The Acting Podcast from The BGB Studio

Clayton Farris is an Actor. He’s a comedian, a filmmaker, a content creator, a great guy… and… he most of all is an Actor dedicated to being the Best Actor he can possibly be. Clayton is a long-time member of the BGB Studio, and Risa has had the privilege of working with him here and watching him work hard and grow brilliantly. His fellow BGB actors adore him, as does she. Risa and Clayton talk about his path and his process here on The Acting Podcast. Ok, so more on Clayton’s career… Clayton recently had a breakout role in Weapons, the new Warner Bros. mystery/thriller. The film opened August 8 to a box office debut that surpassed both Fantastic Four and Freaky Friday, following its ultra-rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score—a distinction only one other horror film has ever achieved. Clayton’s standout performance has been making waves online, sparking strong reactions from viewers. In Weapons, he plays Terry, the husband to Andrew (Benedict Wong)—a pivotal, scene-stealing role that marks a defining moment in his career. Clayton’s previous credits span standout genre projects across horror and comedy, including American Horror Story, Ratch-ed, The Morning Show, and most recently, the hit A24 slasher MaXXXine. He has recurred on Seal Team. Clayton has also built a robust digital presence through his witty, relatable sketch comedy—writing and starring in videos that consistently rack up millions of views. Fans have affectionately dubbed him the “Larry David of TikTok” for his dry delivery, social spiral moments, and knack for turning everyday discomfort into something deeply funny and deeply relatable. We love his videos and he’s shot some of them here at BGB, where nobody is safe from wildly funny and ultimately affectionate spoofing, even Risa! Check a few out here on the website page/show notes! A longtime Los Angeles–based actor and writer, Clayton has spent 17 years in Hollywood honing his signature blend of grounded performances and sharp comedic timing. In real life, he identifies as bisexual and is in a long-term relationship with actress Laura Schein. His perspective as both a left of center content creator and a working actor navigating the shifting entertainment landscape makes him a uniquely thoughtful and funny voice. Clayton is having a moment! And he has recently booked an exciting role on a highly anticipated new Apple TV show, which is no accident. Risa and Clayton talk about this moment and how it came to be. So have a listen, enjoy, and let us know how this sparks your own creative and professional journey! More On Risa More On Steve Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating! Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world. ‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG! ‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now! Guests & Resources: Here are some links to Clayton’s funny social vids: That One Acting Teacher That Hike Guy That One Rich Couple Corporate Breakup Clayton Farris IMDB Clayton Farris Instagram Clayton Farris TikTok Credits: Producer: BGB STAFF Tech + Design: Mitchell Braxton & Aswathi Menon Music: SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOW Back To All Episodes Meet us on Instagram and TikTok to get more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel: @BGBStudio on IG + TikTok‍‍ CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes! SIGN UP for our BGB Coaching Programs! The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our Studio Are You Ready For Class? All BGB Classes Individual Coaching

