Actorcast

For episode 086 of Actorcast and the season 5 premiere, we are joined by Todd Susman. I had the opportunity to train with Todd Susman at the Neighborhood Playhouse and he is just a wealth of knowledge when it comes to acting and the entertainment industry. In our conversation we discuss everything from preparation, auditioning, decision making, imperfections, and much more. You can learn more about Todd by visiting https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0839881/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_q_TOdd%2520Susman Todd Susman has been a professional actor since 1969. He’s been a regular in six television series and a recurring character in fifteen or more, including five years recurring as “Officer Shifflett,” the town cop in “Newhart.” Todd has done twenty-two television pilots, myriad movies made for TV, and performed in countless episodic television shows, voice-overs, and on-camera commercials. He was the “Public Address Announcer” in the TV series “MASH” for eight years, and the “Man From Mitsubishi” for another eight years on radio. Todd starred as “Wilbur Turnblad” in "Hairspray" on Broadway. He recurred as Jason Biggs’s father in “Orange Is The New Black,” and recently filmed episodes of “Blue Bloods,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “The Good Fight,” “For Life,” and “Bull.” Todd worked with Denzel Washington in “The Taking Of Pelham 123” and Al Pacino in “You Don’t Know Jack.” For the past ten years, Todd has added writing plays, teaching and coaching to his repertoire. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For episode 085 of Actorcast, and our final episode of the Minisode Series, we talk about the importance of trusting yourself as an actor. There are so many unknowns in this industry and so much that is out of our control. Because of this, it is crucial that we maintain perspective on things, that we enjoy the process, and focus on becoming the best actor we can be and why that matters to us. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For this episode of Actorcast, we are talking about the importance of simplifying your acting. As actors, it is often tempting to over complicate things. We need to do all of the research, analyze every last detail of our character, and dissect every one of our lines. But this often leads to us loosing focus and forgetting what really matters: being in the moment of the scene. Prep work is important, but it's also important to leave it behind you when it comes time to perform. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For episode 083 of Actorcast, we talk about ten great books for actors. There are so many great books out there that it was hard to narrow it down to ten (and I, in fact, include two honorable mentions, so it's actually twelve books). We give a brief overview of each book and why you need to go out and get them. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

Doing background work as an actor is an excellent way to learn about how a professional TV or film set operates. In episode 082 of Actorcast, as part of our Minisode Series, we are talking all things background work. We talk about the benefits of doing it, what to get out of it, and what it's not. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For episode 081 of Actorcast, we talk about the different ways that you can find an agent or manager. It is often a confusing pursuit, but we discuss three main ways that you can at least begin the conversation with them: cold submissions, referrals, and having them see your work. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

In this episode of Actorcast, we talk about how the audience isn't stupid. It's so tempting for actors to feel like they have to explain what's going on in the story through their character. Sometimes actors worry that the audience will be completely lost otherwise. While there are plays and movies that can be confusing at times, most of the time the audience is right there with us. So long as actors remember this, their performances will be much stronger. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For episode 079 of the Actorcast, we do a deep dive into auditioning. It is so important that we have the right perspective when we go in to audition for a project. In this episode, we discuss why we must see our auditions as performances and why we should allow our work to speak for itself when making connections in the industry. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

In this minisode episode of Actorcast, we are talking about the importance of letting the text do the work. It's all too common for actors to feel like they have to explain the text and what is going on in their performances. Through over-the-top embellishments or large facial expressions, actors trap themselves when they don't trust the text. Rather, actors should lean heavily on the text and let it lead them through the script. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

There are a lot of opinions out there regarding the best way for actors to memorize their lines. In this episode of Actorcast, I chat about what has worked for me in the past, why I believe it to be one of the best ways to memorize, and why every actor must find their own process for doing so. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

Self-tapes can sometimes be a tricky thing to navigate for actors. In this episode of Actorcast, as part of our Minisode Series, we discuss how to make a proper self-tape, what is doable, and setting yourself up for a successful audition. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For people beginning their acting journey, it can often feel overwhelming deciding where to start when it comes to choosing an acting class. In this episode of Actorcast, we discuss a couple of options to get you started and why these particular classes could be a great start to your acting journey. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For episode 074 of Actorcast, we are talking casting websites! It is essential for actors to submit themselves for projects, especially when they are first starting out. We discuss Actors Access, Casting Networks, Backstage, and other websites that actors should be checking out. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

In episode 072 of Actorcast we are discussing the three essential materials that actors need in their arsenal: the headshot, the resume, and the demo reel. We discuss how important each one is, what is to be included within each, and why they are so crucial for all actors to have. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For episode 072 of Actorcast, we are discussing things to consider before pursuing acting professionally. The decision to be an actor is certainly not a light one, and in this episode we dissect some of the important things to think about before making that leap. We chat about having a life outside of acting, developing valuable skills, as well as knowing the business side of the industry. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

