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Want to build a successful career in film and television? If so, we've got you covered with FIVE fantastic podcasts for actors starting their film careers. These podcasts cover:
Ready to dive in? 
Actor Podcasts
As you dive into the world of film & TV, here are some things to keep in mind as you consider which actor podcasts to start listening to.
The best podcasts for actors looking to grow their careers...
That said, here are the top 10 podcasts for actors we most recommend:
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Hosted by Martin Bentsen, "The Actor's Career Compass" dives deep into the world of acting in film, providing tactical advice on finding agents, booking major roles, and becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible.
Each episode addresses specific challenges actors face, including how to judge and critique your own audition tapes, how to network with casting directors step by step, and how to impress high-level agents with cold emails. With Martin's extensive experience working with over 6,000 actors, this actor podcast is a goldmine of practical tips and strategies for advancing your career. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Popular Episode: Using Casting Workshops to Get SAG-AFTRA Auditions (without an agent) |
#2: Audrey Helps Actors
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Hosted by Audrey Moore, "Audrey Helps Actors" is a treasure trove of practical tips and real-life experiences shared by an experienced actor.
The show covers all different parts of the industry, from how to improve your auditioning to maximizing union benefits. Each episode includes actionable advice for actors to navigate the complexities of their careers and make better decisions. Audrey's down-to-earth approach and make this actor podcast a must-listen for any aspiring actor. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Popular Episode: How to Make the Most Out of Your Union Benefits |
#3: One Broke Actress
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Hosted by Sam Valentine, "One Broke Actress" offers an honest and unfiltered look at the realities of pursuing an acting career.
She shares her personal journey, discussing the financial and emotional challenges she's faced and how she overcame them. The podcast also features interviews with fellow actors who talk about their own experiences. The show almost feels like you're having a conversation with a close friend in the industry. The goal of the podcast is to help listeners feel prepared and supported in their acting journeys. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Popular Episode: Balancing Survival Jobs with Your Acting Career |
#4: Audition Secrets
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Hosted by Justin Guarini, "Audition Secrets" provides invaluable insights into mastering the audition process.
With his extensive acting experience, Justin shares tips on overcoming stage fright, preparing for auditions, and avoiding common mistakes actors make in front of casting directors. Each episode features advice from industry leaders, including casting directors, agents, and managers. The goal is to help actors improve their audition technique and boost their confidence. The combination of practical tips and inspirational stories makes this podcast a great help for actors at any stage of their career. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Popular Episode: How to Overcome Stage Fright and Shine in Auditions |
#5: The 98%
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Hosted by Alexa Morden and Katie Elin-Salt, "The 98%" delves into the reality that 98% of actors don't earn enough to make a living from acting alone.
This podcast for actors provides a candid look at the struggles and triumphs of actors, covering topics like drama schools, auditions, and mental health. The hosts create a sense of community by sharing relatable stories and offering support to actors facing similar challenges. Their honest approach and valuable insights make this podcast a comforting and informative listen, especially if you've been feeling a bit down lately. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Popular Episode: Surviving the Ups and Downs of an Acting Career |
Honorable Mentions
The Filmmakers Podcast
Advice on filmmaking with interviews from directors, producers, and actors. Learn about the filmmaking process and how everything works behind the scenes.
The Irrelevant Actor
Breaking into the industry with interviews from casting directors and agents. Get insights into what casting directors and agents are looking for in the actors they consider.
Hometown to Hollywood
Guidance and motivation for young actors and their parents, hosted by Bonnie J Wallace. Young actors and their families can learn about navigating the industry and supporting their child's acting career.
Sound Advice
Insights and tips for aspiring voice actors, hosted by Kate McClanaghan and Jeff Finney. Learn about the voice acting industry and improve your voice acting skills.
That One Audition
Audition stories and survival tips from actors. Learn from the experiences of others to improve your auditions and feel more confident.
In the Room
Self-tapes and showreels with industry pros. Improve your self-tape and showreel techniques, and make your submissions more effective.
The Moment
Hosted by Brian Koppelman, discussing key moments in creative careers. Be inspired and learn about the pivotal moments in the careers of successful creatives.
Happy Sad Confused
Casual chats with celebrities about their careers. Enjoy relaxed and insightful conversations with well-known actors.
The Think Bigger Podcast
Conversations with artists and industry professionals about success. Gain insights into what it takes to succeed in the industry from those who have done it before.
Little Gold Men
Vanity Fair's podcast on award shows and the history of the Oscars and Emmys. Stay informed about award season and learn what makes award-winning performances.
Advice on filmmaking with interviews from directors, producers, and actors. Learn about the filmmaking process and how everything works behind the scenes.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: How to Make a Feature Film for £45
The Irrelevant Actor
Breaking into the industry with interviews from casting directors and agents. Get insights into what casting directors and agents are looking for in the actors they consider.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Life of a Casting Director
Hometown to Hollywood
Guidance and motivation for young actors and their parents, hosted by Bonnie J Wallace. Young actors and their families can learn about navigating the industry and supporting their child's acting career.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Navigating the Business as a Young Actor
Sound Advice
Insights and tips for aspiring voice actors, hosted by Kate McClanaghan and Jeff Finney. Learn about the voice acting industry and improve your voice acting skills.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Breaking into Voice Acting
That One Audition
Audition stories and survival tips from actors. Learn from the experiences of others to improve your auditions and feel more confident.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Life-Changing Auditions
In the Room
Self-tapes and showreels with industry pros. Improve your self-tape and showreel techniques, and make your submissions more effective.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Mastering Self-Tapes
The Moment
Hosted by Brian Koppelman, discussing key moments in creative careers. Be inspired and learn about the pivotal moments in the careers of successful creatives.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Finding Your Creative Voice
Happy Sad Confused
Casual chats with celebrities about their careers. Enjoy relaxed and insightful conversations with well-known actors.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Candid Conversations with Celebrities
The Think Bigger Podcast
Conversations with artists and industry professionals about success. Gain insights into what it takes to succeed in the industry from those who have done it before.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Paths to Success in Acting
Little Gold Men
Vanity Fair's podcast on award shows and the history of the Oscars and Emmys. Stay informed about award season and learn what makes award-winning performances.
