Action: The Pursuit Of Acting Excellence

To sign up for Audition Psych 101, go to www.leigh-foster.com/101. Actor Michael Kostroff is best known for playing the role of Maurice Levy on the hugely popular show; The Wire. He’s also had recurring or series regular roles on shows like The Deuce, Law and Order, The Good Wife, Luke Cage, The Blacklist, Damages, Billions, and the list goes on and on…enjoy this episode. Michael’s renowned acting workshop Audition Psych 101 is finally becoming an online course. Starting this Sunday January 9th, 2022, registration will be open for 5 days only, during which time the price will be discounted, bonuses given out, and access to "Club 101" granted (monthly live meetings with Michael himself). Michael’s 3 part free video series: Audition myths, tough truths, and logic will be released today, Wednesday, and Friday. To watch these and to sign up for Audition Psych 101, go to www.leigh-foster.com/101.

Here is my exact step-by-step process for auditioning for and booking TV roles. Enjoy. I have put thousands of hours of work into this podcast over the past 5 years, for free. If you have ever gotten anything out of it..any beneficial piece of advice or useful technique. If I have saved you any time, helped quell your audition nerves, or simply made you a better actor. Then I ask YOU to help ME now.. "Mistakes Were Made, But Not By Me" is perhaps the most important audiobook I have ever listened to. With the world in the state that it's in, there is likely no better way to spend your time than to learn to understand how and why humans do what they do. This book will change the way you see the world. Thank me later. Send me Facebook or instagram message that says "I dowloaded it" so I know that I've done some good in the world. Thank you in advance. -Leigh Get it for free by clicking on this link: www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast

Chris has done a TON of commercial, TV and VO work. TV appearances include recurring roles on For All Mankind, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Boss, as well as roles on House Of Cards, Grey's Anatomy, Sirens , Betrayal, Mob Doctor, and many more. His book "Acting In Chicago" taught me everything I needed to know when I moved here seven years ago. He also has a new book out called The Voice Over Startup Guide. www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast www.chrisagos.com

Michael Kostroff has been in approximately every TV show ever made. In this episode he answers a number of listener questions with topics like rejection, auditioning, starting a career at 40, etc. Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free. To sign up for Michael's classes go to: http://www.auditionpsych101.com & http://www.theworkingactorgroup.com

Welker White is an actor with deep roots in theatre, film, and television. Most recently Welker completed shooting her third film with Martin Scorsese, The Irishman, opposite Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. On stage Welker has performed on and off-Broadway as well as regionally, originating roles by playwrights Lisa Kron, John Patrick Shanley, Craig Lucas, Mac Wellman, David Ives, Keith Reddin, and many others. Welker holds an MFA in Directing from Brooklyn College, where she teaches in the MFA Acting program. Damian Young is a career actor with over 100 credited film and television appearances. His work spans the films of Hal Hartley and cult favorite Nickelodeon's Pete and Pete, to roles in films such as Birdman, Catfight, Wonderstruck, and Ocean's 8. His recent work includes a series regular on HBO’s The Comeback, and recurring roles on House of Cards, Ozark, Homeland, and The Good Wife. Damian has worked extensively in theatre, both on and off-Broadway, as well as regionally. Together, through a unique, process-oriented approach to the form, they provide actors with concrete tools to unlock authentic behavior that reads onscreen. To learn more visit their website https://www.themovingframe.com Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free.

You want my advice? Here you go. I give my thoughts on building a career in acting in this interview from The Tony Rossi Show. Enjoy. Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free. Become a member like Leigh. Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ Follow Leigh on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighfoster123/ Follow Tony on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony.rossi/

Join Leigh as he visits with actor/performer Justin Guarini. Justin was a finalist in the first season of American Idol in 2002, which served to jump start his performance career. He has since appeared on screen and stage, including in Broadway productions of ‘American Idiot,’ ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ and ‘Wicked.’ He’s also hosted many shows like ‘Idol Wrap’ and has had some fun playing the hilarious Lil’ Sweet in commercials for Diet Dr. Pepper. Justin talks about the importance of having the right mindset and how it can affect every part of your experience in the industry. He also breaks down some external and internal challenges of auditioning and why you should never lie (ever), no matter the kind of day you’re having. In addition, Justin and Leigh discuss the necessity of approaching an audition as the opportunity to bring your own unique perspectives and experiences to a role, rather than thinking it’s some kind of competition. Finally, Justin shares his views on how proper self-care can keep you motivated and sane while navigating the industry and offers one incredible piece of advice for actors who are just starting out. Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free. Become a member like Leigh. http://www.justinguarini.com Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ Follow Leigh on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighfoster123/

In this episode Leigh visits with actress/producer Elysia Rotaru. Elysia is a Vancouver native who recently relocated to Los Angeles. She has many credits under her belt, including ‘Smallville,’ ‘Supernatural,’ a recurring role on ‘Arrow,’ and many others. She’s also a highly sought-after voiceover talent, having used her talents on hundreds of projects, including commercials, animation, and video games. Elysia discusses the challenges (and joys) of auditioning, along with the transition from theatre school to film. She also talks about how she launched her acting career, her experiences with different sets and casting rooms, and how much she enjoys voiceover and motion capture work. In addition, she gives a dynamite piece of advice for anyone who wants to become a full-time actor. Elysia Rotaru links: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3011272/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/elysiarotaru?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/elysiarotaru/?hl=en WEBSITE: http://elysiarotaru.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheElysia09

