Ever wondered what talent agents really look for when signing actors? Get insider tips from Valerie Adami, a seasoned New York talent agent! Valerie Adami brings a wealth of experience from her journey in musical theater, commercials, voice-over, and soap operas, to her role as a talent agent. She knows what makes an actor stand out—and what doesn’t. From her time as director of the Weist-Barron School for Film & TV to representing top talent, Valerie shares valuable insights for actors...

Are you wondering if an agent or manager could help you land more auditions? The answer might surprise you! Knowing whether an agent or manager is better for your career depends on your goals and where you are in your acting journey. Many actors start with one, then add the other once they’re booking more frequently. But as casting trends shift as we head into 2025, the best option may not be what you’d expect. Learn why a developmental manager might be more beneficial early in your career...

Ever feel like balancing creativity with life’s demands is an impossible juggling act? Rahti Gorfien, a coach specializing in helping creatives, knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay organized, visible, and profitable, especially for those with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits. In this episode, she shares insights drawn from her own experiences as an actor and coach to help artists like you succeed without sacrificing your unique creative spark. Discover practical steps to...

Ever wondered if using a stage name could boost your acting career? Whether you're running into name conflicts, need to stand out online, or just want a fresh start, a stage name might be a good choice. Understanding the why and how behind stage names can help you make the best decision for your career: Discover the main reasons actors choose stage names, from union conflicts to rebranding needs.Learn the step-by-step process for selecting and securing a unique stage name that fits your...

Ever feel like acting is one endless series of auditions, with rejections piling up? How do some actors push through and keep going, even when success feels out of reach? In today's episode, Martin Bentsen interviews Andrew Roth about his challenging journey as an actor. Many actors struggle with rejection, self-doubt, and the pressure of comparing themselves to others. Staying resilient in such a challenging field isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, actors can see signs of progress and...

Wondering how to ask your agent for a submissions report without making things awkward? By following the right steps, you can avoid offending them and improve your career strategy by understanding which productions you’re being submitted to. Learn how to ask for a submissions report while keeping your relationship with your agent positive.Discover how requesting this report can help you refine your brand and boost your chances of getting more auditions.Includes a detailed sample email to make...

What should you do when the people closest to you don’t support your acting dream? If you're facing resistance from family or friends who want you to get a "real job," this episode offers advice on how to communicate with them and still pursue your passion. Learn how to turn doubt into understanding and support: Discover how to have productive conversations with unsupportive loved ones without creating conflict.Learn how to build a successful acting career while managing doubt and...

What does a successful acting career actually look like from start to finish? If you’re wondering how to go from being a new actor to a well-known name in the industry, this episode gives you a clear roadmap. By following these steps, you can avoid getting stuck and steadily build your career the right way: Learn about the 8 key chapters every actor must go through, from discovering your “Types” to booking recognizable lead roles.Understand how to build a strong portfolio and start landing...

Are you tired of feeling like a "classroom actor" and ready to start booking real acting jobs? If you've been stuck in acting classes without getting paid work, this episode offers a clear path forward. Learn how to break free from just learning and start acting in actual productions: Discover how to consistently find auditions and get invited to submit self-tapes.Overcome the fear of rejection by understanding the reality of the audition process.Avoid the most common mistake that keeps...

Why aren’t you hearing back from agents after you submit your materials? If you’ve been submitting to agents without success, you’re likely missing one or more important elements. Understanding what agents look for and improving your strategy can help you get noticed and start landing roles: Learn why professional marketing materials, like headshots and demo reels, are essential for impressing agents.Discover how knowing your "Type" and refining your acting technique can dramatically increase...

Want to learn how to land a role on your favorite TV show, no matter how competitive the industry is? Many actors aim for just any role, but targeting specific shows can actually give you a stronger chance of booking roles. In this 100th episode, Martin teaches you how to identify the shows you’re perfect for, build connections with key decision-makers, and present yourself as a serious contender for the role. You’ll discover: How to figure out your acting "Type" and align it with the shows...

Have you ever wondered how Leonardo DiCaprio rose from small TV roles to becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars? He faced many challenges before breaking through, which is something every actor can relate to. In this episode, you’ll learn; How DiCaprio got his start and the key element that contributed to his successHow he built a close relationship with industry mentors like Robert De Niro to shape his success.The mindset you need to overcome rejection and keep growing Tune in now to...