- Spotify | Apple Podcasts
- Popular Episode: Inside the Oscars
How to Get Film Acting Work Fast...
Without Credits or an Agent
There's no need to spend YEARS training and acting for free before you can start getting film acting jobs – in fact, booking screen acting work – whether you're experienced or not – is simply a numbers game. Here's what you need to do:
The acting industry does not require you to have any credentials – you actually don't need formal acting training at all! If a casting director likes your look and thinks your acting is decent (from the monologue you submit), they'll bring you in for an audition. If you do a good job and they think you're right for a part, it won't matter what's on your resume – they'll probably book you!
There is no reason to wait for a long time like most actors do before they start submitting for legitimate projects. Thinking you're not ready yet is actually one of the biggest reasons you could stay stuck in your career!
At the end of the day, the strategy to growing an acting career from nothing is simple: Submit yourself for lots of projects, start booking some, and once you have about 3-5 credits on your resume, you can look for an agent who will submit you for major projects, and from there you can start booking bigger, breakout roles. Sure it takes some time, but if you love acting, you deserve to give yourself a shot!
- Create a free profile on 2-3 casting websites. I recommend you start by visiting the three main casting websites (if you're not based in the USA, the sites might be different) – Actor's Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks. Make sure your profile is as up to date and professional-looking as possible by including some photos and any credits or training you have. If you have nothing yet, don't worry, it's OK!
- Create your three basic marketing materials. The three main things you'll need are a decent headshot (if you can afford it, I recommend hiring a professional headshot photographer, but if can't, any un-retouched photo of yourself that shows your face clearly will do for now), a professionally formatted acting resume (it's OK if you have no credits or training yet), and a demo reel (since you probably don't have enough footage to show yourself performing, just use your smartphone to record yourself performing 2-3 monologues).
- Submit yourself for lots of projects. Try to submit yourself to at least 10 projects every week (make sure to follow the submissions guidelines attached to each project). If you're just starting out, you should wind up getting about 1-2 audition or self-tape invites each month.
- Some of those auditions will result in bookings. For brand new actors, you can expect to book 1 out of every 10-15 auditions you get, as long as your acting technique is good and you've got a good understanding of natural acting.
The acting industry does not require you to have any credentials – you actually don't need formal acting training at all! If a casting director likes your look and thinks your acting is decent (from the monologue you submit), they'll bring you in for an audition. If you do a good job and they think you're right for a part, it won't matter what's on your resume – they'll probably book you!
There is no reason to wait for a long time like most actors do before they start submitting for legitimate projects. Thinking you're not ready yet is actually one of the biggest reasons you could stay stuck in your career!
At the end of the day, the strategy to growing an acting career from nothing is simple: Submit yourself for lots of projects, start booking some, and once you have about 3-5 credits on your resume, you can look for an agent who will submit you for major projects, and from there you can start booking bigger, breakout roles. Sure it takes some time, but if you love acting, you deserve to give yourself a shot!
ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE?
BOOK MORE WORK BY THINKING "OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY."
Finding the right podcasts to listen to as you grow your acting career is just one small piece of the puzzle.
As someone who has worked with people in thousands of industries (through my headshot business), I've been able to take growth strategies that work for businesses and apply them directly to actors – to help them grow their careers faster than most would think possible (examples: one of my clients landed his first-ever Broadway role in just 4 weeks of working with me, and a brand-new actress signed with a high-level agent in just six weeks of working with me).
I'd like to invite you to my free insider newsletter where I share my best material, including:
Download my free Actor's Toolkit to get started and you'll hear from me a few times a week with unique "outside the industry" strategies. I promise they'll help you build a career you're truly proud of.
As someone who has worked with people in thousands of industries (through my headshot business), I've been able to take growth strategies that work for businesses and apply them directly to actors – to help them grow their careers faster than most would think possible (examples: one of my clients landed his first-ever Broadway role in just 4 weeks of working with me, and a brand-new actress signed with a high-level agent in just six weeks of working with me).
I'd like to invite you to my free insider newsletter where I share my best material, including:
- How to network easily and authentically with casting directors – even if you hate self-promotion.
- How to find your Type and Brand in just 18 minutes (it doesn't require awkwardly asking lots of random people for feedback)
- How to find a hardworking and reliable agent – even if you don't have a strong resume or reel
- And much more...
Download my free Actor's Toolkit to get started and you'll hear from me a few times a week with unique "outside the industry" strategies. I promise they'll help you build a career you're truly proud of.
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Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses “outside the industry” thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 6,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues. Want to book more acting work by thinking different? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com. |
Further Reading:
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