This is our 60th episode of The Acting Podcast 🙌 which is a big deal for us here at The BGB Studio. So welcome to #60, and How to be Awesome. You ARE awesome. Say that to yourself, maybe even in the mirror; try it! I AM AWESOME. Now let it land. It’s TRUE. And while this Industry may not see you in your awesomeness- now or yet or since whenever- it’s your job… responsibility… privilege… to step into the light. To let your awesomeness be seen. To keep coming back to your art, even though your mind may be screaming for Industry access, for that is where your power is. We talk about how to be awesome in this episode, which translates as… how to own, express, and share your awesome gift, your awesome art, and keep doing it even when you think nobody is watching. Find out why that is your path to all versions of success. Especially in these intense times… It has been intense for a while- over 5 years since the start of the pandemic- so how can we find peace and joy in our work right now, even if our Industry colleagues aren’t paying attention. How can we lean all the way into our art and light up some previously unseen parts of our talent? We also get that you’re looking for answers. You want relief, hope, yes, validation, and a clear roadmap to booking work. So in this episode, we answer a few of the urgent questions that come up in our coaching sessions in the quest to find the most effective pathway to connection with the Industry. Like… how to have a great reel, how to gather (and yes, make!) footage that will make your reel undeniable. How to have headshots that get you auditions. How to get agents and managers to know you and sign you… and if you have reps, how to get them to pay more attention to you and get you opportunities. There is SO much to say around these questions and we start to unpeel the onion here in episode 60, part 1 of this big conversation. We also have included our Career MasterClass: How to Get (and Keep!) an Agent (here in our show notes) which we are offering you FREE. So grab it, watch, listen, and join us for a 1:1 Coaching session and for Class! And send us your questions! We want to hear from you to address for Part 2 of: How to Be Awesome: Answers to Your Burning Questions. Email us at info@bramongarciabraun.com! More On Risa More On Steve Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating! Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world. ‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG! ‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now! Guests & Resources: Click the link below and get access to our BGB MasterClass on HOW TO GET (AND KEEP!) AN AGENT - FOR FREE! HOW TO GET (AND KEEP!) AN AGENT Listen to other related The Acting Podcast episodes: Episode 59: Rebuilding your Career, your Community, & YOU as an Actor Episode 55: What Are You Waiting For? You Are The Industry. Episode 54: What Does It Take to Make It Now? Episode 49: How to Redefine Your Career For This Moment Credits: Producer: BGB STAFF Tech + Design: Mitchell Braxton & Aswathi Menon Music: SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOW Back To All Episodes Meet us on Instagram and TikTok to get more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel: @BGBStudio on IG + TikTok‍‍ CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes! SIGN UP for our BGB Coaching Programs! The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our Studio Are You Ready For Class? All BGB Classes Individual Coaching

Sidenotes “Hope = the fire in the rear view is smaller, the further we get”

You’ve Been Lurking Here “A hazy memory of treasure and ruin in New Mexico”

The Creek “Things left said”

Incomplete Knowledge “Desire spirals into obsession amidst the labyrinthine canals of Venice.”

Hand Tools “Hand tools and family trees”

Found Words “A trip to Wales to find connection led to more than she could have ever imagined”

Cynthia Continued “A bitter green salad and the awful reality of transactional relationships”

Losing My Religion “It’s 1992… painting houses, a break up, a presidential election, and poetry”

Trastevere “Impossible moments and a Maestro’s long game”

Murder at Heaven Avenue “A mountaintop revelation changed everything”

Hunting Season “A story, in three parts, about Catfish Queens, Virgin Marys, and Losing your Damn Mind in the Mississippi Delta”

Muqtada’s Room “An invitation to stay in bed gets him out of bed and into the dream”

Saturday Boy “A tale driving you into the heart of car bonnets, old ladies and existential dread”

At our most recent BGB Actors Summit, Risa and Steve gathered with actors from all over the world- from Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, from Glasgow to San Antonio, from Buffalo to all over Los Angeles. They offered the fundamental and practical steps necessary to nurture and rebuild your career, your collaboration with other creative professionals, and your art. These are essential practices that take you on the journey to success- from care for yourself and who you are as an artist through to expressing that art in and with the support of a strong creative community. And then, with that foundation and support- through training, practice, and a full creative life in conjunction with other artists- you have the tools to build an amazing reel, impactful headshots, scroll-stopping self-tapes,and relationships with representatives and the entire Industry. AND you get to be a full, happy, vibrant actor with whom everyone wants to work! We recorded the Summit so that we could share it with you here on The Acting Podcast, as Audio & Video. We are grateful that we could all come together in the midst of the LA fires that have devastated our Los Angeles communities, while, at the same time, Los Angelenos have come together for each other in the truest spirit of community. Listen in, watch the video, and share with anyone who needs to hear this. We invite you to join our amazing community of artists! More On Risa More On Steve Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating! Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world. ‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG! ‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now! Guests & Resources: Listen to other related The Acting Podcast episodes: Episode 57: Stepping into Abundance Episode 54: What Does It Take to Make It Now? Episode 45: The Healing Required to Be an Actor Episode 41: Fighting Isolation: Why You Need an Artistic Community Credits: Producer: BGB STAFF Tech + Design: Mitchell Braxton & Aswathi Menon Music: SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOW Back To All Episodes Meet us on Instagram and other social spaces where we hang out — with tons more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel: @BGBStudio on IG + Twitter + TikTok + @theBGBStudio on Facebook. ‍‍ CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes! SIGN UP for our BGB Coaching Programs! JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A virtual workshop with Risa & Steve The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our Studio Are You Ready For Class? All BGB Classes

