Action: The Pursuit Of Acting Excellence
80 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 360 ratingsMy name is Leigh Foster and I’m an actor living and working in Chicago. My career is going well but I know I have a long way to go. I’m determined to become a great actor, if you are too, I hope you’ll follow me as I search for the advice and experiences that will help accomplish that goal.
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Episodes
Episode 79: The New Years Episode
January 04, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBTo 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 Sun...
EXACTLY How I Book TV Roles
October 05, 2020 00:00 - 38 minutes - 73.2 MBHere 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 ...
"For All Mankind" actor Chris Agos
February 03, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBChris 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
Audience Questions Answered
November 04, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBMichael 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 & Damian Young
September 25, 2019 20:15 - 2 minutes - 39.6 MBWelker 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 i...
My Thoughts on Acting and Life
August 07, 2019 00:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBYou 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/t...
Audition Secrets with Justin Guarini
July 25, 2019 00:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBJoin 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 hav...
"Arrow" Actress Elysia Rotaru
July 03, 2019 00:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBIn 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 transi...
The Man Who's Seen 10,000 Auditions
June 22, 2019 00:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MB"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...
Brendan Taylor: Close to 100 Commercials and Counting
May 30, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 60 MB"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 ...
The Anniversary Episode
May 01, 2019 00:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBOn 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.
"True Detective" Actress Alyshia Ochse
April 26, 2019 00:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBAlyshia 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...
"FBI" Actor Jay Klaitz on Auditioning
April 10, 2019 00:00 - 56 minutes - 78.1 MB"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
"Have Fun or Get Out"
March 21, 2019 00:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB"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
Laureen Muller: Atlanta-Based Talent Manager
March 08, 2019 00:00 - 51 minutes - 47.8 MBFrom 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
Renowned Acting Coach Terry Knickerbocker
February 22, 2019 00:00 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MB“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,...
Tony Howell: The Actor's Digital Strategist
February 13, 2019 00:00 - 45 minutes - 42.4 MBTony 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 t...
How to Set and Achieve Your Acting Goals
January 15, 2019 23:31 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBOn 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 ep...
Seth Barrish: A Different Kind of Coach
January 01, 2019 00:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBSeth 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.
How to Book Co-Star Roles
November 13, 2018 17:26 - 45 minutes - 80.9 MBMichael 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
Black Text on White Paper
April 23, 2018 00:00 - 56 minutes - 90.6 MBOn this episode my friend and fellow actor Nelson Ritthaler and I discuss an incredibly beneficial exercise for actors that we have been practicing. Enjoy. www.WeAudition.com (25% with code ACTION25) www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast
Ozark's Kevin L. Johnson
January 31, 2018 00:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBOn this episode, actor Kevin L Johnson, who plays Sam Dermody on the hugely popular Netflix show Ozark. Enjoy. www.WeAudition.com (25% with code ACTION25) www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast
Legendary Coach Larry Moss: Part 2
January 03, 2018 00:00 - 28 minutes - 54.4 MBLarry Moss is one of the most sought after acting coaches in the world today. He worked with Helen Hunt on As Good As It Gets, Tobey Maguire on Seabiscuit, Hillary Swank on Boy Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, Leonardo DiCaprio on The Aviator, The Departed, The Wolf of Wallstreet and many more. He studied with Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner. He has taught at Juilliard and The Circle in the Square in NYC. He has acted in numerous broadway productions, has directed for the stage an...
Legendary Coach Larry Moss: A Rare Interview
December 06, 2017 00:00 - 27 minutes - 52 MBLarry Moss is one of the most sought after acting coaches in the world today. He worked with Helen Hunt on As Good As It Gets, Tobey Maguire on Seabiscuit, Hillary Swank on Boy Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, Leonardo DiCaprio on The Aviator, The Departed, The Wolf of Wallstreet and many more. He studied with Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner. He has taught at Juilliard and The Circle in the Square in NYC. He has acted in numerous broadway productions, has directed for the stage an...
Comedy For The UnFunny
November 28, 2017 16:48 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBMichael Kostroff returns to discuss tips for auditioning and working in comedy for people who consider themselves "unfunny" For all information on Michael's upcoming workshops go to... http://www.auditionpsych101.com ALSO! Go meet Michael and get your signed copy of Audition Psych 101 Saturday, 12/2 6:30-8:00 pm The Book Cellar 4736-38 N. Lincoln Avenue Action Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/
This Ain't The Feel-Good Club
November 21, 2017 00:00 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBThis episode is an interview with a friend of mine about his experience attending a Summer Intensive, which is a condensed acting conservatiory experience where students are in class all day, 6 days, for 6 weeks. The school he attended did not sponsor this episode. This is an honest, unbiased view.
