Coffee Chat Podcast

Hello Cuties! 

Another episode! This time I had a lovely chat with Martin Quinn - actor in French Letters and Leather Cleaner part of Fruitbox Theatre World Pride Season which has just less than a week left! We chatted about all things queer joy, best part of the show, why you should see the work and I think we might start a movie podcast?? 

So, grab a coffee and enjoy!! 

BIO:

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Performance from the Australian Institute of Music, Martin Quinn has taken every opportunity to further develop his skills as a storyteller. In 2019 he trained with the Atlantic Theatre Company and performed in The Cherry Orchard (dir. Victor Kalka at Chippen Street Theatre) and produced and performed in Ditch (dir. Kim Hardwick at Limelight Theatre).

During 2020, Martin spent marvellous amounts of time reading all sorts of literature and hosting one man discos in his room. In 2021 and 2022, he performed in Fuente Ovejuna! (dir. Angus Evans) and Much Ado (dir. Madeleine Withington) at Flight Path Theatre.

Hello Cuties! The podcast is back with short snappy episodes with queer artists in celebration of Sydney World Pride!!

First episode of season five is with Laneikka Denne and Ziggy Resnick where we chatted all things Feminazi, why queer stories are important, experiences being a queer creative and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!! 

BIOS:

Laneikka is a queer writer and actor from Western Sydney. At seventeen, Laneikka wrote DEAD SKIN which premiered at KXT to a sold-out season, published by Australian Plays and the winner of SA State Theatre Company’s Young Playwrights Award. Laneikka’s second play FEMINAZI premieres as part of Belvoir Theatre’s Sydney World Pride Programming in 2023. Laneikka was the recipient of the Diversity Entertainment Creative Mentorship 2022, her play DEAD SKIN was performed in LA, to be developed into a feature film adaption of the play. Laneikka’s short screenplay Oi was awarded Open Screenplay’s Best Short Drama Award and is in pre-production in Sydney. Laneikka acted in the national tour of FOLLOW ME HOME with ATYP and is currently Sally in Netflix’s ‘Wellmania’. Laneikka created THE MONOLOGUE COLLECTIVE where teenagers write monologues for teenagers to perform for the HSC to sold-out seasons and was nominated for Best Production for Young People at the Sydney Theatre Awards 2023. Young, queer humans are at the heart of all of Laneikka’s work.A queer, Jewish, Greek, first generation “Australian” clown, Ziggy graduated from NIDA with a BFA (Acting) in 2020. During this time she worked with Leticia Caceres on SIX, Priscilla Jackman on Ibsen’s Ghosts and Jim Sharman on Twelfth Night, and debuted the role of Amélie in the first Australian stage adaptation of the film Amélie (dir. Miranda Middleton).

After graduating from NIDA, Ziggy debuted the role of Shoshana in A is for Apple by Jessica Bellamy at Griffin Theatre Company, worked as a clown on Opera Australia’s Ernani, starred in a new Australian show Trash Pop Butterflies Dance Dance Paradise as part of Midsumma Festival and directed Much Stuff at Kings Cross Theatre. She will perform her new play Pear-Shaped in 2023 at TheatreWorks Melbourne.

Ziggy is proud to be a member of the 2022/23 SheWrites Collective at TheatreWorks and the RIPE Development Program at Fruit Box Theatre.

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Jackie Diamond an acting coach based in LA who I was lucky to work with at the beginning of this year! She is an amazing acting coach and inspiring human! We chatted about all things acting, her teaching journey, tips for actors and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Over the years Jackie studied and admired the work of many insightful Master teachers such as Ivana Chubbuck, Sanford Meisner, Uta Hagen, Larry Moss and Elizabeth Kemp but her home is at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio in Hollywood where she continues to teach classes both in-studio and via zoom. Although she is California born and raised and Los Angeles is home. She has lived and worked between LA and Australia throughout her life. For several years she had the privilege of serving as a teacher at the prestigious 16th Street Actors Studio in Melbourne, Australia. In 2020 she began teaching zoom classes for AAFTA, and back in Los Angeles she developed her own FTA classes where she has loved working with some amazing students! In 2018 she co-developed and co-produced two LA and NYC workshops with Oscar, Tony and Pulitzer prize winning writer/director, John Patrick Shanley, and in 2019 co-produced and directed one of his short plays right here in Hollywood. Jackie is the Founding Co-Artistic Director and was the Head of Talent in charge of casting and training over 5 years for Australian Theatre Company, based in LA. In 2019 she was proud to be the Program Director for one of the biggest short play festivals in the world, Short+Sweet Hollywood Latino. She was responsible for initiating the partnership with NBC UNIVERSAL and ARGENTUM STUDIOS.

Instagram: @for_the_actor

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Amelia Ryan. I found Amelia through instagram and instantly fell in love with her inspiring posts and hilarious stories most being from her cabaret shows. We chatted about her journey studying at VCA, finding the world of cabaret, her coaching business and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Amelia Ryan is a multi-award-winning Cabaret Artist, Writer, Curator, Coach, and Mum. A Musical Theatre Actress by trade (Victorian College of the Arts), she swapped ‘song & dance’ for ‘comedy & cabaret’, when she realised her ability to do a time-step (or ANY step) paled in comparison to her knack for cracking a quip. Since co-winning the 2012 Your Theatrics International Cabaret Contest, her critically acclaimed shows have traversed the Australian Festival circuit, as well as New York City, London, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, playing to 5-star reviews and standing ovations.
In 2019 Amelia received the Adelaide Cabaret Festivals inaugural ‘Frank Ford Commission’ (selected by Artistic Director Julia Zamiro) and created UNSUNG - an homage to Australia’s female singers from the 1960s and 1970s. It’s a loud and proud celebration of Australia’s pioneering women of pop and rock, and is co-performed with Libby O’Donovan. It's touring Australia in 2021-2023, represented by Nicholas Clark Management.
In 2021, Amelia and her husband Zac Tyler (Release Creative), along with Torben & Richelle Brookman (GWB Entertainment) launched THE QUEENS; Adelaide Fringe's newest Fringe Hub, in mainland Australia's oldest theatre. It was a central hub for all things music and cabaret, and certainly lived up to being 'Fringe At Its Finest'. In addition to running her production company, 2021 saw the launch of AMPLIFIED with Amelia Ryan; a coaching and consulting business to help coaches, creatives and consultants hone their voice and amplify their message on the page, stage and screen. Through both the spoken and written word, on stage and on camera, Amelia is incredibly excited about working with brands and businesses who desire to move the world with their message.