Wondering how to become SAG-Eligible and take the next step in your acting career? Becoming SAG-Eligible can be a game-changer for aspiring actors, opening doors to higher-paying roles and better benefits. However, joining too soon can limit your opportunities and increase competition. Today’s episode will show you exactly how to become SAG-Eligible and help you figure out when it's the right time to join SAG-AFTRA without stalling your career. In this episode, you’ll learn: The three main...

Are you tired of acting classes that feel like a waste of time and money, or worse—ones that leave you feeling even more confused? Many actors struggle with choosing the right acting classes or coaches, often wasting time on programs that don’t improve their skills or even make them worse. But with the right knowledge, you can avoid these pitfalls, focusing instead on classes that help you grow as a professional actor. Today’s episode will teach you how to identify the classes and coaches...

Do cold readings make you nervous, or do you feel overwhelmed by the fear of messing up during auditions? Many actors struggle with anxiety during cold reads, whether it's due to dyslexia, performance anxiety, or fear of failure. But what if you could learn how to manage those feelings and walk into auditions with confidence? Tom Brooks, an expert acting coach with a long history of helping actors love the process, shares tips on doing just that in this episode. Listeners will...

Struggling to analyze scripts quickly without overworking yourself? Want to deliver performances that feel natural and compelling? Script analysis is key to creating a believable character, but overanalyzing can make your performance stiff. By focusing on the “Why” behind your lines and avoiding unnecessary decisions about how to act, you can save time and let your instincts shine during your audition. Listen to this episode to discover: How to efficiently analyze a script by focusing on...

Ever wonder how Christopher Walken went from dancing in musicals to winning an Academy Award? Christopher Walken didn’t start out as a famous actor—he began as a dancer and worked his way up through small film roles. His unique approach to every role, no matter the size, helped him build a legendary acting career, and there’s a lot you can learn from his journey. Listen to this episode and discover: How Christopher Walken’s dedication to every role, no matter how small, led him to major...

Do you know which training makes you look impressive on an acting resume—and which could hurt your chances with casting directors? Your acting resume is one of the first things casting directors see, and listing the wrong training could make them doubt your skills. Knowing what to include (and what to leave off) can be the difference between landing an audition or getting overlooked. Tune in to find out: The top types of training that casting directors love to see on your resume.Why listing...

Have you ever wondered how someone with no acting experience can rise to the top of Hollywood and win an Academy Award? Gene Hackman wasn’t always a movie star—he began his career later in life after being voted “Least Likely to Succeed” by peers. His story shows that no matter where you start, determination and resilience can lead to big success. Listen to this episode to learn: How Gene Hackman’s military discipline shaped his work ethic as an actor.The key turning points in his career that...

Can you land an agent even if you live hundreds of miles away from the area they represent? Yes, and today you'll find out how! If you’re struggling to find representation in your city, or you're looking for an agent in a major city but you live somewhere else, don’t worry—many agents are open to long-distance relationships if you approach them the right way. Learning how to convince them you’re flexible and dependable is key to getting signed and keeping them working hard for you. By...

What do Reservoir Dogs and Boardwalk Empire have in common? Steve Buscemi’s unique path to stardom! Steve Buscemi’s career started in indie films, but it was his consistent, compelling performances that caught the eye of top directors like Quentin Tarantino. His journey shows that even small roles can lead to big breaks if you give it your all. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Steve Buscemi transitioned from stand-up comedy to serious acting.Why indie films played a critical role in his...

Want to make sure casting directors remember your name—even before you step into the audition room? With so many actors competing for the same roles, blending in can be a real problem. But with one unique strategy, you can leave a lasting impression on casting directors by showing that you care about their work and their projects. This episode will teach you: How to find key casting directors and come up with a unique way to stand out.How to craft a personalized submission note that grabs...

Did you know your slate video could make or break your chances of landing a role? In a world where casting directors are growing skeptical of headshots due to over-editing and AI, a well-made slate video is your chance to showcase your true personality and look on camera. By listening to this episode, you’ll discover: How to craft a professional slate video that stands out to casting directors.The essential details to include, from your name to your character type and more.How to tailor your...

Ever wondered how some actors seem to effortlessly climb the career ladder in the industry? This episode reveals proven strategies from Tracee Loran, a successful working actress, to help you overcome career hurdles and find your path to success: Learn the right time to hire a publicist and even discover ways to get one for free.Get insider tips on finding mentors and advisors who can guide you through your acting career.Find out what to do when you're feeling stuck or ready to quit to...