What is actually worth spending money on as an actor? In this week's episode of Actor Aesthetic, Maggie is sharing the investments she's making in this season of life (from dance classes and rehearsal studios to career tools, wellness routines, and even the little things that make everyday life easier). After going through a major career transition and taking a closer look at her finances, she's realized that not every expense is created equal. Some purchases help her become a better performer, some protect her peace, and some are simply worth it because they make life more enjoyable. In this episode, Maggie talks about: The best investment she's made this year (hint: it's dance 💃) Why she spends money on rehearsal studios even when she doesn't have an audition Career expenses every actor should budget for Wellness purchases she refuses to feel guilty about The convenience splurges that save her time and energy The one expense she's actively trying to cut back on (Uber Eats... you know the drill 😅) Why intentional spending matters more than trying to spend less Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of a creative career, freelancing, auditioning, or just trying to figure out what's actually worth your money, this episode is a reminder that investing in yourself doesn't always have to look glamorous—it just has to support the life you're trying to build. Resources Mentioned Actor's Access SAG-AFTRA Actor's Equity Association Ripley-Grier Studios Pearl Studios HelloFresh Squarespace

Health insurance is one of the least glamorous (but most important) parts of building a career as an actor. In this special community-driven episode of Actor Aesthetic, Maggie Bera shares real stories from working performers across the country about how they’re navigating health insurance while pursuing careers in the arts. While there may not be one right way to get health insurance as an actor, there are plenty of people figuring it out together.

Maggie shares a very real life update about where she’s been the past few years... from working full-time in performance marketing and fashion, to burnout, getting married, feeling disconnected from creativity, and figuring out who she is outside of constant productivity and hustle culture.

Hot take: If you're relying only on acting income to survive in 2025… you're either incredibly lucky, or dangerously stressed. In this raw and unfiltered episode, Maggie breaks down the real financial blueprint behind her life as a working actor — including exactly how much she makes, what she pays in rent, how she saves for her wedding, and why a full-time job hasn’t killed her theatre dreams (in fact, it’s helped her thrive). What she earns What she spends How she saves And how she’s still performing Whether you're fresh out of school, deep in the hustle, or just tired of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.......... this episode is your permission slip to build stability your way. Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected]. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources. Follow host Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/ Email: [email protected]

Feeling disconnected from your rep book? In this episode, Maggie Bera shares how to rebuild your audition binder with songs that reflect your personality, casting energy, and vocal strengths. She breaks down why most sopranos struggle to find current, callback-worthy material—and how to fix it. Plus, Maggie shares the origin story behind one of Actor Aesthetic’s most popular downloads, now completely revamped for 2025: 100+ Contemporary Audition Songs for Sopranos. 🎵 Grab the updated list here → actoraesthetic.com/shop🎭 Perfect for college auditions, callbacks, and rep book refreshes.   Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected]. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more actor tools and resources. Follow host Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/ Email: [email protected]

After a year away from the mic, Maggie shares her experience undergoing cervical disc replacement surgery, recovering as a performer, and what it means to return to the industry with a new perspective.

Thinking about moving back to NYC to pursue your career in theatre? Now that the pandemic has subsided, here's what you need to know. Also discussed on this weeks podcast is side jobs for actors (remote and hybrid), balancing your part time and full time gigs with acting, working towards financial stability outside of the arts, EPA's and ECCs, and how to deal with sickness during auditions, rehearsals and performances. Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected]. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow host Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/ Email: [email protected]

The spookiest week of the year... and it's not Halloween (even though TJMAXX put out all their Halloween decorations already... can't we have one more month of summer?!) Going into a tech week of her own, host and actor Maggie Bera breaks down exactly what to expect walking into tech week for a musical. Buy the Fontus lozenges here.  Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email [email protected]. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow host Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/ Email: [email protected]

If you’re not performing professionally on Broadway, on tour, or on a cruise ship, where might one find work? Regional theatre!

40 minutes of JAM-PACKED info you’ll want to hear before your next audition.