Instagram: @ameliaryan

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Natashia Telfer an amazing woman who is making waves in the business world. We talked about her business ventures, overcoming cancer, her cameo on the today show and some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy! 

BIO:

Up until the age of 18, Natashia believed the purpose of life was ‘the circle of life’. This purpose was lost when she was diagnosed with Cancer. This adversity would be one of many, however it did set Natashia on a life altering course. Less than 2 weeks after completing chemotherapy, Natashia enrolled herself in a Healthcare apprenticeship and started her new path within the Healthcare sector.

Natashia went on the spend her early 20’s with professional perspective, however lacked when it came to personal perspective. Today Natashia is married, running a 24/7 multimillion-dollar community nursing business, 3 other side hustles, raising 2 IVF babies, just finished further studies, and publishing a book by the end of this year. On the surface, it would seem she has it all, however she is a self-confessed life juggler and people pleaser. It wasn’t until 2020, Natashia had an epiphany, and began to realise her self-worth and the endless possibilities when you finally let go of the opinions of others and simply back yourself. This would lead Natashia to go on to promote this message with the sole aim of helping others.

Instagram:

@kindness.and.courage.co

@sista.sista.events

@juggling_mumma

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Jess Fisher, a Melbourne based screenwriter. I heard her on The Screenwriting Life podcast which she interns for and I was like “I must know her!” We chatted about all things writing and the process, being creative, mindset and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Originally from Queensland, Jess Fisher is a screenwriter and digital communications specialist living in Melbourne.

After a decade of working in politics, Jess took the leap and left behind this career in order to focus more on the craft of screenwriting.

Now in her final year of an Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting at RMIT and about to shoot her third short film, Jess currently Interns for The Screenwriting Life podcast with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna. To date, she has also served as Producer for two episodes.

Jess is driven to share stories, collaborate with other creators, and make friends with very, very large or very, very small dogs, as well as every furry friend in between.

Instagram: @jess.t.fisher

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Kya Stewart a Sydney based actress and writer. We chatted about her current passion project 'cognitive' her acting journey, writing and creative process and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Kya Stewart has appeared in several film and television roles and is currently in the science-fiction thriller RISEN, written and directed by Eddie Arya. She plays the role of Rachel Stermon. RISEN is currently screening in US cinemas and On Demand around the globe.

Kya also just recently finished filming the feature film, BEAT, written and directed by Jye Currie. Thefilm stars Rachel Carpani, John Wood and Brendan Bacon and is set to be released in late 2021.

Based in Sydney, Kya has trained at a wide variety of acting Institutions. She has studied at Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop in Sydney, where she learned the non-method way of acting and has also studied with Jessica Orcsik at AFFTA LA.

Currently, in pre-production for her debut short film, COGNITIVE, Kya plays the lead role of Abbie Sullivan in the psychological drama, which is set to be released in 2022. The film is being made to raise awareness on trauma and mental health. Cognitive explores the idea of reshaping memories from your past in order to change your future and was inspired by the film The Butterfly Effect.

Kya has a personal drive "to change the world through truth and art" and works to "help give a voice to those who have been cast aside or forgotten by society". She loves to meditate, read books on self-development, watch movies and go to the beach.

She is currently rewatching Schitts Creek for the third time. "Obsessed and not ashamed. Alexis is Queen!".

Instagram: @kya_stewart_

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Maya, Jacob and Almitra who I have had the pleasure of working with this year on an amazing project the breaths in between. We chatted about the project, a deep dive into imposter syndrome, the creative process, casting and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIOS:

Maya Britbart Ellazam

Maya (she/her) is an independent producer, director and photographer based in Melbourne. She is a proud queer, Israeli woman who is passionate about exploring the potential of the musical theatre medium to tell diverse stories. Her directing credits include Heathers: The Musical (Assistant Director, UMMTA, 2017) and Parade (Assistant Director, UMMTA, 2019). Her producing credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (UMMTA, 2018), which won Best Musical at the 2018 Union House Theatre Awards, ‘The Sitzprobe’ (Co-Producer, UMMTA, 2018), and Fran & Leni (Seemingly Wholesome Productions, 2019). She was also the President of UMMTA in 2018, acting as an executive producer of a five-show musical season, including three new work initiatives. Her photography has recently been exhibited as part of MUDFest (University of Melbourne, 2019) and Mutualism (a collaboration between the University of Melbourne School of Biomedical Sciences and the Australian Government). Maya holds a Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne, Psychology / Criminology) and is a mental health worker who is passionate about improving wellbeing outcomes for marginalised populations. Maya is super excited to be establishing Eleven O'Clock Theatre and developing new work with such a spectacular group of people.

Jacob Kuek

Jacob (he/him) has experience in a variety of disciplines. In Australia, Jacob has had the pleasure to be in various amateur musicals with the University of Melbourne Music Theatre Association, be a backing vocalist for Broadway Unplugged, and be a performing member of both the Improv Conspiracy Theatre (Fresh Blood program) and Impromptunes: The Completely Improvised Musical. He has also been a part of the directing team for Melbourne University Modern Theatre’s productions of The Flick and The Metamorphosis. He is passionate about diversity in the performing arts, and is excited to work on a project that puts diverse stories at the forefront.

