In this episode of The Actor's Helpline, Laura and Michael share experience about the impact of acting work on your family life. We talk about parenting and spouses. We talk about airplanes and vitamins. Thanks for listening! Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com! Contact The Actor's Helpline Instagram Michael Instagram Laura Instagram Theme m…

Today on The Actor's Helpline, Tanya calls in to ask how to get back into voiceover. So we brought in an absolute TITAN of the voiceover world to get us started on our VO careers. Zach Hoffman joins the Helpline to talk about how he went from working for someone else to working for himself. Enjoy! Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com Zach's I…

This week, Laura and Michael nerd out about what the phrase "Method Acting" refers to. We differentiate between preparation or research and "getting into character." We talk about how to get the crew and your family members to call you by your character's name (no we don't). We share our experience with comparing our inner experience of craft to pr…

This week we talk about your actor toolbox. We walk through the classes that helped us most. We talk about how to make it fit in your schedule and how to get the most out of it. You can leave your question at theactorshelpline.com! Contact The Actor's Helpline Instagram Michael Instagram Laura Instagram Theme music by Matty Alger Pod art by Jamie S…

Pollyanna McIntosh from The Walking Dead joins The Helpline to talk about fear uncertainty about the future. We discuss surrender, commitment, and paying your bills. Ask YOUR question at theactorshelpline.com. Click on the microphone and let it rip! Pollyanna McIntosh Instagram Contact The Actor's Helpline Instagram Michael Instagram Laura Instagra…

In this episode of the The Actor's Helpline, we talk about preparation for in-person auditions and self tapes. How to prepare efficiently. How to pay attention to what distracts you. Michael tells a painful audition story. Laura falls asleep. Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com Contact The Actor's Helpline Instagram Michael Instagram Laura I…

What does a day on set look like? How do you focus on set? Laura and Michael give a primer on "how to stay in it" on set. We talk about emotional moments, warm-ups, what to pay attention to, how to stay out of the way of the crew. There's a ton of stuff to cover here, so hit us up with your thoughts and questions about set/filming stuff. Click on t…

Three quick questions for two long-winded people! This week on The Actor's Helpline we talk about what happens when the director has a different plan than yours, how important is your physical appearance, and how to stay sharp alone. The Helpline is ringing off the hook and we are stoked to hear from you! Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com!…

This week, our guest is delightful multi-hyphenate talent and longtime friend of Michael..Josh Ruben! Josh is the writer director of feature films Scare Me and Werewolves Within. He has directed 100s of commercials and shorts. He is still very much an actor and a regular guest on the improv show Make Some Noise. Josh joins the Helpline to talk abou…

This week on The Actor's Helpline, we talk all about the casting process. How do acting parts become available? How do actors get a shot at them? How do agents get their clients auditions? What determines the projects an actor auditions for? You can leave a message for Laura and Michael at theactorshelpline.com Contact The Actor's Helpline Instagra…

This week, Eli reaches out to The Actor's Helpline with the BIG BIG question: "How do you get an agent?" We tackle all the things actors can do to try to get their first agent. We talk about headshots, mailings, reels and how to think of your acting as a business. Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com Contact The Actor's Helpline Instagram Mic…

This week on The Actor's Helpline, Laura and Michael talk about the idea of success as an actor. We talk about our goals, projections and narratives and how they've changed over the years. And then Michael solicits messages from young people who think he's stupid. Please record those comments and all other tv/film/acting inquiries at theactorshelpl…

Alice Wetterlund from SyFy's Resident Alien joins The Actor's Helpline to talk about onscreen intimacy. Ooooh... We chat about how our work affects our off-screen relationships, filming sex scenes, and falling in love with your scene partner. Leave a rating and follow the show in your pod app. And ask your question at theactorshelpline.com! Alice I…

This week on The Actor's Helpline, Laura shares a WEALTH of experience on casting director workshops. Casting director workshops are acting classes or meet and greets with a working casting director. If you want to know HOW they work, IF they work, and if you should DO one, we have you covered! Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com Please rate…

What do you do when they pick someone else? This week we share experience coping with rejection. It's unavoidable. It's sewn into the fabric of the gig. And yet... you guessed it: it's an inside job. Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com! Click on the microphone there and record with your phone, tablet, laptop. Thank you for your great support…

