Colleen sits down with Heather Hemmens (Roswell New Mexico, Hellcats, Yellowstone)  to talk about sustaining a decades-long career through resilience, craft, and self-care. Heather looks back on moving from Maine to LA at 18 with little money, the disheartening early years, and how depression in her early 20s led her to coping tools like hiking, yoga, meditation, and better health habits. Stan Kirsch Studios was one of the places that gave her a sense of community and built her groundwork for on-camera training, and she also got support from a manager who stuck with her before she booked for years. Heather breaks down what she learned watching herself on camera, her seven-audition journey to booking Hellcats despite getting harsh feedback from a casting director, and how that propelled her in the future when she was up for Roswell, New Mexico. From working with Tyler Perry to Taylor Sheridan, Heather has absorbed the artistry of those around her and used it to further her acting career and work. No matter what happened, she refused to give up, and that’s how she was able to keep going. See her in “Texas Two Step” now playing on Hallmark.00:00 Meet Heather Hemmens01:01 Moving to LA at 1802:45 Full Circle Milestone04:07 Self Care Survival06:16 Depression and Coping Tools08:07 Finding Stan Kerr Studios10:56 On Camera Breakthroughs15:03 Booking Hellcats18:26 Notes and Callbacks20:10 Resilience Before the Break24:39 Health Crisis to Business26:53 Roswell Audition Shift27:10 Booking Roswell Fast29:20 Juggling Three Shows31:14 Champagne Problems Reality35:21 Tyler vs Taylor Workflows38:41 Tyler Perry Boot Camp41:45 Directing Actors Gently46:02 Staying Flexible On Set47:35 Dancing Again Texas Two Step50:14 Choosing Directing Home Turf52:40 Trusting Intuition Self CareEPISODE LINKS:· Heather’s IMDb· Follow Heather on IG @heatherhemmens· Get some Galifornia Undies Host: Colleen FoyProducer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Brock and Natalie Lander (The Middle, 9-1-1: Lone Star, 13 Reasons Why, Hannah Montana, Grey’s Anatomy, Goldie and Bear, Legally Brunette, and MTV’s Search for the Next Elle Woods) get into the nitty gritty about being a modern day actor. Natalie shares how Stan Kirsch Studios helped her transition from theater to TV with script breakdown skills, multicam vs. single-cam knowledge, and the value of watching other actors work. She discusses booking her first recurring guest star at 28 on The Middle, how preparedness and a welcoming set helped her feel she belonged, and what recurring work teaches about community. They also dive deep into Natalie’s content creation process and how she came up with the Craigslist Monologues and Shortcomings podcast with Brittany Ross and eventually Legally Brunette. This episode is for everyone looking for advice and practical lessons on how to navigate being a multihyphenate actor. 00:00 Cold Open and Setup00:09 Guest Intro Natalie Lander01:32 Podcast Mission and POV02:03 SKS Lessons and Foundations04:18 The Middle Audition Breakthrough07:42 Recurring Role Long Game09:19 Creating with Brittany Ross13:27 Community and Making Your Own Yes16:36 Legally Brunette Origin Story18:36 Journals to One Woman Show21:49 Pandemic Resurgence and Timing23:16 Creative Meets Business23:56 Healing Legally Blonde24:35 Solo Creator Struggles27:07 Squiggy Musical Origins29:46 Mars Story And Grief31:50 Writing Process Breakdown35:29 Venue And Funding Reality39:04 Indie Pilot To Life43:02 Acting In A New Era45:05 Fringe And FarewellEPISODE LINKS:· Natalie’s Website· Natalie’s Links· Natalie’s IMDb· Follow Natalie on IG @natalie_landerHost: Brock CiarlelliProducer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Angela Fornero sits down with Melissa Blue, owner of Rock Your Reel and Bluelit Studios, to talk through actor branding. From demo reels to headshots, they dive into the pros and cons of using self-tapes versus creating footage and how actors can “level up” their packages depending on where they are in their careers. Melissa shares her path from musical theater to on-camera acting, headshot photography, writing, and building a reel business in LA. They also talk about how your acting materials should teach Hollywood how to cast you, align with what you truly play, and match shows that are currently airing right now. Melissa shares her process and how she likes to identify  archetypes, analyze favorite shows for patterns, research into current cinematography techniques and sets, and why class is so important. With Rock Your Reel, she talks about taking actors through the entire process of brainstorming, pitching, scripting, rehearsing, shooting, and editing, and how it is all a part of reclaiming our careers. 