Almitra Mavalvala 

Almitra Mavalvala is a Sydney based Performing Artist/ Writer/ Composer. Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Almitra has graduated from the Australian Institute of Music with a Bachelor in Music (Music Theater). She has not only worked as a performer in Sydney ,but also in Pakistan where she started her theater journey. After her completion of High school in Pakistan, she did a Production of Ira Levin’s Death Trap (Helga Ten Dorp-Psychic). In 2013 she was affiliated with Nida Butt’s musical, 'Grease' where she played the role of ‘Frenchie’.  She then left to study Special Effects Make-up in 2015 which furthered her knowledge about theater and film. In 2016 she returned home to Direct/Produce her first ever Music Video from Concept to execution. The music and lyrics were composed and written by her.   After graduating from AIM, Almitra appeared in Willoughby Theater Company’s ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (Ensemble). Almitra was 8 years old when she wrote her first set of Lyrics. Almitra is extremely excited to be joining the team as head composer and passionate about telling the stories and shining light on topics that are otherwise overlooked. She hopes that the stories she tells, stay with you for a long time to come.

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Tegan Verheul a now London based actress. We chatted about her start in acting in Vancouver, what led her to study in London, what roles inspire her and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Tegan Verheul (she/her) is a London-based actor and comedian of dubious moral character. Originally hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Tegan is studying at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in their MA Acting program. Her current hobbies include smashing swords together, trying to beat her own personal record for caffeine consumption, and wearing all black.

Past theatre credits include Catherine in A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE (Peninsula Productions), Hannah in BELFAST GIRLS (Peninsula Productions), Gretchen in BOEING BOEING (WRPC), and Sue Snell in CARRIE: THE MUSICAL (FCP). Past film and television credits include ARROW (The CW), MAUX MYSTÈRES (Canal Vie), and EXILE (VFS). You have probably seen her in a commercial.

Tegan is also an established sketch comedy writer and emerging playwright. She is currently developing her first full-length play, using characters from a beloved Victorian novel to expose the failures of white liberal feminism and faux allyship.

Instagram: @teganver

I want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Teniola Komolafe a portrait photographer based in Sydney. I met Teniola earlier this year on a project and immediately was like I must know her! Her passion for photography is infectious. We chatted about her journey, her creative process what keeps her inspired and some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Teniola Komolafe is portrait photographer who lives in Sydney, Australia. However, more than just portraits she enjoys building relationships, authentic conversations and being able to tell the stories of those she photographs.

Her love of her career stems from her multicultural upbringing and her faith. She was born in Nigeria and  raised in America and Australia.

Teniola has lived all over the world, but that is not to boast. She says that because her worldly travels have given her numerous opportunities to work for many individuals, companies and brands.

It’s through all that, her love for people and  the stories they share has grown immensely.  She continually desires to better her craft for the sake of the stories untold.

If Teniola is not behind the camera you can probably find her planning her next shoot or people watching… to get inspiration for her next shoot.

Instagram: @tenikomo

I want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On today's episode I chatted to Dorothy May who is a recurring guest on the podcast. This time she is returning to talk about The Humour Experiment where she is hosting comedy and stand up classes and creating a beautiful community that is making comedy accessible for all types of people. Of course, we dabbled in some fund rapid fire questions at the end. So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Dorothy is a Comedian and the founder of The Humour Experiment Stand-Up Comedy Community. THE offers a Stand-Up Comedy Course & Open Mic Nights to give up and coming comedians opportunities to get up and refine their craft. Her vision is to nurture comedians, through understanding how to craft humour from their personal stories to taking charge and creating their own opportunities. With a passion for sharing diverse voices, she is helping to bring people from all walks of life together to have a laugh & learn about each other.

Instagram: @dorothymaymusic // @thehumourexperiment

I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation, the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast! On today's episode I chatted to Demon Derriere, a body positive activist, booty manipulator and creative director of body positive festival Big Thick Energy. We chatted about all things body positivity, diversity in the arts, her creative practice and Big Thick Energy - of course. And some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Demon Derriere is a body positive activist, booty manipulator and creative director of body positive festival Big Thick Energy. Demon demands society’s attention to break the stereotypes of beauty, to abolish discrimination and fatphobia and to liberate all bodies.

As a POC HoH queer woman she aims to display the essence of the music through the feeling vibrations create. Her fiery energy will give your soul a spiritual awakening as their jiggling ass will shake the room. Demon explores her experiences of “otherness” as she expresses sexual energy and blurs the lines between dance and pornography using traditional Egyptian Belly Dance and African Mapouka/Twerk.

Demon’s current achievements include being 2021’s Ambassador for The Sydney Fringe, resident artist at The Imperial Hotel and staring on ABC’s ‘The Catalyst’.

You may have spotted her badonkadonk shaking it on the stages of Imperial, Darlinghurst Theatre company, Malthouse, MCA, Art Gallery on NSW, The People of Cabaret (TPOC), The Bearded Tit, Oyster club, Uplate & Uncut, Hellfire, Mr Falcons Burlesque, Speigltent, and many more. 

Instagram: 

@demon_derriere // @bigthickenergy_ // @shes_an_artist

Before I begin I do want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. Ontodays episode I chatted to Olivia Charalambous. A multi-talented singer and actor based in Melbourne. We talked about her time at drama school, creating your own work, being a comedic actor, audition stories and some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Olivia Charalambous graduated from NIDA with a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts (Acting) in 2013.

In 2015,  Olivia started her own online entertainment production company, The OC Project.  Projects include: #livforcunningham (Online), #livforeurovision (online) and Livstagram, a live one woman show.

Some acting credits include: Young Eponine, Les Miserables - 10th Anniversary Production (Cameron Mackintosh); Anna, Spring Awakening (Original Australian Cast - Sydney Theatre Company); Jack Irish (ABC-TV); Rose, Dogfight (Doorstep Arts);  Sunny Ray And The Magnificent Moon  (Arena Theatre Company);  Susie and Others (U/S Megan), Puffs (Original Australian Cast - LifeLike Touring/TEG); Jesus Christ, Dreamsong (Ebbflow Theatre Company); Ziggy, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (Hayes Theatre Co)

Olivia is also a professional voice over artist and is the voice of several international and national companies.

Some include: Loyica, Remblock,  Zip Co, Equifax Australia, Hollywood Browzer (Priceline) and Dormeo Mattresses (Fantastic Furniture)

Instagram: @oliviachara

I want to acknowledge the gadigal people of the eora nation the traditional custodians of this land on which I work and live on. I pay respect to elders past, present and future.

