Actor Problems

Making Peace with Where You Are - with Wendy Braun

Today’s episode features accomplished actress, success breakthrough expert and inspiring speaker, Wendy Braun. She’s referred to by many supporters as “a positive + uplifting force in the entertainment industry.”   You may recognize Braun from her standout performance for the last three seasons in her recurring role on Netflix’s Atypical, and from recent appearances on Grey's Anatomy, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Documentary Now, The Mentalist, and Criminal Minds, to name a few.   ...

Your Career Status Doesn't Matter - Here's Why

WARNING: 2020 might not be your year…. (Well, this got awkward….) First off - chill. Second off - it’s okay. You’re good. Because you’ve come a long way since you got started. And if you play your cards right - you just might start getting results sooner than you think…. This week, we’re talking why it doesn’t matter where you are in your career right now - and how to ensure that you still get where you want.  It’s all on episode #93 of the Tony Rossi Show: Talking about #actorproble...

Why You're Not A Starving Artist - with Leah Raidt

Today’s interview is with Chicago artist, Leah Raidt. Leah Raidt proudly hails from Louisville, Kentucky. She is an actor, teacher, mentor and director based in Chicago, IL. She is the founder and head instructor of The College Audition Clinic at Actors Training Center, and a teacher and private coach at The Green Room Studio. Works in process include developing and directing the show Reverse Missionary with creative partner Juliet Barrett, which had a workshop premier through The Guest Ho...

Goal Setting with Talent Agent Vilma Llaguno

Today's episode features an excerpt from the Dream Out Loud Podcast, hosted by Vilma Llaguno.  Vilma is the founder of Dream Team Talent agency and Dream Team Productions. She is the mother of three, an entrepreuner, and someone who thrives off of helping others live their dreams.  Dream Out Loud Podcast  ITunes Spotify  Instagram  Vilma Llaguno   Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time to stack the odds in your favor Head on ove...

REPLAY: Meditation Doesn't Have to Suck - with Kelsey Mathes

Today's episode is a replay from episode #44 with Kelsey Mathes.  Happy Holidays, my friends :)    Info on Kelsey: Website: www.kammeditation.com Instagram: @kammeditaiton      Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time to stack the odds in your favor Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com and sign up for the self care email newsletter. When you do, you’ll get an email back with a link to listen to a free audio, How to Win the Day....

REPLAY: Meditation Doesn't Have to Suck - with Kelsey Mathes

Be an Attractive Actor This Holiday Season

It’s the end of the year. Maybe you’re happy with how your year went in regards to your acting career. Maybe you’re not. Either way, I want to leave you with this advice that all actors should consider to be a “more attractive” actor - before 2020. PS - It comes from an aha moment I had during therapy :)    FREE WEBINAR: “How to talk to friends and family about your acting career” (just in time for the holidays!)  Join the actor self-care newsletter for a special link coming ASAP...

Book More Work as a Nourished Actor - with Dionna Eshleman

Today’s episode features New York based actor, Dionna Eschleman. Dionna Eshleman is an actor, singer, podcaster, and life coach for actors based just outside of NYC. She launched her podcast, The Nourished Actor Podcast, in March 2019, with hopes to build a safe space for creatives to discuss how to nourish our minds, bodies, and careers.  She is working on launching her life coaching business for performers in Spring 2020. As an actor, Dionna has worked professionally in plays, musicals...

Consider This If You Don’t Feel Like a “Real Actor”

Have you ever felt like “not-a-real-actor” because you’re…. -In between projects -Working a day job -Further behind than your friends?? This week, I’ll share an example of something people working a 9-5 get to do - but actors don’t feel like they can do…..(and it might piss you off). Plus, we’ll go into why you can call yourself a real actor - even if you don’t feel like one today.    PS - Wanna join me on a free virtual webinar???  I’m taking names for anyone interested in joi...

Hardship and Heartbreak - On and Off Camera - with Ross Grant (Pt 2)

Today’s interview part two of our interview with with actor Ross Grant.    Did you miss part one? Check below to listen! Itunes Spotify   Ross is a UK based actor from Urmston, Manchester and graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University School Of Theatre in 2005. Since graduation, he's obtained credits in multiple BAFTA-winning TV series, including the critically acclaimed 'Don't Take My Baby', where he played the role of Mike. Ross is also an established voiceover a...

Hardship and Heartbreak - On and Off Camera - with Ross Grant (Part 1)

Today’s interview is a two parter, with actor Ross Grant.  He’ s a UK based actor from Urmston, Manchester and graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University School Of Theatre in 2005. Since graduation, he's obtained credits in multiple BAFTA-winning TV series, including the critically acclaimed 'Don't Take My Baby', where he played the role of Mike. Ross is also an established voiceover artist and an industry-leading high-performance mindset coach. He's the creator of the UK's la...