Lessons from 18 Years of Casting: Holly Allen
November 01, 2017 00:00 - 39 minutes - 75.5 MBHolly Allen is a professional actor, acting teacher, and freelance casting director. She has seen exactly what works and what doesn't after directing thousands of auditions over the past 18 years. To find out more about Holly go to http://www.hollyallenonline.com Find her on Facebook @HollyAllenActor for upcoming workshops, articles and updates.
Michael Kostroff on Acting with De Niro
May 15, 2017 00:00 - 34 minutes - 66.3 MBhttp://www.hbo.com/movies/the-wizard-of-lies To sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop go to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city.
How To Make $$$ In Commercial Print
December 15, 2016 00:00 - 1 hour - 53.5 MBThis episode is a conversation between myself and Emily Jo Hayes, a very successful model and actress working in the Midwest, about the basics of commercial print or lifestyle modeling; a highly lucrative aspect of this industry we feel many actors neglect. To schedule a Skype appointment with me email [email protected] To schedule a Skype appointment with Emily email [email protected]
Emily Fletcher: Meditation for Actors
November 25, 2016 00:00 - 43 minutes - 80.6 MBEmily Fletcher's ten year Broadway acting career included roles in Chicago, The Producers & A Chorus Line. She is the founder of Ziva Meditation and zivaMIND, the world’s first online meditation training course. Emily has been featured in The New York Times, named top 100 "women in wellness to watch" and regarded as one of the leading experts in Vedic meditation. She has been invited to speak at Google, Viacom, and Harvard Business school to name a few. Since 2011 over 3,500 ppl have...
Part 2: "Luke Cage" actor Michael Kostroff
October 28, 2016 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBPart 2: Michael Kostroff returns to answer listener questions. To sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop coming to Chicago on 11/5/16 and 11/6/16 go to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city. Don't forget to follow my ass on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Action_Podcast
"Luke Cage" actor Michael Kostroff
October 18, 2016 00:00 - 32 minutes - 60.6 MBMichael Kostroff returns to answer listener questions. To sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop coming to Chicago on 11/5/16 and 11/6/16 go to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city. Don't forget to follow my ass on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Action_Podcast
50th Episode: Michael Kostroff
May 10, 2016 00:00 - 32 minutes - 47.9 MBTo sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop got to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city. Thanks to everyone who ever listened to this show. Leigh Foster...out.
Actor Chris Agos on Commercial Acting
May 03, 2016 00:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBChris has done a TON of commercial and TV work. TV appearances include recurring roles on Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Boss , as well as roles on Sirens , Betrayal, Mob Doctor, and many more. His book "acting in Chicago" taught me everything I needed to know when I moved here three years ago. http://www.amazon.com/Acting-Chicago-2013-Edition-Commercials/dp/0982886330 To Find out more about Chris or to sign up for his private coaching go to his website at www.chrisagos.com. For a...
Emmy Award Winning Actor Bill Oberst Jr.
April 26, 2016 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBBill Oberst Jr. is an American stage, film and television actor known for his work in horror and cult films, his career includes projects in film, television and one-man-show theater performances. His role as the creepy 'Facebook Stalker' in the online interactive video film Take This Lollipop, brought him widespread attention after the project received multiple Webby Awards nominations, three awards at SXSW, and a 2012 Daytime Emmy Award.
Actress Tehmina Sunny
April 19, 2016 18:50 - 30 minutes - 57.8 MBTehmina Sunny's film and TV credits include Argo, Children of Men, NCIS, CSI, Californication, Heroes, The Newsroom, The Following, and many more. http://tehminasunny.com/actress/About.html http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2040091/ https://twitter.com/Action_Podcast
Tips on Auditioning from Actor Chris Agos
April 12, 2016 00:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBChris's TV appearances include recurring roles on Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Boss , as well as roles on Sirens , Betrayal, Mob Doctor, and many more. His book "acting in Chicago" taught me everything I needed to know when I moved here three years ago. http://www.amazon.com/Acting-Chicago-2013-Edition-Commercials/dp/0982886330 To Find out more about Chris or to sign up for his private coaching go to his website at www.chrisagos.com. For anyone interested, I highly suggest gettin...