Welcome to the Coffee Chat Podcast. On todays episode I chatted to Ali Calder. A actor, singer and songwriter. We talked about her musical theatre career, her hilarious Tik Toks, studying music with a slight tangent about astrology and some fun rapid fire questions ending in an in depth discussion about what it means to be in love! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Ali Calder is an actor, singer and songwriter. Ali had the privilege of playing Elphaba (alternate) in Wicked (GFO). Prior to that, Ali featured as Vivienne Legally Blonde the Musical (GFO). She has played Thea in Spring Awakening for the Sydney Theatre Company and appeared on The Chasers War on Everything (ABC). She is currently finishing a Bachelor of Contemporary Music and can be seen around Sydney performing at various Jazz clubs or on TikTok doing parody musical content. Ali acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the  traditional custodians of the land she lives and works on.

Instagram: @ali___calder

Welcome to season four of the Coffee Chat Podcast! I had the most delightful chat with Thomas Nicholson - a Vancouver based actor who I met in an acting class in Vancouver and his passion for acting just shined and it still does. We chatted about about acting, working on CW and network shows, mindset and so much more! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! 

BIO:

Thomas Nicholson is a Canadian-Danish actor.

Born in Denmark to a Danish mother and English father, Thomas grew up playing football (also known as soccer) along the Jutland peninsula and playing bass in a post-grunge rock band.

A skilled multi-linguist, Thomas studied journalism at the Danish School of Journalism as well as at City University in London before winning the Kravling Award, an esteemed investigative journalism prize in Denmark.

After following his long-time girlfriend to Vancouver, she signed him up for acting classes. She had a good feeling and it turns out she was right. Thomas had the acting bug and there was no stopping him. Dedicating himself to pursuing the craft professionally, he studied full time at the William Davis Centre for Actors' Study at VanArts.

Since then, Thomas has gone on to work on multiple television series including recurring roles on THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR (Netflix), VIRGIN RIVER (Netflix) as well as roles in THE TERROR (AMC), THE X-FILES (FOX), SUPERNATURAL (The CW), PROJECT BLUE BOOK (THE HISTORY CHANNEL) and DAMNATION (USA Network).

In 2021, Thomas will be guest starring on DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW (The CW), MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM (Freeform) and RIVERDALE (The CW).

Thomas has also played leading roles in feature films PROJECT: EUGENICS and WRITING KIM.

An ardent supporter of independent film, Thomas has also produced the award-winning short films FATAL RHAPSODY and DOG BITE and acted in several others including the upcoming Harold Greenberg-funded THE DAY WE LEFT.

Instagram: @nicholsondk

This week I chatted to Lauren Orrell who I met four years ago when she took photos of my face and we kept in contact ever since. We chatted about acting, mental health, her drama school experience, dating yourself, photography and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Lauren is an Australian actor, writer, and director.
On stage she has appeared in Reuben Gutherie (La Boite), The Days and Night’s of BeeBee Fenstermaker (Phable Productions), The Women (The New Theatre), Titus Andronicus (also produced by her). In 2019 she wrote and produced her first full length play Affliction which was shortlisted for best play at Sydney Film Festival. Her TV credits include, Starting From…Now! (Common Language Films, SBS, Outstanding achievment award for Ensemble Cast- LA Webfest), Skinford Chapter One (Deadrock, SBS)
Rescue Special Ops (Ch 9) and the soon to be released Deadhouse Dark in Mystery Box which premiered as part of the official selection at the 2020 Cannesseries Festival in France. Filum (guys, she’s from QLD, let her have this one) credits include Sleeper, Lamb Island (Best Actress QNFA) Brush (nom Best Actress Madrid Film Festival, winner Best Actress Los Angeles New Wave), Sleeping Beauty, The Pale Moonlight, Wilco, Marion and Skinford Chapter Two. Currently she is co-directing alongside artist Digby Webster the short children’s animation
Blockhead and Sparkles and the Flood of Tears produced by Incahoots Creations’ Rosie Lourde with funding from Screen NSW Screenability Film Fund.

This week I chatted to David Soncin. We chatted about all things acting, getting into Bell Shakespeare and touring with Shakespeare, mindset and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

David is an Australian actor based in Sydney. Growing up in Far North Queensland, he graduated at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting in 2013. David immediately broke into the Sydney theatre scene with Bell Shakespeare’s Players, including a production of Macbeth at the Sydney Opera House.

His Italian background has allowed him to explore a number of versatile ethnic roles in productions like The House of Ramon Iglesia, The Judas Kiss, The Shifting Heart, and The House at Boundary Road Liverpool. His most notable performance was Marco in Red Line Productions’ and Ensemble Theatre’s A View From The Bridge; winner of four Sydney Theatre Awards including Best Independent Production, and five Glugs Awards in 2017 including “Most Outstanding Independent Production”; David also received a Glugs nomination for “Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.”

Shakespeare has been a big influence on David’s career, recently performing in Sport for Jove’s Twelfth Night, and Romeo & Juliet (dir. Damien Ryan) as Tybalt, a PTSD soldier in post-WWII Italy. This year will be his first credit with Queensland Theatre playing Hortensio in The Taming of the Shrew.

David’s film and television credits include Love Child (Season 4), On The Move, and River (Toronto Film Festival Official Selection)

Instagram: @davidsoncin

This week I chatted to Yvonne Gustafson a Vancouver talent agent with Leo Management. We chatted about her transition into being a talent agent, the joys of being an agent, some do's and don'ts, some very inspiring advice for actors and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

After a successful career in the travel industry, Yvonne Gustafson decided to  change gears and focus on her passion for the arts. Since winning an acting  scholarship at age7, she was curious to see if performing was more than just  a hobby. Upon recieving her diploma in the Acting for Film/Television  program, she immediately enrolled in and graduated from the Theatre  Conservatory at Vancouver Acting School. Yvonne has worked on both sides  of the camera ever since. In 2019, Gustafson produced her first play, Twenty  Something, and was Art Director for the award winning film, Puppet Killer.  Last year, Yvonne joined Leo Management as a talent agent, combining her  passions for coaching actors and the film industry. In her life outside of the  arts, Yvonne is a board member of ‘2 Paycheques Away..’’ (a charity that  provides haircuts to men and women on Vancouver’s downtown east-side).