It’s Horror month. Halloween… and all. 🎃 In the spirit of spooky movies, I talk with 2 of our amazing BGB Master Teachers, Sydney Walsh & Corey Parker, on Zoom (so you can watch!) about what it was like to act in the HORROR genre- they each have starred in a few iconic Horror Movies. We talk Horror movie acting, and acting in any Genre, plus what it was like to audition in the 80s and 90s when big filmmakers were in the room, along with Casting Directors (like me!) who collaborated with actors, brought them back in many times (for the same role and other roles), celebrated in their talent, and advocated for them! It was a time of true collaboration, when filmmakers figured out their movies with actors in the audition room. While those days are gone (and we’ve surely romanticized them 💘), we also fully believe and talk about how YOU can bring that same sense of liberation, exploration, discovery, and a collaborative spirit to the work you do on camera- in self-tapes, Zoom auditions, and on set- whether it’s a student film, a short you create, or a big show or movie. YOU get to show up with agency and generosity- with something to offer the storytellers… as a true collaborator. So… Listen in! There are fun stories here, as well as practical advice on how to work freely and boldly in any and all genres, AND how to show up in the same spirit in your self-tapes as we three felt “in the room” in the 80s! (Don’t forget to rate and review us so that we can reach more actors around the world!) Risa 👻 ------------------------------- Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating! Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world. ‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG! ‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now! ‍More On Risa More On Steve ------------------------------- Guests & Resources: Check out these links to learn more about Syd and Corey: SYDNEY WALSH + her IMDb COREY PARKER + his IMDb ‍Listen to other related The Acting Podcast episodes: Episode 55: What Are You Waiting For? You Are The Industry. Episode 53: Finding Freedom & Power in Script Analysis Episode 43: How To Be A Happy Actor Episode 29: Cooking Your Self-Tape Credits: Producer: BGB STAFF Tech + Design: Mitchell Braxton & Aswathi Menon Music: SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOW Back To All Episodes ------------------------------- Meet us on Instagram and other social spaces where we hang out — with tons more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel: @BGBStudio on IG + Twitter + TikTok + @theBGBStudio on Facebook. ‍‍ CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes! SIGN UP for our BGB Coaching Programs! JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A virtual workshop with Risa & Steve The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our Studio Are You Ready For Class? Check out all BGB Classes!

An actor's mindset can make or break a career. Your job is to open your heart, remain sensitive and open. And you’re asked to do that job in an Industry that doesn't have the capacity to care for your needs and in which scarcity is the norm. You will lose faith. It’s inevitable. But how gracefully you can find it again is the difference between auditioning with the full power of your talent, and allowing fear and self-consciousness to drain you of your power when you’re trying to book work. Risa and Steve examine what it takes to create and maintain the kind of abundant mindset that leads to success, even when you’re losing faith. Listen in and let us know what resonates with you! “If you hear a voice within you say, 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent Van Gogh. More On Risa More On Steve Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating! Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world. ‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG! ‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now! Guests & Resources: Listen to other related episodes: EPISODE 22: The Booking Mindset EPISODE 42: That Next Level Shit EPISODE 43: How To Be A Happy Actor EPISODE 45: The Healing Required to Be an Actor Credits: Producer: BGB STAFF Tech + Design: MITCHELL BRAXTON Music: SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOW Back To All Episodes Meet us on Instagram and other social spaces where we hang out — with tons more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel. @BGBStudio on IG + Twitter + TikTok + @theBGBStudio on Facebook. ‍‍ CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes! SIGN UP for our BGB Group Career Coaching series! JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A virtual workshop with Risa & Steve The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our Studio Are You Ready For Class? All BGB Classes