00:00 Career Corner Setup00:34 Footage Confusion Today01:19 Meet Melissa Blue03:03 From Headshots to Reels07:10 Listening to the Signs08:46 Branding Without Fear12:10 Specific Materials That Cast14:39 Find Your Shows and Tone16:15 Archetypes and Cheat Sheets18:09 Target Shows With Patterns23:49 Community and Class Benefits28:32 New vs Seasoned Actors33:55 Self Tape Quality Bar35:32 Branding Through Demo Reels36:21 Footage Paths Explained38:23 DIY Footage Pitfalls41:25 Cheap/Fast/Good Rule42:50 Waiting Pays Off46:08 Rock Your Reel Process55:00 Shoot Day and Timeline56:30 IMDb and Signature Scenes59:29 Seasoned Actor Tips01:02:20 Creative Fulfillment 01:07:16 Lessons From Producing01:10:51 Final Advice & Next StepsEPISODE LINKS:· Rock Your Reel · Blue Lit Studios· Melissa’s IMDb· Follow Melissa on IG @melissabluewardHost: Angela ForneroProducer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

We are thrilled to welcome long time SKS'er Laura Niemi. With over 60 IMDB credits, and an extensive background in theatre (The Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Rep, The Taper just to name a few) - she knows what it takes to put in the work and navigate this wild industry. From Laura’s theater roots where she created her own theater company to her recurring role on NBC’s This is Us, they dive into every aspect of Laura’s journey.  Laura talks about how theater strengthened her craft, her reps and rehearsal process, the value of community, rehearsal partners, and the belief that there’s no single “right” way to play a role. Laura also reflects on how pivotal Stan and SKS was in her life, and how at every turn she was able to pivot and pave her own way forward through the connections she established throughout her lifelong career.00:00 Old Friends Reconnect00:21 Glass Menagerie Breakthrough01:02 Theater Pay Reality Check01:47 Cracking Big Stages03:00 Why Plays Level You Up05:03 Rehearsal Builds Chemistry06:43 Rehearsal Friendships09:06 No One Right Take11:12 Finding Stan’s Studio14:17 Safe Space Culture15:36 Audition Prep That Books20:59 Staying Inspired Today22:43 Hobbies Fuel The Work25:02 Branding and Typecasting27:40 Reinventing Through Creating30:20 Writing Your Own Series31:08 Stop Overbranding Yourself32:00 Utility Actor Mindset33:25 Stars vs Theater Casting35:10 Frustration Into Action38:28 This Is Us Audition Journey42:42 Chemistry and Method Choices45:33 Betting on Yourself47:24 Red Carpet Reps Practice52:20 Finding the Right Reps55:33 Choosing Reps Authentically59:39 Stan Legacy FarewellEPISODE LINKS:· Laura Niemi’s IMDb· Follow Laura on IG @lauraniemi · Keep up with Laura hereHost: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

In this episode, award-winning Afro-Latina actress and filmmaker Loren Escandón shares her inspiring journey from Cali, Colombia, to Hollywood. Growing up surrounded by cartel violence, Loren’s mother enrolled her in ballet to keep her safe, which sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling. She shares how her early training in ballet, tango, and jazz eventually led her to theater and television, as well as the challenges of navigating cultural shifts and learning to embrace her accent. Loren has appeared in hit series including Gentefied, 9-1-1, S.W.A.T., Selena: The Series, Truth Be Told, and Freevee’s Casa Grande. She is best known for her breakout role as Marisol in Netflix’s Purple Hearts. Beyond acting, Loren is an accomplished director and writer. Her debut, Phone Tales, premiered at multiple festivals, and her latest short, Los Patines, has won numerous awards including Best Short at the San Pedro International Film Festival and Best Latino Short and Director at the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival. Throughout the conversation, Loren emphasizes resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of representation in storytelling. She offers insights into her creative process, her experiences navigating multiple cities and cultures, and her vision for what’s coming next.00:00 Introduction and Early Life 00:25 Discovering Ballet and Storytelling 01:32 Transition to Acting and Moving to the US 02:27 Navigating the Acting Industry 03:48 First TV Role and Learning the Ropes 05:49 Settling in LA and Finding Representation 11:24 Audition Challenges and Self-Acceptance 16:59 The Importance of Training and Comedy 25:17 Wardrobe and Character Embodiment 26:50 Collaborative Costume Design 27:22 Realism in Acting 28:57 Transition to Directing 31:57 Creating Los Patina 34:50 Challenges and Triumphs 39:34 Future Projects and Aspirations 46:44 Reflections and Inspirations 49:46 Inside the Actor's Studio QuestionsEPISODE LINKS:· Loren’s IMDb· Follow Loren on IG @lorenescandonHost: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