Instagram: 

@yvonne.gustafson 

@leo_management

This week I chatted to Ella May Cannon. We chatted about all things acting, auditions, living in LA, a very exciting project she has coming up and some fun rapid fire questions which turned into an insightful conversation about authenticity. So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Ella May Cannon is an Australian Actress best known for her roles of 'Rachel' in iZombie and 'Peyton' in the upcoming film Trees of Peace. Ella was born in East Melbourne, Australia, and grew up on a small farm with her parents and younger brother. Ella began acting professionally at 17 and initially began showcasing her talents through theatre. Her first leading role was that of Electra in the NIDA production The House of Atreus, shortly followed by Grace in the Wax Acts Theatre Company's original play The Innkeeper. After many years of studying her craft in numerous institutions, Ella has followed her career pursuits as a professional actress all over the world from Australia, Los Angeles, Mexico and Canada. After completing production on Trees of Peace, which is gaining considerable success on the festival circuit already, she has since gone on to film 3 back-to-back leads in feature films for major networks in the midst of the covid pandemic. Her past credits include roles on the Australian all-star series 'Neighbours', 'Winners and Losers', and CW's fan-favorite series 'iZombie' and 'Supernatural'.

Instagram: @ellamaycannon

This week I chatted to Julie Bruns. A Vancouver based actress, writer, director and producer. We chatted about her journey in acting, creating your own work, writing and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

An award-winning actor, director, writer and producer, Julie Bruns has never been good at just sticking to one thing - she’s a multi-hyphenate with a passion to bring stories to life that leave a lasting impact and keep people thinking long after the credits roll. Her latest projects currently on the film festival circuit include Ada, a biopic about the world’s first computer programmer set in 1851, where she plays the titular character and The Purgamentum, a PNW-set eco-horror short that she co-wrote, co-directed and stars in. She has lived all over North America, has worked an associate producer for the Crazy8s Film Competition, and you'll usually find her writing, re-writing or skulking around a set somewhere.

Instagram: @julie.bruns

This week I chatted to Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler from Chicken and Chips Casting. We chatted about their journey into casting, the joys and challenges of casting, advice for actors, dream projects, diversity in Australia and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! 

BIO:

Al & Steph are Australia’s most dynamic casting duo. In 2018, they were the first Casting Directors to win B&T’s 30 under 30 Award. 2020 sees them gaining 3 x nominations for this year's Casting Guild Awards. As proud members of the Casting Guild of Australia they are both a part of the Guild’s Diversity Committee to continue their work in advocating for representation and diversity in Casting. Both are mentored by Casting Industry legend, Fiona Dann. Recent credits include Australian pioneer film The Flood directed by Victoria Wharfe McIntyre, Ellie & Abbie (and Ellie’s Dead Aunt) directed by Monica Zanetti (the first Aussie film to open the Sydney Mardi Gras Film Festival in it's 27 year history), Deadhouse Dark Anthology created by Enzo Tedeschi, Blood Sisters directed by Madeleine Dyer, factual program Stargazing produced by the BBC, Short Documentary Bright Lights directed by Charby Ibrahim, Metro Sexual directed by Henry Boffin for Channel 9 and Chlorine directed by Melissa Anastasi and Deluge directed by Cloudy Rhodes - both of the latter premiered at the 2019 Sydney Film Festival. Steph & Al are known as the 'Actor's Casting Directors', putting the actor and the actor's process first and foremost and with their energy they are reigniting the craft of casting in Australia.

Instagram:

@chickenandchips_

@itsstephaniepringle

@itsalisonfowler

This week I chatted to Ajay Banks. I've known Ajay for the last two and a half years and he was one of my first friends when I moved to Vancouver. We chatted about his acting journey from Australia to Canada, changing agents and auditioning, creating your own work and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Ajay Banks is a Queer Australian actor and writer. After getting his start in plays and musicals, his first credited acting role in television was in the well known Australian soap ‘Neighbours.' In 2015 he temporarily relocated to Los Angeles and studied at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting, and the New York Film Academy. Later that year, he was one of the leads in the award winning comedy web series ‘The Happiness Curve’ (Best Ensemble at the LA Webfest) He was also featured in a series of mockumentary educational films for ClickView that can currently be seen in Schools all around Australia. In 2016 he wrote, produced and starred in the short film ‘Always.’ For ‘Always’, he won Best Actor for an LGBT Short Film at the New Renaissance Film Festival  in 2017. ‘Always’ also won Best LGBT Short at the Perth International Queer Film Festival.  ‘Always’ was available to stream on OutTV Go in Canada from 2017-2020. In 2017 Ajay (alongside his partner) relocated to Vancouver, Canada. He was also apart of the award winning ensemble for the short play ‘Compelling Spencer’ in the About Love Festival in 2018. Ajay recently appeared in an episode of ‘Snowpiercer’ Season  2 and has also had small roles in Hulu’s ‘Woke’ and Disney Channel’s ‘Gabby Duran and the Unsittables’. In August 2020 Ajay placed in the Top 10 of the Artist2Artist Showcase. He can currently be seen as the very normal face of ‘Omegamart’ In 2020 he produced, co-wrote, directed and starred in ‘The Realists’. The Realists is an up and coming four part Queer Comedy-Drama series. It will be released later this year. Ajay is represented by Candice May-Davies at Leo Management.

Instagram: ajaybanks__

This week I chatted to Jovanna Burke a multi talented lady based in Vancouver. We chatted about her journey into acting, studying New York, creating your own work, auditions and some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Jovanna grew up in a latino household and spent her childhood playing dress-up and creating characters. Since then she's done many things: graduated from school, met her true love, birthed two children. But she always seems to find herself back in the playroom with her dress-up clothes and her stories. Jovanna co-wrote and starred in her first play, `Gags Life’ in 1986, about a girl who magically and tragically lives in a tent with her mother Moisa on Campground 6 with the rest of her tragic extended family. The show was produced by and performed in the dining room of her family home, and ran every day for a staggering year straight. She was six years old. She followed her passion for storytelling to Walnut Hill School for the Arts as a Dance Major and in her junior year, landed her first professional gig. Dancing with the prestigious Boston Ballet. After an injury forced a major pivot, she continued her education in theatre at Circle in the Square, Weist-Barron Studio in NYC and then Vancouver Film School. Since then Jovanna has performed on stages across North America and accrued many hours on set in many capacities. Most notably acting, choreographing and producing. A couple of her favourites credits are: 'The True Heroines' (Leo Award, CSA Nomination) and 'The Trap' ( Leo Award Nom). With her extensive experience as an actor in film and television (over 45 credits to her name) and producer (The True Heroines, (YouTube + Hulu Plus) Jovanna’s creativity is constantly evolving.  Having visualized stories since she was a child, she looks forward to telling important stories that focus on female driven narrative.