Risa talked on Zoom with with Anthony Meindl of fellow acting studio, AMAW (which is Anthony Meindl's Acting Workshop) about EVERYTHING… about art, big tech, climate change, self-tapes, casting, how Tik Tok is killing our attention span, and how things are really really hard right now. They talked about both getting started in the NY theatre and the power of community, and, something that resonates for us at BGB a well... being in process always, and being an artist first. It was a great conversation and we want to share it with all of you. So no matter where you are in your journey or how you are feeling about where the Industry is, or isn’t, have a listen and see how this affects you, and if it brings up feelings, pay attention to them. Let us know what resonated for you! More On Risa More On Steve Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating! Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world. ‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG! ‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now! Guests & Resources: Check out Anthony’s website HERE learn more about his work with actors! ‍ Listen to other related episodes: EPISODE 55: What Are You Waiting For? You Are The Industry. EPISODE 54: What Does It Take to Make It Now? EPISODE 52: How to Stand Out from Hundreds of Other Actors EPISODE 42: That Next Level Shit EPISODE 28: The Practice That Leads to Success Credits: Producer: BGB STAFF Tech + Design: MITCHELL BRAXTON & ASWATHI MENON Music: SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOW The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our Studio Are You Ready For Class? All BGB Classes

Risa sat down with some of our amazing BGB teachers (Cate Cohen, Sydney Walsh, Corey Parker, and David DeSantos) for an inspiring conversation about redefining your relationship with the Industry. About how to successfully step into your power in your work, your art, and your career. What leadership looks like so that you're in the driver’s seat, not waiting for the Industry to invite you in. Why we all need a community in which to be creative, to grow, to thrive- we were never meant to do this alone. How to become a creative force and impact your audiences… the Industry. And how the power of an artistic practice will sustain you for a lifelong career. Listen in, or watch these brilliant, generous, kind, talented artists and teachers share their insights and experience. We’re inspired! MORE ON RISA MORE ON STEVE Subscribe! And if you're loving the Podcast, leave a review and rating! Your words will help connect us all and bring these valuable conversations to even more actors- and other artists- around the world. ‍AND… Screenshot, post + tag us @bgbstudio on IG! ‍If you’ve missed any episodes, catch up now! Guests & Resources: ‍Click here to learn more about Sydney Walsh! ‍Click here to learn more about Corey Parker! Click here to learn more about Cate Cohen! ‍Click here to learn more about David DeSantos!‍ Check out the books David mentions in the episode: The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle The Actor and the Target by Declan Donnellan The Art Spirit by Robert Henri The Plays of Anton Chekhov Listen to other podcasts with our BGB Master Teachers! Ep. 54: What Does It Take to Make It Now? Ep. 53: Finding Freedom & Power in Script Analysis Ep. 43: How To Be A Happy Actor Credits: PRODUCER: BGB STAFF TECH + DESIGN: MITCHELL BRAXTON & ASWATHI MENON MUSIC: SAM DEWEES + ANDY ABELOW Back To All Episodes Meet us on Instagram and other social spaces where we hang out — with tons more great advice, inspiration, and Industry intel. @BGBStudio on IG + Twitter + TikTok + @theBGBStudio on Facebook. ‍‍ CHECK OUT our Audition, Scene-Study, and Hybrid Classes! SIGN UP for our BGB Group Career Coaching series! JOIN US for The BGB Actors Summit: A virtual workshop with Risa & Steve The BGB Sit-Down is back! Meet Risa + Sydney in our Studio Are You Ready For Class? All BGB Classes