Hardship and Heartbreak - On and Off Camera - with Ross Grant

Today’s interview is a two parter, with actor Ross Grant.  He’ s a UK based actor from Urmston, Manchester and graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University School Of Theatre in 2005. Since graduation, he's obtained credits in multiple BAFTA-winning TV series, including the critically acclaimed 'Don't Take My Baby', where he played the role of Mike. Ross is also an established voiceover artist and an industry-leading high-performance mindset coach. He's the creator of the UK's la...

Success Today Might Not Be Here Tomorrow

“Be patient. Things are going to work out. It’s just gonna take some time.”  There’s no shortage of “just be patient” advice out there for actors these days.  Most of the time, it's good advice But what happens when we do hit success....only to start sliding backwards? This week, we’re talking how to mentally prepare for when things backslide and how to stay positive during the rough parts. Join the #Notperfect Actor Community!  Are you ready to stop feeling stressed AF about your ...

Networking - It Doesn't Have to Suck

You’re probably dope at acting. ….you might not be so dope at the biz side of things…..ya feel me?! I remember I used to hate networking - until I learned to see it differently. Today? I kinda like it :)  I think one of the reasons we hate networking is because we think we have to “propose on the first date.” Whereas instead, why not see this as the long game that it is and just go and make some connections - with no expectations in return?? This week, we’re talking networking - how ...

When Things Suck And You Don't Wanna Do The Work

We've all been there. Sometimes we have days where we don't wanna show up and be an actor.  It's bad enough when you're just in a mood and don't feel like acting....it's worse when that mood lasts several days, or more. This week we're talking strategies to get out that that funk - or at least, to keep showing up even when you don't feel like it.   Starting Sunday November 10th! Are you ready to stop feeling stressed AF about your acting career? Do you want to start feeling happy...

When Auditions and Self Tapes Make You Stressed AF

Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to be a perfect actor that we forget we’re allowed to be happy in the process. Or in some cases, we even put our happiness on hold because “we need to be an actor….” This week, we’ll discuss what to do when all those actor responsibilities fall on your plate at once, plus how to put things in perspective and consider the bigger picture.   Starting Sunday November 10th! Are you ready to stop feeling stressed AF about your acting career? Do you w...

Ever Doubt Yourself? This Might Be Why

When you’re super stressed, super tired, or….hungry….you’re gonna experience a lot of negative chatter.  This week we’ll discuss: 1) What to do when that negative chatter comes up, 2) One trick to do next time it happens, 3) A reassuring thought to remember when you start to spiral.   Starting Sunday November 10th! (New Date)  Are you ready to stop feeling stressed AF about your acting career? Do you want to start feeling happy as an artist before you quit your day job? Would you l...

Acting Goal Seems Far Away? Try This Approach

Know that feeling when you want to book a gig - a really big gig - and it just seems really far away? There maybe some benefits toward going after them that you haven’t even considered. And yes - this applies whether or not you’re ready.   Starting SUNDAY October 20th!  Are you ready to stop feeling stressed AF about your acting career? Do you want to start feeling happy as an artist before you quit your day job? Would you like some coaching for stupid cheap on all those things??...

Actors Deserve Help Too

Hey….need some help?  (Hint: The answer is yes.)  And there may be some reasons you really need to start asking for help that you haven’t considered. Let’s talk about it... Also...ANNOUNCEMENT:  Are you ready to stop feeling stressed AF about your acting career? Do you want to start feeling happy as an artist before you quit your day job? Would you like some coaching for stupid cheap on all those things??  Introducing the #NotPerfect Actor Community!  $10/month: Basic membership...

How to be a Practical Actor - with Guest Tony Garcia

Today’s interview is with working actor, Jose Tony Garcia (who likes to go by Tony). He is an American actor working in theatre, television, and film. Born in New Haven, CT, he studied Theatre and got his BFA from the University of Connecticut and his MFA from Indiana University. He also works as an extras casting assistant with 4 Star Casting, and has a workshop, “The Practical Actor,” which he does regularly. He resides in Chicago with his wife Sarah and their dog Zorra, and is represent...

How High Standards Can Help Your Careet (Pt 2)

In part two of this series, we're talking #dayjobproblems - how having high standards can actually land you a better day job. I'll share my experience of 9 years of day jobs in Chicago, some of my rock bottoms, and how to know when it's time to get out. We'll also discuss what to do to make sure you don't land in a similar rough job in the future.    Next actor self care workshop:  #ActorProblems: How to Be a Thriving Artist in a Stressful AF Industry  Where: Actor’s Club Chicago -...