Instagram: @officialjovanna

This week I chatted to Aaron Alexander a talent agent with Trisko Talent in Vancouver. We chatted about Aaron's journey from acting to talent agent, what he looks for when signing new clients, the agent and actor relationship, branding and some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO: 

Aaron is a born and raised Torontonian with over 30+ years in the entertainment industry. Prior to working at Trisko Talent (Agent/Partner), Aaron spent most of his life working on both sides of the camera, stage and mic. As an actor in Toronto, he enjoyed the best of times carving out a career consisting of numerous commercial, film & television appearances. He also worked on radio and got a laugh from time to time performing sketch, improv & stand-up comedy. After shifting gears, he packed up and moved out west to begin his career in talent management. He has since worked with some of the brightest minds in the industry while making a name for himself as a supporter of the local art scene.

INSTAGRAM:

@aaronmalexander / @triskotalent

This week I chatted to Amanda Yipp again for the podcast! We chatted about all things mindset, aliens, her passion for animal rescue and some fun rapid fire questions with some new would you rather questions added into the mix! So, grab a coffee and enjoy the final episode for 2020! :)

BIO:

Amanda is a local movement coach/dance instructor, teaching for over 10 years. She has worked in the professional arts and dance scene in booking and performing for large events and stage, film and television, and music videos. With a physical literacy, martial arts and theatre background she is passionate about movement for the mind body and soul. Her love for creating inclusive and confidence building classes ensures a safe creative space for all.

Instagram: @amandaychoreo & @amanda.m.y

This week I chatted to Marissa Saroca. I met Marissa this year during an online zoom acting class and we instantly became friends. We chatted about her journey as a performer, body image and representations in film and TV, keeping inspired and creating your own work and of course her very exciting booking in RENT and some fun rapid fire questions. So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

As a professional singer/musician for most of her life, Marissa Saroca has two independent original albums (Cheaper Than Therapy and Boys Write Love Songs Too), was on Team Lea (Salonga) of season one of The Voice of the Philippines, two ABC Newcastle Music Awards for Best Female Vocals, and an extensive recording, coaching, and live performance career. In 2006 she was in her first musical RENT, with her third reprisal of ‘Maureen’ in 2017 earning her a CONDA nomination (City of Newcastle Drama Awards). She has played roles including ‘Gabriella’ (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL) and was part of the development workshop of new work BETWEEN WORLDS, which was performed at the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) by a professional cast. Marissa was in the ensemble for the musicals GHOST and SHREK on the Philippine professional stage and her first play was for Knock And Run Theatre’s AJAX IN IRAQ in 2018, followed by THE PLASTIC BEACH at the Newcastle Fringe Festival in 2019.

Marissa is currently in pre-production for her third original album, and will be playing ‘The Arbiter’ in the musical CHESS at Civic Theatre Newcastle in late February 2021, starring David Harris and Silvie Palladino as Anatoly and Florence.

Marissa is the proud daughter of a Filipino immigrant and is excited for a future of more diverse representation and accessibility within the industry. She is an active member of Musicians Australia (MEAA). Marissa honours Awabakal and Worimi Land where she was born, grew up on, and is currently living. Always Was, Always Will Be.

Instagram: @marissasaroca

This week I chatted to Sinead Curry. I found Sinead through her beautiful content on Tik Tok and here we are chatting on the podcast! We chatted about her acting journey from Australia to Vancouver, coming out as queer and a lovely conversation about queer representations in film and TV. So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO:

Sinead Curry is an award winning Australian / Irish actress, voice artist and model. She has been working in the film, television, theatre, corporate and live performance sectors in Australia and Canada for several years. Sinead has starred in TV shows such as the American supernatural crime drama series iZombie and the popular, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, the American superhero television series based on the characters of DC Comics. The show is hugely popular around the world and has been nominated for a variety of awards including Best Superhero Television Series for 3 years running at the Saturn Awards and Choice TV Show at the Teen Choice Awards. Sinead showcased her acting skills in season 4 of the series. On top of these television credits, Sinead has performed in numerous international television pilots currently in development and has featured at various film festivals such as Palm Spring International, Montreal International, Kinofilm, Leeds International, Melbourne Fringe Festival and MetroScreen where she was an award winner for Like Breathing, where she plays the hilarious role of Theresa. Sinead is currently featured in the highly anticipated series Nancy Drew, an American mystery drama television series airing on the CW Network. The 2019TV series revolves around Nancy as she is about to head off to college, only a family tragedy holds her back another year and she finds herself in a “ghostly murder investigation” in her hometown of Horseshow Bay.

Instagram: @sineadcurry

This week I chatted to Jason Lazarus who is the host of Inner City Actors Podcast which I had the honour of being a guest on earlier this month and am stoked to have Jason on my podcast. We chatted about his interest in acting, what keeps him inspired and the journey of podcasting with some fun rapid fire questions to end! So, grab a coffee and enjoy. :)

BIO:

My name is Jason Lazarus, and I'm from London. I'm the founder and host of The Inner City Actor's Podcast. I teach as a day job, I'm married to a beautiful wife and have three children! I'm a non-actor whose passionate about acting and performing. I love comedy, satire, accents, and improv. I started my podcast to find out more about the acting industry, to understand what the acting industry is like for urbanites,  people of colour, mixed heritage individuals and those from underprivileged backgrounds. I've interviewed over 50 guests from, mainly, the USA and Britain. I hope to inspire others to take their acting game to the next level!

