified One Thin...

In this solo episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad pulls back the curtain on his acting career with a transparent 2025 year-in-review, sharing real numbers, income percentages, wins, disappointments, and hard-earned perspective. Hassiem breaks down his audition count, callback rate, booking rate, and exactly how his income was divided between various jobs. He also details what h...

This week on The Actor's Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, creator, and viral sensation Dexter McKinney — a performer whose journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up in Syracuse, to earning dual master’s degrees, to working in Congress, to making his Broadway debut in Skeleton Crew, to appearing in hit series like When They See Us, Mrs. America, Dr. Death, City on a Hill,...

 In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Hassiem Muhammad continues his in-depth discussion with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull, founder of Minerva Financial Arts, as they break down the real financial decisions artists and freelancers face every day. Using a Red Light / Green Light framework, Elaine tackles common money myths and gray areas — from disability insurance and high-yield savings to inves...

Today on The Actors Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull — CPA, accredited financial counselor, founder of Minerva Financial Arts, and nationally recognized educator helping creatives take control of their financial lives. From inflation to budgeting, 1099s to Netflix write-offs, Elaine breaks down the REAL financial challenges facing artists today — and how you c...

On this week’s episode of The Actors Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor and writer Steve Coulter, whose career spans more than three decades across film, television, and theatre. With over 130 IMDb credits—including She-Hulk, Yellowstone, The Conjuring films, The Walking Dead, House of Cards, Paterno, and First Man—Steve shares the hard-won lessons that shaped his long-term success....

In this installment of Finance 4 Freelance, Hassiem Muhammad and co-host Andrea Laing dive into the real financial habits, strategies, and splurges of working creatives. From shocking gig-economy stats to choosing between career-boosting jobs vs. higher-paying ones, this conversation is packed with practical gems for freelance actors, artists, and gig workers. Andrea also breaks down exactly how s...

Broadway actor and rising film/TV star Courtnee Carter joins Hassiem Muhammad on The Actors Instrument to talk about her journey from Jacksonville to the Broadway stage and into major Hollywood projects — including her upcoming film The Prince, featuring Nicolas Cage, Giancarlo Esposito, and J.K. Simmons. Courtnee opens up about making her Broadway debut in Once On This Island, the financial reali...

This week on The Actor’s Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Broadway veteran Erica Mansfield, who’s been performing for over 20 years — including in the same show where she made her debut: Mamma Mia! From her start with two suitcases and a dream to twelve Broadway credits (Evita, Pippin, Doubtfire, Kiss Me Kate, Almost Famous, and more), Erica shares what it really takes to sustain a care...

In this Finance for Freelance edition of The Actor’s Instrument Podcast, Hassiem Muhammad and Andrea Laing unpack the realities of money management for creatives. 💸 From budgeting and investing to building an emergency fund, they share honest stories, smart strategies, and lessons learned the hard way. This ongoing series dives into the money side of the creative grind — how artists, freelancers,...

🎭 Can you really make it as an actor outside NYC or LA? Hassiem Muhammad talks with Twin Cities performer Anna Hashizume about thriving in Minneapolis–St. Paul’s vibrant theater scene, balancing opera and musical theater, and building a sustainable creative life. Anna opens up about her journey from opera to musical theater, the importance of inclusion and representation on stage, and what it tru...