How High Standards Can Help Your Career (Pt. 1)

Actors get to have high standards too. In this first part of a two part series, I'll share how having high standards helped me out with a big thing in my personal life - which in turn, helps out my acting career. Stay tuned for part two next week!    Upcoming actor self care workshops:   #ActorProblems: Why You’re Stressed AF (And What To Do About It)  Date: Thursday, September 19th @ 7:30pm  Location: The Boxcar, 1115 W Berwyn Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (two doors east of the Be...

2 Reasons You're Not Getting the Acting Results You Want

Have you ever been super frustrated that you're not getting the acting results you want?  This week I'm coming to you live....from my day job. And you'll hear some specific examples of why we as actors might not be seeing those wins that we desperately want.    NOTE: Please pardon the audio quality this week...#dayjobproblems   Upcoming actor self care workshops: #ActorProblems: Why You’re Stressed AF (And What To Do About It)  Date: Thursday, September 19th @ 7:30pm  Locatio...

Actor Perfectionism: Can It Help??

Get good headshots. Always be in class. Make sure to network. Don't mess up your audition..... There's a lot of talk in the acting industry on what you can and can't do. And if you're a human being with emotions and feelings....you might find yourself trying to do everything "perfectly." Is there actually a time and place to be perfect? Let's talk about it!    Upcoming actor self care workshops:  Tuesday September 3rd, 6:30pm Artist Management: Playing the Long Game  Next Door ...

Agents, Casting Directors, & Being a Happy Actor - with Clare Cooney

Today's podcast is an interview with Clare Cooney.   She's an actor, filmmaker, casting director and editor. Clare directed, wrote, & stars in RUNNER, a short film that played at 15 film festivals, winning 6 awards, and she is a "Filmmaker to Watch" nominee from the Academy-Qualifying Atlanta Film Fest. She has appeared in numerous film and television projects, including the feature film WIDOWS, directed by Steve McQueen, NBC's CHICAGO PD, Netflix's HOT DATE, and the Chicago features SOU...

Why Actors Need Therapy (Plus One Exception)

Actors are emotional creatures. It makes the good times reeeeeally good....and the bad? Need I explain? In this episode, I'll share why I believe all actors need therapy - plus one reason you *might* be okay without it. Stick around til the end and you'll hear a gem that my own therapist shared with me - super relevant for actors.   Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time to stack the odds in your favor Head on over to www.tonyrossicoach...

Use This Trick for Actor Setbacks

Frustrated with rejection? Sick of seeing your peers book more work than you? This episode is for you.  Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time to stack the odds in your favor Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com and sign up for the self care email newsletter. When you do, you’ll get an email back with a link to listen to a free audio, How to Win the Day.  Through my own self care routine, I’ve identified three ways you can win the day...

Actor Rejection - Let's Talk About It

Ever gotten so upset from an audition rejection you just felt broken and defeated??  That's how I felt after this one particular audition that happened several years ago. This week, I'll share what happened, why it was such a big deal that I book it, and something to consider the next time you *don't* book a gig. PS - Want to come to a free workshop on handling rejection? Come to Next Door Chicago on Monday August 5th at 6:30pm!    Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Act...

1 Thing That Might Be Crippling Your Acting Career

Actors. We have a problem.  This journey is hard AF - and we might be making it harder on ourselves... Episode #70 now available.    Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time to stack the odds in your favor Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com and sign up for the self care email newsletter. When you do, you’ll get an email back with a link to listen to a free audio, How to Win the Day.  Through my own self care routine, I’ve identif...

REPLAY: How to Be Bulletproof, Even Through Hardship - with Ross Grant

This podcast is a replay from episode number 34. We'll be back with new episodes shortly!  -Tony    Ross Grant is #notperfect. He’ll always admit that part. But what he’s especially vulnerable is how he spent his early 20s - drinking, going into work hungover, and hoping one day he’d just “make it” as an actor…. Fast forward to today: The guy runs an online acting community called Act on This TV with TON of hours of interviews with actors, agents, casting directors, and other receo...

How I Got My Agent : A Story of Rejection

It took eight years. It was a super unconventional route.  Whether you're an actor looking for an agent, or are having trouble with the copious amounts of rejection - this episode is for you.  Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time to stack the odds in your favor Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com and sign up for the self care email newsletter. When you do, you’ll get an email back with a link to listen to a free audio, How to Win ...