Instagram: @innercityactorspodcast 

This week I chatted to Diane Nhan a Vancouver talent agent with Lucas Talent! We chatted about her journey from actress to talent agent, what she looks for when actors send submissions, branding and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO: 

Originally from Alberta, Diane braved many miserable winters in the prairies before moving to the west coast to attend law school at UBC. Soon after graduating, however, Diane realized that her true passions lay in the arts rather than in law. From there, she began taking acting classes while working in her day job as a corporate recruiter.
Eventually making the decision to merge her legal, business, and career-coaching experience with a continuing love of the film industry, Diane joined Leo Management in 2015 as a Principal & Commercial agent. In fall 2016, Diane moved to Connekt Creative to expand her talent agent portfolio to include voiceover representation. In the summer of 2018, Diane joined the team at Lucas Talent and is proud to now be part of one of Canada's most established and well-recognized agencies.

Instagram: @dianethenhanja

This week I chatted to Abigail King owner of Free the Artist coaching a business where she helps creatives get their finances in order and is also an amazing actress based in Melbourne, Australia. We chatted about all things finance for creatives, acting and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Abbie has always had a passion for personal finance, and founded her financial coaching practice 'Free the Artist' with the mission to liberate performers across the globe from the myth of the 'Starving Artist'. Outside of her financial nerdery, Abigail is a dynamic and versatile performer, most recently seen on stage in Nick Payne's Constellations, and on screen in the Screen Australia funded web-series 2121, opposite Gary Sweet. She's a sucker for an indoor plant, and believes that any budget with a 'no latte' rule is the worst sort of budget. Viva la coffee!

Instagram: @freetheartistcoaching

This week I chatted to Emily Joy! I met Emily a few months ago virtually and I feel like I've known her for years we had a joy chatting together! We chatted all things acting and more and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO

Emily Joy is the owner of Joy Studio – a boutique acting studio in Melbourne. Her actors have secured many roles in major film and television projects including Amazon's Lord Of The Rings, Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Presley film, Lifetime's American Princess, Babyteeth, Don't Look Deeper, Angel Of Mine, Upgrade, Home and Away, The Heights, Picnic At Hanging Rock, Romper Stomper, Janet King, and more. Emily has lectured at the VCA and University of Canberra as well as worked as a casting assistant for Kirsty McGregor and Greg Apps. Her acting credits include Neighbours, Tonightly with Tom Ballard and The Housemate

Instagram: @em_joyable

This week I chatted to Farah Jaffrey! I know Farah through her hilarious TikTok content and decided to content over social media and here we are virtually meeting! We chatted about all things acting, living in LA, diversity in film and TV and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Farah is a Pakistani-born American Muslim Actor-Model living in Los Angeles, California. She was recently featured in Refinery29’s money talk series. She’s on the committee board for the Muslim Women in Film and TV organization and a member of the South Asian Women in Entertainment organization. Farah loves to travel, write, and practice yoga.

Insta/tik tok: @farahzia_ 

This week I chatted to Drew Talbert! I like to say I knew Drew before he became Tik Tok famous as I took his improv classes at The Groundlings and I'm so proud of his new found success! He deserves because he is one funny guy! We chatted about all things comedy, groundlings, creating characters and we may have also created a genius new app on accident! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! 

Bio:

Drew is an actor, content creator and improv coach with a comedic waiter-themed TikTok channel that ranks in the top 5 percent in followers and likes. His videos can also be found on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. He teaches improv to actors and non-actors at The Groundlings Theater and School, and has coached privately and in the corporate environment (Instacart, Community Coalition).  As an actor, Drew’s recent credits include his multi-character one man show, Right Side of the Tracks, the film 4/20 Massacre, the pilot presentation, Corporately Challenged, as well as various national commercials.

Insta/TikTok @drewtalbert 

This week I chatted to Amanda Yipp! It was such a great conversation! I know Amanda through her dance classes at Dance Downtown (if you're in Vancouver check them out) and we chatted about all things performing, teaching, being real on instagram and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

BIO:

Amanda is a local movement coach/dance instructor, teaching for over 10 years.
She has worked in the professional arts and dance scene in booking and performing for large events and stage, film and television, and music videos.
With a physical literacy, martial arts and theatre background she is passionate about movement for the mind body and soul. Her love for creating inclusive and confidence building classes ensures a safe creative space for all.

Instagram: @amandaychoreo & @amanda.m.y

This week we chatted to Dorothy May! I met Dorothy virtually during COVID and we just connected and I am so grateful I met her! We chatted about our experience as women in comedy, bringing awareness to the refugee situation in Australia and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! 

BIO

Dorothy May is an Australian Performing Artist, Teacher & Creator of The Humour Experiment. Dorothy fell in love with Storytelling and Multi-Disciplinary Expression from a young age. As a young adult, Dorothy attended the Victorian College of the Arts for a Bachelor of Musical Theatre. Since then she has continued to sing and act in short films, plays and performs in numerous Cabarets. Dorothy is fascinated by Comedy, and so began her own community called "The Humour Experiment". The Humour Experiment has produced a Podcast, Workshops and Classes that centre around the exploration of Comedy. As a young singer, Dorothy completed her Classical AMEB Exams before studying Voice at the VCA. Singing has been a skill she has developed over several years while studying under some of the best Vocalists and Teachers Australia has to offer. Dorothy's vocal exploration has become more expansive to involve a more holistic approach to vocal freedom and research. An attitude of exploration and discovery underpins the work that Dorothy does with her students and her own vocal development.

Socials

@dorothymay.online 

@thehumourexperiment

This week I spoke to Ebube Uba about all things diversity, producing, navigating the industry in Australia and all the amazing things she's been up too and working on! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!

BIO

Ebube Uba is a digital content producer, filmmaker and performer from Sydney, Australia.

With her roots in theatre, Ebube has curated work and performed for The Q Theatre, PYT Fairfield, Branch Nebula and Sydney Opera House. She soon found her footing in filmmaking while studying communications, media arts production and journalism at the University of Western Sydney. Her on screen acting credits include: Embedded (Simon Sewell), MYTH (Shakthi Sivanathan), The Taint (Tessa Muskett), Painting August (IY Choi), The Beehive (Zanny Begg) and Afro Sistahs (Afro Sistahs Collective). Her back-up/dance performance credits include: Claws (Megan Washington) and Sunday (Jessica Mauboy).