Kicking off our minisode series is episode 071, which covers the all-too-well-known question, "So do I want to be an actor?" In this episode, we discuss how to determine if acting is something you want to do professionally, as a hobby, or just something you tried once. We talk about the importance of taking classes, getting involved in community and school productions, and more. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For the season 4 finale of Actorcast, we are joined by Christopher Barrett! After years of working as a performer, talent agent, and running his own talent agency, Chris shares his wealth of wisdom for us in this episode. We discuss his career as a performer, the natural transition to working as an agent, and the opportunities available for actors today. We also discuss the future of the entertainment industry and its continuous evolution alongside technology. This episode is choke full of insights and wisdom you'll want to retain. Christopher Barrett was CEO and President of Metropolitan Talent Agency up until 2017. A 35 year veteran in the industry, Barrett has experience in all aspects of entertainment from theatre and television production to digital media, and is showing the way forward to many of his clients. Chris began his career as a performer. Though he enjoyed the success of working with the likes of Liza Minelli under the direction of Martin Scorcese, Chris began to feel there were broader horizons for him to explore in show business. He accepted his first job as an agent with the Los Angeles office of The J. Michael Bloom Agency. Within the next seven years, Barrett moved to take sole control of his own company, which in 1989, ultimately evolved into what is now known as Metropolitan Talent Agency. After many years of agenting, Chris developed a successful producing career in both the theatre and television space with LOUIS KEELY: LIVE AT THE SAHARA! at the Geffen Playhouse and a musical/biographical John Lennon production, JUST IMAGINE. For two seasons, he served as Executive Producer on Showtime’s comedy talk show, THE GREEN ROOM WITH PAUL PROVENZA. Barrett currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Anne Schedeen, and their two dogs. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

Michael Tow joins us for episode 069 of Actorcast, and you do not want to miss this one! We discuss Michael's love and passion for the craft of acting, one he had ever since he was young. After pursuing a career as a financial planner, Michael decided to pursue acting one small step at a time, which has led to an impressive career of credits. We talk about his journey into entertainment, his own work that he has produced for the AAPI community, as well as the tragic loss of his daughter and how that informs his creative mission. Don't miss out on listening to this incredible actor! To learn more about Michael, please check him out on social media @michael.tow. Michael Tow is a Chinese-American actor from Boston. He is a versatile TV, Film & Theater actor who will next be seen in Apple TV+'s highly anticipated limited series City on Fire, From creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Tow will play the series regular role of Joe Yeung alongside Chase Sui Wonders & Wyatt Oleff. Tow previously recurred on NBC's Law & Order: SVU and AMC's NOS4A2, and has upcoming recurring guest stars on Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness opposite Zoe Saldana & Nicole Kidman and STARZ’s Raising Kanan. He is also known for his starring role as Little Handsome in the Tribeca Darling Lucky Grandma and the Oscar winning film Sound of Metal. Tow is also a co-creator at Tow Arboleda Films a company that has made numerous Asian American social justice shorts and videos seen by millions of people around the world, including That’s not the Nanny and Coughing While Asian. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

Actress Emily Berry joined us for episode 068 of the Actorcast and she did not disappoint! In this episode, we talk about Emily's journey as an actress, her process in discovering and rediscovering her type, and what actors should avoid doing in their professional lives as actors. We also discuss the importance of self-care in the industry and how to overcome certain challenges. Follow Emily and her journey @officialemilyberry. Emily earned her SAG card in 1997, while in Chicago, shooting a commercial with Michael Jordan. Today, she is a face you easily recognize having over 50+ credits in both television and film. Her diverse TV credits include roles on shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “New Girl,” “NCIS,” “Young Sheldon,” “Fresh Off The Boat,” and too many national commercials to count. Her film credits include projects such as “Logan,” “Pearl Harbor,” “No Man of God,” and many more. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.

For episode 067 of Actorcast, we are joined by my good friend Roger Lee! Roger is the Founder and Managing Director of Roger Lee Arts and he has been such a valuable resource for me in my artistic career. We discuss his beginnings as a dancer and how he uses entrepreneurial skills to develop a sustainable dancing career for himself and his company. We also discuss his career coaching, as well as his recently released e-book, Artist Income Boosting Strategies. We discuss the importance of artists valuing themselves, the work they do, and the careers they are forging for themselves. You don't want to miss this one! To learn more about Roger, please visit https://www.rogerleearts.com/ or follow Roger on all social platforms @rogerleearts. Roger Lee is the Managing Director, Owner, and Founder of Roger Lee Arts, LLC, a business producing dance company concerts, portrait drawings, and artist career coaching since 2012. He wrote the e-book Career Advice For Visual and Performing Artists based on his 18 years of professional experience as an award-winning visual and performing artist. He is also the author of the newly released e-book: Artist Income Boosting Strategies. Follow my work at https://patrick-mcandrew.com.