A.J. Castro was born in Costa Rica and raised in Miami, where he quickly found his love of acting. He sits down with host Colleen Foy to talk about his journey in the industry and finding his place as a Latino in Hollywood. From studying at CSULA to booking Will & Grace and 9-1-1, A.J.’s journey has now led him to becoming a coach at SKS. He shares his early career struggles, his entry into Hollywood through perseverance and community support, living a lifelong career with shifting goals over time, finding writing, and how being a father has shaped his stories. A.J. also shares insights about adapting to the industry’s demands, and how he found Stan Kirsch Studios right when he needed it. You’ll learn the importance of having a process, finding joy in the creative journey, and giving yourself grace in your creative process. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 AJ's Journey to the Studio 01:22 Moving to LA: The Early Years 02:34 Finding Footing in LA 02:49 Acting Beginnings in Miami 06:25 Challenges and Growth in Acting 07:50 The Importance of Goals and Consistency 14:48 Navigating the Acting Industry 30:00 Booking 911 & The Payoff of Consistency 30:56 Overcoming Intimidation and Self-Doubt 33:19 The Importance of Casting and Perseverance 35:06 Branding and Marketing as an Actor 36:54 Discovering and Embracing Your Type 43:15 Writing as a Creative Outlet46:54 Balancing Acting and Writing52:51 Inside the Actor's Studio Questions 57:12 Final Thoughts and AspirationsEPISODE LINKS:· AJ Castro’s IMDb· Follow AJ on IG @realajcastro · AJ’s Links· Learn More about AJ’s Classes at SKSHost: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Allen Rowe (FBI Most Wanted, The Last Ship, Hawaii Five-0, ) has been a long time student of Stan Kirsch Studios. In this episode, he joins his mentor Colleen Foy to look back on his unique journey as an actor. Allen shares his early struggles, including flying between San Francisco and Los Angeles for auditions and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Born in Taipei, Taiwan and being of Chinese descent meant that Allen had to deal with a lack of roles that he saw himself in early on. It was because of his community and classes at studios like SKS that kept him going and allowed him to craft his iconic, memorable auditions that led to roles on shows like 'Monk' and 'CSI Cyber.' Allen also discusses his experience working in Asia as a series regular on Tou Du (Wei Xian lu Cheng) and what he’s hoping for in the future. If you’ve been looking for motivation to keep going and remain resilient, this is the episode for you.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Allen00:24 Early Acting Struggles and Auditions 01:15 Breakthrough and Career Milestones 02:04 Challenges and Learning in Acting Classes 06:04 Memorable Audition Stories 07:29 Dealing with Rejection and Staying Active 10:58 Script Analysis and Preparation Techniques 20:17 On-Set Experiences and Networking24:09 Reflecting on Early Career Experiences 24:25 Navigating the One-Hour Drama Auditions 25:43 Transitioning to Acting in Asia 27:36 Challenges and Successes in China28:37 Returning to the US and Building Connections 31:06 Aspirations for a Series Regular Role 33:41 Exploring Different Genres and Roles 34:25 Portraying My Grandfather 36:40 Representation and Diversity in Acting 41:30 The Art of Self-Taping 43:44 Inside the Actor's Studio QuestionsEPISODE LINKS:· Allen’s IMDb· Follow Allen on IG @theosky8Host: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

Audrey Helps Actors meets the Working Actor Podcast. This week actress Audrey Moore takes a look back on her career, how she navigates acting as a lifestyle, and the magical thinking to burnout loop that every actor faces. As she and host Colleen Foy  dive into the intricacies of Audrey's career and her experiences in the acting industry, they discuss what it was like to being Emmy-nominated to the daily realities and challenges actors face. Audrey shares valuable insights into the audition process, leveraging relationships in the industry, and managing the highs and lows of the profession. You will leave this episode knowing the importance of sustaining your  passion, dealing with rejection, and navigating the fine line between fantasy and reality throughout your entire career. 