Ebube co-founded and is co-creator of arts collective, Afro Sistahs and works as the digital content creator for their self-titled web-series in development. She also worked as assistant screen development producer for community arts organisation, Information + Cultural Exchange.

As well as her artistic endeavours, Ebube is heavily involved as an active cultural leader in her community. She helps to plan and co-facilitate events for young people as secretary of the Nigerian Youth Association, Sydney, and is CMO of growing community networking organisation, The Afro Network.

Welcome back to season #2 of the coffee chat podcast! This week we spoke to Matt Young I met Matt in Fiji and we have been in touch ever since! Matt is a US born Australian actor and acting coach having done a variety of work from Broadway tours, film and tv and even casting! We chatted about his move from USA to Australia, hallmark, casting, the story chunder and a show Matt is currently working on as well as some rapid fire questions! Grab a coffee and enjoy!

Socials 

Insta @mattyoungactor

The Story Chunder @thestorychunder

Theatre show @smileyaustralia

Hello!!

This episode is a collection of sound bites from every episode so far! I am wrapping up season one and launching season two in two weeks! 

Thank you so much for listening to the Coffee Chat Podcast! See you in the next episode! :)

Guests on Season One

Jillian Walchuk - Actress (@jillianwalchuk) 

Candice-May Davies - Talent Agent (Vancouver) (@candicemaydavies)

Ayah Grant - Dancer and Hairstylist (@ayahgrant and @theredheaddoesmyhair)

Bailey Colors - Actress, Producer, Photographer (@baileycolors and @becolorproductions)

Nadia Townsend - Actress, Dramaturg, Producer 

Rebecca Roberts - Actress, Photographer (@therealrebeccaroberts and @rebeccarobertsstudio)

Silvana Estifanos - Actress (@silvana_est)

Holly Renaut - Dialect Coach, Actress, Writer, Coach (@hollydialects)

This week we chatted to Holly Renaut! I worked closely with Holly for a little bit as she helped me refine my US accent and if you need an accent coach reach out to her! :) 

We chatted about her acting journey and how she transitioned into dialect coaching, her work as dialect coach, an interesting conversation on diversity and accents in regards to the current Black lives matter movement and how it's affecting our industry and some fun rapid fire questions! 

About Holly:

"Actor, Accent coach, Acting teacher, Presenter, Director, Producer, Writer, Translator, Public speaking coach

I’m passionate about storytelling, language, the arts, and community, and theatre is the perfect medium for all of those qualities to flourish. I have studied and performed with the cream of the crop, and my journey has taken me from Canada, where I was born, to London, Hong Kong, the USA, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya, and Spain, where I have lived and worked in both English and Spanish for the past 5 years.

When I’m not in front of a camera or an audience, you can find me teaching people all over the world how to speak with different accents. I love this work and have been doing it for 16 years now. It’s physical, neurological, fascinating, and I can’t believe I’ve found a career that allows me to literally make funny faces professionally. I am currently writing and recording my first full online course, to make this work more accessible to language learners as well as to the acting community"

RECORDED VIA INSTAGRAM LIVE

This week we chatted to Silvana Estifanos who is an Eritrean born actor and artist who moved from Calgary to Vancouver to pursue her dreams of acting. Silvana took a 6 months acting program then a 9 month long intensive program at Vancouver acting school. Shortly after graduating she booked a role for a lifetime movie , The kamiya Mobley story-stolen by my mother and a freeform tv show -motherland:fortsalem.

This conversation felt like a catch up with a long time friend and we only just met each other properly through this podcast chat! I adore this lady with all my heart! We chatted all things diversity, black lives matter, Jordan Peele, acting, auditions and some surprise rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!!

RECORDED VIA INSTAGRAM LIVE 

 This week we chatted to Rebecca Roberts who is the owner and photographer at Rebecca Roberts Studios. A studio that specialises in Headshots, Slates and editorial images. As well as her behind the camera work, Rebecca is also an actor with credits including Pompeii, Legends of Tomorrow, Cocaine Godmother and most recently she can be seen as a recurring on CWs The Flash. Rebecca is also a writer and producer who created the award winning Webseries, Evolve: Year Zero and she currently has two projects in development. As well as her film credits, Rebecca spent years in London, England working in the music and dance industries as a backing Singer and Dancer for Arena tours and concerts. 

We chatted about her journey as an actress, her headshot business, mindset as actors and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy! :)

This weeks guest is Nadia Townsend. I trained with Nadia closely when I lived in Sydney and can't recommend her work enough. 

Nadia has been working as an actress in Australia and internationally for the last 17 years and more recently has become a much in demand dramaturg for film and television projects.  Nadia first trained with Atlantic Theatre Co in NYC then set up her own theatre company, producing independent theatre in Sydney.  She got her first TV gig on an ABC Ben Gannon production where she met long time mentor Nico Lathouris.  Nico ignited ideas and questions about drama that she has spent most of her adult life trying to answer.
Nadia completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance Creation (Directing) in 2008. Her credits as Dramaturg are Love Child, Brock, Secret Daughter (Ch7), Soul Mates (ABC), Ready For This (Winner  ACCTA & Logie Nominated), Ghost Bull (Winner, MIFF, SFF), Northkids and Assistant Dramaturg on Mad Max 4 Fury Road. Her most recent theatrical productions have been Helter Sketler by Neil Labute and a one woman performance piece Ulrike Meinhof Sings by Christopher Barnett.
Nadia has been part of the main cast in television shows such as City Homicide, Fireflies, Headland, Headstart. Other credits include Love Child, SeaPatrol, Rush and Home and Away. Her film roles include, Knowing, Zombie Monologues, Puppy, Concealed and Danny Deckchair

In this episode we chatted about her time studying practical aesthetics in New York, what she thinks makes an engaging acting performance, her work as a dramaturgy and some fun rapid fire questions! So, grab a coffee and enjoy!