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Second Act Actors

A podcast about people who have made a major life or career change into acting.

A podcast about people who have made a major life or career change into acting.

Latest episode

  • 175. EP 175: Susan Serrao: Toy Seller Turned Actor

    52:45||Season 1, Ep. 175
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Susan Serrao explore the journey of becoming an actor, the importance of business acumen in the arts, and the impact of the pandemic on artistic growth. Susan shares her personal story of transitioning from a toy seller to an actor, emphasizing the need for networking, creating opportunities, and managing the emotional toll of acting. They discuss the importance of community and support systems in navigating the ups and downs of an acting career, as well as practical advice for aspiring actors. Susan shares her creative journey with her project 'Got MILF', highlighting the challenges and triumphs of bringing her sketches to life. The conversation concludes with insights on future projects and the importance of following one's joy in the artistic process.TakeawaysThe journey to becoming an actor can be non-linear and filled with self-discovery.Business skills are crucial for success in the acting industry.Networking is essential for building relationships and opportunities.Creating your own content can help you learn and grow as an artist.Rejection in acting is common and should not be taken personally.Having a support system is vital for emotional resilience in the arts.Instagram: @iamsusanserraoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanSerraoSketchnStuff

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  • 174. EP 174: Jinny Wong: Flight Attendant Turned Actor

    54:52||Season 1, Ep. 174
    In this conversation, Jinny Wong shares her early experiences in acting and the challenges of navigating career choices. She emphasizes the importance of personal development, the unpredictability of the acting industry, and offers advice for aspiring actors. Jinny also reflects on how her past experiences have shaped her current approach to acting and coaching. She discusses the importance of affirmations, the impact of societal expectations on women, and the launch of her new podcast, Hitting Her Mark, aimed at empowering women to embrace their passions while navigating life's complexities.TakeawaysNavigating career choices often involves trial and error.Transitioning careers can be daunting but rewarding.Having a safety net is crucial when pursuing acting.Financial literacy is important for aspiring actors.Unpredictability in acting is similar to experiences in other jobs.It's important to enjoy the journey and not just the destination.https://hittinghermark.podbean.com/
  • 173. EP 173: Anne Cloud: Midwife/Nurse Practitioner Turned Actor

    48:02||Season 1, Ep. 173
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Anne Cloud explore the intersections of healthcare, creativity, and personal journeys. The emotional connections formed in both healthcare and acting are highlighted, along with the challenges and rewards of building a voiceover career. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the development of imagination in voice acting. . Anne discusses finding balance between pursuing a career in the arts and the practicalities of making a living, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personal fulfillment. The discussion also touches on the societal expectations surrounding work and passion, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique paths.TakeawaysEmotional connections are vital in both healthcare and acting.Voice acting requires dedication and hard work.It's important to separate passion from profit in creative careers.Life experiences enrich artistic expression.Humor plays a vital role in the voice acting process.https://annecloudvoiceover.com/
  • 172. EP 172: Michael Mazurkevitch (Actor) & Zac King (Filmmaker)

    52:48||Season 1, Ep. 172
    In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie speaks with Mike and Zac about their unique journeys into the world of acting and filmmaking. They discuss their personal stories of pursuing their dreams despite family expectations, and the challenges they face in the creative industry. The duo shares insights on collaboration, the importance of education and experience, and the surprising realities of their artistic journeys. They share personal anecdotes from their experiences on set, discuss the release of their film 'Jim's Room', and offer valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional storytelling and the unique challenges faced in the horror genre, while also looking ahead to future projects and aspirations.TakeawaysPersistence and resilience are key to surviving in the creative industry.Creative collaborations can lead to exciting projects and opportunities.The emotional connection to a project can enhance the quality of the art produced.Filmmakers should focus on the process of creation rather than just the end result.Being kind to oneself can improve creativity and artistic expression.Real-life experiences can deeply influence storytelling in film.The horror genre allows for the exploration of real human issues within thrilling narratives.Jim's Room
  • 171. EP 171: Pamela Estrada: Short Detour Into Acting

    44:58||Season 1, Ep. 171
    In this conversation, Pamela Estrada shares her journey into the acting industry, the challenges of relocating to a new country, and the impact of education on her career choices. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in acting and the value of networking and content creation in building a successful career in the arts. She chats about the importance of Shakespeare in understanding acting, and the surprising kindness she has experienced in her career. She discusses the value of on-set experience, the role of comedy in acting, and her passion for building community. Pamela emphasizes the importance of collaboration and offers advice for aspiring actors, encouraging them to stay connected to their craft.TakeawaysEducation plays a crucial role in shaping career paths in the arts.Empathy is essential for understanding characters in acting.Networking is vital for success in the film industry.Creating your own content is increasingly important in today's industry.Not all educational experiences are positive; take what works for you.Personal growth is a continuous journey in the acting profession.https://pawsacrossthewater.ca/
  • 170. EP 170: Christina Fox: Actor & Intimacy Coordinator

    01:02:44||Season 1, Ep. 170
    In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Christina Fox discuss Christina's journey into acting, the influence of family support, and the emotional connections that drive their passion for storytelling. The conversation delves into the complexities of theater school experiences, the importance of mental health in the arts, and the evolution of intimacy coordination as a means to create safe spaces for performers. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of art and the necessity of prioritizing safety and emotional well-being in creative environments.TakeawaysActing provides a safe space for emotional expression.Creating safe spaces enhances artistic expression.The future of art must prioritize emotional well-being. Rehearsal time is crucial for actors to feel comfortable and confident.Intimacy coordination has transformed the way intimate scenes are approached in theater and film.The importance of community support in the arts cannot be overstated.
  • 169. EP 169: Valerie Lalonde: Musician Turned Actor

    40:11||Season 1, Ep. 169
    In this conversation, Valerie Lalonde shares her journey from a shy theater enthusiast to a professional actor. She discusses the importance of support from her family, her experiences in school, and the challenges of transitioning to the competitive acting scene in Toronto. Valerie emphasizes the need for artistic fulfillment outside of auditions, the significance of vulnerability in acting, and the importance of trusting oneself as an artist. She concludes with encouraging advice for aspiring actors to pursue their passions and embrace their unique experiences.TakeawaysFinding artistic fulfillment outside of auditions is crucial for actors.The business side of acting can be overwhelming and unexpected.Emotional vulnerability is essential in acting, making it a challenging profession.Celebrating small wins in acting can help maintain motivation