An Actor Technique to Help with Challenging People

HAPPY FOURTH! Are you seeing a plethora of social media posts talk about how unhappy people are with our country?? I'm breaking my rule - I'm sharing some thoughts about politics this week. I'm also sharing how this acting technique - that we've all heard about - can help us stop being so stressed AF as humans....and maybe help us be better artists too. It's all on episode #68 of the Tony Rossi Show. Want to start winning your day? (FREE GIFT)  Acting is stressful enough. It’s time...

Thoughts from a Casting Director - with Sarah Clark

"Don't give us a reason to say no." - Sarah Clark, Chicago casting director.  Sarah has worked in the industry for nine years. Casting is her bread and butter, but she's also an Emmy Nominated producer and professional screenwriter. She’s been lucky to work on films like AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY, TO THE WONDER, RUDDERLESS, and many many more. Sarah has seen thousands of actors for hundreds of commercials with clients like NIKE, CORONA, HONDA, and hundreds more. Sarah works hard to make sure a...

Actor's Guilt: It's a Thing

Hey acting friends :) Think about that one area of your career that you’ve been putting off improving in. You know the one. (If you’re like me, you have more than one…#notperfect). Now stop. How are you feeling? If the answer is “I FEEL SO GUILTY RIGHT NOW, WTF??”....then you’re my people. I was texting with a friend recently and I realized that we both were feeling guilty about neglecting a particular area of our career. It wasn’t fun for either of us. But GOOD NEWS - you *might* ...

I cried at Starbucks this week. Here’s what I learned.

Have you ever cried for no reason at all? I did. This past week. ...until I realized, “OH. That’s why…” Actors are emotional. We don’t always know we’re in a bad mood until we’re hit with (what feels like) a wave of negative energy. And suddenly, we’re like, “Where the hell did this come from?!” This is why it’s so important to a) stay in tune with our feelings, and b) learn to recognize where those feelings are coming from. It’s not easy work. (In fact, it’s one of the reasons why I...

Why Actors Should Learn to Love Rejection

Question: How are we as actors supposed to be sane and positive when facing rejection all the time?  Second question: How are we supposed to do the same when we're getting rejected from even auditioning? Or rejected from getting an agent to get those auditions? HOW?!  First off - please stop shouting. Second - I got you. This week I share a very personal story of when I got rejected twice during my college journey: First time from my top choice university. Second time at my backup univ...

How We Set Ourselves Up To Fail As Actors

If you’ve read the first article I’ve ever written for Backstage.com you know that I once embarrassed myself at a charity event: I didn’t think I fit in. I told one of the volunteers who asked “So, who do you do?” that I was in the restaurant industry. Because I didn’t even think that I could call myself an actor if I wasn’t earning  a full time living as one. Today's episode is for any actor who thinks that "I can't call myself an actor" unless I have something shiny to show for it.  Yo...

Why Hardship is Really a Blessing In Disguise

If you’re an actor with a day job, I’m guessing you’re a hard worker. I’m also guessing that sometimes - juuuuuust sometimes - you need a good kick in the rear to work on your acting goals….you know, the ones you keep putting off. (Yes. That one.) Meet Sain-R Edwards, Jr. A member of the US Coast Guard, father of four, who somehow balances a work life/family life - despite living in a different time zone from them. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of morning routines, why se...

The Unfair Game of Being an Actor

Have you ever thought this "acting thing" is unfair? The way this industry works can be really unfair - but does that mean we have to be miserable because of it? This week's episode gives a different perspective of how to view this "unfair game of acting." #notperfect #stillenough    This podcast was based off my latest article for Backstage.com. Full article can be read HERE    Wanna chat with me?  Use this link here to schedule a free one on one.  NOTE: Don’t see an open...

Mental Health Maintenance and Structured Time Off - with actor Aneisa Hicks

It's okay. You're allowed AND encouraged to take breaks from the "acting thing."   Just like what our special guest is doing. Like, right now. Aneisa is from Asbury Park NJ who's been slowly making her way west since. She started out with a 20 year plan of going into the armed forces, getting a degree in psychology and, helping troops with ptsd but, ended up on stages telling stories instead; hopefully creating spaces for the audience to heal in different ways. Currently on a break from ...

Handling Rejection and Playing the Long Game - with Playwright & Director Spenser Davis

Why you can relax about your next audition… Why it’s okay that you didn’t book your *last* audition…. What to remember when you JUST CAN’T How to get to know those important decision makers - without being salesy or annoying ;) This week, we’re talking to Spenser Davis, Director of Programming for Broken Nose Theatre. He’ll share a bunch of “sigh of relief” gems for actors, plus some of his own challenges he’s had transitioning from actor to director & playwright. It’s all on epis...