"You know how many actors come in here and say 'I just got this last night or I got it two days ago'?...And you know what I say? 'So did the person that's going to fuckin' book it' Jonathan Stanley is the owner of Hot Shots Self Taping in LA. Over the years he has seen thousands and thousands of auditions. On this episode he comes on to explain what that's taught him. As an actor Jonathan has landed roles on projects such as 'Timeless,' 'Batman v Superman,' 'Lucifer,' 'The Bold and the Beautiful', 'Agents of Shield,' 'Aquarius,' 'CSI Cyber,' 'The Last Ship,' 'Too Close To Home,' and many more. Currently, he plays Officer Lawrence Griffin on the Freeform TV series 'Good Trouble.' and is featured in the 2019 Sundance Award winning film 'The Infiltrators.' https://www.hotshotsselftaping.com

"It's arrogant to think you know why you didn't get a job" Brendan Taylor was born in North Vancouver, Canada. He completed high school with a bilingual diploma in English and French, he pursued post-secondary education at The University of British Columbia where he graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was fortunate to spend a year on exchange in Paris, France. He began working in Set Decoration on The Wicker Man (2005) starring Nicholas Cage. From that point on he worked on multiple features, series, TV movies, and short films shooting in Vancouver as a Set Dresser, Lead Dresser, and On-Set Dresser in the Set Decoration department. Armed with years of knowledge and experience behind the camera, Brendan decided to pursue his dream and return to acting in 2007, and consistently works in Film, TV, Commercials, and Theatre in Vancouver, Canada. Recent credits include The Magicians (SyFy), Bates Motel (A&E), Fargo (FX), Supernatural (The CW), and a recurring role on The Arrangement (E! Network).

On this episode I check in with my western correspondent in the field; Nelson Ritthaler. After 365 days of pursuing a career acting in LA he breaks down what's gone right, what's gone wrong and everything in between. Enjoy.

Alyshia Ochse is a Los Angeles-based actress and bestselling author. Just a few of her credits include recurring roles in "The Purge", "Ballers", "Life Sentence", "Satisfaction", "Days of Our Lives", "General Hospital", "Hart of Dixie", "True Detective", and more. She is the host of the podcast “That One Audition” which features conversations with your favorite on-screen storytellers and Hollywood influencers who reveal their most life-changing audition tales and the survival skills they’ve collected along the way. www.alyshiaochse.com

"The most important thing about booking all those shows is don't fucking DO anything...just don't fucking do anything!" On this episode TV, Film, Commercial, Stage and VO actor Jay Klaitz discusses how he approaches auditioning. I guarantee you'll learn something...I certainly did. Oh, and make sure you listen 'til the end ;) Join the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ instagram: @leighfoster123 twitter: @action_podcast

"You have to be savvy from the start" In this episode: Actor, and returning guest of the show, Michael Kostroff (The Wire, The Deuce, Damages, Billions, etc) and I discuss everything that DOESN'T have to do directly with the auditioning process. Join the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ instagram: @leighfoster123 twitter: @action_podcast Join Michael Kostroff's email list at: https://www.auditionpsych101.com

From effective "self-tape" auditions to who should seek representation in Atlanta, talent manager Laureen Muller comes on the show to discuss these topics as well as much, much more. http://rcmtalent.com

“As an actor, you’re only as good as your ideas.” In this episode Leigh visits with renowned acting coach Terry Knickerbocker. Terry is a graduate of the Experimental Theatre Wing at NYU, where he is still a member of the core faculty. He trained as an actor and a teacher with William Esper, and in 2015 he founded the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, a two-year Meisner conservatory in Brooklyn. Terry has coached actors including Sam Rockwell, Chris Messina, Boyd Holbrook, Natasha Lyonne, Leslie Bibb, Emmy Rossum, and many others on hundreds of films, television and theater projects. Join the discussion on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ https://terryknickerbockerstudio.com https://action-podcast.com

Tony Howell is a digital strategist for Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Olivier award-winning artists. His work has been featured by Google, Squarespace, SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity, and more. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he was an actor for 20+ years, performing On-Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, and more. In addition to weekly free content and scholarships to his quarterly programs, Tony donates a percentage of profits to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and 100% of all the profits from his book, "Artists to Artist" to the ACLU. Learn more at TonyHowell.me.

On this episode my guest is Courtney Rioux. Courtney can be seen on NBC’s Chicago Med as Paramedic Courtney. Her voice can currently be heard on spots for Jimmy Dean, McDonalds Happy Meal, and Hershey’s. As a Clarity Coach she helps her clients shift from stuck and unhappy to empowered and joyful. Her fun and easy approach has been described as, "therapy without the therapy!" Courtney and I discuss goal setting and achieve, how she went from a co-star to being on nearly every episode of Chicago Med, and the importance of branding. You can find her at courtneyrioux.com and as Courtney Rioux on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Her preference is Instagram though.

Seth Barrish has been a professional acting coach and teacher for more than 30 years. An award-winning actor, director, and Artistic Director, he has spent the last three decades focusing on techniques that maximize spontaneity and bring performances to life. He is the co-founder and co-artistic director of the Barrow Group: a new York based theater company and school.

Michael Kostroff has been in approximately every TV show ever made. Here's his advice on auditioning for co-star roles. www.WeAudition.com (25% with code ACTION25) www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast http://www.auditionpsych101.com https://twitter.com/TheRealKostroff