This week, The Actor's Helpline welcomes Blue Man, Gazillionaire, and ACTUAL CLOWN Michael Rahhal! Michael is the most employed actor in the history of live performance. His career has taken him around the world and across the seven seas. Check this episode out for a look at a unique, successful actor's life. Ask us a question at theactorshelpline.…

In honor of Halloween, The Actor's Helpline starts with a chat about honoring the dead. Then, we each share "one lesson from a mentor that has been of inestimable value in our acting journeys". This one is short and sweet. Enjoy! Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com! In this episode, we talk about two of our great teachers: Scott Zigler Mike …

How do you pick an acting class/teacher? How do you get the most out of it? We've got you. Laura is an acting teacher! The Actor's Helpline has BAGS of suggestions, experience, and giggles for you this week. Ask YOUR question at theactorshelpline.com We talk about red flags and green flags look for when you audit a new studio. We talk about teachin…

Should actors build their social media following? If so, how? Actor Bourke Floyd joins Laura and Michael to talk about building social media, kindness and erectile dysfunction. Bourke is a Treasured Person. Enjoy! Ask us your question at theactorshelpline.com Bourke Floyd Insta question via Haley Ringo Price Please rate, review, subscribe in your p…

How do you avoid comparison with others? "Compare and despair" as the saying goes. Laura and Michael share tips to stay in your own journey as an artist. We also show our true colors and almost break up over Laura's opinion of hammocks. Hanging by a thread here, gang! Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com Please rate, review, subscribe in your…

"What is your most favorite way to be directed? What is your least favorite way to be directed?" Laura and Michael share some stories, tips, and painful memories about the relationship between actor and director. We also, and you're not going to believe this, talk about our spouses and families. Ask your question for the pod at theactorshelpline.co…

"It's all about who you know". We hear it all the time! This week on The Actor's Helpline, Laura and Michael tell stories about first TV jobs and first agent/managers as we explore the question "Is it really about 'who you know'?". Ask your question for the pod at theactorshelpline.com Please rate, review, subscribe in your podcast app to support t…

Guest host Adargiza De Los Santos (Abbott Elementary) joins The Actor's Helpline to answer "What was your 'aha' moment that helped you as an actor?" We talk mental heath, self belief, preparation and confidence. Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com We talk about: Berg Studios Open Door Shakespeare ADHD Adargiza on Instagram Please rate, revie…

Stop worrying about what "they" want. Use your taste. Be yourself. This episode contains everything you need to LET LOOSE on your self tapes. Ask your question at theactorshelpline.com! "What are three must-do's for self tape auditions?" Laura and Michael share tips and tricks for self tapes. Michael blows Laura's mind! We also share some active wa…

This week on The Actor's Helpline, Laura and Michael tackle CHASING THE DREAM. We talk about work/life balance, acting as a business, and familial responsibilities. We also talk about intimacy and parenting and the disruptive nature of a successful acting career. Join the conversation at theactorshelpline.com! Click on that microphone and leave you…

Director, writer and Tony Award-winning producer Mike Mosallam joins Laura and Michael to answer the question "What do directors want from actors?" Mike talks casting, actor training, producing your own stuff, and BROADWAY. He also talks about transitioning from acting to directing and the intersectionality of his identity and his art. You can ask …

The union that represents film and TV actors, SAG-AFTRA, is on strike. We summarize what the actors are asking for. We share our hopes and dreams for an equitable end to the strike. Don't worry, mom! It's going to be ok. Contact the Helpline at theactorshelpline.com and find us on Instagram! Also, Laura has a new small business idea and Michael is …

Welcome to The Actor's Helpline! In our debut episode, Laura and Michael answer the number one question actors get: "How do you remember all those lines?" Also, Laura's daughter puts us in a time machine to 2006, when Michael had a massive film premiere just before his wedding. Many thanks to Barron Boedecker for the question! You can reach The Act…

Michael Cassidy and Laura Holloway tell you just what The Actor's Helpline is all about! Leave us a message, tell us a story, ask a question at theactorshelpline.com and find us on Instagram @theactorshelpline We look forward to hearing from you! Contact The Actor's Helpline Instagram Michael Instagram Laura Instagram Theme music by Matty Alger Pod…