Dealing with Day Jobs and Gremlin Voices - with Life Coach & Actor Courtney Rioux

Why should you see a life coach instead of a therapist? Why should you work on your insecurities about yourself before transitioning to a new job? What should you know about some of those actors recurring on TV - that you might not know about them already? ….we’re talking ALL of this with Courtney Rioux on episode #58 of the Tony Rossi Show. Courtney Rioux is an actor, author, and coach based in Chicago. As an actor, you may have seen her as paramedic Courtney on Chicago Med, the “Ho...

Avoiding Burnout and Practicing Patience - with Kelly Piliouras

Us actors are SO darn excited sometimes… We get out of college. We move to a big city. We start auditioning left and right. We are SO EXCITED BECAUSE #ACTING! ... and then we get tired. We burn out. We constantly tell our friends that we can’t see their show because, “Sorry!.....but #brokeactorproblems.” Most actors don’t resonate with the word “patience” - which is what makes Kelly Piliouras stand out. Hailing from Michigan, she decided to move to Chicago before moving cross country...

Taking Action and Pursuing Acting Excellence - with Leigh Foster

Leigh Foster is a working Chicago actor. He's been a guest star on Chicago Med. He's recurred on Chicago Fire. You've seen him on Empire, commercials, and print ads. And as of early 2015 - he had never been on a TV show. Having no acting degree, Leigh took it upon himself to "pursue acting excellence." He's also shared with us many parts of his journey on his popular podcast, Action: The Pursuit of Acting Excellence. This week, we'll discuss why he started his podcast, what he did to...

Hey Actors - Let’s Believe In The Impossible

It’s a little TOO easy to focus on the negatives in our acting careers...And when we focus on the negatives, we find more of them. And more... So let's switch that. I'm sharing three crazy stories that are so crazy they feel like magic. By listening to these stories, you're giving yourself a better chance of expecting better things to happen to you. Which - you deserve. It's all on episode #55 on the Tony Rossi Show. Shoutout to our sponsor, Audible! Listen to the books we chat a...

Warning: You’ll probably do this as an actor

WARNING FOR ACTORS: Don’t do this. Please don’t. Like, for real. It’s toxic. You’ll regret it. It never feels good. ...but sometimes, despite knowing alllllll of this…. we’ll do it anyway. It’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up.. As someone who studies hours upon hours of self care principles- I still do it. In fact - I did it last week. Today’s podcast covers what this toxic thing is, plus a crucial element that can help all actors when we do inevitably fall victim to it. It’s all on...

3 Inspiring Quotes From 3 Inspiring Women

We celebrated my birthday. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. It’s time to celebrate Women’s History month. Looking at the list of mentors in my life - a lot of them are women. Here are three who have helped me immensely, plus three things you’re going to want to write down to remember the next time you’re super stressed :) It’s all on episode #53 of the Tony Rossi Show.   Wanna chat with me for free? Hiring a coach is an investment - no matter how good they are. Let's chat for f...

Episode #52 - Drink!....Or Don’t: Defining Your Unique Values

Everybody….DRINK! “....um, do I have to?” No. “But - I want to! Is that okay?” If you’re 21 - yes. “Actually….I feel guilty. Is it wrong that I enjoy drinking?”   As someone who didn’t start drinking until college (listen to the episode to find out when in college this was) - I have a lot of thoughts on this topic. At the end of last year, I took a three month break from drinking. I discovered a few things about myself... Whether you’re a drinker or not, it’s important to be ...

BIRTHDAY EDITION! Embrace Getting Older - Even If You're "Not There Yet..."

It’s my birthday! I did a special edition, live on facebook and instagram, all about how I’m not where I thought I’d be at this point in my life…. I love setting goals. I bet you do too. But what happens when we don’t hit them by the time we thought we should?? I get reeeeeeally vulnerable with some #notperfect stories this episode and share what didn’t happen for me - plus some perspectives for you to use if you ever go through this “Why is this taking so long?” perspective…. It’s a...

The Comparison Trap: Why You Don’t Actually Suck.

Have you ever felt like you weren’t as far as you should be in your acting career? While I always catch myself doing this to a certain degree, I remember it being really bad three years ago…. I was watching the 2016 Tony Awards. And I saw someone I knew. (In Hamilton….) CUE THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS… What’s wrong with me? Why am I not getting results?? But you don’t need to know someone in Hamilton to start comparing yourself to your peers. This week we’re going debunk some myths abo...