Stop Treating Self Tapes Like A Chore

Actors Share Their Most Unhinged Audition Stories

Every actor has at least one audition story they still think about at 2am. This week, we gathered around the internet campfire to relive some of the funniest, most mortifying, most chaotic audition stories we’ve ever heard — hopping into a bread truck to make it to Ripley Grier, singing West Side Story with a surprise bell choir accompaniment, self tapes shot like Oscar-winning cinema before anyone knew what a self tape even was, and the kind of unhinged audition notes that still haunt actors decades later. Somewhere between the trauma and the laughter, we realized every actor has survived at least one audition that should have sent them directly into witness protection. But underneath the chaos is something real: the resilience it takes to keep showing up. We talk about rejection, overthinking, bad direction, casting workshops, awkward industry moments, and the weird emotional endurance test that is building a career as an actor. If you’ve ever walked out of an audition replaying every second in your head… this episode is for you. Pull up a chair, bring your own horror story, and join us for one of the funniest and most honest conversations we’ve had yet.

Actors: You Did The Work... And Still Didn't Get Asked Back

The rejection you didn't see coming. What happens when you help build a project… and then the project moves forward without you? In this LIVE episode of The Working Actor NYC podcast, Benjamin and Patrick dig into one of the most painful — and least discussed — experiences actors face: being part of the reading, workshop, lab, or regional production… and then not being invited back. Benjamin shares his recent experience of being dropped from a Broadway-bound project, and members of the acting community share their own stories of rejection, replacement, heartbreak, resilience, and recovery. This episode includes: • stories from actors who helped build shows and were later replaced • conversations about self-worth and rejection in the acting industry • thoughts on how actors recover emotionally and professionally • field reports from NYC casting offices and the theater community • a discussion about series regular auditions, managers, and “moving up the ladder” in TV Featuring stories and perspectives from: Kimberly Doreen Burns Lauren Pastorek Jackie Petroccia If you’ve ever felt left behind by this business… this episode is for you.

Do You Have To Be Selfish To Succeed As An Actor?

Do you need to be selfish to succeed as an actor… or is that just insecurity in disguise? We break down confidence, ego, and the real behaviors that shape a career in the room. In this episode of The Working Actor NYC, we tackle a deceptively simple question: do you have to be selfish to succeed as an actor? What starts as a surprising on-set interaction quickly opens up a deeper conversation about confidence, status signaling, and the fine line between self-belief and ego. From actors subtly “flashing credentials” to moments of bold self-positioning in the room, we unpack what these behaviors actually mean—and whether they help or hurt in a collaborative industry. Along the way, we break down real audition struggles, including a listener-submitted story about a dance call gone wrong, and explore the mental habits that can either derail or save you in high-pressure moments. We also dig into the idea of “infrastructure” in an actor’s career—from daily habits to unexpected homework like watching television with intention—and how clarity, resilience, and self-awareness ultimately shape long-term success more than any single moment of confidence or ego.

The Lie That You're "Behind" As An Actor

Are you falling behind as an actor… or does it just feel that way? In this LIVE episode of The Working Actor NYC, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood dive into one of the most destructive beliefs actors carry: the idea that everyone else is ahead. They unpack the comparison trap, the illusion created by social media, and why acting careers don’t follow timelines — even though we keep trying to force them onto one. They also discuss late starts, the long middle of an acting career, and why longevity matters more than early success. If you’ve ever felt like you started too late, haven’t booked enough, or watched others “pass you by,” this conversation will change how you think about your career. Because you’re not behind. You’re just in the middle.

Actor Type vs Brand: LIVE in The Green Room

Type gets you in the room. Brand gets you cast. In this LIVE episode of The Working Actor NYC Podcast, Benjamin Howes and Patrick Richwood introduce their new format — featuring real-world field reports, live audience questions, and deep dives into essential acting career topics. This week, they tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in the industry: type vs brand — and how understanding the difference can help actors move from co-star roles to series regular opportunities. Featuring insights from casting director sessions and practical tools actors can apply immediately.