Who The F*&K Is Leigh Foster?
April 05, 2016 15:01 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBMany of my listeners have asked for me to be interviewed for an episode, so I asked my friend, fellow actor, and psychotherapist Nelson Ritthaler to help me out. Here it is...
"Dallas Buyers Club" actor: Scott Takeda
March 22, 2016 00:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBAs an actor Scott has played roles in "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot", "Gone Girl", "Dallas Buyers Club" and many, many more.
Actor and Entrepreneur: Darren Darnborough
March 15, 2016 20:14 - 42 minutes - 79.6 MBDarren is a London born actor and entrepenuer who now lives in LA. He's known for the British hit "East Enders", the US cult show "True Blood". and now has a role in the series "Roots" premiering in May. Next time you're preparing for an audition I highly recommend you check out Darren's company WeRehearse at www.werehearse.com If you have a question you'd like Darren to answer on an upcoming episode, ask it on twitter "Action_Podcast" or call the podcast voicemail at (206) 424 936...
Part 2: "The Wire" actor Michael Kostroff
March 08, 2016 22:45 - 13 minutes - 9.14 MBPart 2 of my conversation with actor and audition specialist Michael Kostroff.
"The Wire" actor: Michael Kostroff
March 01, 2016 15:52 - 31 minutes - 54.5 MBMichael Kostroff has been in approximately every TV show ever made. Here's his advice on auditioning. http://www.auditionpsych101.com https://twitter.com/TheRealKostroff
Audition Confidence: a how to guide
February 16, 2016 00:00 - 40 minutes - 76.6 MBHow to lose the nerves and build unshakable confidence before every audition.
HBO's Project Greenlight Winner: Jason Mann
February 09, 2016 00:00 - 34 minutes - 53 MBNew York based Director that is most certainly headed to the top and the Winner of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's HBO documentary television series Project Greenlight, Jason mann. Project Greenlight focusing on a filmmaker with a budget of 3 million dollars being given the chance to direct their first feature film in Hollywood. You can watch Jason's film "The Leisure Class" on HBO. Say Hi to him on Twitter @JASON_MANN_ and on Facebook at Facebook.com/jasonmannofficial. If you like ...
The Books That Helped Me The Most
February 02, 2016 18:56 - 8 minutes - 16.7 MBAfter being asked by many aspiring actors to recommend books that helped me when I was starting out I decided to make an episode on just that. All books mentioned can be found at www.leigh-foster.com/journal
HBO's "Vinyl" actor: Jay Klaitz
January 26, 2016 00:00 - 42 minutes - 70.6 MBOn this episode, HBO's new "Vinyl" actor Jay Klaitz. Enjoy... Check out Jay's band at http://futurefolk.com https://twitter.com/Future_Folk https://www.facebook.com/futurefolkmusic/?fref=ts http://www.hbo.com/vinyl
Justin Kucsulain on Self-Taping Auditions
January 19, 2016 00:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBOn this episode, actor Justin Kucsulain. I met Justin on the set of Chicago PD, a role which he had booked from a self-taped audition (and which airs tomorrow night, january 20th on NBC). I later find out that he had booked multiple other roles in this same way, including a role on The Walking Dead and a recurring role my favorite Netflix show, Bloodline. I was fascinated and told him I needed to have him on my podcast. If you’d like to see a picture of Justin’s home-auditioning setu...
Part 2: Director Jordan Brady
January 12, 2016 00:00 - 16 minutes - 22.3 MBThis episode is part two of my conversation with Los Angeles based director Jordan Brady. Check out his spots here... http://jordanbrady.com/spots/ Five Minute Journal: https://fiveminutejournal.refersion.com/c/50971 Audible download: www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast
Director Jordan Brady
January 05, 2016 00:00 - 25 minutes - 35.7 MBThis episode is part one of my conversation with Los Angeles based director Jordan Brady. Check out his spots here... http://jordanbrady.com/spots/ Five Minute Journal: https://fiveminutejournal.refersion.com/c/50971 Audible download: www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast
Emmy-Nominated Casting Director; Nancy Bishop
December 29, 2015 00:00 - 6 minutes - 8.5 MBNancy Bishop is an Emmy-nominated casting director and author of the groundbreaking book; Auditioning for Film and Television: Secrets from a Casting Director. With nearly one hundred major feature film and television credits such as The Bourne Identity, Mission Impossible, and Wanted, Nancy has cast hundreds of actors throughout her career.