00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming Audrey 00:45 — Audrey's Emmy Experience 04:54 — Audition Stories and Acting Insights 11:38 — The Reality of Acting Careers 17:54 — Magical Thinking to Burnout 26:35 — The “Fantasy of the Dress” Metaphor27:10 — The Reality Check 27:35 — Emotional Experiences and Self-Worth 28:47 — Magical Thinking in Careers 29:57 — Live Tweeting and Fan Connection 30:53 — Navigating Industry Expectations 35:03 — The Green Light Game 39:58 — Career Levels and Networking 43:40 — Balancing Information and Burnout 44:20 — Maintaining Relationships with Reps 50:47 — Final Thoughts and GratitudeEPISODE LINKS:· Listen to the Audrey Helps Actors Podcast· Audrey Moore’s IMDb· Follow Audrey on IG @audreyscoresmoore· Follow the Audrey Helps Actors IG @audreyhelpsactorspodcast· The Audrey Helps Actors WebsiteHost: ⁠Colleen Foy⁠Producer: ⁠Kristyn Daniel⁠Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? ⁠Visit Our Website Here.⁠⁠Catch up on the podcast here.⁠Follow SKS on IG ⁠@stankirschstudios ⁠

In this episode, host Colleen Foy interviews television director April Winney, discussing her career trajectory from theater to becoming a sought-after director known for her rapport with actors. They delve into April's isolated upbringing in the Sequoia National Forest, her shift from acting to directing in college, and her pivotal years in Chicago's theater scene. April shares her journey into film and TV, working as a script supervisor for 15 years, and eventually directing for shows like 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D' and ‘Tracker’. They also explore her experiences in casting, the importance of authenticity in auditions, and navigating the challenges of directing. April's passion for mentoring actors and teaching them how to excel as guest stars on TV sets highlights her commitment to the craft and her supportive nature.  00:00 — Introduction and Celebrity Doppelgangers 01:10 — Growing Up in Sequoia National Forest 03:27 — Journey to Becoming a Director 04:18 — From Theater to Film and TV 05:01 — Learning on the Job: Script Supervisor to Director 09:24 — Breaking into TV Directing 10:34 — Directing on Different Shows 10:49 — The ABC Disney Program and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 13:16 — Directing on Tracker and Location Scouting 19:02 — Teaching Guest Stars: Workshops and Classes 25:55 — Technical Tips for Actors 26:44 — Respect and Challenges for Actors 27:31 — Casting Decisions and Positivity 29:23 — The Casting Process 31:43 — What Directors Look for in Self-Tapes 34:12 — The Importance of Slates 42:52 — Balancing Emotions in Performances 46:46 — Maintaining Well-being During Shoots48:14 — Navigating Industry Changes 49:57 — Final Thoughts and Upcoming ClassesEPISODE LINKS:· Aprill Winney IMDb· Follow Aprill on IG @aprillwinney· Acting with the Director with Aprill WinneyHost: Colleen FoyProducer: Kristyn DanielMusic by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.Catch up on the podcast here.Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Host Colleen Foy speaks with her talent manager Paulo Andres about his 23-year career in the industry. They delve into Paulo's journey from aspiring actor to successful manager, highlighting the transition and his dedication to his clients. Paulo shares why he signed Colleen, what stands out in submissions, how to find joy in the industry, and why he believes all actors need to pursue their career full-time. From personal anecdotes from his time as an actor to discussing how he approaches manages his clients, Paulo shares how he has adapted to the changes in the business over the years and the importance of perseverance. This episode is a valuable resource for everyone who is looking for a rep, and for all those looking for the motivation to keep going.  00:00 — Introduction and Background00:26 — Early Career Struggles 01:36 — Finding the Right Manager 02:29 — Building a Career in Acting 03:00 — The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence 04:26 — Navigating the Industry 05:55 — The Role of a Manager 08:09 — Personalized Client Management 10:35 — Challenges and Insights 23:53 — Pitching and Networking 25:48 — Crafting Effective Pitches 26:18 — The Role of a Manager 26:44 — The Importance of Submissions 27:41 — Challenges in the Industry 29:47 — Self-Tapes and Auditions 38:51 — Adapting to Industry Changes 42:24 — Maintaining Creativity and Community 45:36 — The Blank Theater Involvement 49:45 — Navigating Representation Challenges 56:17 — The Personal Side of ManagementEPISODE LINKS:· Follow Paulo on Instagram @thepaoloandres· Paulo’s IMDb Pro· The Blank Theater· Follow The Blank Theater on Instagram @theblanktheaterHost: Colleen FoyProducer: Kristyn DanielMusic by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing________________Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.Catch up on the podcast here.Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios